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Interrogating the dead Al-Qaida, or Are we Stupid?
14 Mar 2003
There are shrill cries of success and sighs of relief surrounding a news report that is being hailed as the biggest catch so far: No.3 man, Sheikh Khalid Muhammad, of the dreaded Al Qaida is captured, alive! The biggest success in the global war against terrorism. This is certainly excellent news and both the Pakistani and the American authorities deserve congratulations.
Unfortunately, while the coalition is claiming success, there is a run for taking the credit. The American version of the news from likes of CNN, Foxnews, MSNBC hardly mentions the Pakistani role and makes it sound like Sheikh Khalid Muhammad was captured somewhere in Texas, not from Rawalpindi. The Pakistani version earlier claimed this to be a joint operation but now it is claimed to be 100% Pakistani operation (News Link Mar 3, 2003).
The contradictions do not stop here. Americans claim that Sheikh Khalid Muhammad is in their custody and is now being interrogated for the second day. Whereas, the Pakistanis are saying that he has not been extradited to any country. Furthermre, it is being said that Sheikh Khalid will be extradited to Kuwait.
Now why Kuwait one asks? Sheikh Khalid Muhammad is being referred to as a citizen of anywhere from Kuwait, Pakistan, Yemen, up to holding 20 passports of different countries. What is his real nationality?
Now, about his role as the key planner of all past terrorism acts and all future acts. It is said that Khalid was the chief/key planner of 9/11 attacks? But wasn't that attributed to Osama Bin Laden? But wait! It was not too long ago that it was claimed that "key planner of the attacks on World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, Ramzi Bin al-Shibh" was arrested.
So, who is the real man?
A more troubling problem is that it was reported by both American and Pakistani authorities back in September 2002 that Sheikh Khalid Muhammad was killed in a raid. The reason we remember him vividly was the way his death was dramatized. He was reported as writing words on a wall with his own blood as he was dying ( News Link Sept 15, 2002).
It was reported a few days after the report of a raid that Khalid's wife and children were in custody and being interrogated. ( News Link Sept 20, 2002)
So, maybe all this very confusing to an average buch of people like us, but perhaps someone can tell us who the real Sheikh Khalid Muhammad is? How can Sheikh Khalid Muhammad be in America, Pakistan and Kuwait at the same time? If he died in the gun battle on Sept 15, 2002 in Karachi, who has been raided and arrested on March 3, 2003?
We will all feel much safer when told the truth, rather than some raids and captures which do not add up, as it seems.
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Fundamentalism : By Moulana Masood Azhar
Posted on Monday, April 14 @ 16:17:56 EDT By Taliban Online
By Moulana Masood Azhar, Ameer of Pakistani Mujahideen Org, JAISH E MOHAMAD ( Army of Mohammad ), Banned by Pakistan, America, Australia and other Crusader Countries and thier shameless Allies.
We are under threat from the Fundamentalists!
The Fundamentalists are a threat to the worldwide peace mission!
We should unite in our efforts against eh Fundamentalists!
There is no existence of such a thing in Islam called Fundamentalism!
If the wave of Fundamentalism is not stopped,
nobody will be saved from becoming it?s next target.
These are some of the headlines which appear regularly in our newspapers and are the main items of news.
From Cairo to Washington, from Washington to London and from London to Paris; chartered planes are carrying VIPs to destroy Fundamentalism, they are flying from the air to the ground and from the ground to the air. Their fear can be sensed from every side.
...Another important point is that Islam has ordered the Muslims to gain strength to the extent that the disbelievers are terrorized. The Quranic words are as follows: "Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies." Holy Quran (Surah Anfaal : Verse 60).
The word terror has been mentioned which is used today as a swear against Muslims. Therefore, those Muslims who have gained Islamic strength are branded as terrorists. What need is there for the Muslims to be ashamed of this swear? Allah (sw) has ordered the Muslims to terrorize their enemies, who are also the enemies of Allah (sw). Whosoever will fulfill this obligation will be classed as a terrorist. So to be a terrorist is a source of blessing and not shame. To cast terror upon the enemies of Allah (sw) is an act of worship and not an act of crime. Muslims should not be hesitant in fulfilling this obligation...
The minds of great thinkers have frozen from excessive thinking. The so called brave men who have the power of worldwide rule are shaking with fear. The White House is undergoing an earthquake. The Red House has already been reduced to rubble. The Christian Pope, John Paul and his followers are worried. The intentions of Yitzhak Rabin are close to becoming dreams after those of Yitzhak Shamir's. The sleep of President Husni Mubarak has vanished. Hafizul Asad, the tyrant ruler of Syria, is in a state of shock. Abu Dayyaf was himself wiped out in his pursuit to eradicate Fundamentalism. The Rulers of Pakistan and Bangladesh have prepared barricades of sand bags against the flood of Fundamentalism and the Mufti's of Egypt continue to declare that Fundamentalism is HARAAM. The Non-Islamic Governments of all Muslim Countries are using their state sponsored Scholars to issue Fatwas similar to the above. These Scholars are busy preparing information against those who love the Quran and Sunnah. They have forgotten or have been forced to forget that the very foundation of Fundamentalism is integral with the Quran and Sunnah.
It is evident from the above, that everyone is busy researching into the meaning of the term Fundamentalism and the whole world is determined to eradicate it.
By taking a closer look, it becomes clear that this term Fundamentalism, is solely used for Muslims. It applies to those Muslims who are steadfast upon the demand that in Islamic Countries; Islam should be elevated and oppression of Muslims should be stopped.
For example: The Islamic Salvation Front of Algeria (I.S.F.), which is the largest party in Algeria followed the system of Democracy, and won the elections to Govern the Country; it was however prevented to Govern being branded as Fundamentalist. The organisations of Egypt such as Tanzeemul Jihad and Al Jama-atul Islamiah; and those Afghan Leaders who wish to see a pure Islamic state are attributed with the term Fundamentalists.
Similarly those parties of Syria, Lebanon and Palestine who are Muslims and love Islam are the only ones to be described as Fundamentalists. In contrast the Christian thieves of Serbia who did not even have mercy on the dead bodies of Muslims and those Hindu wolves on seeing whom one feels intense shame are not identified as Fundamentalists.
If Fundamentalism means the manufacturing of weapons then who ever is the leader in this field should be the greatest Fundamentalist, but this is not the case as numerous Countries which control weapons of mass destruction such as Nuclear bombs are called peace keepers and are the champions of democracy, but those people who make petrol and soap bombs are labeled Fundamentalists.
The above statement proves that the manufacturers and promoters of weapons are not labeled Fundamentalists. If this was the case then America should be called the greatest Fundamentalist, Terrorist Country.
