Connect with us

Middle-East

Double Feature: Revive A Sunnah & Action Alert for the Gaza Massacre

Published

gaza1newyorktime.jpg*Link to complete coverage of Gaza Massacre on MM*

Today, we bring you a double feature: Revive A Sunnah, and an Action Alert!

These days, as we read about the tragedy occuring in Gaza, the question on our minds is: What can WE do about it? How can WE help our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and everywhere else in the Ummah, as they are literally being mowed down?

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

The truth is, protests and rallies will do very little for us. Oh yes, of course they’ll “raise awareness” and “demonstrate the power of civil action.” But how many of us really believe that calling upon the ‘international community’ is going to stop the genocide of our brothers and sisters in Palestine?

Sheikh Ali Shehata eloquently sums up our situation:

Firstly, the du’a of “Laa ilaaha illa anta subhaanak innee kuntu min ath-Thaalimeen” was the du’a of Yunus (as) which he mentioned while he was in the belly of the whale, and alhamdulillah it is an excellent du’a for all of us to make at this terrible time. It means, “How perfect are You (O’ Allah) above all that they attribute to You, indeed I have been among those who wrong themselves.” And those who seek to understand will know, that this tragedy, and indeed every tragedy, happens because of what our hands have put forth – not just the hands of those in Gaza, but all of us as an Ummah, which includes you and me. It is our sins, our heedlessness, our weakness as a whole, that directly leads to these tragedies – there today, maybe here tomorrow.

Secondly, although it is the comment of only one or two people here regarding the alleged ineptitude of our scholars and how we they don’t deserve our respect because of their alleged silence, all I can say is subhaan Allah. I won’t detract from the seriousness of this tragedy and the focus we should have on it by answering those who have this question more than to say that countless ulamaa have been talking and teaching solutions to this matter for years now, if not decades. For so many of our ulamaa, this has been a catastrophe well before WE saw the images of dead bodies on our screens. Among the many reasons that they have my respect is because they don’t need to jump only when the world is looking in that direction, because they are the ones who keep our hearts remembering these downtrodden people long after the cameras leave. Those of you who share this disrespectful and arrogant opinion should humble themselves and be aware of the hundreds of programs, articles, and books that draw our hearts’ collective concern back to our brothers and sisters, our children and parents, who live not only in Palestine but in all other parts of the world today where Muslims are forgotten.

And lastly, I wonder what is the real benefit of rallies and protests, or of even expecting or placing your hope in a president or a president-elect? Does it change anything for us to go out and “ra-ra-ra” at a rally more than to give us that falsely wholesome feeling of “having done something” for our Ummah? I don’t know of any one protest that has ever stopped a war, stopped oppression or even contributed to the solution of any major problem. Those ulamaa that some people think are too busy dealing with questions of menstruation and nifaas have already discussed the value of such protests close to a decade ago, so I won’t repeat it here except to remember the question which Allah asks in the Quran:

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generation after generation. Is there any god with Allâh? Little is that you remember!

[27:62]

Or when He commands us:

And put your trust (O Muhammad SAW) in the Ever Living One Who dies not, and glorify His Praises, and Sufficient is He as the All-Knower of the sins of His slaves

[25:58]

It may be that when we stop looking to others other than Allah to help us that only then will the help and the relief of Allah come. But if we have become so low and shameless as to ask those who curse Allah to intercede for us then what shall we expect? In my limited view as a less than average Muslim, I see that it is our brothers and sisters around us who are overtaking us and entering Jannah in droves as shuhadaa’ while we remain to seek the mercy of those who make partners with Rabb al-‘Alaameen. The case of our downtrodden peoples is clear, whereas we are left to wonder if maybe Allah has given us our reward for our deeds in this life – in the form of luxuries – and that maybe we shall have no share in His reward on the Day of Judgment.

And Allah knows best.

Let’s not stop with that. We have just entered into the sacred month of Muharram, and Sheikh Younus Kathrada reminds us of the virtues of this month and what we can accomplish in it.

In the name of Allaah and may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His final Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

Allaah says what means:

36. Indeed, the number of months with Allaah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allaah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allaah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. Soorat at-Tawbah

Of these sacred months is the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islaamic lunar calendar. The evidence of this is found in the hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaari: Abu Bakrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Q’adah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudhar which comes between Jumaada and Sh’abaan.”

