Unite Muslims

Waking UP Unite Muslims After 40 Months!

2010-09-19T22:23:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
The last time posted in this blog was in 2007. Wow, that's almost 3 and a half years! I shut down Unite Muslims blog then because I started a new blog called 1 Muslim Nation on the better blogging software platform called wordpress.com. Since then I've continued to blog at 1 Muslim Nation and let this blog neglect. I think I've come here not more than a dozen times in the last four years since my last post here. Yet this blog has continued to attract visitors. The clustor maps statistic gadget in the side bar tells me Unite Muslims blog has about 10 to 20 visitors each day. That's not much compared to what I get for my 1muslimnation.wordpress.com Islam blog yet, 10 visitors a day is more than I think the majority of the millions of blogs on the Internet get. Every little helps for dawah and islaah. Allah reward for the intention rather than the reach or size of our deeds.

Also this blog still gets comments once in a way. I'm sorry but I couldn't track them and read them or respond to them. And further more this blog seems to have got many dozens of spam comments. I couldn't moderate them even.

Anyway I hope to revive this blog to or atleast post excerpts of my articles from my 1 Muslim Nation blog. Also even the wordpress 1 Musliim Nation blog will soon be migrating to it's own domain name. I've bought www.1muslimnation.com domain name and I'am in the process of setting up the new brand new website. Many people have encourage me about 1 Muslim Nation blog and commended it. The name has a huge potential unlike the Unite Muslims term which has a negative connotation. It would have been better if I had chosen Muslims Unite or something. but then I wouldn't have come up with the inspiring 1 Muslim Nation term. Maybe that's why if you say Alhamdullialah everything that happens maybe even bad things Allah will make it something good come from it.

When I migrated from this blog to 1 Muslim Nation at wordpress I also transfered many of the posts you find here to that blog. But I'm not sure I want to do that one with 1muslimnation.com. I'm undecided whether to transfer all the article there or start that blog from scratch. I transfered the article about Ataturk and Islam from this blog to 1MN and it's has been a huge success. Much more people have read it than they would have read it if I had kept it here. So there is good reason to take the posts in the wordpress blog to my new domain hosted blog website.

That's all for now forks. Jazakallah if you read so far in this post. I don't know how eloquant I sounded in the post. I'll improve inshallah in my future posts. take care.

Unite Muslims brother AKA NOW 1 Muslim Nation DOT com

Unite Muslims has Moved to a New Blog

2007-03-14T21:54:00.000+05:30

Bismillah,
Thanks to everyone who has read this blog. After 7 months of blogging here I've moved on to WordPress. Insha'Allah from today onward you can find me at: http://1muslimnation.wordpress.com. Inshallah I hope to post more on Islam, politics, Muslims, news etc. in it. Hope to see you their.

1 MUSLIM NATION
1muslimnation.wordpress.com

I've also transfered all my old posts to it. But unfortunately I had to leave behind the comments because currently there is no clearcut automated way to transfer anything between the New Blogger version and Wordpress blogs (...how I regret having upgraded to newblogger only a month ago, it would have being so easy to transfer everything if it wasn't for this)

Please, if I happen to appear on your blogroll, update your bookmarks and edit my link.

Also please keep 1MuslimNationBlog in your prayers and ask Dua from Allah to make it a means through which the message of Islam spreads and

Your brother in Islam
1MuslimNation
1muslimnation.wordpress.com

Inviting People to Islam: Dawah Tips and Articles

2007-02-26T04:04:00.000+05:30

Bismillah,
In the past two weeks I read the following four blog articles about Dawah (Inviting people to Islam).

Tips for Da’wah - a great article in point format containing more than 25 tips for Dawah

Sister Fatima Barkatulla says she received a phone call from a Yorkshire lady on the day when it was in the news that 13% of British Muslims apparently believe that the July 7th bombers were martyrs. Read what happened next in her blog post - A lady so close to Islam. And make Dua that may Allah guide her to Islam

In this 2 part series titled, "Current Affairs and Misconceptions," PART1 and Part 2, Fatima Barkatulla has analysed Muslims present situation in non-Muslim countries and how we can make a impact for the better or for the worst.

Here's the best news I heard this week. Ibnal Hyderabadee's informs about our new brother in Islam in his post, US Mayor Converts to Islam. See also Amad's views on it at, Can’t Elect One? Then, Convert One! (STORY BEING FOLLOWED) alhamdulillah. May allah increase this new brothers faith and knowledge and keep him in the correct path. Ameen.

Israel Palestine Focus on Reads of the Week

2007-02-09T00:33:00.000+05:30

Bismillah,
This week I was very busy so couldn't do much reading. I hardly had time to go over even my blogroll. But here are 4 articles read in this week you might find interesting.

Robin from 'Under The Holly Tree' writes Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land/What You Don't Know About the Palestinian Israeli Conflict Yep, it's a must read.

How Jewish is the state of Israel? Article in January / February 2007 'Future Islam' Journal.

A mother from Gaza, writes about Hamas in power: one year on

Welcome to DrMaxtor Analysis with a Cold, Bitter and Silly about "Little Mosque".............and why I think Barack Obama is a "secret" jew. (By the way, Amad had done a good analysis sometime back about US presidential candidate Barack Obama and American Muslims voting choices in The Demise of Obama.

2 Inspiring Poems About The Holy Qur'an

2007-02-04T00:09:00.000+05:30

Bismillahi rahmani raheem,
I stumbled upon two inspiring poems about The Holy Qur'an (Koran) yesterday in this lovely website called, SparklyWater.com. They are not only beautiful but very evocative. So I thought I'll share them with you through my blog.

This first poem called, "The Miracle of the Qur'an," is almost like a poetically written introduction to The Holy Qur'an.

The Miracle of the Qur'an

Brothers and sisters, to increase your Iman
Read the Miracle - read the Qur'an
Recite it everyday and to recite it be proud
For the word 'Qur'an' means to recite aloud
And this is to know - for those who are keener:
Around 28 Surahs were revealed in Madinah
The Book from Allah - the Lord of the worlds
Over 6000 verses / 77,000 words
Read it with respect - notice the auras
Al-Fatiha to An-Nás - all 114 Surahs
In this Book, 25 Prophets are mentioned by name
Came at different times, but the message the same
The verses revealed over a 23 year span
Sent from Allah, through an angel to man
He gave us a message and this is Islam
So read the Miracle - read the Qur'an

This second poem called, "The Holy Qur'an," made me very sad. It's a reflection about the way we treat the world's greatest treasure...

The Holy Qur'an

I am a Book in elegant prints
To know my name, here are some hints:
Rich in cover and nicely bound
In hearts of Muslims I am rarely found
High on a shelf I am usually kept
Forgotten and neglected, I am left
With respect I do get lots of kiss
My main point is what they always miss
At times I am used for phoney swear
My true use though is very rare
A Miracle I am that can change the world
All one has to do is heed my word
I am your saviour, I am your guide
So come and take heed, come and abide
I have wisdom, I have treasure
So much so, there is no measure
Right from wrong is my fame
Holy Qur'an is my name

If you like these 2 poems you might also like reading the other poems, especially the poem called, "Qur'an and the TV Guide." Also check out the great Islamic pictures in the 'Picture Section'. They are AWESOME...

Reads of the Week - 1 February 2007

2007-02-01T22:04:00.000+05:30

Bismillah,
Every week while browsing the Internet I read many interesting articles. I would like to share the most interesting, instructive, informative or inspiring articles with my blog readers. So inshallah, from this week onwards I am going to post a weekly blog post like this with links to the most interesting web articles I read in that week.

Amad relates two very distressing stories involving two Muslim sisters in his post- The Prostitute and the Atheist: Lessons in our Grief. I found it very painful because both involved practicing sisters, who by all accounts seem to have been "good" Muslims.

Umar Lee writes about a ongoing Western propaganda promoting a superficial form of Islam which will be in harmony with Western interests and pacify the current Muslim resistance. This is a very serious matter. If Only a “Wahabi” Believes This, Then What Does a Muslim Believe?” An essential read for all concerned Muslims.

Among the plethora of misconceptions and petty accusations against Islam, you would occasionally find a serious charge. One of them is that the noble Quran (Koran) contains "hate" against Jews and Christians. Svend White's debunks it in his article,Some observations on charges of "hate" in the Quran

Parenting is no easy task and so is growing up as a God fearing student and going through school and university. Growing up as a practicing Muslim I got through my fair share of difficulties at school but still continue to struggle against Shaytan's (Satan's) temptations while I now study for my degree. A Bristish Muslim activist and young mother, Fatima Barkatulla who blogs at Muslim Motherhood writes, My visit to a prep school. (And my memories of sex-education) May Allah protect all of us from sin and hellfire. Amen.

German conversions to Islam have quadrupled, says Svend White.

Time Passes Quickly As We Near The World's End

2007-01-29T22:00:00.000+05:30

Bismillahi rahmani raheem,
I have not posted in my poor blog for sometime now. I posted once in this blog last week and Salim was concerned about its validity so to be on the safe side I deleted that post. So it has been more than 3 weeks since I posted that post about Israel propaganda but I feel it was like a few days ago.

Anyway, have you thought about how soon time seems to fly and days become weeks and months and before you know it's a new year? It reminds me of a Hadeeth (saying) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) about time passing quickly when the end of the world nears. If I recall that Hadeeth correctly prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said something to the effect that, when the end of the world nears time will pass so fast, that a year will be like a month and a month will be like a week and a week will be like a day and a day will be like a hour and a hour will be like a minute and a minute will be like the time taken for a leaf to burn. How true is prophet Muhammad’s prophecy. Indeed I am always shocked how soon time seems to pass. I hardly could keep track with hours let alone minutes when I am doing something interesting. The most striking example of how fast time passes is every Friday when I'm getting ready for Jummah prayers. Then sometimes I wonder, “Why, it was like yesterday I got ready for Jummah last week!” and then remember the Hadeeth I just mentioned.

Anyway, what with my studies and all the other things in a youths life and my limited and very slow access to the Internet I am very sad I have not been able to post here as regularly as I hoped. I remember when I started this blog about 6 months ago, I had more spare time and I hoped to post every fourth or fifth day but that turned out to be only a hope. I am now lucky if I get time to go see what’s happening in my favourite news websites and forums.

But I didn't entirely stop blogging these few weeks. I posted some posts in the Muslim Unity blog. You might find them interesting. Here are the links to them:

1) A Christian Internet Monk's Opinion About the Blogosphere

2) Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah "Marrying" Israel to fight Shia Muslims

3) Who will be the Caliph of the Caliphate?

4) A Prayer that'll help you in your quest for Knowledge

Spellbinders: The Art of Israel and American Propaganda

2007-01-12T21:13:00.000+05:30

Bismillahi rahmani raheem,
I got this image from a Israeli propaganda advertisement in a popular Western website. Notice the cunning way they have used the words "The Israel Project" to cast Israel as something good whereas in reality it is a cruel Zionist, Western imperialist project. See the way they've used "fight terrorist propaganda". Little will the target internet viewers, the average Western visitor to that website ignorant of the truth and history of Israel-Palestine conflict guess this advertisement itself is a terrorist propaganda!