If we assume that being Religious is Fundamentalism, then the fanatic Jews, religious Christians and Buddhists who are not only in their thousands but millions are not branded as Fundamentalists or Terrorists in any book or statement.
If the definition of Fundamentalism is a small Country which has Nuclear weapons in it's possession, then this definition does not apply either, because Israel which is not even capable of being called a Province, has produced and tested numerous Nuclear weapons and bombs and still it has not been branded as Fundamentalist.
If Fundamentalism means to take up arms in the defence of Religion, then this definition is also untrue because every follower of a Religion has taken up arms in similar defence.
The extremist Christians have continued an armed struggle over the last forty years in Northern Sudan and still they have not been labeled as Fundamentalists; but when General Umar Bashir fought against these Christians and cleared the Northern areas of these fanatics then Umar Bashir became known as a Fundamentalist.
We understand from the above incident, that whoever will destroy those who have taken up arms for the sake of Religion will be a Fundamentalist. However, this did not apply to those who fought against the Muslims who had taken up arms in the name of Islam. Those who fight Muslims are generally known as Peace Keepers and Secularists.
The conclusion is that whatever measures are taken which benefit Islam and Muslims will be known as Fundamentalism; particularly when these measures are taken by those who possess weapons and therefore have acquired power.
This makes it clear that Fundamentalism consists of two elements, i.e. Islam and Power. Wherever there will be a threat of Islamic power, the alarm bells will start to ring.
As for those Muslims who do not have strength nor do they wish to gain strength; they will not be labeled as Fundamentalists, no matter how Allah fearing they may be, they will not be known to pose a threat.
On the other hand, if Muslims have strength but do not possess Islam they are not Fundamentalists either. This is why the PLO and Yasser Arafat have not been labeled as Fundamentalists even though they have taken up arms and waged a war for the independence of Palestine. Whereas another group of Muslims known as Hamas also from Palestine, have been branded as Fundamentalists.
Therefore two elements add up to Fundamentalism; Islam and Strength, meaning Islamic Strength. This strength is the strength of Jihad and weapons.
Political strength is not meant here because those Muslims with political strength are not labeled as Fundamentalists. Such as the renowned Political group in Egypt called Al Ikhwanul Muslimun, are no longer labeled as a Fundamentalist group, even though their Political strength still exists. On the other hand, two other groups known as Al Jama-atul Islamiah and Tanzeemul Jihad are labeled as Fundamentalists solely because they have been trained on the foundation of Jihad and they possess the power of Jihad.
In the past, Al Ikhwanul Muslimun were branded Fundamentalists when they agreed with the resolution of Jihad, but when they replaced Jihad with modern Politics this label was removed. (Alas! If only they had not moved away from Jihad for which so many of their ancestors had sacrificed their lives). The above clarifies the position that, every Muslim who has Islamic power, or who wishes to gain Islamic power and has the love for Islam in his heart and hatred for the Kuffar, and is a supporter of the implementation of the Islamic system of life will be known as a Fundamentalist.
Destroying Fundamentalism means, to destroy Islamic power. Banning Fundamentalism means, to ban the Islamic Jihad. Issuing a Fatwa upon Fundamentalism being Haraam means, issuing a Fatwa on Jihad being Haraam. The Kuffar will only tolerate those Muslims who are satisfied with being their slaves and those Muslims who never talk about the implementation of Islamic Law and those who have taken Jihad out of their lives and Religion.
This is why America tolerates millions of Muslims living there even though many of them seem to be punctual with their worship and religious issues. Yet America cannot tolerate a few hundred Arab Muslims living thousands of miles away in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Before moving to the topic of what the Islamic decree is with regards to Fundamentalism, I have to regrettably state that many Muslims who are part of various religious or worldly organizations are also afraid of the word Fundamentalism. They also look upon these Muslims who have been labeled as Fundamentalists with displeasure and hatred in their gaze. They also think that these Fundamentalist Muslims are an obstacle to their progress and are a source of spreading instability. This is the reason for many Muslim Countries falling prey to disunity.
The fears of these Muslims are baseless, because if there is a small amount of peace left for the Muslims, it is on account of these few strong Muslims who are steadfast on Jihad.
It is the nature of the Kuffar not to tolerate Islam and Muslims at all. Their full effort is concentrated on destroying the existence of the Muslims or converting them.
In 1946, the Principals of the Vatican who spread Christianity through missionaries, gathered in Jabal uz Zaitoon (Mount of Olives) and each one of them expressed his concern that the Christians were not successful in their missions in the Muslim Countries. The reason being that the number of those who were converting from Islam was minimal in comparison to their major effort.
These thoughts were expressed by nearly all the Priests, the leader of their conference addressed them as follows: "You have not understood our mission. Our mission is not to convert all the Muslims, our mission is to stop them from being Muslims. We have been successful in our mission. Due to our efforts the majority of Muslims are Muslims by name only, they are far removed from the true Islam".
If the Muslims and their ideology is intact despite the Kuffars' efforts to destroy the existence of the Muslims, then it is because of those few Muslims who have Islam and Islamic power. The Kuffar are shivering from fear, they have not been able to complete their dreadful plans which they had so carefully prepared.
To help the readers understand, we have divided Islam and strength into two different categories. In reality it is a grave mistake to divide them. The reason being that Islamic strength is an important part of Islam. The Islam which was revealed to Muhammed (saw) as a Religion, orders Muslims to establish power, to the extent that the Kuffar and enemies of Islam are terrorized and are left in a state of awe; so that they cannot fulfill their filthy intentions. To possess Islamic strength is an obligation of Islam. Whoever is a Muslim and calls himself a Muslim but does not have the faith of attaining Islamic strength then he is deceiving himself. He is not practicing Islam which the Sahabah possessed.
Muslims should remain vigilant and never be deceived by the so called Peace Keeper's slogans. They should never harbor dislike for the champions of Islamic strength. The requirement of the Religion today is that all Muslims should produce a strong force and strangle the enemies of Islam to death. If they cannot do this then they should at least aid and boost the morale of those Muslims who wish to attain strength and who are fighting against the enemies of Islam.
Let us examine the word Fundamentalism in Shari terms. When taking a closer look at the Quran, Sunnah, Sunnah of the Sahabah and the research of the Fuqaha, we find out that all those elements for which the Kuffar of today are labeling Muslims as Fundamentalists, fall into the category of 'Fardh' (Obligation) for the Muslims. In fact some of the factors are such that if the Muslims do not act upon them, they will not remain Muslims. For example, the most frequent reason for which one is labeled a Fundamentalist is for strictly adhering to Islam; this is a major requirement of the faith, for which a Muslim can be cut into pieces but he cannot renounce. Islam is our Fundamental. Allah (sw) has ordered us to enter fully into Islam. Islam is the name of a complete code of life.
