In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Ibn Qudamah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Envy often arises among individuals who share similar circumstances, such as contemporaries, peers, brothers, and cousins, due to the divergent aspirations of each person, resulting in disharmony and animosity. As a result of this, one scholar may feel envious of another scholar, but they will not envy a worshipper. Similarly, a worshipper may feel envious of another worshipper, but they will not envy a scholar. Likewise, a trader may feel envious of another trader, and a cobbler may feel envious of another cobbler. This is because their goals conflict with each other. The basis of this matter is love of the worldly things, as they are limited for those who compete for them.
However, when it comes to the afterlife, there are no such limitations. Those who have a love for knowledge and awareness of Allah, knowledge about Allah’s angels, Allah’s Prophets, and Allah’s supreme authority over the heavens and the earth, will not feel envy towards others once they are acquainted with these matters. This is because no person can restrict others through these things; rather, you find a particular scholar is known by thousands of other scholars, and they rejoice in his understanding. This is the reason why there is no envy among the upright scholars of the religion because their primary objective is to attain knowledge and awareness of Allah, which is an extensive pursuit. Their ultimate aim is to achieve a lofty position in the sight of Allah, and the rewards that Allah has reserved for them in the hereafter are boundless. The greatest blessing bestowed by Allah is the pleasure of meeting Him, and this cannot be hindered or limited. Furthermore, no competitors in this pursuit can restrict it to others. On the contrary, harmony among the scholars increases as the number of competitors grows. However, if wealth and status become the scholars’ main focus, envy will inevitably arise among them.
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “One of you looks at the speck in his brother’s eye while forgetting the stump in his own eye.” [a]
Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
This narration shows that it is obligated to (a person) to pre-occupy himself with his own faults before looking at that of others. It is severe heedlessness that a Muslim is heedless of his faults and delays rectification of himself, yet he criticises others and even though his faults are more and greater than that of others. Therefore, what is obligated to a Muslim and a Muslimah is to strive to prevent oneself from violating Allah’s commands and prohibition. Also, one should strive to call others to the (path of) Allah, so that they are distanced from sins, as sins are a heavy burden on a person in this life and the next, and make them incline towards obedience to Allah that would make their scales of good deeds heavy, earn a person paradise and the pleasure of Allah, and saves him from the anger of Allah and His painful punishment. However, it must be borne in mind that warning against ahlul bidah – those who call to their bidah through speech and books – is not tantamount to seeking after the faults of others, for indeed to warn against ahlul bidah is an established Sunnah- obligated by the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This is because to abandon the mention of a Mubtadi in order to warn against him is tantamount to abandonment of enjoining good and forbidding evil”. Therefore, we must make a distinction in order to know what is commanded and what is prohibited, and the difference between warning and seeking after the faults of others.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, stated in his refutation against Dr Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli, may Allah recitify his affair:
Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, once urged the poets among his companions to disparage the Quraish. Aishah narrated that Allaah’s Messenger said, “Lampoon the Quraish, for it will hurt them more than arrows”. He sent word to Ibn Rawaahah, saying, “Lampoon them”. So he lampooned them but it was not good enough. Then he sent word to Ka’b Bin Malik, then he sent word to Hassan bin Thaabit. When he entered upon him, Hassan said, “Now you have sent for this lion who wreaks vengeance then waves his tail about”, then he stuck out his tongue and moved it. He said, “By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as leather is torn”. Allah’s Messenger said, “Do not be hasty. AbuBakr is most knowledgeable about their lineage, and I share a lineage with them. (Wait) until he summarizes my lineage for you”. Hassan went to him, then he came back and said, “O Allah’s Messenger! He has summarized your lineage for me. By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall draw you out from them as a hair is drawn out of the dough”. Aishah said, “I heard Allaah’s Messenger say to Hassan, “The Ruhul Qudus (i.e. Jibreel) will continue to support you, so long as you are defending Allah and His Messenger”. She said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger say, “Hassan has lampooned them and has satisfied himself and others”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 2490]
Al-Baraa’ah Bin Aazib, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying to Hassaan Bin Thaabit, may Allah be pleased with him, “Lampoon them and Jibril is with you”. [Bukhaari 3213]
So when the people of falsehood become overbearing towards the people of truth through evil speech, defamation, lies and praising (other) people of falsehood, then the people of truth cannot (do anything else) except to subdue the people of falsehood- clarifying their oppressive (behaviour, views etc), their barefaced lies and unveiling their falsehoods. (1)
The Shaikh also stated:
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated while disapproving of Ahlul Bidah in Madaarij As-Saalikeen, “And due to this, the disapproval of the pious predecessors and the Imams against (bidah) was severe and they spoke out (loudly) against its people from the various regions of the earth. They warned against their fitnah (trials, temptations) with a more severe warning and did so to an extent that was not the same as their disapproval against lewd acts, oppression and aggression. (This is) because the harm of bidah (against the religion), its destructive (effects on the religion) and negation (of the religion) is more severe”.
Then the Shaikh spoke about the Fard Kifaayah in the context of Jihad (Footnote a). For example, Jihad one of the Furood al-Kifaayaat (Communal obligations), thus, if one person goes for Jihad in order to repel a threat faced by Islam and the Muslims, will the legislated Islamic goal of this Jihad be fulfilled by one person; or if hundreds of people went but neither the legislated Islamic goal is fulfilled nor is the threat repelled, would it be permissible for the scholars to remain silent in such circumstances; or is it obligated that they exhort the people to go for Jihad in order to fulfil this communal obligation? (This is because) there has to be sufficient numbers of people to fulfil this (Communal) obligation in order to put a stop to the threat face by the rest of the Muslims. If this sufficient number is not reached, then all the Muslims are regarded to be sinful in such a case and held responsible for the harm that comes to Islam and the Muslims. Similarly is the same thing stated regarding enjoining good and forbidding evil, because there has to be sufficient numbers to prevent the Fitnah, if one, ten or twenty are unable to do so. Therefore, it becomes clear that many of the students- those who ascribe themselves to the Sunnah-who seek from the Scholars to clarify their stances have sought after something appropriate and correct if there is a sound reason for seeking after it. It is not to be regarded a mistake, but the mistaken one is he who declares those students to be mistaken. The silence of the scholars at the time of need or necessity to clarify the truth is tantamount to concealment of the truth and it is from those grave mistakes that will result in corruption, trials, splitting of the people into two groups, two parties, boycotting one another and so on. (2)
[1] An Excerpt from Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal Ikhlaal. p 23-25
[2] An Excerpt from Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal. p 62-63
And We have not taught him (Muhammad) poetry, nor is it befitting for him. This is only a Reminder and a plain Quran. [Yasin 69]
Allah, The Exalted, clears His Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, of the accusations made by the polytheists that he is a poet, and that what he brought forth is poetry. He said:
وَمَا عَلَّمْنَاهُ الشِّعْرَ وَمَا يَنْبَغِي لَهُ
“And We have not taught him (Muhammad) poetry, nor is it befitting for him” to be a poet. This in essence is an impossibility for him, as he is guided and righteous, while poets are misguided and are followed by the misguided. Allah eliminated all doubts which the misguided attributed to His Messenger, and that neither could he write nor read poetry, and that poetry is not something He has taught him, nor is it fitting for him.
إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ
“This (i.e. what he recites) is only a Reminder”.
Meaning, this matter he has brought is nothing other than a reminder through which those who possess understanding are reminded all the religious (obligations and recommendations) comprehensively. It reminds the intellects to reflect on what Allah has instilled in them regarding the command of all that is good and the prohibition of all that is repugnant (or evil).
وَقُرْآنٍ مُبِينٍ
“and a plain Quran”.
Meaning, clear in what requires explanation. Thus, the subject has been omitted to indicate that it elucidates all truth through detailed and general proofs, (as well as clarify in detail and general) the falsehoods and their refutations, and also revealed to His Messenger.
Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars. As for the poets, the erring follow them; see you not that they speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry? And that they say what they do not do. Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, and remember Allah much, and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims). And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned. [Ash-Shu’araa 221-227]
After Allah freed the Prophet that the devils do not descend on him, He also cleared him of any association with poetry, stating: “As for the poets”, Meaning, shall I not also inform you regarding the condition and established traits of the poets, for indeed “the erring follow them” away from the path of guidance, while embracing the path of deviation and destruction. Thus, they themselves are upon error and you will find that their followers are all misguided and corrupt individuals. [1]
Based on the apparent meaning of the verse, most poets behave in this manner; they say what they do not practice. They speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry. You see them speaking here and there without truth, instead imagining things and the speaking about them, or lying due to personal needs or other motivations. [إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ – Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds].
Allah made them an exception. They are the ones whose poetry is both good and beneficial, such as Hassan Ibn Thabit, the poet of the Messenger, Ka’b Ibn Malik, Abdullah Ibn Rawaha, and other poets of the believers. Then those after them during the era of the Tabi’un and the followers of the Tabi’un to the present day of ours. The poetry of the believers is both beneficial and valuable, as the Prophet stated, “Indeed, there is wisdom in poetry.” The Prophet instructed Hassan to lampoon the Quraysh and the disbelievers, saying: “For it (i.e. lampooning them) is more severe against them than the raining arrow.” He said: “O Allah! Aid him (i.e. Hasan) with the Ruhul Qudus”. (i.e. Jibreel). The poetry from a believer in defense of truth and in condemnation of falsehood is something (commanded or recommended), and its composer is thanked and rewarded. These are the ones referred to in Allah’s statement: “Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds]. [2]
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated:
Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, once urged the poets among his companions to disparage the Quraish. Aishah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “Lampoon the Quraish, for it will hurt them more than arrows”. He sent word to Ibn Rawaahah, saying, “Lampoon them”. So, he lampooned them but it was not good enough. Then he sent word to Kab Bin Malik, then he sent word to Hassaan bin Thaabit. When he entered upon him, Hassan said, “Now you have sent for this lion who wreaks vengeance then waves his tail about”, then he stuck out his tongue and moved it. He said, “By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as leather is torn”. Allah’s Messenger said, “Do not be hasty. AbuBakr is most knowledgeable about their lineage, and I share a lineage with them. (Wait) until he summarizes my lineage for you”. Hassan went to him, then he came back and said, “O Allah’s Messenger! He has summarized your lineage for me. By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall draw you out from among them as a hair is drawn out of the dough”. Aishah said, “I heard Allaah’s Messenger say to Hassan, “The Ruhul Qudus (i.e. Jibreel) will continue to support you, so long as you are defending Allah and His Messenger”. She said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger say, “Hassan has lampooned them and has satisfied himself and others”. [Sahih Muslim Number 2490]
Al-Baraa’ah Bin Aazib narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger of Allah saying to Hassan Bin Thaabit, “Lampoon them and Jibril is with you”. [Al-Bukhari 3213]
Thus, when the people of falsehood become overbearing towards the people of truth through evil speech, defamation, lies and praising (other) people of falsehood, the people of truth cannot except to subdue the people of falsehood- clarifying their oppressive (behaviour, views etc), their barefaced lies and unveiling their falsehoods. [3]
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
O people! Listen and comprehend; if you understand, then benefit from it. Indeed, whoever lives will eventually die, and whoever has died is gone. Everything that is to come will surely come. Now, let us proceed:
In the heavens, there exists a significant message, and on the earth, there are valuable lessons. A stretched-out expanse has been created, a ceiling is elevated, stars are in motion, and oceans are unfathomable. The night is dark, and the sky is adorned with towers. Qassu has sworn an oath by Allah, a solemn oath that is neither false nor sinful, asserting that if there is contentment on earth, there will inevitably follow discontent. Indeed, Allah—exalted is His power—has ordained a religion that He cherishes more than the one you currently follow, and its time has arrived, and its duration has reached you. Why do I observe people departing (this world) without returning? Have they found satisfaction in their stay, or have they been left to slumber? The departing ones from the past have left us with insights. When I observed the paths leading to death, I found no sources to turn back to. I witnessed my people moving towards it, with both the young and the old in pursuit. The past cannot return to me, nor do the remaining ones linger. I became certain that there is no escape, as the people have all moved on. (1)
Qussu used to visit Caesar and engage in conversation with him. One day, Caesar said to him, “What is the greatest form of wisdom?” He replied, “It is the understanding of oneself.” Caesar then asked, “What is the highest form of knowledge?” He said, “It is the ability to recognise the limits of one’s own knowledge.” Caesar continued, “What is the finest aspect of one’s sense of honour?” He said, “It is the preservation of one’s dignity.” Caesar further asked, “What is the most valuable form of wealth?” He said, “It is that which is used to fulfill obligations”. (2)
(1) Bulugh Al-Arab – By Mahmud Shukri Al-Alusi 2/245
(2) Kitab Al-Amaliy 93 By Abu Ali Isma’il Bin Qasim Bin Harun Al-Baghdadi Al-Qaliy
And those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat]. [Al-Furqan. 73]
Imam Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented on this Ayah:
The identity of the reminder giver remains undisclosed, encompassing all individuals who provide reminders. This serves to demonstrate that the acceptance of the reminder is not contingent upon the particular person delivering it, as some only accept the truth when it is presented by a specific individual. If the reminder comes from someone else, it is not acknowledged, similar to how the people of the Scripture treated the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as well as others who only accept the truth from a particular group or person. Allah said:
And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture all the Signs, they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction)]. [Al-Baqarah. 145]