The average Western citizen knows a lot about sports, video games, girls, alcohol, drugs, cars, music, and his/her job, but knows and cares little about the way the world works and are easily led to believe Israeli American propaganda.

I came across the following article about the principles that underline Israel and American propaganda in the Muslim Public Affairs Committee of UK website (www.mpacuk.org)

Spellbinders: The Art of Zionist & US Propaganda

Paul J. Balles considers the three main strengths of Zionist and American propaganda: simplicity, repetitiveness and the ignorance of its target audience.

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all. - Joni Mitchell

Hypnotists, magicians, politicians, sloganeers and propagandists succeed or fail depending on how well they enchant people with illusions.

"The Israelis made their desert bloom." - Zionist illusions

"There is no need to argue with the masses, slogans are much more effective. Slogans are like strong drinks to people. - Joseph Goebbels

"The Israelis built the only industrialized economy in the entire Middle East." - Israeli slogan

"Propaganda must limit itself to a few themes and repeat them incessantly." - Adolph Hitler

"The Israelis built the only liberal democracy in the Middle East." - Illusionist chant

"Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state." - Noam Chomsky

"The Middle East conflict is not about Israel's occupation of the territories; it is about the refusal of the Arabs to make peace with Israel, which is an inevitable by-product of their desire to destroy it." Zionist propaganda

"... Effective propaganda must limit its points to a few and these points must be repeated until even the last member of the audience understands what is meant by them." - Adolph Hitler

"The Israelis treated the Arabs who remained in Israel well. To this day the very large Arab minority, which lives inside the state of Israel, has more rights and privileges than any other Arab population in the entire Middle East." - Disinformation magic by David Horowitz

"... the rank and file are usually much more primitive than we imagine. Propaganda must therefore always be essentially simple and repetitious." - Joseph Goebbels

Consider the next two quotations, with a shift in venue from Israel to America, together:

"The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly... it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over." - Joseph Goebbels

"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda." - George W. Bush

Here's why hype has worked for the Zionists, for Carl Rove, for the neo-conservatives and, until his lies started to catch up with him, for George W. Bush:

"The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never escape from it." - Joseph Goebbels

The scientist Carl Sagan referred to essentially the same effect on the public:

"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: if we've been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. The bamboozle has captured us. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back." - Carl Sagan

Finally, a word from the master craftsman's first protégé:

"Through clever and constant application of propaganda, people can be made to see paradise as hell, and also the other way round, to consider the most wretched sort of life as paradise." - Adolf Hitler

Who are the later protégés? Consider the observation of a master visionary:

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" - Leonardo da Vinci

Burj Dubai Tower and World's Tallest Building Competition

2007-01-04T22:05:00.000+05:30

Bismillahi rahmani raheem,
The Burj Dubai (Tower of Dubai) now under construction in UAE is going to be the tallest building in the world upon completion in 2008. It is estimated to cost about 900 million US dollars and will probably be over twice the size of the famous Empire State Building. But the Tower is designed to be the centre of a large-scale, mixed-use development with another 19 residential towers among other constructions. The complete development will cost more than US$ 8 billion. The official height of the building or the number of stories cannot be confirmed because the final height is officially being kept a secret due to competition purposes!

Wikipedia reports, "Though unconfirmed, Burj Dubai has been through several height increases since its inception. Originally proposed as virtually a clone of the 560 m Grollo Tower proposal from Australia, the tower was soon redesigned to an original Skidmore Owings and Merrill design seen above and discussed below. This design stood approximately 705 metres tall. Contradictory information abounds regarding the official final height of the building, which is to be expected considering the building seeks to acquire the designation as the world's tallest structure upon completion in 2008. The website Burjdubaiskyscraper.com mentions a rumoured final height of 916 metres as of a posting on September 28, 2006, but this is contradicted by a September 20 posting of a GoWealthy.com article listing a height over 940 metres or 3084 feet." But whatever the final height will be it is going to handsomely beat the current world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 in Taiwan and even the tallest freestanding structure (on land) Toronto's CN Tower.

No doubt Burj Dubai Tower will be a very beautiful and amazing engineering feat. It will be an architectural marvel. It will be a symbol of Dubai's achievements and a national pride for the people of Dubai and UAE and possibly even to all Muslims. But the question remains, is it absolutely necessary to build such a tall building? Why waste money unnecessarily when there are so many critical and noble things to do? What is the use or who cares for such world records?

The average man on the streets doesn't give two hoots for any world record. A Dane told me that before the Danish cartoon controversy many Americans thought Denmark was the capital of Sweden! There you have it. We live in a world where the average citizen don't know nor care whether Denmark is a country or city! What fat chance is there for Dubai Tower making a world impression? It is nothing but an extravagant Arab monument of oil wealth, conceit, ego and a white elephant. Anyone with a commonsense will see this building for what it is - 'another imprudent petrodollar extravaganza'.

In recent years UAE has become an ultra modern state thanks to visionary leaders and oil money. Today, together with Singapore and Hong Kong, Dubai is one of the commercial hubs of Asia. The country has a highly advance infrastructure and all the luxuries 21st century can provide. But the UAE is yet to develop in industrial production, scientific and technological fields. Why not invest this money in science and technological research? This way the country will benefit for many generations and also UAE will quickly become an industrial developed nation. Why not stop spending on extravagant buildings and hotels but invest this money in these fields and make Dubai the Asian technological hub? Or what about making UAE an international educational centre by building state-of-the-art universities and research institutes like in Australia or Canada? Billions of dollars spent on extravagant monuments if invested wisely is sufficient to make UAE both a technological and educational hub. That will bring Dubai more world attention and accolade than 20 such Towers of Dubai ever will.

UAE already has made enough world records and super structures by building the most cost hotels, buildings and huge artificial islands. Dubai is spending 900 million dollars on Burj Dubai Tower alone. Yet the Muslims are starving to death all over the world. Imagine what 900 million dollars would do for the Tsunami devastated Indonesian Muslims. Just imagine if the Dubai invested the billions it spends on vain constructions in constructing factories, schools, roads in neighbouring poor Arab nation of Yemen? Within a decade or two Yemen will become a very stable and industrially developed country which will benefit its 20 million people who are now having a very hard time.

Before I wrap up, let me remind you of Prophet Muhammad’s warning regarding tall Buildings. Prophet Muhammad (sal) said one of the signs of the day of judgement is competition to build tall buildings. This doesn't mean it's not good to build tall buildings and there are occasions when we need high rise buildings like in congested areas. But it's very sad to see our Muslims wasting money to build tall and extravagant buildings for competition purposes. Muslims are playing with billions when millions of Muslims starve. Allah almighty has warned us we will be held accountable for every cent that passed through our hands in this life. What will Muslims fate be on the day of judgement?

5000 Years History of Religions in 90 Seconds

2006-12-31T23:14:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum
Here's a great animation from www.mapsofwar.com about the spread of religions over the last 5000 years. To start this short 90 second animation move your mouse-pointer over to the winking button "Play" and click.

A Return to Blogging but Deflecting from Custom

2006-12-27T23:11:00.000+05:30

Bismillahir rahmanir raheem,
I couldn't update the blog for sometime now because I was sick and didn't feel like blogging. I was thinking of abandoning the blog but seeing the encouragement I've received for my previous posts and the continuing visits to the blog, I think I'll continue blogging. It will at least, inshallah improve my writing skills and help me become more articulate to spread prophets message to all mankind.

However due to sustainability in the long run there's going to be a big different in Unite Muslims blog. Inshallah in future I am going to make it a bit of a personnel blog as well deflecting from the strictly religio-political atmosphere it used to have. So don't be surprised if you come across occasional rants or even completely demented blog posts.

A blog addressing Indian Muslims concerns

2006-11-28T22:42:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
As you might already know India has a very large Muslim population which according to some sources might be only second to Indonesia. Roughly estimated to be around 140 million, Indian Muslims form a significant portion of the Muslim Ummah. Intellectuals like Dr. Zakir Naik and Dr. Rashid Shaz are two shining examples of this communities contribution to todays Islamic world.

However in modern India, living as a Muslim has become very tough in a Hindu majority society (81% of India's population is Hindu) due to reasons like the partition of Pakistan, communal riots, the Kashmir dispute and terrorist attacks. Coupled to this has been the economic and educational backwardness of Indian Muslims and inaccurate reports coming out of India about them. In this atmosphere it's very important for outsiders to have a local Muslim source to get first hand opinions and information from Indian Muslims.

Fulfilling this need is the Indian Muslim community blog - indianmuslims.in It has a growing contributor base from across the country and publishes well written posts about issues concerning Indian Muslims. The blog is a must visit for everyone interested in India, Muslims and Indian issues.

A recent post I like to draw your attention is the post titled - And this is why we need this blog! Its about the gloomy side of the worlds largest minority Muslim community.

Women Praying in Mosques

2006-11-22T22:30:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Sometime back we had a discussion about sisters in the mosque at ummah.com forum. It was an interesting discussion with brothers and sisters from different areas expressing their views. This blog post is a result of that discussion plus some information from a little research.

Strange as it may seem to many, women praying in Mosques is nothing new to Islam. In the early days of Islam mosques were just as open to women as it was for men because the mosque is for Muslims, men and women, to worship our Creator. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Do not stop the maid servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah." (Muwatta of Imam Malik) and, “When the wife of one of you asks about going to the mosque, do not stop her." (Bukhari). So it’s perfectly okay for women to attend prayers in the mosque if they wish to.

Today, owing to various reasons in many Muslim communities it has become the custom for only men go to the Mosque and women to pray at home, (except on special occasions such as Ramadan ‘Tarawee’ prayers and Eid festival prayers) This may have being fine until recently. But inline with Prophet’s Sunnah, due to many reasons we need to make our mosques accessible to women. The most important reason is for the convenience of women who are traveling, working and away from home and unable to get back home on time for prayers. It’s also important to make our mosques women friendly because it’s vital for dawah activities and helps new convert sisters to learn to pray and practice Islam not to mention it benefits them and new families to the area to get to know the local Muslim community. When a mosque accommodates women it also helps change negative stereotypes non-Muslims have about Islam. In addition this allows other beneficial activities like Islamic classes, tajweed classes etc. to be setup for women. The modern world is so tantalizing it’s very easy to forget the hereafter and get engrossed in this temporary worldly life. In this environment it is vital our Muslim women and in turn our children are fully included in our mosques to be sure that our next generation understands and follows Islam as it was truly taught by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Though one might think we need to rebuild mosques, actually for women to pray in the mosques they don’t necessarily have to have their own section. The only separation between men and women in the mosque is during prayers when women must stand behind the men. In Prophet’s mosque women occupied the back rows and could be seen and heard by the rest of the congregation. Ibn Abaas (ra) said: "Once the Prophet came out (for the 'Eid prayers) as if I were just observing him waving to the people to sit down. He then, accompanied by Bilal, came crossing the rows till he reached the women. He recited verse 12 of chapter 60 to them and asked: 'O ladies, are you fulfilling your covenant?' None except one woman said 'Yes'. The Prophet then said: 'Then give sadaqah.' Bilal (ra) then spread his garment and said 'Keep on giving alms'. (Bukhari)

The Prophet’s open main space mosque will be the ideal but I think due to privacy and other concerns it’s best to have a women’s area or at least some sort of a covering separating part of the praying area of the mosque for women.