The Kuffar cannot tolerate that we remain Muslims. They will only tolerate it to the extent which ensures their safety and allows them complete freedom in committing oppression.
The second part of Fundamentalism is strength and in the expression of the disbelievers, it is also known as Jihad. This is also from the important obligations of Islam. To deny it, is Kufr (disbelief) and to leave it, is humiliation and destruction. To achieve the destruction of this strength, would result in being slaves of the Kuffar and ultimately wash our hands off Islam.
The Kuffar continues to disarm the Muslims, so that whenever they wish they can swallow us and whenever they wish they can humiliate us. As a result of their weakness and the strength of their enemies, Muslims have been subjected to this humiliation and slavery for too long. With Allah's (sw) grace and infinite help, the Muslims have recently awakened from their sleep. All praise is to Allah, just by awaking, the Muslims have destroyed one of their two major enemies, the Soviet Union, eradicating it's name from the World Map. Observing the defeat of the Soviet Union, the second World Power realised the threat from the Muslims. So as quickly as possible to delay it's fate, it played the game of Iraq and Kuwait, convincing the Arabs that even after the destruction of the Soviet Union, these small Countries needed America for their defence.
But the effects of Afghanistan started to spread throughout the world. The Muslims remembered their forgotten obligation. The buried flame for the eagerness of Shahadah (Martyrdom) turned into a fire burning the Kuffar.
>From Algeria, Egypt, Philippines, Thailand, Syria, Lebanon, and from every corner of the world people rose to sacrifice their lives. The waves of Iman came into affect from every direction, the stiffness began to ease and subsequently new plots were being devised to put the Ummah back to sleep, rather, to completely wipe them out.
One of the efforts made to discredit these soldiers of Islam and to make them a cut-off limb of the Muslim Ummah is to spread rumours that these Muslims are Fundamentalists and terrorists who are plunging the rest of the Muslims towards destruction. The objective of this propaganda is to convince the Muslims that the Fundamentalist Muslims are a different group of Muslims and to destroy them has become necessary. Then the rest of the Muslims would also help the Americans in destroying the Fundamentalists.
The success of the kuffar's plot is probably too early to assess. However, there is a general acceptance that, Fundamentalism is rising faster after these efforts were made by the Kuffar. Furthermore the strength of Fundamentalism is rising day by day. This is a hopeful sign for the Muslims. The only danger is that the Kuffar will do their utmost to create a civil war between the non-Fundamentalist Muslims (such as Husni Mubarak) and the Fundamentalist Muslims. The Muslims would then be involved in internal fighting and this would result in their strength being divided. We have full faith in Allah (sw) that this conspiracy will also fail, and will make us Muslims more alert, and we will soon be rid of those Muslims who have no Fundamental.
For us the call of this period, is to receive this taunt of Fundamentalism as a praise and accept this swear as a privilege. This is when the Kuffar will realize that they have made a mistake and this mistake will lead to their destruction. (Insha-Allah).
AN IMPORTANT POINT:
Muslims have always existed and they have lived in recent times and also in the past. What changes have taken place as to why some Muslims are being labeled as Fundamentalists? Have these Muslims invented a new belief? Have they added a new custom? The answer will be in the negative.
What then is the reason why this terminology did not exist a few hundred years ago but exists today as such a popular word? If one ponders over this point then some facts of reality will come to light. These are the facts which the Kuffar have been trying to hide, but the time has come for these facts to be brought out in the open.
The reality is that the Jews, Christians and their disciples failed in their mission to convert the Muslims on a large scale towards Christianity or Judaism. After failing to convert the Muslims into Kuffar, they turned their efforts towards turning the Muslims away from Islam.
In recent publications of their manuscripts, they revealed that the real aim of their effort is not to let the Muslims remain as Muslims, even though majority of the Muslims are only by name, but attempts continue to prevent them from their beliefs and practices.
Their efforts continued to be concentrated on this aim and various methods have been devised in the achievement of this goal. However, the Muslims had the response to each conspiracy of the Kuffar in the form of Jihad.
Those Christians who had been defeated in the battlefield wanted to poison the Muslims by numerous conspiracies, but because of the zeal for Jihad, the Muslims had the medicine to hate every step of the Kuffar and to think of them as enemies at all times. Through this, they did not let the poison of Kufr reach their hearts.
Thereafter, the effort to eradicate this important obligation of Jihad from the hearts of the Muslims began. Conspiracies were prepared not only to take this essential central obligation away from the lives of Muslims but also from their thoughts and minds. The decision was made to make a final blow not in the form of strangers but in the guise of Muslims. The style of poisoning in the form of purity and sincerity was known to be more effective than that of challenging in the form of an enemy.
Various movements were formed with the aim of turning Muslims away from Jihad and teaching them to forget Jihad. This mission was quite difficult. Jihad had entered into the blood and veins of the Muslims. Muslim mother's used to cradle their children whilst relating stories of Jihad and Martyrdom. Numerous verses of the Quran consisted of Jihad. The dreadful results of leaving this obligation were also clear from past history. The relationship of being an Ummati (follower) of a brave Prophet had naturally created a disgust for worldly love and cowardice.
This difficult mission against Jihad was made easy by deceiving the Muslims in the name of spirituality, Prophethood and revival. The Kuffar used such doors through which whosoever entered would be accepted and greeted with respect.
The Kuffar manipulated Islamic terminologies to mislead the Muslims and introduced false Prophets. Although the false claims of Prophethood were rejected, the Kuffar succeeded in spreading the poison through this method.
These people who wished to obliterate Iman managed to destroy the zeal for Jihad by using the title of Tajdeed (Revival). Some groups tried to eradicate Jihad from the lives of Muslims, by using various terminologies of the Quran. Thereby, changing the meaning of the Quran.
People stood up with the claim of bringing the Sunnah of Rasulullah (saw) into their lives, they snatched the sword away which used to be used against the Kuffar and gave them a rod with which they could strike the heads of Muslims. They took them out of the field of Jihad and placed them in the field of debates, their purpose being to degrade other Muslims. Looters came into existence, who by using the title of spirituality and rectification of the soul, changed the entire religion into mere customs.
Thousands of depressed Muslims were converted into worshippers of graves and indulged in singing Kawwalis (non-Islamic songs with drums), convincing themselves that this would bring peace of mind. Thus their dignity was completely destroyed.
In other words, the mission to make the Muslim men wear bangles and necklaces came into effect. The blessings of the British were showered upon such people. These people misled the general public into thinking that this was the help of Allah (sw). They made them go astray by saying, if we were not on the Haq then how could this help of Allah (sw) be with us?