So here, Allah says: [إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا – And those who, when they are reminded]. The individual providing the reminder remains unknown (in this Ayah), indicating their acceptance of the truth based on its validity and not due to who says it. The acceptance or rejection of the reminder is not contingent upon the person delivering it, but rather on the content of the reminder itself. This underscores the benefit of not disclosing the doer of the action (i.e. the reminder giver). [1]
NB: There is an exception in this matter and that is a Sunni, Athari – adherent to the Sunnah – does not lend an ear to Ahlul Bidah. Shu’aib, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I said to Ibn Seereen: “What is your view concerning listening to the people of desires (i.e. ahlul bidah)?” He said: “We neither listen to them nor honour them”. [2]
[1] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Surah Al-Furqan. Ayah 2. Shared by our Salafi brother and colleague Abdul Malik (Abu Zakariyyah Al-Congoli (may Allah preserve him)
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Sultan Abdul Aziz (1277 – 1293 AH / 1861 – 1876)
He ascended to the throne following his brother in the late year of 1277 AH. During his reign, a revolution erupted in the island of Crete, which was suppressed in 1283 AH /1863. The Suez Canal was inaugurated in 1385 AH / 1869, and during the early years of his rule, the Judicial Regulations magazine and the Maritime Trade Law were published. He traveled to Europe and contemplated taking advantage of the rivalries among European nations; however, he discovered that they were united in their opposition to the Ottoman Empire, viewing it as an Islamic state. The Europeans could not shake off the deep-seated animosity rooted in their history, although they often disagreed among themselves based on their individual interests.
They were determined to exert pressure on the Ottoman government to continue its reform efforts and purported advancement along Western lines, European thought, and secular principles. Sultan Abdul Aziz was committed to following the path established by his father, Mahmud II, and his brother, Abdul Majid. He retained all officials responsible for implementing the reforms. Among the most significant administrative reforms during his reign was the enactment of the Provincial Law in 1281 AH (1864). Additionally, a Supreme Judicial Court, known as the Council of Judicial Decisions, was established. In 1385 AH (1868), a State Council modeled after the French system was created, referred to as the Council of State, which had the crucial responsibility of discussing the budget.
In the field of education, a secondary school was established in 1285 AH /1868, known as “Galatasaray.” The curriculum offered at this institution was superior to that of other secondary schools, with all subjects taught in French, except for the Turkish language. The primary objective of founding this school was to produce a group of young individuals capable of fulfilling public service roles. The student body comprised individuals from various religious backgrounds, predominantly Muslims, but also included Greeks, Armenians, who were Christians, as well as a number of Jews. In fact, the school attracted a significant number of students, reaching a total of 600 in 1869, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Despite the reform measures implemented during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz, European nations deemed them insufficient as evidence of the Ottoman Empire’s genuine desire for reform. They believed that the efforts to improve the conditions of Christian subjects and to eradicate the widespread corruption within the administrative and governmental systems were inadequate. Many contemporary observers in Europe viewed these corrupt practices as a significant threat that could ultimately lead to the collapse of the state. [Footnote a]
Many English contemporaries, along with others, believed that the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire had become inevitable due to its failure to adopt European reform methods. In 1865, British Foreign Secretary Lord Clarendon stated that the only way to improve the situation of the Ottomans was to completely remove them from existence. This sentiment underscores the animosity that Christians held towards the Ottoman Empire, which had previously defeated them, particularly following the conquest of Constantinople. [Footnote b] The Ottoman Empire failed to adopt European reform principles due to the complete disconnection between European ideals and the principles of the Ottoman state, which were derived from the Book of Allah and the teachings of His Messenger.
The Deposition of Sultan Abdul Aziz:
He had traveled to Europe, where he observed the collusion among European nations against the Ottoman Empire. He sought to take advanatge of the existing conflicts of interest between Western European countries and Russia to benefit the Ottoman state. Consequently, he began to frequently invite the Russian ambassador to Istanbul. This action alarmed the European powers, leading them to spread rumours about his extravagance and wastefulness. Ultimately, Mehmed Pasha succeeded in deposing him and, along with his associates, orchestrated his assassination in the year 1293 AH / 1876. Medmed Pasha was a member of the Donmeh Jews, [Footnote c] and Masonic propaganda promoted him throughout the Arab and Western regions as a great hero and the champion of reform and freedom within the Ottoman Empire, earning him the title of “Father of the Constitution.” His supporters utilised various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts, to elevate his status, leading him to attain high-ranking positions such as the governorship of Syria and Iraq, as well as the Grand Vizier, the highest office in the Ottoman Empire. Subsequently, he began to undermine and sabotage the system, driven by his Jewish and Masonic affiliations. He, along with the global Masonic network of Donmeh Jews, established the “Committee of Union and Progress,” which adopted the same emblem as Masonry and set its headquarters in Blanick. Eventually, some of his actions were revealed to Sultan Abdul Hamid, who subsequently arrested him, dismissed him from his position, and later exiled him. [Footnote d]
The assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be attributed to his outright rejection of Western constitutions and customs that were incompatible with Islamic values. He made significant strides in reforming the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the military sector. He strengthened the army by replacing outdated weaponry with modern arms, sourcing the necessary equipment from the finest weapon manufacturers in Europe. Additionally, he implemented military organization based on contemporary standards and established military units composed of members from various tribes and provinces, equipping forts and castles with the most advanced artillery available.
The Ottoman Empire’s artillery became a benchmark for advancement, thanks to the reforms implemented by Dar al-Madani al-Tubkhana, where modern equipment and machinery were introduced. This transformation enabled the production of all types of new weaponry. Additionally, significant improvements were made in the naval sector, with Ottoman experts replacing foreign specialists despite their objections and those of their countries. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire emerged as one of the leading maritime powers globally. He initiated the dispatch of naval missions abroad, procured armored vessels, and established several factories for their production, as well as for machinery and boilers. The Izmit manufacturing facility regained its former glory, while numerous shipyards were renovated. He also founded the Journal of Judicial Regulations and worked diligently to uphold justice, holding accountable high-ranking officials such as Khosrow Pasha, Atif Pasha, and Tahir Pasha. This commitment to justice and reform was evident to the public, but it did not sit well with European nations, which preferred a state of oppression that would hasten the empire’s decline.