Today in non-Muslim countries a mosque must definitely accommodate women, preferably with a women’s prayer area and other facilities. However many mosques in these countries are small and converted properties so it is understandable if a women’s area is not provided immediately for obviously maximizing the space for men is important because unlike women it’s mandatory for men to attend Friday prayers (though at other times a movable curtain or panel would allow women to use the mosque). But a purpose built mosque should definitely include a women’s area.

Fortunately many mosques, especially in western countries have begun to address this need. However I hear in some cases they are tiny rooms and basements with a leaky roof and a bad smell! I know this is not the case everywhere but this type of situation should never occur. For men or women mosques should be a place of refuge where your mind can be at ease from worldly affairs. If a Mosque has or plans to have a women’s area it need not be as big as men’s area but every step should be taken to ensure it is equal in facilities and other aspects to the rest of the Mosque and maintained accordingly. Getting the opinions of women in that community and making sure their requirements are met will also ensure pleasant and practical facilities are provided.

And when building a new mosque or arranging a women’s prayer area it’s important to have women’s participation. This will make sure the best possible is available to women and avoid many difficulties and complaints later on. Also women must ask for mosque facilities/activities if they are not provided. Because sometimes it is unlikely anything will be provided unless there is a demand.

So if anyone knows of any mosque being built in their area or nearby, get involved with it (e.g. like helping raise funds etc.) This is a great rewardable action and at the same time puts you in a position to influence the decisions and push for a women’s area. For existing mosques it would certainly help to discuss with the management and create awareness in the community for a suitable arrangement for women.

See Also
* Why Your Mosque Should be Woman Friendly
* Women in Mosques
* Women in mosques - No curtains, no walls, no partitions!
* Denying women access to the ‘Main Space’

Uzbekistan and Bogus Al-Qaeda Terrorist

2006-11-17T22:08:00.000+05:30

Assalamu alaikum,
“Sir, Do you want a steady supply of Al Qaeda terrorists to frighten the wits out of your countrymen and maintain a state of emergency to carry on your secret plans at home and abroad? Then Central Asia is the place to go. Specify the quantity and rest assured they’ll be delivered on time.” I know nobody told this to the architects of the War on Terror but this is exactly what’s happening in Central Asia - a predominantly Muslim region of five countries, today ruled by ex-Soviet dictators who brutally suppress the people and cash on America’s War on Terror.

Professor Juan Cole wrote an eye opener about Uzbekistan a few weeks back in his popular blog, juancole.com. In the post 'Craig Murray on Manufacturing Terror' he gave an insight into this former Soviet and 90% Muslim country about which many Muslims outside the region haven’t even heard about let alone know what’s happening. Here are excerpts from that article that dealt specifically on Uzbekistan.

Writes professor Juan Cole: ‘I was at the conference of the Central Eurasian Studies Society the last couple of days. Saturday evening, former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray addressed us. He served in Tashkent 2002 through 2004. (right image: Craig Murray)

Murray's exhibit number 1 is Uzbekistan, which has major gas reserves. The US sought and received basing rights there after September 11. The US supported the government of Islam Karimov, the old Soviet apparatchik who turned himself into a post-Soviet dictator. The US and the UK maintained in their official documents that Uzbekistan was making progress toward democracy. They praised Uzbek elections as a sign of such progress, even though Islam Karimov did not allow the opposition to run in the elections.

Murray began receiving photographs and other evidence from victims' families that the Uzbek government was engaging in brutal torture techniques as part of its interrogation of dissidents. One corpse had been beaten around the neck and jaw, and boiled alive. There was a line across his chest, under which it was scalded. Boiled like a lobster.

Murray as UK ambassador began seeing CIA reports naming known al-Qaeda operatives who were prominent in Uzbekistan. But these turned out to be just run of the mill Uzbek politicians who were on the outs with Karimov. Where did the CIA get this information about high-level terrorists in Uzbekistan? From Karimov's secret police. And where did they get their phony "intelligence"? From torturing dissidents and making them admit to being al-Qaeda and implicating others as al-Qaeda. From torture. From the twilight of consciousness before the boiling killed them. From lobsters.

Now I have to back up and tell you about Uzbekistan. Uzbeks have a Muslim heritage. They have Muslim names. But Uzbekistan is a country full of atheists and secularists. It is more secular than France. Everyone drinks vodka like fish. Almost no one could actually tell you how to pray the five daily prayers. There are a few. They are considered odd by the other Uzbeks. I know a sociologist brought up in the Soviet Union who has studied its "Muslims," who were deracinated over 60 years, and he said, "What you have to understand is that they were normal Soviet citizens." He is right.

The government of Islam Karimov, which is basically corrupt dusted-off apparatchiks from the old Soviet system, is aware that the West is afraid of Islam. And as people brought up Communist, they don't like it either. So they scare the Americans and Europeans with tall tales about an Islamist menace in Uzbekistan, which attract support to the Uzbek government and also cause the Westerners to make excuses for a degree of political repression that approaches that characteristic of Saddam Hussein in the old days. (left image: Islam Karimov)

There is an academic industry in the United States, by the way, of alleging radical Muslim fundamentalism is a big problem in Uzbekistan. It is bunkum. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which was tied to the Taliban and al-Qaeda, had between 150 and 1,000 members at its height, and that was about it for Islamism in Uzbekistan.

In a poll done in 2002 by Pew, 91 percent of Uzbeks agreed with Bush's War on Terror and the way it was being waged! You couldn't have found those numbers anyplace else in the world, maybe even in the US!

Murray pointed out that if you had a referendum in Uzbekistan on whether Islamic canon law should be the law of the land, and explained that it would result in a ban on vodka, less that 1 percent of the population would vote for it. That is certainly true.

So there isn't, frankly, any al-Qaeda to speak of in Uzbekistan. But Karimov used torture and false allegations to manufacture an al-Qaeda, and Murray thought that the Bush administration and elements in the CIA were swallowing it hook, line and sinker.

I came away from this consummate insider's presentation with a sinking feeling that Uzbekistan is the tip of the iceberg.

Islam in Turkey and Kemal Ataturk reforms for Secularism

2006-11-12T22:40:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Turkey is gradually regaining the global attention it once enjoyed albeit for different reasons. The main international focus has been on Turkey's EU entry talks which began in October 2005 on joining the European Union (EU). But the subtler and the less pronounced is the revival of Islam in Turkey despite nearly 90 years hostile secular Governments.

Although today Turkey seldom figures in Muslim or Islamic discourse, it was for five centuries the center of the Muslim world, until that fatal day, March 3rd, 1924, when Mustafa Kemal Pasha Ataturk abolished the Caliphate -office of the successors to prophet Muhammad, the supreme politico-religious office of Islam, and symbol of the Turkey sultan's claim to world leadership of all Muslims—was abolished.

Today 98% of Turkey’s population is officially Muslim but the proportion of practicing Muslims is as low as 20%. However unlike in Europe where church attendance gradually fell in Turkey it is the result of a systematic attempt to constrain and weaken Islam by successive Kemalist secular governments and the military.

The hostility towards Islam began in early 1920s. A military commander, Mustafa Kemal Pasha led the Turkish War of Independence to form the Republic of Turkey as the successor state of the defunct Ottoman Empire. For this Mustafa Kemal became very popular and adored by all Turks. Thereafter he became the first President of the Republic of Turkey. The Turks venerated him so much he was given the name ‘Atatürk’, meaning Father of the Turks, (honorific name formally presented to him by the Turkish Grand Assembly in 1934.)

But Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was no ordinary leader. He was an astute statesman and strewed strategist. He didn’t express to the public how he would develop Turkey until he got the power to execute his vision (i.e. not until he was President of Turkey.)

Then Atatürk carefully constructed and deployed a master plan, today known as the Kemalist ideology or Kemalism. Believing in this strategy Ataturk and his associates started to publicly question the value of religion and held the view religion was not compatible with modern science and secularism was imperative for modernity.

Thus Ataturk regime began step by step to implement the Kemalist ideology with a radical reformation of the Turkish society with the aim of modernizing Turkey from the remnants of its Ottoman past. In line with their ideological convictions the Ataturk government abolished Islamic religious institutions; replace the Shariah law with adapted European legal codes; replaced the Islamic calendar with the Gregorian calendar; replace the Arabic script which was used to write the Turkish language with the Latin script and closed all religious schools.

In addition Ataturk took over the country's 70,000 mosques and restricted the building of new mosques. Muftis and imams (prayer leaders) were appointed and regulated by the government, and religious instructions were taken over by the Ministry of National Education. Mosques were to preach according to the Ataturk’s dictates and were used to spread the Kemalist ideology.

For Sufi Muslims it was worse. Atatürk confiscated Sufi lodges, monasteries, meeting places and outlawed their rituals and meetings.

According to Ataturk modernity was valued and represented as not wearing any religious dress or being non-religious. So he ordered what cloths Turkey’s citizens should wear. The traditional garb of local religious leaders was outlawed. The fez (Turkish hat) was banned for men and the veil and hijab (headscarves) were discouraged and restricted for women.

Atatürk and his colleagues even wanted to Turkify Islam. They ordered Muslims to use the Turkish word Tanri instead of Allah for God and use the Turkish language in Salaath (the 5 times prayers) and Azaan (the call for prayers). These preposterous changes deeply disturbed the faithful Muslims and caused widespread resentment, which led in 1933 to a return to the Arabic version of the call to prayer.

After some time the Atatürk regime moved towards more extreme measures. Ataturk prohibited religious education. The existing mosques were turned into museums or used for the regimes secular purposes.

The faithful Turkish and Kurdish Muslims (Sunni, Shia and Sufi inclusive) were powerless against Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s regime and his military. But they tried to resist the oppression and even led rebellions. But he was too strong for them and Ataturk suppressed the rebellions after massive bloodsheds. (e.g. Seyh Sait rebellion in southeastern Turkey claimed about 30,000 lives before being suppressed.)

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk died in 1938. After that some of his preposterous laws were revoked by his successors due to their harshness and the fact that Islam was always a strong force at the popular level despite the suppression.

Since then there have been occasional calls for a return to Islam. But the secular governments and military true to the Kemalist ideology have managed to suppress them. Amidst this environment in the 1980s a new generation of educated, articulate and religiously motivated leaders emerged to challenge the dominance of the Kemalist political ruling elite. By their own example of piety, prayer, and political activism, they have helped to spark a revival of Islamic observance in Turkey.

But the Turkish military and the state bureaucracy are infiltrated with (Kemalist) secularists and act as the guardians of Ataturk’s reforms and work to preserve Kemalism and weaken Islam. This situation has gradually led to a polarization of the Turkish society and today Turkey remains as someone observed a 'torn society'.