Every effort was made to take the zeal of Jihad and Martyrdom out of the hearts and minds of the Muslims to the extent that those people who rejected Mirza Qadiani and considered it a Religious Obligation to oppose him, they were also distanced from Jihad, just as much as those who followed the Kufr teachings of Qadiani.
Not only was Jihad damaged through this effort but all those things which were protected by Jihad also became weak. The inheritors of this Religion, the Ulamah, were classed as inferior. They were classed as laborers who survived on pieces of bread given by the people. We seek refuge from Allah (sw)! the sanctity of the Mosques was destroyed.
The importance of an obligation such as Salah was diminished to the extent that even in the Muslim Countries the people continued with their business even after the call of Azan. The Religion was made a mockery by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The way of the disbelievers was respected as fashion, and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saw) was known as inferior and observed only by the low class people. What oppression did the Muslims not undergo after leaving Jihad?
In Muslim Countries thousands of lives were sacrificed in upholding an important and Fundamental belief such as the Khatme Nabuwat (Finality of Prophethood) for which the Islamic ruling is clear. Those who declared Prophethood after our Prophet Muhammed (saw) or followed a false Prophet are Kafir. What grief could be greater! The Khatme Nabuwat of Muhammed (saw) was not safe guarded even in Muslim Countries. (Lahawla wala quwata illa billah).
The Kuffar were satisfied at this condition of the Muslims. They were clapping at the level of humiliation they had subjected the Muslims and their Ulamah (Religious Scholars) to. The laws implemented in the Muslim Countries were in accordance with the pleasure of the Kuffar. Their chosen individuals had control over important posts and chairs. The mouths of the Muslims were restrained, whereas the mouths of the Kuffar were wide open.
Soon a change came about, Muslims started to flock towards their true Religion. Towards the Religion which had been completed by our Prophet (saw) in Madinah. Towards the Religion for which Rasullullah's (saw) blood was spilt, the Religion for which the Sahabah (companions) sacrificed their lives. This change did not occur suddenly, it happened through the movement of Jihad in Afghanistan, which was lead by Ulamah and practicing Muslims.
The blood spilt through this movement broke the stiffness of the Muslims. The Dawah of the Mujahideen who had seen Allah's (sw) help descending in the battlefield flared the flame of zeal for Jihad in the hearts of Muslims. Such stories of victory in Afghanistan gave hope to those who had lost hope all over the world. In the poem of Allama Iqbal, Shaitan had ordered his followers to take the Mullah out of the midst of the Afghanis in order to destroy the religious zeal they had in their hearts.
Through the blessings of this movement, the Mulla reached the throne of Afghanistan, even though the Satanic Superpower of the world tried it's utmost to take him out from the midst of the Afghanis. Muslims and non-Muslims suddenly opened their eyes. Muslims started to return to their original Religion.
It was only this minor change which turned the minds of millions of Muslims towards reviving the order of Jihad. They made a firm intention of glorifying their Religion by taking up weapons in their hands and following in the footsteps of Muhammed (saw). They made preparations in accordance with the order of Allah (sw):-
"Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power." Holy Quran (Surah Anfaal : Verse 60.)
The cry of Jihad was called out in every direction and the stories of Martyrs began to fragrance the world.
In reality this was no change, this was the Muslims returning to their original Religion but the world saw this as a major change and the Kuffar powers were fearful and began to oppose.
There was no harm in their opposition, the actual fact was made clear, that the true Religion was that which consisted of Jihad and the ideology of strength; the Kuffar had always opposed the true Religion. The Quran has related regarding the Sahabah, that the Kuffar used to look at them with anger.
It is surely clear from this that the Mujahideen are upon Haq. This unprecedented reaction of the Kuffar against this small group of Muslims has proved that these are the true Muslims. This is the group who have been given glad tidings in the following Hadeeth: "A group of Muslims will always remain who will fight for the cause of Haq and overpower their enemy." (Sahih Muslim)
It is evident from this Hadeeth that the group which will be upon Haq in the last era, one of it's qualities will be fighting in the path of Allah (sw). This topic is also supported from other numerous Ahadeeth.
The wailing of the Kuffar together with their evil activities against those who possess the ideology of Islamic strength, clearly indicates that the only threat to them are these Muslims. The Kuffar (disbelievers) see their death in the existence of such Muslims.
Another important point is that Islam has ordered the Muslims to gain strength to the extent that the disbelievers are terrorized. The Quranic words are as follows: "Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies." Holy Quran (Surah Anfaal : Verse 60).
The word terror has been mentioned which is used today as a swear against Muslims. Therefore, those Muslims who have gained Islamic strength are branded as terrorists. What need is there for the Muslims to be ashamed of this swear? Allah (sw) has ordered the Muslims to terrorize their enemies, who are also the enemies of Allah (sw). Whosoever will fulfill this obligation will be classed as a terrorist. So to be a terrorist is a source of blessing and not shame. To cast terror upon the enemies of Allah (sw) is an act of worship and not an act of crime. Muslims should not be hesitant in fulfilling this obligation.
This is because the enemies of Allah (sw) create mischief on the earth. They implement such oppressive systems to fulfill their own desires, which make the public victims of various difficulties. These enemies of Allah (sw) are a problem for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. When they have the open opportunity to do things, they commit such acts for which a person bows his head down in shame.
In the last century, the oppression which the white Kuffar have committed in the continent of Africa makes one shudder. Millions of Africans were chained and exiled to different areas. They were then plunged into slavery. Millions were massacred in the open. The story of this oppression is very long for which reason it cannot be written in detail at this moment. If these tyrant flesh-eaters are terrorized or killed, leaving the rest of humanity to live in peace, then this can not be an evil act. In fact it would be a favour towards humanity.
This is what has been ordained by Allah (sw) that the Muslims should always be prepared to stop these Kuffar from committing oppression and creating evil plots. The preparation should be such which creates terror in their (Kuffar's) hearts.
In conclusion, Muslims are not being branded as Fundamentalists because of a major change, they are being branded because of returning back to the roots of their Religion and this title is a blessing for the Muslims.
The truthful group will be those who will fight in the path of Allah (sw) and will also make preparations according to the order of Allah (sw), so that they may terrorize the Kuffar when they (the Kuffar) see the preparation taking place. Insha Allah.
Source: Taliban Online
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THE STORY OF IMAM MAHDI
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"Fundamentalism : By Moulana Masood Azhar" |
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THE STORY OF IMAM MAHDI
Posted on Monday, March 10 @ 13:23:29 EST By Taliban Online
Among the major signs of the Day of Judgment is the advent of Imam Mahdi. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) predicted the coming of Imam Mahdi towards the end of this worldly existence, i.e. just before The Day of Judgment.
Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"If only one day is left for the end of the world, Allah will lengthen that day until a man from my family, whose name will be the same as mine, rules the world.? (Tirmizi Shareef)
This indicates the emphasis, which The Holy Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam laid on the coming of Imam Mahdi.
This booklet contains all the details about the life and advent of Imam Mahdi, and all these facts are derived from authentic sayings on this topic.
An army will come from the East towards Arabia. The East here refers to Khurasan, i.e. Afghanistan. They will pave the way for the establishment of Imam Mahdi's kingdom. This army will carry black banners. Nothing shall stop their onward march, and eventually they will plant their flag on the soils of Jerusalem.
There is much speculation nowadays on whether Imam Mahdi has already been born and if so, what would be his present age, and when the impending appearance. Some Ulama have claimed that he is already born.
However, Muslims should realize that mere speculation does not represent concrete evidence upon which any firm and clear-cut ruling could be based. Hence, the best course of action is to believe that Imam Mahdi will appear' before the Day of Judgment, but exactly when, only Allah knows. The date and time of his arrival we leave to The Knowledge of Allah. However, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did give certain signs, which will herald the arrival of this great Imam. The sayings on this issue leave no room for rejecting or even doubting the coming of Imam Mahdi. Neither do the facts leave us in the dark as to recognizing this great Imam when he eventually does arrive.
The term "MAHDI" is a title meaning "Guided one". The Mahdi is a normal man who is going to follow the true Islam. His name will be Muhammad and his father name will be Abdullah. He is a descendant from Ali and Fatima (daughter of the prophet Muhammad) so he will be descendant from al-Hasan or al-Husain or both. The Mahdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. The Mahdi is NOT a prophet but he is the final Rightly Guided Khalifa. The Mahdi will lead Muslims to a great victory against the Sufyaani and the Romans. This great war or Armageddon. It will end up with a great victory to Muslims against Romans after six years. Muslims will take over their capital Rome (this can be any city). In the seventh year, the Dajjal (antichrist) will appear and a greater war will start between his followers and the believers for 40 days (longer that usual days) and will end when 'Eessa ("Jesus") will come, slay the Dajjal along with his followers. All remaining people will convert into Islam. Peace will pervade the whole world.
DETAILS OF IMAM MAHDI
The following are facts taken from the sayings of the Messenger of Allah( Sallallahu alayhi wasallam):
Name and Title
His name will be the same as that of (The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), i.e. Muhammad. In addition, his father's name will be Abdullah. His title is the-Mahdi, meaning the guided one. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam also called him Khaleefatullah, meaning "the Deputy of Allah".
FAMILY LINEAGE
Imam Mahdi will belong to the tribe of Qurayish and the family of Fatima, the offspring of Imam Hasan.
CHARACTER
He will have the character and morals of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In one night Allah will grant him unique qualities of faith, piety, leadership and knowledge, hence the title Mahdi.
BIRTHPLACE
He will be born in Madinah Shareef.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
He will be tall with a fair complexion, having a broad forehead and an aquiline nose, with a mole on his right cheek.
SIGNS BEFORE HIS APPEARANCE AS THE MAHDI
The world will be filled with a great amount of injustice and oppression. There will be widespread evil in which all people will be heavily involved.
Muslim countries and their people will have become so weak that even animals would defeat them in battle.
Muslims would be totally disunited, hence their state of weakness. On the other hand, the Kuffaar of the whole world would be united under one leader. Their rule would spread over the entire world, and would reach as far as Khaiybar, a mere hundred miles from Madinah Shareef. Such would be the dominance of kuffaar during that era.
The Muslims would also be under severe persecution and oppression from the Khaleefah (i.e. the Sufyaani) of that time and they will have no place to run.
The Ahl ul-Bait (Family of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) will experience difficulties and persecution.
Throughout the world earthquakes would occur frequently. Innocent people will be put to death. A man by the name of Haarith son of Hirraath will emerge from beyond the Euphrates River, and before him will be another by the name of Mansoor. The former (i.e. Haarith) will be preparing the minds of Muslims to-accept Imam Mahdi when he comes. He will perform the same task for Imam Mahdi, what the Qurayish performed for The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Madinah before Hijrah. Mansoor will aid him in this direction.
It is compulsory upon every Muslim to help this Haarith, or to respond to his call.
The Abdaals and pious leaders will all be on the lookout for Imam Mahdi, knowing that only he could bring relief to the failing Ummah.
There will be a fight in Makkah between three people, each one being the son of a Khaleefah, over leadership of the Muslims. However, none of them will gain the Khilafat. This fight will take place in the month of Zul-Qa'dah, and even in Mina during Hajj, there will be quarrelling. All this will occur in the same year as Imam Mahdi's election.
An army will come from the East towards Arabia. The East here refers to Khurasan, i.e. Afghanistan. They will pave the way for the establishment of Imam Mahdi's kingdom. This army will carry black banners. Nothing shall stop their onward march, and eventually they will plant their flag on the soils of Jerusalem.
IMAM MAHDI'S EMERGENCE AS THE NEW KHALEEFA
Imam Mahdi will inspired, and preparations will be made for him in one night to carry out his task successfully. They will actually lead him by the hand towards the Hajare Aswad, where people will then formally pledge their allegiance to him as the Khaleefah. This pledge will take place in front of The Holy Ka 'ba, between the Hajare Aswad and the Maqaame Ibraheem, during or just after the days of Hajj.
Initially the number of people to take the bay 'at pledge of allegiance at his hands will be 313, which is the number of Sahaba that took part in the battle of Badr. He will be forty years old at the time of his appointment.
PROTECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BY ALLAH
Immediately upon his appointment as the new Khaleefah Imam Mahdi will witness the direct Help of Allah. Before the Mahdi, a man from the heart of Damascus, known as Sufyaani (from the family of Abu Sufyaan) had begun a horrendous campaign of bloodshed and killing, during which no tribe or community will be left alone. Even women and children will be mercilessly butchered. His chief supporters and followers will be the tribe of Kalb.
When this Sufyaani hears of Imam Mahdi, he will immediately dispatch an army towards Makkah (where the Mahdi will be). The Imam and his handful of followers will easily defeat this army. Then this Sufyaani will himself lead a contingent from Syria towards Makkah to fight against Imam Mahdi.
This army will be destroyed by an enormous earthquake at Baidaa, a place just after Zhul-Hulaifa, on the way to Makkah. First the rear of the army will be devastated, and when those in front go back to see what had happened, they too will meet the same fate. All but one member of this army will perish, and this sole survivor will take back the news of this disaster. There will be many in this army who had been brought along by force, people who did not intend to oppose Imam Mahdi. Such people would also be destroyed along with the others, but on the Day of Judgment they will be raised up according to their intentions. When the story of Divine Help being granted to Imam Mahdi spreads through the Muslim world, the Abdaals of Syria and the pious people of Iraq will come to pledge allegiance to Imam Mahdi and join his ranks.