Furthermore, he implemented financial reforms, mandated a balanced budget, abolished outdated financial lists, and settled the state’s debts, leading to a monetary system and a more organized financial situation. European nations were alarmed by the rapid actions taken by this sultan, which disrupted their plans to eliminate the “sick man” of the East. Consequently, they devised a conspiracy to depose and subsequently assassinate him. The origins of the conspiracy surrounding the assassination of Sultan Abdul Aziz can be traced back to a well-orchestrated plan devised by the consuls and representatives of European nations in the Ottoman capital. They executed this plan through their agents, who were influenced by their ideologies, including prominent figures in the government. Notably, the Freemason operative known as Mehmed Pasha admitted during his trial to his involvement in the deposition and murder of Sultan Abdul Aziz, a fact that is historically recognized and documented in various records.
An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/435-438
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Footnote a: This tactic is widely recognized as one employed by the opponent, who instigates internal conflict and subsequently presents itself as a benefactor or rescuer, similar to a fireman arsonist.
Footnote b: Read on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Part-One_Our-Ottoman-Brothers_Ascendancy-And-Decline.pdf
Footnote c: One of the works written on this subject matter is the book title: “The Secret Jews” by Joachim Prinz 1973. ISBN 0-394-47204-7
Footnote d: The author offers limited information in this section about the degree of this individual’s participation in the sultan’s assassination. However, regardless of his level of involvement or collaboration with external enemies of the state, the seriousness of taking a Muslim’s life is well-known. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The murder of a believer is a greater tragedy to Allah than the end of the world”. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1395]
And We bestowed upon him (i.e. Prophet Ibrahim) Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nuh (Noah), and among his progeny Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Ayub (Job), Yusuf (Joseph), Musa (Moses), and Harun (Aaron). Thus do We reward the good-doers. And Zakariya (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. And Isma’il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas’a (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lout (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times). And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a Straight Path. This is the Guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves. But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them. They are those whom We gave the Book, Al-Hukm (understanding of the religious laws), and Prophethood. But if these disbelieve therein (the Book, Al-Hukm and Prophethood), then, indeed We have entrusted it to a people (such as the Companions of Prophet Muhammad) who are not disbelievers therein. They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance. Say: “No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur’an). It is only a reminder for the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” [Al-An’aam. 83-90]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The Messengers are the most judicious among all of creation without exception, and their followers constitute the next most judicious group. Among the adherents of the scriptures and the great legislated laws, those who follow the Messengers are deemed the most judicious, with Muslims ranking highest among them. Among Muslims, the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, are regarded as the most judicious, followed closely by those who emulate their faith precisely. Furthermore, the people who steadfastly adhere to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet and the sound reports passed down from him are considered the most judicious within the Muslim Ummah after the companions and those who have followed their example.
The clear proof to demonstrate that the Messengers are the most judicious among the entire creation is that the beneficial knowledge they conveyed, the righteous deeds, and beneficial guidance for both this life and the hereafter, have not been conveyed by others or even something close to it. There is nothing – from any perspective – that emerged from other judicious people that can be compared to what the Messengers conveyed concerning beneficial knowledge, righteous deeds and actions, and the beneficial matters of true well-being in both the present world and the afterlife. Whoever reflects on their life stories, both specific and general, their patience and perseverance, their abstention from the fleeting pleasures of this material world, their fervent desire to seek Allah’s pleasure and the eternal rewards promised in the hereafter, their pure manners, their unparalleled truthfulness among all beings, possessors of the purest hearts and souls, custodians of the greatest trust (namely, divine revelation and prophethood), the most honourable companions one could have, the purest in their inner-most conscience and their private matters, would not doubt that they are the most judicious among Allah’s creation without exception. It is undeniable that those who closely follow their example will inherit a greater share of judiciousness than others. [1]
Patience
Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:
Allah tested Prophet Ayyoub, peace be upon him, and Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, when he lost his two sons [Yusuf and Binyameen- peace be upon them] as well as the effects of the severe grief in his heart. Allah said:
And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [Yusuf 84]
Allah tested Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during the early years of his (Prophethood) and obligated to him to call his people to abandon the Shirk and the misguidance they were nurtured upon by their forefathers. He made that clear to them in private and public- day and night. He approached them in their hangouts, gatherings, and towns, and carried on doing so for nearly 13 years whilst they inflicted severe harm on him, even though before this he lived for 40 years or more without being harmed. He was from a noble, honoured, and respected tribe – a noble, honoured, and respected household. He grew up with noble manners due to which he was honoured and respected by the people, but despite this, he was very modest.
The one with these qualities received severe harm and faced extreme hardship. This harm intensified with mockery- this one spat in his face and that one attempted to place his feet on his neck while he prostrated to his Lord (in prayer), and another person placed the intestines of a camel on his back while he prostrated, and such and such person grabbed the collar of his garment to strangle him. His uncle (Abu Lahab) followed him wherever he went and warned against him, saying, “He (i.e. Muhammad) is a liar. He is insane”. The foolish were incited against him and they pelted him with stones until blood flowed from his two feet. Others boycotted him and his close relatives – for a long time – so that they died out of hunger. Some people tortured his followers with various types of torture, and amongst them were those who were forced to lie down on the sand during the hottest time of the day and were denied water. One of them was burnt with fire until the only thing that extinguished the fire was the fat on his back. A woman amongst them was tortured, but when they realised that she would not renounce Islaam, they stabbed her in her private area and murdered her. All this torture was not due to anything else other than the fact that the Messenger was calling them to remove them from the darkness of Shirk and enter them into the light of Islaam- to remove them from corruption and enter them into upright conduct, distance them from the anger of Allah and guide them to the means of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and remove them from the path of eternal punishment and guide them towards the path of permanent bliss. However, they did not pay attention to this although its proofs were very clear; rather the only thing that concerned them was that he was calling them to other than what they desired.
Also, Allah tested the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through the death of his parents when he was very young, then the death of his grandfather, the death of his uncle who used to protect him, and the death of his wife who used to console him. The calamities did not cease, even though he is the leader of the children of Adam and the most beloved person to Allah.