US denies entry to Western Muslim Scholars

2006-11-07T21:25:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
US Government accuse Muslims for extremism and imposing restrictions on personnel freedom. But when it comes to practice they are the first to break their own rules. Recently there has been a sting of entry denials by the US Government to Western Islamic scholars who attempt to visit the United States on invitations by American universities and organizations. Under the ironic heading, “Fear Of A Muslim Opinion” the resourceful community blog, altmuslim.com reports on recent US entry denials to some top Islamic scholars from Western countries.

A pattern of denied entries to the United States of Muslim scholars - with no evidence given - is exacerbating tensions caused by an already existing lack of dialogue [between America and Muslims]

In September, American authorities upheld their ban of noted Swiss academic Tariq Ramadan, who had a previous visa revoked in 2004 before he could begin a tenured position at the University of Notre Dame. Reason given for the denial was a small contribution made to a Palestinian charity allegedly linked to Hamas before the charities were blacklisted by the US. (Note: Tariq Ramadan is a renowned academic in Europe and many view him as the leading figure of European Muslims. His official site is tariqramadan.com)

British Muslim leader Dr. Kamal Helbawy was denied entry in New York on October 18, despite not being on any no-fly list and serving as an advisor to British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Two South African scholars - Adam Habib and Fazlur Rahman Azmi - were denied entry after reaching the US, visas in hand, prompting intervention by the South African government, to no avail.

Interestingly they are Muslim Islamic scholars from Western countries and respected by Muslims as well as non-Muslims. However these are only some high profile cases. In addition to scholars, there have been many recent entry denials to the United States that include students, academics and businessmen. Besides entry denials recent years have seen many Muslims being deported from the US on flimsy allegations that seem to be getting bizarre by the day.

Couple of months back, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami had his visa personally approved by President George Bush and visited United States in a lecture tour. Then many were seen praising the Bush administration for its openness to differing opinions. That openness seems to be ‘pick and choose’ openness when it comes to Western Islamic scholars. Perhaps they’ll be allowed to enter if they were to come from Iran!

6 Double standard opinions about Muslims

2006-11-03T21:46:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
We like to be considered as rational and considerate people. Unfortunately when it comes to dealing with Muslims these higher ideals of logic and reason are often sacrificed in place of prejudice. The following are six instances where double standards are unwittingly employed against Muslims often causing Muslims to endure physical and mental hardships.

No one abuses a Jewish man for growing a beard according to his religious beliefs.
But if a Muslim man does the same thing he is labeled as a terrorist, extremist or fundamentalist!
When a Christian nun covers her body from head to toe it is considered as act of devotion to God.
But if a Muslim woman dress like that she is ridiculed and discriminated!
When a western woman stays at home to look after her children without going for a job she is respected for being devoted to her family.
But if a Muslim woman stays at home like that she is considered as a prisoner and a woman without women rights!
A young woman can wear any dress she prefers and enter any higher educational institute.
But if a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab enters higher educational institutes she is ridiculed!
When a Christian, Jew or anyone else murders someone their religion will not prop up.
But if a Muslim did the same crime it will be blamed on Islam!
When someone fights and sacrifices his life for his country, his leaders or his people he is venerated as a hero.
But if a Muslim fights and sacrifices his life for his country or his people his family is persecuted, his house is destroyed, his mosque is closed. And he is labeled a terrorist. Why? because he is a Muslim!
When facing a problem any solution will be accepted and considered.
But if the solution is in Islam it will be rejected!

Hijab Ban and Silent Crusade Against Islam in Tunisia

2006-10-30T22:43:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
France ban on wearing hijabs (headscarves) in schools and British MP Jack Straw’s recent comments against veils drew worldwide Muslim condemnation while being widely publicized by the mainstream media. Now Tunisian Government has enforced a law that states Tunisian women can no longer wear the hijab! But unlike France or England the Tunisian Governments preposterous ban has hardly reached the ears of Muslims outside Tunisia let alone being condemned.

The Tunisian government has succeeded in keeping the news away from the Muslim masses outside of its borders. As expectable Western Governments or the international media downplayed the Tunisian governments preposterous law that grossly violates basic human rights, fearing of uproar amongst the already frustrated Arab Muslims would fuel the emergence of Islamic governments in place of west dependent despotic Arab regimes. More pathetic was the indifference from few non-Tunisian Muslims privy to the illusive news item.

Owing to its French colonial legacy Tunisia is the most western Arab-Muslim country. This is reflected by Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ali enforcing the ban and describing the hijab as a sectarian form of dress, which had come into Tunisia uninvited! Observers say the recent years have seen an increase in Islamic sentiments among Tunisians and the increasing number of women starting to wear the hijab despite government efforts to stem the Islamic revival had caused them to move towards banning the hijab.

However justifying the hijab ban on "sectarian" grounds is absurd in a society where 98% of the population is Muslim. It also violates basic personal freedom guaranteed by the Tunisian constitution which also states Tunisia is an “Islamic country”. Added to this the law brazenly violates the basics rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of religion and choose the clothes which suit him/her.

In fact the Government is crushing Islam in Tunisia while at the same time trying to avoid charges of being un-Islamic. In the 1990s President Ben Ali crushed Tunisia’s Islamic opposition party when fighting erupted in neighbouring Algeria between Islamic movements and the military Government. He has forbidden Dawah activities in Tunisia and stipulated only personnel appointed by the Government may lead activities in mosques and that mosques must remain closed except during prayer times and other authorized religious ceremonies, such as marriages or funerals.

The current hijab debate, which started earlier this year and dating back to a 1981 government circular has ended in a dangerous crackdown on any woman, girl or child wearing a Hijab. It has even included the Hijab-clad Fulla dolls, which inspired millions of Muslim girls worldwide. Last month Tunisia security forces raided soft-toy shops across the country to withdraw the Fulla dolls.

"Sign here, take this piece of rubbish off your head and go home! Never ever think of going back to school with it. Right now, I am going to attach it to this sheet of paper in which you declared your full compliance with circular 108. Don’t you understand! There is no place in our schools for fundamentalists. We are a modern country!” Fatima the 18-year-old school girl stood as if pinned to the ground in a state of bewilderment, listening carefully to a zealot policeman whose sole mission has been to frighten and punish women, university students and schoolgirls who challenge the hijab ban and force to sign a form, which says they will never ever wear the hijab again.

Many Tunisians are upset by the ban but they fear to protest, as the Tunisian Government does not tolerate dissent.

However are we going to stand idly while anti-Islamic forces are at work against Islam in Muslim Tunisia? Please consider signing the petition to eliminate the Hijab ban in Tunisia and spread the news to stop this ban once and forever, because once one Muslim country bans the Hijab then many are likely to follow.

Islam and Muslim

2006-10-25T21:24:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Najma Perera is from Sri Lanka. She is a convert to Islam. I came across a short article written by her to a Sinhala Islamic periodical. I like to share it with you. The following is that article 'Islam and Muslim'.

Sometimes in the Muslim society you may come across Muslims with bad behavior. Then you may wonder if Islam is the only true religion revealed to us by Almighty Allah, why don't all Muslims live according to its teachings.

Here we would like to make a very important point. That is, religion and its teachings is one thing. However people and their behavior is another. Therefore an honest seeker of truth must focus their attention to the religion and its teachings, not to those who claim to be followers of that religion and behave wrongly.

If someone drives a latest Rolls-Royse car and meets with an accident, will it be the driver’s responsibility? Or the manufacturer of that car, the Rolls-Royse Company’s? Certainly it is the driver’s mistake and not the mistake of the company that manufactured the car.

Today like in any society, there are good and bad people within the Muslim society. Like others Muslims can be with various human weaknesses. Some Muslims level of belief can be very low due to lack of education or religious knowledge, the effects of external forces in the surrounding environment etc. Among them sometimes you may meet some Muslims who have completely left the folds of belief.

Some day they'll have to pay back for their wrongs and in the presence of Allah will have to answer for everything they did in their lifetime.

Though they call themselves Muslims they act like there is no connection between their Muslim names, their behavior or that in their hearts.

This is not the fault of Islam.

BBC Props US Agenda on North Korea

2006-10-21T22:35:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Over the years BBC has improved a great deal on objective and impartial news coverage. However when it comes to reporting on Muslims or events related to war on terror the biasness appears to continue. I wrote about one instance here. As an international news network this is not acceptable from BBC because it reinforces prejudice and creates misunderstanding. This week I came across this distorted report not on Muslims but very similar to bias reporting on Muslim and Islamic issues.

I was really irked by BBC’s distorted report - Timeline: North Korea. Subtitled, “A chronology of key events,” this report is read by millions online and used as a source by journalist across the world. Apart from the disregard for journalistic objectivity by the characterization of North Korea, the report twists history and omits details to suit the American version of the story.

The BBC timelines note for 2005 September reads as, “Fourth round of six-nation talks on [North Korea’s] nuclear programme concludes. North Korea agrees to give up its weapons in return for aid and security guarantees. But it later demands a civilian nuclear reactor.” Thereafter it moves on to the next note leaving the reader with the impression of a walkout and an outrageous demand by North Korea. This is a distortion of last year’s six-nation talks.

In September 2005 talks, agreement was reached for North Korea to suspend its nuclear programme in return for economic assistance and normalization of ties with the United States. The agreement also said the United States would also supply civilian nuclear reactors if North Korea gave up its nuclear programme.

Now if the United States was really serious, they could have solved the nuclear dispute amicably at this round of talks. But what happened next compliments my post - Nuking over Iran’s Nuclear Program.

Four days after the agreement, the United States Treasury Department froze North Korean asserts and imposed financial sanctions, alleging that North Korea was involved in counterfeiting dollars and money laundering. The BBC timeline makes no mention of this important juncture, which caused North Korea to walkout.

Selig S. Harrison writes in Newsweek International - North Korea: A Nuclear Threat, “Whatever the truth, I found on a recent trip to Pyongyang that North Korean leaders view the financial sanctions as the cutting edge of a calculated effort by dominant elements in the [Bush] administration to undercut the Sept. 19 accord, squeeze the Kim Jong Il regime and eventually force its collapse. My conversations made clear that North Korea's missile tests in July and its threat last week to conduct a nuclear test explosion at an unspecified date "in the future" were directly provoked by the U.S. sanctions.”

All these facts of recent history is conveniently omitted and twisted by BBC Timeline news report, questioning its objectives and credibility.

Related Posts: ‘Cool Muslimah’ gives an account of BBC psychological manipulation during the recent Lebanon crisis in her post - happenings of this month.

Nuking over Iran's Nuclear Program

2006-10-17T21:18:00.001+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
With North Korea going nuclear it has managed to grab the limelight away from Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. For Tehran it couldn’t have happened at a better time. Yet it will probably return to haunt Iran though North Korea poses a far greater risk to American, Russian, Japanese and Chinese security.