Similarly, other Muslim armies from Madinah and elsewhere will also come to Makkah and offer their support and allegiance to Imam Mahdi.
Imam Mahdi then moves forward to Syria, where he fights the armies of the Sufyaani who has the backing of the tribe of Kalb. He too will send an army against Imam Mahdi, who will yet again, through The Grace of Allah, inflict heavy defeat on his enemies.
The Prophet of Allah actually castigated those who do not participate in this battle against the Kalb. The inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth will be pleased with him.
It will be compulsory upon all Muslims who hear of Imam Mahdi to pledge their allegiance and full support to him.
HIS LEADERSHIP, BATTLES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
With his army now bolstered by saintly and pious people Imam Mahdi will defeat his enemies, as we have seen in the initial battles mentioned above. Upon releasing Syria from the oppressive rule of the Sufyaani, whom he captures and executes, he regroups his forces there, and prepares to engage the oppressive Zionists in Jerusalem. He will fight them, and also release Jerusalem from their oppressive rule. All the lands Imam Mahdi conquers were before him under Tyranny and Oppression, which he replaces with Equity and Justice.
He will become the supreme leader and reformer of the Muslim Ummah. He will rebuild the sanctuary of the Masjid al-Aqsa as it was destroyed before him by the Zionists.
There will be a great Islamic revival, and this Deen will reign supreme. He will fill the world with justice after it had been plagued with oppression.
He will practice and lead people according to the Sunnat of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
He will rule for seven to nine years, with complete justice and righteousness, and all this time Islam will be the predominant religion of the world. .
During his rule, the Muslims will experience great economic enrichment. There will be no droughts and lands will be exceptionally fertile. The earth will yield crops in abundance and of the best quality. This rich agricultural state will ensure a glut of money and food. In fact, so much that people who come to the Baitul-Maal for assistance will be given as much as they can take away.
In short the Muslims will live a most luxurious and comfortable life, something they will never ever experience again in this world. Imam Mahdi will distribute lands equally among people.
The hearts of people will become so independent of wealth and so dependent on Allah that when an announcement is made for the needy to come forward, only one person will stand up. When this person will be given wealth in such abundance, he will feel ashamed and would want to return the wealth, but the answer will be: "We do not take back what has been given. It's all yours to keep."
Imam Mahdi will conquer the city of Constantinople (presently known as Istanbul). The story behind this conquest is as follows:
After the earthquakes, which destroyed his enemies, and the subsequent amassing of Muslim armies under his leadership, the Imam will leave Makkah for Madinah, where he will offer salaam at the Rowzha Mubarak (The Grave of The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Having done this his next step would be to proceed on to Damascus, where the bulk of the Nasaara (Christian) forces along with the tribe of Kalb would be deployed, as was previously mentioned.
In Damascus, the Imam will set up his headquarters. From here, he will conduct military operations against the enemies of Islam and defeats them (such as the ones in Jerusalem), and from here, he will rule.
In response to this, the Roman forces will attack, and destroy the city of the Prophet (Madinah), and start to gather their forces against its inhabitants.
At a place known as either A 'maaq or Daabiq, somewhere near Allepo Syria, 960,000 Roman forces would be assembled under 80 banners representing 80 nations, quite clearly to annihilate the Muslims.
Imam Mahdi will send a battalion of Muslim fighters, from among the best people on earth, to engage them. When the two groups encounter each other face to face, the Romans will request that the Muslims hand over to them those who had fought and captured their Roman brethren. The Muslims will refuse, saying: ?By Allah, We will never hand over our Muslim brothers? thus triggering off a fierce battle. A third of the Muslim army will flee, and Allah will never ever grant them towba (repentance). A third will be slain, and they will be the noblest martyrs in The Sight of Allah. The surviving third will be victorious, never to suffer defeat thereafter.
This battle will last four days. Each day the Muslim troops will resolve on oath that they will not return but as victors. For three days, they will fail to crush the enemy, with many men becoming martyrs. On the fourth day, the Christians will falter and succumb to a tremendous onslaught from the remaining Muslim troops. The ensuing slaughter will be unprecedented in history. This decimation will utterly shatter the morale of the Romans.
Thus, Imam Mahdi will smash the might of the non-Muslims forces in that period, forces which had come together from all parts of the world.
Pressing forward, the next destination will be Turkey. From the Syrian coast, Imam Mahdi will dispatch seventy thousand soldiers of the Banu Is-haq tribe to re-conquer Istanbul, liberating it from Roman rule. They will cross the Mediterranean Sea, bound for Turkey and will conquer Istanbul without the use of a single weapon. Parts of the city will collapse upon the Takbeer and Tahleel of these warriors. They will recite' Laa ilaha ilial-laahu wallahu Akbar' and simply walk over the city. The Muazhzhins of the Muslims will then establish the five times daily azhaan throughout the city.
This will occur about six years after Imam Mahdi had come to power.
Imam Mahdi will also arrive at Istanbul and set up the structure for his rule, appoint people to govern there and most importantly, make arrangements for the implementation of Islamic law.
This conquest will deliver untold fortunes into the hands of the Muslims. As he and his men busy themselves capturing and rounding up these vast riches a rumor will spread that "the Dajjaal has broken loose in Syria and is wreaking havoc among your families.? This news will be very disturbing to the Imam, and so consequently, he will hurriedly leave for Syria. In the meantime, ten men will be sent ahead to ascertain the truth. About these ten The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: ? I know their names and the names of their fathers they will be among the best warriors in that era.? Prophet e Kareem (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) even knew the color of their horses.
One of them will report that the whole story is false. Dajjaal has not yet emerged. This was a lie fabricated by Shaitaan to try and disrupt the progress of the Muslims. Imam Mahdi will resume his return journey to Syria with greater ease and comfort once he learns that Dajjaal is not yet loose.
He will stop over in all the towns and cities along the route to survey the situation and make necessary arrangements for government.
Meanwhile the conquerors of Istanbul will march on and invade parts of Western Europe (Greece, Italy, etc.) in the same manner, with the Takbeer and Kalimah. All this area will fall under the rule of Imam Mahdi.
A few weeks after Imam Mahdi reaches Damascus the great imposter, Dajjaal will now truly emerge and begin his campaign of mischief and corruption between Syria and Iraq.
Since the Dajjaal will have a large following of mainly Jews and illegitimate people (those born out of marriage), the Muslims under Imam Mahdi will resume preparations for war. They will be busy arranging the formation of their troops during the time of Fajr. The jamaat salaah will be almost about to start when suddenly Sayyidina Eessa (Alayhis salaam) son of Maryam will descend from the heavens and join the ranks of Muslims for salaah. He will lead the Fajr salaah.