Therefore, ponder on all of this to know – based on true knowledge – that the mutual rivalry – in which we engage and greedily exert ourselves to acquire the enjoyment of the worldly life – is nothing compared to attaining Allah’s Pleasure and eternal bliss in paradise. As for the misery and hardships of the worldly life which we flee from, they are nothing compared to Allah’s displeasure, His anger, and eternal punishment in the hell fire. Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A person amongst the inhabitants of Hell – who lived the most enjoyable life amongst the people of the world – would be dipped in fire only once on the Day of Resurrection and then it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you find any comfort, did you happen to get any material blessing?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, my Lord’. Then a person amongst the people of the world would be brought – who lived the most miserable life (in the world) – from amongst the inhabitants of Paradise and he would be dipped once in Paradise, and it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you face any hardship? Or had any distress fallen to your lot?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, O my Lord, never did I face any hardship or experience any distress’”. [Sahih Muslim. 2807] [2]
Sovereignty
The Greatest King of all Time Prophet Sulayman, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his father and all the Prophets
If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [Al-Ma’idah. 32]
Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, this implies that he does make a distinction between the one he killed and other than him; rather he would commit this act whenever his evil calls him to that. Therefore, his bold attitude that led him to kill is as if he has killed all humankind. On the other hand, if a person saves a life and does not kill – whilst his soul calls him to do so – due to fear of Allah, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind because the fear of Allah he possesses stops him killing one who does not deserve to be killed. [1]
Jane stated: “Israel is not a political issue; Israel is a Biblical issue – because this is God’s nation, and the Jewish people are His people”. [end of quote]
Response: The pious among the Children of Israel, as mentioned in the unadulterated Torah and Injeel, are recognized. Therefore, the reference to the Children of Israel in these scriptures pertains to a Biblical context rather than Zionism, as noble Musa and other Prophets of Bani Israel were not Zionists. Furthermore, we are all servants of Allah, and any nation that adheres to the sound teachings of His Prophets and Messengers honoured in His Sight. However, those who reject the message after the arrival of any Prophet or Messenger cannot be His chosen nation. A significant portion of Bani Israel turned away from the noble Prophet Eesa and the final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, along with all the other Prophets. Visit website: https://www.islammoses.com/im/
Regarding the statement that Israel is not a political matter, it seems that Jane may either be discussing modern politics and Zionism or referring to the unaltered teachings of the Torah and Injeel as practiced by the noble Prophets of Bani Israel. If her focus is on current events and what is termed the state of Israel, it is clear that its foundation is built upon misinterpreted texts and the principles of Zionism. Conversely, if she is alluding to the guidance of the ancient Prophets of Bani Israel, it is evident that their leadership and guidance was rooted in piety across all aspects of life. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Bani Isra’eel used to be ruled and guided by prophets. Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What do you order us (to do)?” He said, “Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 3455]
Imam Ibn Hajr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Whenever corruption appeared amongst them, Allah sent a Prophet to rectify their affairs and put an end to that which they changed in the rulings of the Torah”. [2]
Jane stated: Whether you are living in Finland, Venezuela, Belgium, America, Argentina or Japan – it doesn’t matter where you’re living; there is not one person or family who goes through life without extreme hardship, pain and trauma. Whether it’s an ugly divorce, being sick with cancer, betrayal, bankruptcy, accident, major surgery, the loss of a child, the loss of a loved one, abuse or rape, whatever it is, people are suffering the same in Israel. [end of quote]
Response: No matter our location, we all encounter life’s challenges and shifts in circumstances. For over seventy years, Palestinians have endured profound suffering. This acknowledgment does not diminish the pain experienced by others, whether Jewish or non-Jewish. However, it is undeniable that since the conclusion of the Second World War, no group has faced greater hardship and adversity than the Palestinians under successive Zionist administrations.
Jane stated: Whatever hardship you are going through that is breaking you to the core and has you weeping on the floor or not being able to get out of bed – whether you are living in Australia or Norway, no matter what you can possibly go through of horrific things in your life, we all suffer in some manner. It is a common denominator of our mortality on this earth. [end of quote]
Response: This statement holds true universally, yet no group has faced greater oppression and brutality since the Second World War than the Palestinians, subjected to the actions of successive Zionist administrations.
Jane stated: Now imagine, on top of whatever hardship you are going through anywhere around the world, you are being told by the whole world that you are “illegally occupying” your homeland. [end of quote]
Response: This above statement aligns perfectly with our expectations as Jane began to weave her narrative. The land is not the eternal possession of either the Zionists or Bani Israel. Read below:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
Jane stated: You are occupying someone else’s “country” that actually is non-existent – geopolitical fiction, actually, and for that fictional reason, it’s okay to murder you. For that same reason, you, your child, wife, or husband are brutally butchered in your home, run down while waiting at a bus stop, murdered in front of a supermarket, or shot while sitting on a bus. [end of quote]
Response: You are occupying territory that was previously home to inhabitants long before the noble Yusha Bin Nun, peace be upon him, arrived with a group of the upright believers, not the Zionists. This land is not imaginary or nonexistent; it is a tangible reality. Please take a moment to read the information below once more: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
The act of murdering non-combatants and unarmed civilians, irrespective of the location or the identity of the perpetrator—be they Muslim, Jew, or Christian—has been unequivocally denounced in the verse we referenced, along with its interpretation by Imam As-Sadi at the outset of this brief article.
Jane stated: The worst things people can experience happen to Israeli civilians – but why? The most horrific terror attacks that you can possibly imagine continue to happen – buses and cafes are being blown up, people are being stoned as they drive in their vehicles – which has just happened three days in a row, and a toddler was actually injured here in Israel. Countless thousands and thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones are flying into Israel as her enemies continue their efforts to murder you and anyone else who calls Israel their home. [end of quote]
Response: Violence begets violence, and malevolence fosters more malevolence. The actions of the Zionists have devastated Gaza, leaving it in ruins and resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands under the guise of retaliation and self-defense—an assertion that no rational individual can endorse. This cycle of aggression is bound to escalate, tragically impacting innocent lives who bear the brunt of the horrors inflicted by Hamas on civilians and non-combatants on October 7th, as well as the disproportionate response from the Zionists. Furthermore, this is compounded by their ongoing land appropriation and brutality towards the Palestinians over the past seven decades. We once again share the poignant statement from Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah protect him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w
Furthermore, allow me to present a glimpse into the historical context of Zionist violence:
The Deir Yassin Massacre: Took place on April 9, 1948, near Jerusalem, during which between 107 to 254 Palestinians were massacred at the hands of the extremist “Stern” gang.