However unlike North Korea, the case against Iran happens to rely heavily on suspicions and prejudice than solid evidence. The contentions against them like ‘international communities concerns’ and the ‘threat to Israel’ are nothing but cloaks to protect major powers interests at the expense of Muslim countries continued serfdom. At last months Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, the 118 nations in their final declaration endorsed Iran’s right to conduct peaceful nuclear programs. Thus virtually reducing these ‘international concerns’ to a minority global view fashioned by major powers national interest. As for Israel’s concerns, as long as it exists neighbouring countries like Iran will always have a very real security threat from Israel’s nuclear arsenal of more than 400 nuclear warheads directed at targets in Iran and other Muslim countries.

Commenting on this issue a political analyst notes, “the American orchestrated ‘sanctions’ debate now underway in the UN Security council over Iran’s right to enrich uranium even for peaceful purposes is no more than a public charade to cloak America’s hidden agenda – a unilateral military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.” He adds, “the same Bush administration did the same thing over Iraq. They screwed Saddam to make sure he wouldn’t use WMDs Bush knew he didn’t have.” Yes, it’s the same old game with a different pawn.

Ironically the very nation opposed to Iran acquiring any nuclear capability happens to possess thousands of nukes with a combined capacity to kill 60 billion people in other words 10 times the current world population! A decade ago they could only offer instant oblivion up to a maximum of around five times. As if that’s not terrifying the American Military experts believe that continuous development of bigger and more powerful nuclear weapons are the only sure way to put an end to the arms race.

In April this year The New Yorker revealed that the Pentagon was actually preparing not just a military strike on Iran but nuclear strikes because some analysts were insisting that only American nuclear warheads could guarantee the elimination of Tehran’s nascent nuclear capability. President Bush’s response to the stunning charge was anything but a denial: “All options are on the table.”

Tad Daley from the anti-nuclear organization, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), asks, “How can we contemplate nuking people who might nuke people to show that nuking people is wrong? A western state appears prepared to employ the nuclear weapon to stop a Muslim state from even seeking the clear weapon. Witness the full depth of the irony here. It’s an irony so towering, so obvious and so unsubtle, that – if it happens –surely not a single member of the world’s Islamic community will fail to take notice.”

Daley says, “Some both anoint themselves as able to be trusted with nuclear weapons and arrogate to themselves the task of assessing whether others meet their tests. President Bush has often let slip this conceit of cultural superiority. ‘We owe it to our children,’ he said in August 2002, ‘to free the world from weapons of mass destruction in the hands of those who hate freedom’.”

As ironies go, it was only three years ago that the United States defied the United Nations to show Saddam Hussein that he could not get away with defying the United Nations, says Daley. “Now, the Bush administration is apparently prepared to breach the NPT [Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty] to show Mahamoud Ahmadinejad that he cannot get away with breaching the NPT.” And that too on suspicions because Iran has continually insisted that its program is for peaceful purposes exercising it rights as a sovereign nation.

“We are the ones who created these weapons in the past. We are the ones contemplating the use of these weapons in the present. We are the ones who vaingloriously insist that we – but not others- must perpetually possess these weapons into the future. And now, we are the ones who may soon feel the wrath of these weapons brought down upon ourselves. We are the ones who maybe the authors of our own annihilations. We are the ones, perhaps, who will be devoured by our own creation. In the end, that could turn out to be the greatest irony of all,” concludes Daley.

Iranian President rightly addressed this issue when he appeared before the UN General Assembly last month. In his speech he referred to the expansion of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. “Some powers proudly announce their production of second and third generation nuclear weapons. What do they need these weapons for? Is the development and stock pilling of these deadly weapons designed to promote peace and democracy? Or are these weapons, in fact, instruments of coercion and threat against other peoples and governments? How long should the people of the world live with the nightmare of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons? To what length can powers producing and possessing these weapons go? How can they be held accountable before the international community?” he asked. But the answers were not forthcoming.

When America and other world powers are fully armed with nuclear weapons, their concerns for nuclear proliferation is nothing but hypocrisy. Their concern is more an effort to protect their exclusivity to nuclear weapons and prevent others from challenging their hegemonic control of the world.

Ultimately it boils down to the fact that no major power be it America, France, Russia or China is willing to see the emergence of any strong Muslim nation that could challenge their hegemony in the oil rich Middle-East.

20 Billion Dollar profit from 1991 Gulf War for USA

2006-10-12T22:52:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Arguably the second Gulf war is now over. As the result we have a ‘liberated’ country with a freefalling population and a foreign occupation continuing to harvest the disguised fruits like in a bygone era. Meanwhile I am told the previously estimated appalling death toll of 100,000 human lives is a gross underestimation. A latest joint US-Iraqi survey has estimated 655,000 Iraqis or 2.5 percent of Iraq's population have died as a result of the 2003 US-UK invasion of Iraq.

While the “United States operation for Iraqi Freedom” continues to move forward over the bodies of Iraqis, it is worth reviewing the first Gulf War. The following is my translation of an article published in Sinhala language by the newspaper ‘Hiru’ at beginning of Iraq invasion in 2003.

At that time it was said the first Gulf war was for the “freedom” of Kuwaitis and Iraqis. But a glace at the profit/loss account of the war led by George Bush senior may suggest otherwise. Thereby we can envisage how the profit-loss will be of the second Gulf War.

What was the cost of 1991 first Gulf War?

It was US$ 40 billion.

Have you thought about who paid this money?

The general public believes the Unite States paid for the cost of the war. But the truth is very different. Out of the US$ 40 billion the US spent only US$ 10 billion or 25%. The rest US$ 30 billion comprising 75% of the war budget was spent by Arab country’s Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

How did they get this money?

Before the war the average price of a barrel of crude oil was 15 US$. With the Gulf war it increased to 42 US$. There by they got an extra profit of US$ 60 billion.

To whom did this profit go?

According to the “50% -50%” law in Arab countries 50% of it belonged to the governments. The other 50% went to the multinational oil companies controlling the oilfields.

That means US$ 30 billion for those companies and the other US$ 30 billion for Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Who owns those companies?

Middle-East oil exploration and trade is under 7 companies (Shell, Mobil, Esso etc.). All these companies are American. The US Government owns 5 of them. Therefore from the 30 billion dollar profit for these companies, about 21 billion belonged to the American government and the remaining 9 billion to the American private sector.

Lets look at it like this.

Now it’s clear. From the first Gulf War the United States earned a profit of 20 billion dollars.

For what was the 40 billion dollars spent in the war?

That was for weapons. Americans have a total control over this weapons industry. So America got a 20 billion profit from oil. And also most of the 40 billion dollar war cost from weapon sales.

Now it is easy to understand two other important issues.

1. Reason for Afghanistan war
2. Reason for 2003 Iraq war

The first target of Afghanistan war was to install a puppet government. Thereafter gain the opportunity to build a 2500 km long, American owned oil pipeline to pump oil from the oil rich central Asian states (Uzbekistan, etc.) to the Arabian Sea.

If the oil pipeline cutting across many countries were to be built avoiding Afghanistan it would be 5500 km long. Thereby making it difficult to build and maintain.

Why did Bush junior want to attack Iraq again?

Saudi Arabia is the main Middle-East oil supplier. United States wouldn’t be able to amend the increasingly fracturing ties with Saudi Arabia. And also because of its human rights record Saudi Arabia is an internationally disgraced country. Furthermore the 3 years leading to 2003 saw some revolutionary changes taking place in Venezuela. Venezuela is United States main oil supplier.

Therefore Bush aim was to find an alternative oil source to Middle-East Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

Wasn’t Iraq an alternative?

Pakistan Kashmir Earthquake - A Year Later

2006-10-08T22:55:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,
Today marks the first anniversary of the horrific earthquake that hit parts of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in October 8, 2005. To be honest back then I was busy in my own world struggling to cope with my studies and other problems and the earthquake had only been a news item that caused some momentary sadness but soon faded away to be replaced by other things. Sadly it’s only now I understand the its gravity and the misery it caused.

Here are the numerical figures of the earthquake from pakistaniat.com

Total dead in Earthquake = 80,000 - 90,000
Estimated proportion of children amongst dead = 80 percent
(note: 18,000 children had died while at school)

Total displaced by Earthquake = 3,500,000
Affected still living in tents in camps = 35,000 - 40,000
At-risk families without permanent shelter = 60,000 - 100,000
Additional people who might need shelter this winter = 30,000 - 60,000

Estimated houses destroyed = 400,000
Estimated houses whose rebuilding has begun = 17%

Early recovery assistance pledged by international donors = US$ 255 Million
Early recovery pledges that have NOT been received yet = US$ 94 Million

Original estimate of long-term reconstruction costs = US$ 3.6 Billion
Current estimate of long-term reconstruction costs = US$ 4.4 Billion
Current estimated shortfall = US$ 800 Million

Yesterday I watched in TV as they aired a short documentary about this horrific earthquake and the destruction it had caused. They were describing and showing the rubbles and the squalid conditions many survivors were living. YaAllah it was dreadful. A victim interviewed said he only wanted some building material to rebuild his house so that he can move his family to it. He was still living in a makeshift tent with his family. This is only one mans story, how many maybe out there? Looking at those fragile tents and huts it’s a wonder they survived the harsh Himalayan winter just after the earthquake in those conditions.

What was even more painful to see was their devotion to Almighty Allah. One would expect after such a calamity to see peoples faith weakened. But not this peoples. They were praying among the rubbles outside their tents and in makeshift tent mosques. They were finding faith in Allah to be so consoling to the misery around them. Even the western journalist from that documentary was moved by these people’s faith and attitude towards Islam in the face of absolute wretchedness and a bleak future. It reminded me of the Asian Tsunami, in which religious people were awestruck by the power at God command while for the atheists it was confirmation of the non-existence of God. Indeed calamities are a test of our faith. I pray YaAllah may you help these people and grant them good in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.

As usual the ATP website has put up a great post - Picture of the Day: Forgotten - covering a broad range of issues concerning the earthquake from philanthropy to failure of proper disaster management to lack of sufficient media attention towards the whole issue during the past several months until the anniversary. The last sentence of it is so true I’ll repeat it here, “Everyone, and I mean everyone, will say that we must not forget the events of October 8, 2005. And then everyone – nearly everyone – will do exactly that. Forget.”

Truth and Myth of Pakistan and USA

2006-10-02T22:07:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

It is better late than never President Musharraf told the truth about Bush government threatening to attack his nation with bombs, killing the nations civilians and putting them into the Stone Age. This was what political analyst had suspected from the very beginning. I suspect this may only be the tip of the iceberg, nevertheless we have reached the next phase of awareness.

Given the circumstances of that time period it seems that was the only option for a pariah Military ruler of a third world country. Pakistan might be a nuclear power but it lacks the economic clout of a strong nation. For all we know US would have nuked Pakistan and destroyed its entire society and the American people and the world would have justified it. They can lie and lie successfully but they cannot hide the truth. I am sure Pakistan was not the only nation bullied and coerced to toe the line.