After the slaying of Dajjaal by Prophet Eessa, Imam Mahdi will not live for very long. A few months will elapse and this great Imam, a man who provided the perfect sequel to Allah's Supreme Religion -ISLAM, will pass on to the realms of the hereafter. The Muslims will perform his Janaaza salaah and bury him, and the Messiah son of Maryam will then become the new ruler of the Muslims.
Source: Taliban Online via The Future is for Islam
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FATAWA REGARDING IRAQ BY SHAH IBN JIBREEN
By Ibn Jibreen
Bismillah ir-Rahmaan ir-Raheem
QUESTION : As you know the great danger faced by our brother Muslims in Iraq, in that the Crusaders and forces of kufr have grouped themselves, and are aimed at our brothers in Iraaq under different pretexts, and their allies from the
munaafiqoon are supporting them. So what is our obligation towards our Muslim brothers in Iraaq? May Allah grant you tawfeeq in all good, and cause you to benefit the Muslims.
Alaykum asSalam wa Rahmatullah
Our obligation is:
1) Firstly: The Muslims must correct their Islaam, and put in to practice what they believe from Tawheed and Ikhlaas in their Lord (t), and to be far removed from kufr, shirk, bid'ah (innovatioon), sins, and prohibited deeds, so that Allah (t) assists and supports them and causes loss to their enemies. Allah (t) says,
"Åöäøó Çááøóåó íõÏóÇÝöÚõ Úóäö ÇáøóÐöíäó ÂãóäõæÇ Åöäøó Çááøóåó áÇ íõÍöÈøõ
ßõáøó ÎóæøóÇäò ßóÝõæÑò" [ÇáÍÌ:38]
"Indeed Allah defends those who have Eemaan. Indeed Allah does not love the treacherous and rebellious"
2) Secondly: They must seek assistance and support from Allah, and they must assist and support His Deen, His Book, and the Sunnah of His Prophet (s), so that Allah's assistance and support which He promised is realized, as He said,
"Åöäú ÊóäúÕõÑõæÇ Çááøóåó íóäúÕõÑúßõãú æóíõËóÈøöÊú ÃóÞúÏóÇãóßõãú" [ãÍãÏ: ãä
ÇáÂíÉ7]
"If you assist and support Allah [His Deen], He will help and suppot you, and make your feet firm."
And His saying,
"æóãóÇ ÇáäøóÕúÑõ ÅáÇ ãöäú ÚöäúÏö Çááøóåö" [Âá ÚãÑÇä: ãä ÇáÂíÉ126]
"And their is no victory except by Allah"
And His saying,
"æóÃóäúÊõãõ ÇáÃÚúáóæúäó æóÇááøóåõ ãóÚóßõãú" [ãÍãÏ: ãä ÇáÂíÉ35]
"And you are the highest, and Allah is with you."
And His saying,
"æóÃóäúÊõãõ ÇáÃÚúáóæúäó Åöäú ßõäúÊõãú ãõÄúãöäöíäó" [Âá ÚãÑÇä: ãä ÇáÂíÉ139]
"And you are the highest, if you are indeed believers."
And His saying
"ÅöäøóÇ áóäóäúÕõÑõ ÑõÓõáóäóÇ æóÇáøóÐöíäó ÂãóäõæÇ Ýöí ÇáúÍóíóÇÉö ÇáÏøõäúíóÇ
æóíóæúãó íóÞõæãõ ÇáúÃóÔúåóÇÏõ" [ÛÇÝÑ:51]
"Indeed We assist and support our Messengers and those who believe in the life of this world and on the day that the winesses will stand forth [Day of Judgement]."
3) Thirldy: We must know that sins are the reason for loss and failure, and the overpowering of the enemies over the Believers, as Allah said,
"æóãóÇ ÃóÕóÇÈóßõãú ãöäú ãõÕöíÈóÉò ÝóÈöãóÇ ßóÓóÈóÊú ÃóíúÏöíßõãú" [ÇáÔæÑì: ãä
ÇáÂíÉ30]
"And whatever calamity befalls you, it is due to what your own hands have earned."
And said
"ÃóæóáóãøóÇ ÃóÕóÇÈóÊúßõãú ãõÕöíÈóÉñ ÞóÏú ÃóÕóÈúÊõãú ãöËúáóíúåóÇ ÞõáúÊõãú
Ãóäøóì åóÐóÇ Þõáú åõæó ãöäú ÚöäúÏö ÃóäúÝõÓößõãú" [Âá ÚãÑÇä: ãä ÇáÂíÉ165]
"When a single disaster befalls you, although you smote [your enemies] with one twice as great, you say, 'From where does this come to us?' say [to them], 'it is from yourslves [because of your evil deeds]'."
And in a hadeeth Qudsi: "If one who knows me disobeys Me, I will place over him one who does not know Me."
And in another hadeeth, he said, "If sins were hidden, they do not harm except the one who commits them, but if they become apparent and are not prohibited, they harm the general masses of people."
4) Fourthly: There is no doubt that the kuffaar are allies of one another, and that they will dogpile the Muslims and try to put an end to Islam, which its first generations appeared and took control of the majority of the world. So it is obligatory upon the Muslims in every Islamic land, to stand for Allah in groups or individually, and to stop those kuffaar as much as they can, as well as those who support them from the munaafiqoon so that what they desire is cut and they turn and flee. And it is not permissible
for any Muslim to stand with them against the Muslims, and it is not allowed for them to occupy take possession of any piece from Islamic lands. And the righteous Khalifas banished them from tthe Land of Islam, and did not leave
any trace of them. So whoever allows them or encourages them or helps them to wage war against the Muslims, or occupy a country of the Muslims, like Iraaq or any other, then he has helped to destroy Islam and come close to
the Kuffaar, and whoever sides with them is from them, And Allah knows best, And may the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, his Family, and Companions.
ÚÈÏ Çááå Èä ÚÈÏ ÇáÑÍãä Èä ÌÈÑíä
öAbdullah bin Abd-ir-Rahmaan bin Jibreen
1/14/1424 h.
The Eminent Shaykh is highly respected and is considered to be one of the few brave scholars in Saudi Arabia who does not give Fatawa's to suit King Fahd and the government.
The shaykh believed to be in his 70's and was arrested by the kaffir Saudi government during the first gulf war
Iraqis Chant No Bush, No Saddam, Yes Islam
Posted on Friday, April 18 @ 14:45:37 EDT By Pak Taliban
BAGHDAD, April 18 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Tens of thousands of Iraqis, both Sunnis and Shiites, joined hands in massive demonstrations in Baghdad after the first Friday prayers since the fall of the capital, demanding an end to the Anglo-American occupation of their country.