The Nasr al-Din Massacre: Took place in April 1948. Al-Lajjun Massacre: Took place on April 13, 1948, in a Palestinian Arab village in the Jenin District, where the Zionist Haganah gang attacked it and killed 13 people.
The Saliha Massacre: Took place in May 1948, during which 75 Palestinians were massacred.
The Abu Shusha Massacre: Took place on May 14, 1948, near the village of Deir Yassin, and claimed the lives of (50) citizens, including women, men, children, and the elderly.
The Beit Daras Massacre: Took place in northeastern Gaza on May 21, 1948.
The Tantura Massacre: Took place on May 22, 1948, in the occupied city of Haifa, and claimed the lives of about (200) Palestinians.
The Lydda Massacre: Took place on July 12, 1948, in the occupied city of Lydda, and resulted in the massacre of about (500) Palestinians, including (150) who were massacred inside the city’s Grand Mosque. The Zionists threw many of them alive into the town’s wells.
The Dawayima Massacre: Took place on October 29, 1948, when a battalion from the terrorist “Lehi” organization led by Moshe Dayan attacked the village and then began searching homes and shooting at its residents. Entire families were exterminated in the massacre, which resulted in the killing of 200 men, women, and children.
The Zionist massacres did not stop after the Nakba of 1948, but rather their frequency, intensity, and brutality increased in light of the use of more lethal and destructive weapons. Among the most prominent of these massacres were: The Sharafat Massacre, which took place in February 1951, in which 11 Palestinians were massacred, and the rest of the village’s people were displaced. The Bethlehem Massacre took place in January 1952, in which 10 Palestinians were massacred. The Qibya Massacre took place on October 14, 1953, in the village of Qibya, east of Jerusalem, during which (67) Palestinians were massacred, most of whom were women and children, and during which 56 homes were destroyed. The Qalqilya Massacre took place on October 10, 1956, when the occupation forces attacked citizens in the city of Qalqilya in the West Bank, during which about seventy citizens were massacred.
The Kafr Qasem Massacre took place on October 29, 1956, in which 49 Palestinians were massacred, including 11 children, when they were all returning home from work. The Khan Yunis Massacre took place on November 3 and 12, 1956, in which between 280 and 500 Palestinians were massacred.
In 1970, Zionist aircraft struck Bahr al-Baqar Primary School and Abu Zaabal factories, killing more than 150 Egyptian students and workers. In 1980, the extremist Jewish organization Kach attempted to blow up Al-Aqsa Mosque, and a shipment of explosives weighing 120 kg was discovered. The Sabra and Shatila massacre took place in September 1982. This massacre lasted three days, and its direct perpetrators were members of the Lebanese Phalange forces allied with the Zionists led by Ariel Sharon. The Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre took place on February 25, 1994, when a Zionist named “Barog Goldstein” stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, and fired bullets and bombs at the worshipers. This massacre resulted in the massacre of 29 Palestinians. The Qana Massacre took place on April 18, 1995. [2]
Jane stated: It is horrific when you have to run for your life into bomb shelters, and old ladies living on the fourth floors of apartments that do not have an elevator – are not being able to come down to get into a bomb shelter. Imagine the terror as you bring your toddlers out in the middle of the night, running for cover as you try to shield their tender lives, because numerous countries are firing missiles, drones and rockets – all because they want to kill you just for you being Jewish and living in your own country. [end of quote]
Response: The plight of those who have been forced to flee for their lives for more than seventy years even more harrowing, especially when confronted by a Zionist army. It is indeed tragic that elderly women must navigate life on the fourth floor without elevators, unable to reach bomb shelters. Now, consider the even graver situation of those Palestinian elderly women who are left vulnerable to deadly Zionist airstrikes, with no refuge in sight. We can picture the sheer terror of a parent carrying a toddler through the chaos of the night, desperately seeking safety to protect their precious child. Now, amplify that fear to encompass the Palestinian toddlers who are exposed to the devastating impact of Zionist bombs, and the horror they experience when their families are obliterated without any shelter. We must reiterate to Jane that violence begets violence. Those who identify with Islam and target non-combatants and unarmed civilians deserve unequivocal condemnation. However, the strongest denunciation should be directed at the successive Zionist administrations and their military forces, who have perpetuated a campaign of terror for over seventy years. Additionally, the claim that the land belongs solely to one group has already been addressed on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/
Jane stated: The more subtle battles you face each day are things like your manufactured or homemade products being boycotted just for living in Judea and Samaria. In the political arena, your leaders are being named as war criminals when they are just defending you and your country. Then you have to watch millions of people walking in protests on the streets of cities all across the world while calling for the annihilation of you and your wife and your children, your grandchildren – staring in unbelief as you watch them walking and chanting in the streets as they call for robust support of these modern-day Nazis. [end of quote]
Response: We have consistently expressed our disapproval of sensationalism; it is imperative that we engage in discussions grounded in facts rather than resorting to dramatization and appealing for sympathy at the cost of fairness. The decision for any state or organization to boycott the Zionist government is a personal choice, irrespective of an individual’s circumstances under the Zionist administration. Read:
In the realm of politics, few groups have a more storied legacy of political support than the Zionists. [Footnote a] Furthermore, the leaders within the Zionist movement bear responsibility for the accusations leveled against them, irrespective of those they profess to protect. The right to self-defense and retaliation does not excuse acts of aggression and violence; indeed, it is even more troubling when such conduct is endorsed by declarations from Zionist figures. Read below:
Jane stated: However, the air is silent because there is not one word of shock, outrage, or anger for the hostages of October 7, 2023, to be released. In Israel, there are survivors among your people who have gone through the horrors of the Holocaust – and against all they endured, these brave souls came back as prophecies were fulfilled. Today, we see the Jewish people come home to their ancestral homeland with connections that reach back to thousands of years. Then the October 7 massacre happened, and some of those survivors perished at the hands of this new generation of Nazis.
