Defamation of Salafiyyah and Land Theft- Rebuttal to Samuel, Salem Alketbi and Michael
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah, The Exalted, said:
يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَيَأْبَى اللَّهُ إِلَّا أَنْ يُتِمَّ نُورَهُ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ
هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
They want to extinguish Allah’s Light (with which Muhammad SAW has been sent – Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the disbelievers hate (it). It is He who has sent His Messenger (Muḥammad) with guidance (which comprises beneficial knowledge) and the religion of truth (which comprises righteous action) to make it manifest it over all other religion (through the authority of proof and evidence), even though the polytheists (and every denier of pure monotheism) may dislike it. [1]
This article serves as a brief response to the viewpoints presented by Samuel J. Hyde, Salem Alketbi and Michael Freund. All three articles can be classified as opinion pieces, primarily reflecting the authors’ perspectives on particular issues. However, it is essential to recognise that many individuals who produce such writings often align themselves with ideological or demagogic stances, articulating opinions that mirror the policies or beliefs of politicians or orientalists regarding specific topics. In the case of Samuel J. Hyde and Salem Alketbi, their articles appear to intentionally misrepresent Salafiyyah, aiming to manipulate public perception. This approach not only misleads the readers but also obscures the truth with falsehoods and introduces ambiguity where clarity is needed, all to serve their own agenda. Therefore, it is essential to avoid the simplistic assumption that these individuals are merely writers sharing their opinions. In truth, many of them are ideologues, demagogues, and provocateurs who endevour to shape the narrative, structure, content, and timing of their published works. They attempt to shape our perceptions of reality, skewing our understanding and leading us to interpret information in a manner that contradicts its actual nature. This can result in a failure to recognise evidence that should prompt a reassessment of our thoughts, causing us to hold onto misconceptions. Furthermore, we may grasp concepts in a particular way while remaining oblivious to alternative interpretations that could equally represent the truth, or we might comprehend information in a manner that overlooks opposing evidence, which is less likely to be accurate.
Samuel J. Hyde and Salem Alketbi adopt an orientalist perspective, whether consciously or not, as they seek to disseminate a misleading narrative concerning Salafiyyah by introducing the notion of Salafi Jihadism. Michael Freund presents a viewpoint that resonates with a belief held by Zionists, grounded in abrogated and distorted Scriptures and historical half-truths. While it is true that the Children of Israel [2] occupied certain territories in the region at various points in history, including Palestine, they are not the original inhabitants. The land has passed through the control of different groups over time, some of whom held sway for significant periods. Yet, Zionists assert their claim to the land as if they are its rightful and eternal heirs. Thus, Freund rides on a trojan horse of distorted scriptures and historical half-truths to advocate for land theft. As we have briefly addressed these matters, we will provide links to those two clarifications—one regarding Salafiyyah and the other concerning the promised land.
Response to Samuel and Salem
Post-Assad regime, where does Syria go from here? – opinion
By SALEM ALKETBI JANUARY 11, 2025
He stated in this article:
Notably, Julani’s ideological foundation and background in Salafi jihadism have not undergone fundamental transformation – suggesting otherwise reflects unrealistic optimism. Consequently, Arab states must avoid previous strategic miscalculations and prevent Syria from falling under alternative regional hegemony replacing Iran’s previous dominance over Syrian policy during Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
Political Islam and Islamists – The Manipulation of Terminology by Ideologues
Response to Michael
The Promised Land: A Brief Examination from a Religious and Historical Perspective
[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/9_32 https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/9/33
[2] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/09/a-brief-discussion-on-the-attribution-to-the-offspring-of-prophet-yaqub-in-our-era/