But why should America bomb Pakistan? Pakistan didn’t do the 9/11. Why should America hurt innocent people and reduce a country of 140 million people to rubbles? If they ‘suspect’ Pakistan has terrorist they should work within the framework of law not undermine it and create a state of lawless breeding grounds of terrorists. What evil force drives the ‘land of the free’ –The United States of America? Is this what US democracy is all about in the 21st century, threatening and bribing other leaders and governments into passive submission?

Partners in the ‘War against Terror’ are indeed not but the coerced and fearful of being bombed like Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and others. America has destroyed entire nations with ruthless bombing and a conviction based on suspicion. Even neo-cons are finding it impalpable as the realities of the ‘War on Terror’ unfolds. “Just agree with everything we say or else we will fire up our army and make a fortune from the reconstruction of your country,” This is the United States way of dealing with anything against its interests. This is tyranny at its worst and most disgraceful. Attack anyone who doesn't fold to your demands. Thus it’s not surprising to see despite Musharraf's comments Bush is still trying to keep him in the ranks.

Since climbing the Bush bandwagon, Pakistan has obediently killed thousands of its civilians (so easily termed and forgotten as “Al-Qaeda” terrorist) and jailed many more to a fate unknown. All this for the good will and green bucks doled out by the western masters as trips to White House and economic aid. Pakistan should fight terrorism not for the Americans but for Almighty Allah because it is an evil and harmful thing for mankind. The Muslim people today also ask all Muslim rulers WHY they became complicit in the American "Al-Qaeda" manipulation?

American pressure is not the only issue facing Pakistan. Poverty, corruption, bribery, nepotism is breeding like cancer in Pakistan but the rich are getting fatter and fatter. Although a lot of effort is devoted to giving the best possible spin to the economic picture, all is not well on that front. The country's infrastructure is revoltingly inadequate while half the population remains illiterate. Dreadful tribal practices still exist and hound the country in an appalling way. Pakistan remains hopelessly dependent on multi-lateral and bilateral aid givers both for development and rehabilitation efforts. That is why economic aid (in other words “bribe” for cooperation) is so tantalizingly attractive. Governance is abysmally bad and the political will to set things right is conspicuously absent. Politicians and affluent Pakistanis remain deaf and blind to the plight of the least privileged in their society. The political and military class continues to make hay with or without sunshine. Public opinion is ignored for the reason that it is not backed by adequate muscle. Whatever happens Pakistanis have allowed it…

When will Pakistani people demonstrate the People Power to set things correct which today is conspicuously absent? Pakistan eagerly awaits for Muslims who will do something that will affect brothers and sisters of the next generation in a way that will not produce any sad tears and bloodshed.

Lessons from Pope’s Controversy

2006-09-27T22:22:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

Given the recent event this is a good time for some self-reflection and correction. We can’t be happy about the way we reacted to Pope’s speech. There were some positive outcomes like Muslims being assertive and expressing their point of view but that was all. I think we came out much worse than Pope’s blunder. As I mentioned in my previous post there are reasons for the way we reacted but we must move forward by learning from mistakes and correcting ourselves. "And none will reflect except people of understanding" Allah the All-Mighty says in the Qur'an.

To begin with we missed a great opportunity. This was a time for clearing misconceptions concerning Muslims and Islam. The mainstream media were willing to engage Muslims to express our point-of-view. But I doubt we took full advantage of these rare opportunities. Secondly the arguments against the Popes speech weren’t very convincing to a non-Muslim. We didn’t explain properly why he was wrong. Muslims didn’t adequately research and publish expert articles and posts. Emperor Manuel II, Europe and Christianity in the 14-century, Islamic History and the actual facts behind Jihad, the conduct of Catholic Church etc. were not sufficiently covered or presented. But Islamophobes did their homework and by interpreting events to suit their interests, published very convincing articles and posts. Surely we could have done better…

Then there were the Muslim comments on Internet forums. I read some brilliant comparisons and analysis but compared to the number of stupid comments, they were less than one in twenty. The comments usually varied from something like “Pope was wrong,” “We want an apology,” “Old age has made him forget the bloody history of Christianity,” “He’s an idiot,” to outright threatening statements. The discussions usually were in angry tones. Maybe they were forgetting (or even not knowing!) that to lose your anger means you’ve lost the debate.

The real world was even worse. Protests are fine and can achieve many things if held properly. But in some cases things were extreme. We don’t like the negative perceptions non-Muslims have about Islam. But what can we expect from others when we start rioting, throwing grenades at churches and murdering a 70 year old nun? No wonder even high calibre people like Pope fear Islam and Muslims. We can’t blame them for their misunderstandings if Muslims from the Religion of Piece behave like maniacs. It’s actions like these and all the other extreme things a few Muslims do today that ruin the world’s view of Islam. Instead of helping improve others understanding of Islam and prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we drive them away.

Sadly we can’t escape the bad name by distancing ourselves from the wrong doers. Whether we like it or not there’s a binding on us called ‘collective community responsibility’. As a result if a Muslim does something wrong all Muslims will be blamed. The same rule applies to Americans, Whites, and Chinese etc. If an American Government does something all Americans will be blamed and cussed.

Today Islam needs every Muslim’s help to improve its image. We must build a rapport with non-Muslims, interact with the media, publish blogs, participate in social and community activities and do everything and anything to improve our social standing. There was a helpful article on this at IslamForToday.com – 6 Practical tips for contributing to Islam on a community level.

May Allah help you and me and keep us to the tasks. Ameen.

Unveiling Violent Muslim Protests

2006-09-23T22:17:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

“Why don’t Muslims protest peacefully?” “Oh my God! See how violent Muslims are,” these are frequently heard remarks in the backdrop of recent events. If you happen to be a Muslim living in a multicultural society, the chances are you have heard them sometime or other.

However when we talk about violent protests we tend to forget some key issues. We all know discussing without proper understanding of a given situation is like trying to find our way in pitch-darkness. We may feel to be moving on but in what direction is unknown and quite likely may bring harm to us. Therefore it’s always important to understand a situation properly before we form our opinions or take remedial actions, lest we grope in darkness.

Firstly, whoever likes it or not the facts tell us, an overwhelming majority of Muslim protests are peaceful. Of around one million protests held worldwide for the Danish Cartoons only a few hundred were violent. Still fewer, a dozen or so were deadly or destructive and those too were in troubled places like Lebanon, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. (The locations themselves speak for the settings of those protests.) Besides we humans have a tendency to seek the exceptional and ignore the common, which in this case happened to be a handful of violent, destructive protest.

Then there’s another entirely different take to the whole matter, that of the long-term historical perspective. Mr. Juan Cole, President of the Global Americana Institute says, “Some commentators have complained about Muslim sensibilities in this regard [i.e. Popes speech]. But in my view, this sensitivity is a feature of post colonialism. Muslims were colonized by Western powers, often for centuries, and all that period they were told that their religion was inferior and barbaric. They are independent now, though often they have gained independence only a couple of generations (less if you consider neocolonialism). As independent, they are finally liberated to protest when Westerners put them down.

”There is an analogy to African-Americans, who suffered hundreds of years of slavery and then a century of Jim Crow. They are understandably sensitive about white people putting them down, and every time one uses the "n" word, you can expect a strong reaction. In the remarks the pope quoted about Muhammad, he essentially did the equivalent of using the "n" word for Muslims. It is no mystery that people are protesting.”

Finally there are many ‘Why’s remaining to be answered. Svend White’s post ‘Why Muslims don't protest peacefully like civilized Westerners?’ covers a range of overlooked issues behind the violence that many associate with Muslim protests. For lack of space I will not repeat his points here so please check that post, it gives a good insight in point format.

All in all the notion of violent Muslim protests is a gross exaggeration of reality and will only serve to radicalize the overwhelming majority of peaceful Muslims which is exactly what extremist in both Muslim and non-Muslim sides desire. Further for a number of reasons violent protests are counter-productive for Muslims in this world and the hereafter. Therefore it’s our responsibility to remove the situations that tend to favour violent protests. There are many things that can be done but I believe the best way forward is to study and apply the techniques used by our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he was facing similar or even more daunting situations.

Pope makes Jihad slip!

2006-09-17T22:23:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

Pope Benedict XVI seems happy to rekindle the medieval myth –“Islam was a religion spread by sword” –a myth used by Popes centuries ago to wage Crusades (holy wars) against Muslims.

Reading his full speech I think the Pope has tried to propagate Christianity by portraying Islam as a cruel, illogical religion. Aware of the fact that plunging into Christian theology would be boring to the audience, the Pope has tried to attract attention using the ploy of showing Islam in a derogatory manner. It seems he has absorbed the ploy of some Christian missionaries and priests who know very well that anything related to Islam has a ready audience these days!

The Pope quotes Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus as saying: "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached". Pope goes on explaining faith and reason, while touching on many diverse threads including what people have said about Islam and then presents Christianity as a logical, caring and loving religion in perfect harmony with reality!

What can we expect a besieged medieval emperor to say about his enemy’s religion, when all he has seen is the advancing armies of Ottoman Turks? What does emperor Manual II, know about how inspiring and rational Muslims find Islam to be? Even today with all the modern information sources available there are many in the West who think Muslims worship a Moon God.

Further as Criese points out it’s almost a déjà vu of the Danish Cartoon crisis with one significant difference. Back then an artist committed the insensitivities and insults. This time it is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, which increases the seriousness of the matter.

Now Vatican tells us Pope Benedict XVI is “extremely upset” about quoting derogatory comments about Islam nevertheless offers no apology.

However there’s an important matter in his speech buried by all this turmoil. The speech indicates the pontiff is disturbed by the trends within Christianity, the increasing secularism and disillusion among Christians. It seems he’s trying to appeal to the sense of preservation by trying to portray Europe as Christendom or a Christian Europe.

By quoting this medieval emperor is the Pope trying to -as the Turkey prime minister points out –revive the spirit of crusades? Is he trying to reinforce the prejudice and misconceptions about the religion of Islam?

The pontiff who holds the highest position in the Christian world should definitely be better informed of the dimensions of other religions and the implications or repercussion he might unwittingly be igniting. That’s especially true in the backdrop of an increasing early 20th century European sentiments.

Priest threats to bomb Madonna

2006-09-15T22:25:00.000+05:30

Dutch prosecutors say a priest has confessed to making a bomb threat by phone to pop star Madonna for her mock re-enactment of the crucifixion. Madonna’s use of religious symbols for her concerts is unsuitable and it has rightly so angered some Christians. That aside it’s really interesting to see the way the authorities and the media have handled this bomb threat made by the priest.

The prosecutor’s office spokesman Robert Meulenbroek is quoted as saying, “We take bomb threats seriously, but in this case it was clear very quickly that it was not real,” So for the authorities it was obvious from the start “…that it was not real”? One could imagine what would have happened if a Muslim was involved.

Take the BBC news report about this case. It never mentions the name of his religion or where he lives or the location of the church he attends, in this case preaches! Or for that matter mentioning he had an allege connection with “a certain organization” and had visited a particular country in the past year and finally to top them all include some excerpts from his sermons where he refers to some Bible verses dealing with violence -never mind if they are out of context.