This event in Israel was the biggest onslaught against the Jewish people since World War Two happened. Your soul feels violated as you are forced to watch people glorify and celebrate that horrific day, and on top of that – the world expects you to show restraint to feed your enemies and give them water and electricity to the people who are cheering when your people are being murdered. [end of quote]
Response: Netanyahu and Hamas share culpability for this malevolence, despite the fact that Hamas was absent when the Zionists initiated their acts of brutality more than seventy years ago. Nevertheless, Hamas serves as a strategic instrument for the Zionists.
https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right
Those who endured the horrors of the Holocaust and have recently faced violence deserve our compassion, and it is imperative to clarify that no one should justify acts of violence that target non-combatants and unarmed civilians, regardless of their background as Holocaust survivors or otherwise. Such acts of brutality are unequivocally condemned. However, we must also consider the plight of the thousands of Palestinians whose families—spanning three or four generations—have been decimated by Zionist bombings. What of those Palestinians whose legacy is one of displacement and profound suffering passed down through generations? While the events of October 7th are rightly condemned and should never be repeated, we must also reflect on the more grievous reality: the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians over the past year. Furthermore, what implications are you suggesting regarding access to electricity and water? We shall refrain from commenting on your statement, as this issue has been widely discussed globally, and anyone with a sense of decency understands the moral complexities involved.
Jane stated: So, think about your circumstances – no matter what hardship you’re going through around the world, you don’t have to endure such horror and abuse. Can you imagine – no – unless you live here, you can’t. Millions of Israelis have PTSD; they are deeply traumatized. Such is the very soul of Israel, with so much pain and grief. [end of quote]
Response: Certainly, it is essential for us to reflect on our situations and extend our compassion to every non-combatant and unarmed civilian, irrespective of their faith or social standing, who has faced oppression or violence. Our hearts go out to all those caught in the turmoil instigated by Netanyahu and Hamas, whether they identify as Jews, Christians, or Muslims. The impact of this trauma will undoubtedly resonate among non-combatants on both sides, a reality that Prince Turki al-Faisal unequivocally denounces. Let us take a moment to listen once more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w
Jane stated: But for such a time as this – you – good, loving, history-understanding people, and especially Christians – the Bible-believing people who understand the truth, the facts, the history – you are obligated for such a time as this to stand up and speak up like Queen Esther did for her nation, the Jewish people who are constantly forced to defend their very existence, and their right to live in the great nation of Israel.
Israel has to constantly defend why they are demolishing the homes of terrorists who have murdered Jews, while on the other side of the coin, you watch YOUR government (and many others around the world) pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into arch-terrorist Abu Mazen/ Mahmoud Abbas – a terrorist in a suit – who is paying a reward to the vile terrorists who are murdering Jewish children and adults. [end of quote]
Response: Those who uphold the truth do so without bias in their defense of it. We shall unite to condemn wrongdoing and champion justice, grounded in the final and infallible divine revelation. This is not a matter of seeking assistance at the cost of fairness, irrespective of the audience being addressed. Truth should not be selectively presented to undermine the rights of others or manipulated through the rhetoric of propagandists among Christian Zionists or various political lobbies worldwide. Instead, it must be conveyed and substantiated through concrete evidence, which have been observed over the past 70 years of oppression. The Jewish community, like any other, has at times faced persecution for their steadfast commitment to the truth during the presence of their Prophets, while at other times they have borne the repercussions of their misdeeds. A nation’s greatness is not defined by its identity or a purported special status in the Sight of Allah; rather, it is their actions, whether in alignment with or in defiance of divine revelation, that truly reflect their moral standing. Allah said:
And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Scripture, that indeed you would do mischief on the earth twice and you will become tyrants and extremely arrogant! [Al-Israa. Ayah 4]- Meaning, “We have declared, made a covenant with them and told them in their book that corruption will certainly occur from them on earth twice through committing sins, showing ingratitude to Allah for His Blessings, exalting themselves on earth and being arrogant therein; and that when one of these two (occasions) come to pass, Allah will give power to their enemies and take revenge on them, and this is an admonition and warning to them so that they may return to obedience and take heed”. [a]
So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled. [Al-Israa. Ayah 5] –
Meaning, the first of the two occasions during which they become corrupt; if such corruption occurred among them, We sent on you – by way of our all-encompassing divine will and decree- recompense (punishment) at the hands of those people with courage, large numbers, and armed, so, Allah gave them victory over you. They killed you, took your children away, plundered your wealth, invaded and destroyed your homes, entered the Sacred Masjid (Baytul Maqdis), and violated it. It must happen due to a reason from themselves. The Qur’an commentators differed regarding the identity of these people who were sent to overpower them, but they agreed that they were unbelievers. Either they were from the people of Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, or elsewhere, whom Allah gave (the strength) to overpower the Children of Israel when their sins became rife, they abandoned much of their Shariah, and transgressed in the land. [b]
Then We gave you once again, a return of victory over them. And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in manpower. [Al-Israa. Ayah 6] –
Meaning, (gave you victory) against those who overpowered you, so you expelled them from your land; increased your sustenance and number, and gave you strength over them because of your righteous deeds and submission to Allah. [c]
(And We said): ‘If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, then it is (to your own selves).’ Then when the later promise came to pass (We enabled your enemies) to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you) and to enter the Mosque (of Jerusalem), as they had entered it the first time, and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction. [Al-Israa. Ayah 7] [d]
“If you do good, you do good for your own selves” because the benefit will return to you, even in this world [before the hereafter] as you witnessed when he aided you against your enemies. “And if you do evil, then it is [to your ownselves]”, meaning, the harm will return upon yourselves, as Allāh showed you by empowering the enemies [against you]. [e]
“Then when the later promise came to pass”– meaning, the next time you spread corruption on earth, we make your enemies overpower you. “to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you)”- Meaning, given victory over you, capture you, and enter the Sacred Masjid as they entered it the first time, and what is meant by the Mosque is Baytul Maqdis. “and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction”- Meaning, destroy your homes, Masjids and crops. [f]
(Thereafter Allāh said): ‘Perhaps your Lord may show mercy to you (if you repent), but if you return (to your sinful ways), then We shall return (to punishment). And we have made Hell an enclosure for the disbelievers. [Al-Israa. Ayah 8] [g]
Within these verses (Al-Israa 7) (al-Israa 8) is a warning to this Ummah (of Muhammad) against committing acts of disobedience lest what afflicted the Children of Israel afflict them as well. The Sunnah (way, rule) of Allāh is one, it does not change or become altered. Whoever looks [and reflects] upon the empowerment of the disbelievers and oppressors over the Muslims will come to know that this was due to their sins, as a punishment to them. [And also to make them realise] that if they enact and establish the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of His Messenger, He will grant them firm authority in the land and aid them against their enemies. [h] [End of quote]
However, no matter the consequences endured by Jews, Muslims, Christians, or any other group, such circumstances do not excuse the actions of wrongdoers during these events. It is widely recognized that those who retaliate or seek vengeance against a collective often include individuals who will engage in excessive violence, an act that has never been endorsed by any Prophet of Allah. Consequently, those who take the lives of innocent Jews must be deemed malevolent, and their heinous actions should be unequivocally condemned. Likewise, Jews who perpetrate similar acts deserve condemnation without hesitation, even if they attempt to invoke the specter of anti-Semitism, as is often the tactic employed by Netanyahu and his associates to deflect accountability for their atrocities against Palestinians.