Chanting anti-American slogans, the protestors called for establishing an Islamic regime to replace Saddam Hussein's deposed government, terminating the occupation and safeguarding the unity of the country.
In their preaches, imams of Baghdad?s hundreds of mosques warned against the installation of a U.S.-styled democracy in the predominantly Muslim state, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"This is not the America we know. The America we know respects international law, respects the right of people," Islamic scholar Ahmed al-Kubaisi told the massive worshippers in Imam Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad.
Accusing the United States of launching the war in support of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Kubaisi called for forming a Council of Shiite and Sunni scholars to see whether the would-be Iraqi administration should be approved or not.
The masses poured out of the mosque, carrying copies of the holy Koran and waving banners that read "No to America, No to Secular state. Yes to Islamic State."
"Leave our country, we want peace," one banner read.
Leading the angry demonstrators, Kubaisi said Iraqis had been betrayed by Saddam, who has disappeared along with most of his government members.
"Saddam was the one who betrayed his people and ignored them and escaped," he said.
But Abu Dhabi television broadcasted what it described as the last footage of Saddam waving to a cheering crowd in Baghdad on 9 April, the day U.S. tanks rolled into the Iraqi capital.
The footage, if authentic, is thought to be a conclusive a proof that Saddam did not strike a deal with the U.S. forces to leave Baghdad without a fight in return for leaving the country safely as many have speculated.
The demonstration served notice of the hostility that the United States, which has appointed a retired American general to lead an interim administration in Iraq, is likely to face from sectors of the influential Muslim clergy.
The BBC correspondent said there was a tense confrontation earlier when an American patrol stumbled into a crowd kneeling outside a mosque.
The worshippers surged forward angrily, but the U.S. commander skillfully withdrew his troops and defused the situation.
The occupation troops had entered the area of the mosque allegedly to distribute humanitarian aid, said the correspondent at the scene, adding that it is the biggest demonstration of Arab nationalism since the end of the war and shows what powerful sentiments the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq has stirred up.
False Democracy
Iraqi demonstrators carry anti-American military messages as they march after Friday prayers at the Abu-Hanifa mosque in Baghdad Friday
Spirits were high at the Al-Hikma mosque in the poor Shiite Muslim suburb of Sadr City, formerly Saddam City, where some 50,000 worshipers jammed the mosque and surrounding streets patrolled by Kalashnikov-wielding guards.
Sheikh Mohammed Fartusi did not name the United States in his sermon.
But he said the Shiites, who constitute a majority in the northern suburb, would not accept a brand of democracy "that allows Iraqis to say what they want but gives them no say in their destiny.
"This form of government would be worse than that of Saddam Hussein," he told the first Friday prayers to be held at the mosque since the 1999 riots sparked by the assassination of the imam, Mohammed Sadeq Sadr.
Fartusi urged the faithful to follow the dictates of the Shiite "Hawza," the council of senior clergymen, AFP reported.
No major incidents were reported in the Friday prayers, held as Iraqis were still trying to find their footing under U.S. occupation in a chaotic post-war environment.
Initially gave a cautious welcome to the U.S. troops who took over Baghdad nine days ago, Iraqis have been increasingly critical of the failure to quickly restore order and basic services such as water and electricity.
Political jockeying is also intensifying with scores of parties elbowing for position, self-proclaimed governors and mayors floating through the landscape and U.S. military officials keeping a tight lid on events.
"Faith Of Islam"
Iraqi Muslims shout slogans against Anglo-American occupation of their country following Friday prayers at Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad
Tens of thousands of Shiites were also expected in the holy city of Karbala, one of their holiest shrines, 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Baghdad, to mark the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of prophet Muhammad, in battle in the year 680 AD.
The commemoration, which will culminate Tuesday, April 15, will also provide an opportunity for the Shiites to flex their new political muscle.
Sheikh Kaazem al-Abahadi al-Nasari told thousands of worshippers at Hussein's mausoleum, "We reject this foreign occupation, which is a new imperialism. We don't want it anymore."
"We don't need the Americans. They're here to control our oil. They're unbelievers, but as for us, we have the power of faith."
The head of the Supreme Assembly of Islamic Revolution in Iraq, the Iran-based Shiite group, has also called for "a political regime guaranteeing liberty, independence and justice for all Iraqis under the reign of Islam."
Only a small group of the Iraqis turned out for Friday prayers last week, with looters and vandals roaming the streets two days after Saddam's rule crumbled under the pressure of a three-week U.S. military offensive that also say ferocious and stiffer-than-expected resistance and higher-than-anticipated death toll in the U.S.-led forces.
Since then, anger has grown on the streets of Baghdad where power has been out for two weeks, most shops still closed and hospitals overwhelmed with large numbers of wounded and lack of drugs.
The protests on the Muslim holy day came as regional states gathered in Saudi Arabia to weigh a response to the Iraq war.
On Wednesday, April 16, scores of Iraqi Shiites shouted their rejection of the U.S. military presence in front of American marines deployed around Baghdad's Palestine Hotel.
"Down with America," chanted the 200-odd protesters led by clerics, including one with the black turban usually worn by descendants of Islam's Prophet Mohammed.
"We want real freedom" and "The Iraqi people themselves must choose their rulers," read two of the banners raised by the protesters. Marines kept reporters at bay.
T
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New 'urgency' to find Bin Laden
Posted on Saturday, April 19 @ 08:32:53 EDT By She Taliban
LONDON: Western intelligence sources have told the press that a major intelligence-led operation is under way in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to find Osama Bin Laden and other senior al-Qaeda leaders.
US forces in Afghanistan as well as officials in Pakistan have announced that they have detained a number of men with suspected links to al-Qaeda recently, but Bin Laden remains at large.
In the hushed corridors of Washington's counter-terrorism centre and in certain soundproofed offices in London there is a new sense of urgency.
Intelligence analysts believe the West may now be closer to catching Bin Laden than at any time in the last 16 months.
Million-dollar Bounty
Acting on information obtained from interrogations and from material seized in Pakistan, US intelligence is directing a major manhunt in the region.
The search involves US and Pakistani agents, local informers and a number of US special operations troops.
It is also straddling the Afghan-Pakistani border, with operations focusing on Balochistan and the wild mountainous region further north.
But will they ever catch Bin Laden alive? The odds are still against this happening. A man with an bounty on his head tends to choose his friends carefully.
Martyr to his Cause
The al-Qaeda leader may well be running out of hiding places but those who know him and who have met him say he will never give himself up.
In fact, his living nightmare is to be paraded as a prisoner of the West. It would take an operation of exceptional stealth to catch him unawares. It is far more likely that Bin Laden would fulfil his dream and die a martyr to his ca
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