Ever wondered whether the media has a separate lexicon for Muslims like Svend reveals. But in this case it wasn’t a Muslim and for that an elderly priest mind you.

Terrorist Against Terrorism!

2006-09-10T21:58:00.000+05:30

Bismilla-hirahmanir-raheem,

Arms and other latest equipment used for violence against human beings are been manufactured and sold by around 25 countries. The main country among them is The United States of America who is also engaged in stamping out terrorism.

Between 1998-2000 there were more than 150 companies engaged in this lethal business. 74 of them were from The United States. In addition arms sales constitute a main source of income for The United States.

To sell these weapons and other equipments that persecutes and kills humans, there must be violence and wars around the world. For this one country against another country, one ethnicity against another ethnicity, one organization must stand up against another organization. Then inciting both sides a situation must be created where both sides kill each other. Then it will be possible to sell weapons to both sides without each other’s knowledge.

If this isn’t the way, how else do they do arms business? If people live peacefully what’s the need for weapons? If no weapons sale, how else to torture others and earn money to live a luxurious life? If there was peace all over the world how can America become the World Champion?

Can’t this be the American intention of the 74 American companies manufacturing arms and related equipment and selling them?

The other major weapons manufacturing companies and countries are as follows. Germany – 30, Taiwan – 19, France – 14, South Korea – 13, China – 12, South Africa – 9, Israel – 8, Mexico – 6, Poland – 5, Russia – 4, Brazil – 3, Spain – 3, Czech Republic – 2.

To sell the arms manufactured in their companies they have appointed brokers in Austria, Canada, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Turkey, and many more countries.

This shows America has a hidden hand in all the killings and violence happening around the world, doesn’t it?

Based on an article from Daily News, SL (23.5.2001)

O Arab Rulers and Wealthy Muslims! Stand-up and Assert Muslim Interests

2006-09-08T21:28:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

Fortune favours the bold says an old idiom that is as true today as it was centuries ago. I was reminded of this when I read the interview with British MP George Galloway, aired on Al-Jazeera TV on August 8, 2006. Aside from Galloway’s florid style of delivery his statements contain glaring facts about our leaders and wealthy Muslims.

During the interview Mr. Galloway said “Two of the Arab world's beautiful daughters, Jerusalem and Baghdad, are in the hands of these foreigners, these occupiers, and nothing can be done by the Arab rulers, because they are in bed, fornicating with the foreigners, who are occupying and using these beautiful Arab daughters as they will.”

He added further “You know, I don't want to embarrass any particular Arab ruler, but once I spoke to a prince. I told him there were three British newspapers on sale for 100 million pounds - The Daily Express, The Sunday Express, and The Daily Star. Three important newspapers. "Why don't you buy them," I said. "You could make a foothold for a decent point of view on the Arab world, if you were to buy these newspapers." He could have bought them, but he didn't have the courage to buy them. He'd rather spend the money on other things. You know, in London, there is enough money thrown onto the roulette tables of London's casinos by Arabs, which could buy media in America and Britain, and transform the landscape. But I tell you, the good news is this: In the desert, just a few drops of water can transform the landscape. All we need is a few drops of water, because the American and British people have no faith, no trust, in their leaders. They know that the policy of their leaders is leading them to disaster. We need to intelligently apply the resources that we have, and people can contact me, to my e-mail, through my website, georgegalloway.com. I have many ideas on how we can do this. I just don't have any money.”

A Muslim must strive to revive our Muslim ummah by all means available to him/her even if others in superior positions than him/her do not. Allah Subahanahu-wa-tha’ala has made the world in such a way that success in many areas of life comes out of discipline and hard work. Getting your body in shape, having good relationships, succeeding at study etc all take some level of commitment and work. So if we want to see a glorious and stronger Muslim ummah we need to be willing to do things we’ve never done before. This sometimes means leaving one’s comfort zone and knuckling down for some hard work.

India Bans Arab TV Channels Under Pressure From Israel

2006-09-05T21:28:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

I was shocked to hear the news India Bans Arab TV Channels Under Pressure From Israel, especially at a time when the Indian Congress party is in power. It is indeed tragic to see an emerging super power and the world’s largest democracy resorting not only to suppress alternative opinions but also allow India to be dictated to by foreign powers.

This is a slap in the face of Arab governments who have been appeasing India all these years by ignoring the plight of Indian Muslims and keeping silent on the Kashmir issue. Like the above link points out, it’s done in order to ensure the Indians, especially India’s large Muslim minority don’t see the atrocities and crimes committed by India’s present close foreign allies against Muslims in other countries. The ban is a reflection of Indian governments ‘don’t care’ attitude towards India’s 140 million Muslim citizens-the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia. This is also a direct result of the failure of Indian Muslims to ensure their interests are considered in the Indian national arena.

The ban on Arab TV channels calls for actions by Arab nations to safeguard Arab and Muslim interests in India. And the Indian Muslims should ensure India puts its countrymen’s concerns and interests above the agendas of foreign powers. If not there will only be a worsening of India’s current situation in the future.

3 intriguing articles on Hizbullah, Lebanon crisis and the Muslim Ummah

2006-08-30T22:35:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

In the course of last two weeks I came across these three intriguing and thought provoking articles.

1. Hezbollah’s resilience built on years of homework (Christian Science Monitor)

This is an inspiring article, examining the facts behind Hezbollah’s recent success. Muslim organizations can learn a great deal from the faith, courage, determination, strategy and hard work, displayed by the Hezbollah fighters to defeat the militarily and technologically superior Israeli forces – one of the most powerful military force on earth. To put it in CSM own words “Meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of Israeli military doctrine both play into its success”

2. Robert Fisk: In the face of Bush's lies, it's left to Assad to tell the truth (The Independent, UK)

This article cuts at both ends –Hezbollah supporters and Israeli supporters. Here journalist Robert Fisk unearths complex truths invisible to the untrained eye.

3. The Muslim malaise (Toronto Star, Canada)

It’s a solid piece explaining hard-to-digest truths about the current situation of the Muslim Ummah. To quote a friend “You have to read the whole article because it covers almost every base out there. And it’s done in such a way that most people (who don't immediately reject articles with trigger words) will read this and take something from it”.

The last article is rather depressing for a Muslim. However remember the old maxim “know your mistakes and the battle is half won”.

How Sri Lanka Muslims suffer from Ethnic War and Tamil Tiger Terrorism

2006-08-28T21:46:00.000+05:30

Bismillahi rahmani raheem
In August (2006) more than 40,000 Muslim civilians fled in fear from their hometown Muttur in eastern Sri Lanka, as violence erupted between Government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels over a neighbouring water sluice. About 100 civilians were also believed to be killed or missing from this clash. This is only one major incident in the sufferings Sri Lankan Muslims continue to undergo for more than 25 years.

Sri Lanka and Muslims

Sri Lanka is an island nation of 20 million people and it is located in the Indian ocean, just off the southern tip of India. It is home to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ethnic communities who have lived in harmony with each other for centuries. The Sinhalese form the majority (74%) of the population followed by Tamils (15%) and Muslims (9%).

Sri Lanka’s 1.5 million Muslims are mostly Moors (i.e. descendent's of Arab traders who settled in the island centuries ago) while about 1/10 of them are Malays (who came to Sri Lanka during Dutch & British colonial rule.) These Muslims have over the time developed their own Sri Lankan identity and live scattered throughout the country in small communities. In the present context it's also noteworthy Muslims form the single largest ethnic community in the eastern province.

The Separatist War

In early 1980s the rebel group called LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) or better known as Tamil Tiger, launched a violent separatist struggle for a separate Tamil state in the Tamil majority north-eastern provinces of the country claiming the Tamil people were oppressed by the majority Sinhala Government. The war that ensued has so far claimed more than 60,000 lives and has devastated the country and its people.

Tamil Tigers and Muslims

From the beginning of the separatist war Tamil Tigers claimed to represent and fight for what they claimed as the "oppressed" Tamil minority of Sri Lanka. In addition the Tamil Tiger rebels made a preposterous claim that Muslims were not a separate ethnic community or a minority but part of Sri Lanka’s Tamil ethnicity. This they made realizing the strategic importance of numbers in their struggle for a separate Tamil country and due to the considerable concentration of Muslims in north-eastern provinces.

But the Sri Lankan Muslims with their own ethnic, cultural and religious identity opposed the Tamil Tigers preposterous claim. And also having lived in harmony for centuries among the Sinhala majority and used to considering Sri Lanka as their motherland the Muslims vehemently opposed the Tiger rebels struggle for a separate country.

Violence against Muslims

All Sri Lankan ethnic communities have suffered from the war but the islands third, and smallest, ethnic community –the Sri Lankan Muslims have become the worst affected and forgotten losers in this vicious struggle.

Since the start of the separatist war Tamil Tigers planed and carried out ruthless attacks against the Muslims living in the north-eastern areas of the country including ethnic cleansing, mass killings, forcefully taking over Muslim properties, imposing various taxes, abducting Muslim youth as Tiger guerrilla cadres and others for ransom.

1990-1991 was a particularly terrible period for Muslims. In October 1990 the Tamil Tigers ordered all Muslims living in Tiger controlled northern Jaffna peninsula to leave within 48 hours or face execution. So nearly 90,000 Jaffna Muslims fled from their homes overnight. Each fleeing person was only allowed to take 300 rupees in cash (around 10 US $ then) and a few cloths and leave behind everything else they had, which subsequently the Tamil Tigers took over. These Muslims fleeing the northern peninsula were gathered in refugee camps in Putlam and Kalpity areas. These Muslim people had lived better lives in Jaffna while some had even been very successful businessmen. Even today after 15 years, around 53,000 of them still live in these refugee camps.

The same year Tamil Tigers massacred 172 Muslims praying in a Mosque in the eastern town of Kathankudy. Not stopping from these, they have since then killed many thousands of north-eastern Muslims by sporadic attacks, not to mention they have taken over Muslim peoples properties in Eastern areas under their control. So the mainly agrarian North-Eastern Muslims have been continuously suffering in the hands of the ruthless Tamil Tigers.

Current Situation of Muslims

The successive governments elected to power have not addressed the concerns and sufferings of Muslims. Furthermore on many occasions the protection offered by Government forces to the Muslims has been inadequate, thus exposing them to the ruthless Tamil Tiger terrorism. Meanwhile the Government, Muslims and Sinhalese from other parts of the country, Islamic organizations and other NGOs, continue aid and rehabilitation efforts. However the relief and rehabilitation efforts are insufficient and with the continuation of hostilities despite a ceasefire since 2002, Muslims in war-torn areas continue to endure the adversities of war.

Meanwhile Muslim political parties and representatives are stuck in personal wrangling and are divided. Many Muslim politicians are trying to make the pains and sufferings of these destitute people into their own personal projects to uplift their political image. This was evident from the recent Muttur incident where currently 40,000 Muslims are displaced and continue to live in refugee camps undergoing much hardship. Consequently there is no one to speak for the real concerns and sufferings of the Muslims.