Jane stated: In order to seek the release of Israel’s precious and innocent civilians and soldiers who were kidnapped and dragged into the dungeons in Gaza, Israel has been forced to release cold-blooded terrorists who blew up cafes, blew up buses, and murdered Jews in the most heinous ways possible. [end of quote]
Response: We reiterate our call to avoid sensationalism and instead advocate for discourse grounded in truth. Every human life holds immense value, as highlighted by the verse from the Qur’an at the outset of this article. The abduction of innocent civilians has been unequivocally denounced by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, irrespective of whether they are confined in opulent residences or dark dungeons. The act of kidnapping is reprehensible in itself, even if the victim is treated with undue reverence. Yet, we must also consider the Palestinian prisoners who have been released in dire health, sharing harrowing stories of torture and brutality inflicted by Zionist prison guards. The destruction of buses and cafes is a despicable act, regardless of the victims, but even more egregious is the systematic eradication of three generations of Palestinians, transforming Gaza into a landscape of devastation visible to all.
Jane stated: Meanwhile, the world only mentions that they are Palestinian prisoners – who are “victims” in their own right and refuse to share the real reason they are prisoners, with terrible stories of the gruesome terror attacks they have committed. Where is the moral compass for the rest of the world when there are still hostages left inside Gaza being brutalized, tortured, and starved? All this while the world only cares about Israel, no longer letting aid into the Gaza Strip to feed the terror organization called Hamas.
Apparently, that’s more important to the world than the hostages who are still held in Gaza, all the families who are mourning their loved ones, or all the families who have lost a precious one in terror attacks even before or after October 7. We had one yesterday where terrorists were firing into the vehicle of an 18-year-old man who was shot in his arm. [end of quote]
Response: Your assertion that “the world” perceives these individuals as innocent suggests a universal consensus. Yet, without specific details regarding the crimes attributed to each prisoner, we cannot engage in conjecture about their classification as terrorists. Should you provide the particulars of their offenses, it is clear that Prince Turki Al-Faisal has unequivocally denounced all acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam, as well as those framed as resistance or self-defense. Consequently, it cannot be said that the entire world views them merely as prisoners, especially when their actions are scrutinized by figures like Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who holds firm stances against both Hamas and Zionist actions. The moral compass remains consistent among those who value truth and fairness, as they do not adhere to double standards. Furthermore, the plight of innocent hostages and victims on both sides has also drawn condemnation from Prince Turki Al-Faisal. Thus, the claim that no one cares about the suffering of one side is sensationalist, and it is unacceptable to justify the suffering of Palestinian children under the pretense of punishing Hamas. We extend our sympathies to all those grieving for their loved ones, whether they are in the hands of Hamas or the Zionists, and we empathize with all who have endured pain due to the actions of both parties. However, it is the successive Zionist administrations that warrant the most condemnation for their relentless campaign of brutality over the past seventy years.
Jane stated: So again, let me repeat – whatever trauma, hardship, devastation, or grief you are going through, people are going through the same here in Israel, but on top of that, they have all the rest of these horrible and unjust issues to deal with on a daily basis. Let that sink in for just a moment because unless you live here, you can’t imagine what it’s like. So, for such a time as this, we are called to “comfort, comfort My people” and to stand united with Israel, the nation that God singled out from all the nations. He put the borders down and His Name down on this piece of land. God said, “I will plant them here, never to be uprooted again.” But uprooting and annihilation is what the world wants, they want to divide the Holy Land for their own profit, they dare to touch the apple of God’s eye, and they are okay with the murder and the slaughter of the Jewish people. Rockets, shootings, ramming attacks with cars and trucks, stabbing, axe attacks, machete attacks, bombings – you name it – it happens here. And yet, the world has more sympathy for these modern-day Nazis and their supporters – shame on you! And I want to encourage you as we just celebrated Purim: Stand with Israel, stand for truth, stand for justice, come against the lies when you see your government is supporting Mahmoud Abbas – a terrorist in a suit, or when you see your government is supporting UNWRA who is doing nothing good – nothing but indoctrinating children with hatred towards the Jewish people and they becoming the next generation of Hamas terrorists. UNWRA workers are Hamas terrorists! [end of quote]
Response: Indeed, it is essential for us to contemplate the anguish experienced by individuals across the globe, irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, or faith. The Palestinian people, in particular, endure daily hardships that are unparalleled in the aftermath of the Second World War. Let us take a moment to truly grasp this reality; unless we have lived under the oppressive conditions imposed by Zionist forces, we cannot fully comprehend their suffering. In these challenging times, we are called to extend our compassion to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as well as to all those who have faced adversity at the hands of both Zionists and Hamas, as eloquently expressed by Prince Turki Al Faisal. Regarding the notion of being a nation chosen by God until the end of time, this belief stems from a misinterpretation of sacred texts, which the final revelation contradicts, indicating that the idea of being the sole chosen people – until the end of time – among all nations is unfounded.
The violence, including shootings, vehicular assaults, stabbings, and axe attacks, is a manifestation of the turmoil instigated by Zionists since their brutal treatment of Palestinians, their expulsion from ancestral lands, and the appropriation of territory under the guise of a divine entitlement. Historically, Jews and Muslims coexisted harmoniously in this region before the advent of the Zionist agenda. Therefore, our compassion must encompass all victims affected by the circumstances fostered by Zionist actions and the tactics employed by Hamas, which have only exacerbated the crisis. The true disgrace lies with those who instigated this chaos and those who respond in a manner that makes the situation worse. We refuse to align ourselves with Israel or any party based on falsehoods, unfounded claims, or sensational narratives; instead, we will uphold the truth as expressed by Prince Faisal Al-Turki. We stand firmly against the killing of children and non-combatants, regardless of their faith—be it Muslim, Jew, Christian, or otherwise. Allah said:
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [An-Nisaa. 135]
[d, e, g & h]: Translator: Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him]:
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/7
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/8
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-804356