Caught in this intricate and seemingly endless web of violence between Tamil Tiger terrorists and the Government, Sri Lanka's Muslims are increasingly desperate, unsure which way to turn, and whom to trust. Forgotten victims of a particularly vicious war, they are trapped between hammer and anvil.

Related Useful Links:

Reflection: Terror plot and disproportionate reporting by corporate media!

2006-08-21T22:55:00.001+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

Before reading this please read my earlier post – Current Issues: UK airline terror plot

For the past two week the corporate media has been bursting with news on the alleged plot to blow U.S. jetliners out of the Atlantic skies. It resulted in causing great amount of panic and rekindle fear of “Islamic terror” in the minds of people. A Sri Lankan newspaper columnist made these observations about media latest spotlight.

“Does the news about the terror plot deserve such prominence? Look at some of the facts of the matter.

The plane plot was discovered well ahead of the alleged date on which the terror suspects were to allegedly execute their plan. So there was no need to cause unnecessary panic and flight delays worldwide.
The claim that five of the suspects are still at large was made by US authorities. Scotland Yard did not state this in its statement.
Since 1996, or even before that, western intelligence units and law enforcement authorities have been aware of the possibility of terrorists using liquid explosives.
None of the suspects was arrested in any of the British airports.
The arrests were the result of a long-standing investigation – a coordinated effort of the US, British and Pakistani governments. This means the suspects had been under surveillance for a long period. Surely, the authorities could have stepped up security measures to detect liquid explosives at every western airport as soon as they came to know about the alleged plot.
President Bush in a brief statement on Thursday said the plot was a “stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom.” There are no “Jewish-fascists” in Bush’s lexicon to describe those who kill children in Lebanon, and the US president after the 9/11 attacks made a similar statement saying the “terrorists hate us, because they hate the freedom we enjoy.”

In the absence of an independent and objective global TV channel to report the news as it is, the corporate media are probably over reacting – or, to use the Lebanese conflict jargon, indulging in disproportionate reporting.”

It is also alleged that a powerful section of the Western corporate media is in the hands of those who wage the war on terror on behalf of capitalism, rightwing evangelism and Zionism.

Current Issues: UK airline terror plot

2006-08-21T22:55:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

August 10, British police revealed the alleged plot to blow up about 10 civilians jetliners over the Atlantic using disguised liquid explosives. So far media reports claim British and Pakistani authorities have arrested 41 people in the two countries in connection with the suicidal plan.

Just as the Lebanon conflict eclipsed the events in Iraq, the alleged terror plot to blast civilian jetliners over the Atlantic has overshadowed Israel’s wanton destruction of Lebanon, where thousands of people are starving to death. The manner the terror plot was revealed has shifted the world attention from Israeli terror to the so-called Islamic terror and helped Israel to keep its war crimes out of media channels.

I don’t dismiss the alleged terror plot as a Western conspiracy or protect those behind it. Rather I question claims made by London because both London and Washington poured on us heaps of similar claims – which were never proved – before the 2003 invasion of Iraq with the claim of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

If those suspects are found guilty they should be punished, for those who kill or intend to kill innocents civilians are a threat to humanity. Terror is not the answer to state terror.

If those Muslims suspects really want to teach Washington and London a lesson for their open support for Israel’s terror, they should go to Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon and fight the war to evict the colonialists and end the foreign occupation of those countries.

Reflection: Lebanon crisis: Who backed immediate ceasefire?

2006-08-19T22:23:00.000+05:30

Source: http://www.mujahideenryder.net/2006/08/04/world-view-on-mid-east-situation/

We all share the responsibility!

2006-08-15T21:35:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

It is very encouraging to see many scholars, leaders, intellectuals and journalist increasingly emphasizing the need for Muslim unity, in this long due awakening of the Muslim Ummah. But the effort of these people alone is not sufficient to unite the Ummah. We the Muslim masses must share this responsibility and play our part towards uniting Muslims. It is high time we put this among our priorities in our daily life. Allah says in the Qur’an "Verily Allah will not change the condition of people until they change it themselves." [13:11]

(thanks to br. Buraq for the graphic)

Intellectuals: Dr. Rashid Shaz

2006-08-15T21:30:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

On the subject of Muslims future, Dr. Rashid Shaz of New Delhi, author of ‘Understanding the Muslim Malaise’ and ‘Islam: Negotiating the future’, has been at the forefront for a regeneration in Islamic thought among Indian Muslims. After the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1993, he launched an international weekly magazine, the Milli Times. Presently he is chairman of Peace India International and edits a bi-monthly journal on Future Islam in Arabic, English and Urdu. FutureIslam.com explores how Muslims can emerge from a 'ghetto-mind' and find a Quranic basis of a global living.

A practical vision to Unite Muslim countries

2006-08-13T21:40:00.000+05:30

Assalamu Alaikum,

I read a critic say, “Even if Islam were to sweep the entire area from South Africa to Philippines we [the western neo-colonialist] need not fear for they are utterly and hopelessly disunited. The Islamic world would probably turn in on itself over sectarian and national divisions before it would be a major threat to even India.” I wish it was not but I fear that is the truth. Today Muslims number 1.5 billion and counting. Oil drives the world and 3/4 of the proven oil reserves lie under Muslims feet. Islam the religion of Muslims is a potent force as it was when it first spread out of Arabia 14 centuries ago. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific isles is a landmass spanning 15,000 km inhabited by Muslim majorities.

Yet how do Muslims figure in the world arena? Sad to say it’s nothing less that pathetic. The GDP of all the Muslim countries combined is less than or equal to that of France. When 50,000 Muslim women are raped by Christian Serbs in Bosnia, Muslims watched as spectators. When country after country falls to the hands of neocolonialist Muslims look on helplessly. When Lebanon is bombed to Stone Age and Palestine is no more they heat their seats. Millions starving in Africa, many more oppressed in Central Asia does not disturb the Muslim peace of mind. YaAllah! I dare say they’ll be heating their chairs even if Mecca is vaporized or millions butchered in Saudi Arabia and Iran. "The less we think about the Muslims the happier we’ll be," seems the thought of the day.

Disunited as we are I don’t think Allah will help us if we don’t try to correct ourselves. Allah’s help comes only when we change ourselves for the better. The darkest hours are the nearest to dawn. There are ways out of this seemingly stalemate situation.

Presented here is a vision to unite Muslims countries. If it materializes there’ll be a Muslim federation or union stretching from the shores of Atlantic to the isles in the edge of Pacific Ocean. First let’s look at the some facts.

The map shows the current worldwide Muslim population distribution. The vision foreseen here is for a united union/federation of Muslim majority countries. Lets call it United Nation of Islam or Union of Nations of Islam or simply UNI for now, for easier reference. Here is the map of UNI based on the above Muslim distribution. The countries with more than 50% Muslim population will belong to the United Nation of Islam (UNI). This map shows this intercontinental UNI state.

UNI does not necessarily mean something like a Caliphate, it could be like the European Union, and inshaallah can be created in phases and stages via discussions, consensus, coordination etc. The current national borders, nation governments etc. will be intact, but there will also be a federal government and parliament for the whole UNI. The people from one part of the federation, for instance a citizen of Nigeria would be able to go to Bangladesh or Malaysia without the need for a passport or other travel documents, just like within the EU. An investor from Kuwait will be able to start a business enterprise in Senegal or Pakistan as easily as he would in Kuwait. An Indonesian, Pakistani farmer will send his harvest to be sold to Moroccans and Yemenis without much hassle or import duties he presently has to pay. People within the UNI will be able to move and settle anywhere within the UNI federation’s borders as if in the same country. The movement of people and goods within the federation will have as much freedom as available in a country now. All people irrespective of gender, religion, nationality, caste, colour or language currently living within the UNI borders will belong and be citizens of UNI. They'll have all the rights they enjoy now. There’s no need for Muslims living outside of UNI federation to come and live in a UNI country, but of course if anyone wants they'll be able to settle and obtain citizenship of any of the UNI countries.

Leaving things as it is or engaging in wishful thinking without action or allowing and appealing to non-Muslims to decide the fate of our Muslim ummah and our lands, in all likelihood leads to the devastation of both. We Muslims must decide our future and not leave it for the Pentagon or Kremlin. We are making a grave mistake in underestimating the abilities, resources and knowledge Allah has given us. Inshaallah if we try will make it.

It’s worthy remembering 60 years ago a European Union was a dream of a few enlightened people. Today it is a reality. There always exists an urge in the Muslim psyche for something like a Caliphate. Similar proposals have been voiced before. That’s good. But to bear fruit plans need to be made and we need to contribute by our actions. As the first step in materializing this dream we need to spread the idea to many as possible.

Introduction to Unite Muslims Blog

2006-08-08T23:07:00.000+05:30

Bismillar-hirahmanir-raheem,

At last I decided to write a blog. So here it is -the Unite Muslims blog, my first blog. Writing a blog as a step towards uniting Muslims has been at the back of my mind for several months. Unfortunately it wasn’t till today I finally decided to cut the Gordian knot. I am not much of a writer but I think I'll be able to develop my writing skills in the process and voice my convictions more clearly. Inshaallah this is going to be a new experience to me. Well, first things first. Why did I start this blog? What are my objectives?

Why did I start this blog?

The answer is easy as well as sad. Sometime back I remember reading in an old magazine about the Bosnian tragedy in the early 1990s. Around 50,000 Bosnian Muslim women were raped and numerous other atrocities were done to the helpless Bosnian Muslims. Yet hardly any Muslim country or movement took sufficient action to stop this horrible crime against Muslims. It seems all had washed their hands-off leaving everything to the United Nations and some small-scale individual efforts by some Muslims.

Now a decade and a half later one would expect things to have changed. But has anything changed? For the past three weeks, Israel has been bombarding Lebanon, they allege is in response to the abduction of two of their soldiers by Lebanon base Hezbollah organization. But the scale of their military operations shows a very different picture. I may be wrong (as I have been more than I like to confess); it looks like this latest ‘invasion’ of Israel is nothing but the next stage of their long-term plan (more accurately the next stage of their well planed strategy).

Okay, we’ll talk about it another time maybe. Nevertheless this latest atrocity by Israel against this small war-torn country wouldn’t have happened if our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Muslim leaders had stood up for Lebanon, as they rightly should! Israel or any other country would dare not touch a Muslim land if Muslims were united. To recall an old idioms “Union is strength” as well as ‘United we stand divided we fall’. So as you would have guessed Unite Muslims blog is an effort in the direction of uniting Muslims. Allhamdulillah, I am happy to be writing this blog and participate actively with many thousands of Muslims around the globe working towards Muslim unity.

What is the objective of Unite Muslims blog?

The objective of this blog is to create awareness about the challenges Muslims are facing, the sufferings our brothers and sisters in various parts of the world are undergoing daily, working towards Muslim unity and spreading Islamic awareness by examining the world with Islamic objectives. Inshaallah from this humble effort I hope to create a desire, a deep craving among Muslims to put aside their differences and unite in the name of almighty Allah for a better world for all.

Update
After starting Unite Muslims I have also become a member of the community blog - Muslim Unity