One may understand from the aayah (verse) that wrong done during these months is looked upon more seriously than wrong done at any other time. It is not to be understood that sinning during other months is permitted! Many scholars see that just as wrong during these months is more serious, then doing good during them brings greater reward than during other times as well.

Al Hasan al Basri and others from our pious predecessors opined that the month of Muharram is the best of all the sacred months. From that which indicated to the virtue of this month is the hadeeth reported by Muslim: Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allaah’s month of Muharram and the best of prayers after the faraaidh (compulsory prayers) are the prayers offered during the (late) night.”

Therefore, it is highly recommended that one fasts in abundance during this sacred month. Remember that observing voluntary fasts is a means of gaining closeness to Allaah and being protected from the Hell fire. Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudhri, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Every slave of Allaah who observes fasting for one day for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim].

Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Fasting is a protection (i.e. from Hellfire).” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim].

‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Fasting and [reading] Quraan will intercede for the person: Fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him from eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Quraan will say: I deprived him from his sleep at night so let me intercede for him,” He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then said: “So their intercession will be accepted.” [Ahmad].

During this month also falls a great day known as the Day of ‘Aashooraa. It is the day of victory, that day on which Allaah made the truth prevail and falsehood fail; the day Allaah saved Moosa and his people and drowned Firáun and his people. Indeed, it is a virtuous and great day with a wonderful history.

Ibn `Abbas, radhiallahu `anhu, reported: “The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, came to al-Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of `Aashooraa. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allaah rescued Bani Israaeel from their enemy. So Moosa observed fast on this day.” The Prophet said, “We have more claim over Moosa than you.” So the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, observed fast on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to observe fast (on that day).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Muslim].

Therefore, it is highly recommended for the Muslim to fast the day of ‘Aashooraa. In addition to the preceding hadeeth, we find the following concerning observing this fast: The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said about the voluntary fasting on the Day of `Aashoraa:
“It expiates the sins of the preceding year.” [Saheeh Muslim].

Ibn `Abbas also reported, “The Messenger of Allaah fasted on the day of `Aashooraa and ordered the people to fast on it. The people said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that the Jews and Christians honour.” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “When the following year comes – Allaah willing – we shall fast on the ninth.” The death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, came before the following year.” [Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood]. So it is recommended to fast on the 10th of Muharram and the 9th along with it as well.

Dear Muslims, recall also that the du’aa (supplication) of the fasting person is readily accepted by Allaah.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “There are three people whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks the fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed”. [Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban].

`Abdullah Ibn `Amr Ibn al-`Aas also reported that the Messenger of Allaah, salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected”. [Ibn Majah, al-Hakim and others; Sahih].

This being the case, let us not forget during these days the plight of our brothers and sisters in Palestine (Ghazza) and elsewhere. The enemies of Allaah are attacking them (and that means they are attacking us too) and trying to break their resolve. Let us turn to Allaah regularly begging of Him to strengthen the oppressed Muslims and to destroy the plots of the Zionists and their helpers.

Collected by:
Younus Kathrada, Wed. 3rd Muharram, 1430h

Thus we have the ultimate action alert. Not a protest in front of the White House. Not a petition to the leaders of our governments. Not a rally flooding the streets of Times Square or London. No. None of this is going to do us, or our brothers and sisters in Palestine any good.

Instead, turn to Allah in repentance and sincerity and increase in obedience and worship to Him! Turn to Him, in this month which He enriched with His Blessings and His Reward for those who take advantage of it. Oh you who believe, oh you who claim to care about the injustice and evil being inflicted upon your brothers and sisters! Don’t waste your time or energy waving placards and shouting slogans. Spend your days fasting, spend your nights in prayer, beseech your Lord for His Forgiveness, for His Mercy, for His Victory over the enemies of Islam and the Muslim. Call upon your Lord, Allah ‘azza wa jal; al-Malik al-Mulk, al-Mu’minun, al-Muhaymin, al-‘Azeez, al Jabbar, al-Mutakabbir! Call upon your Lord by His Most Perfect Names and Attributes! Acquaint yourself with Him once more and realize that He is the only one who can ever grant us strength and victory, and by Allah, never will we be given that strength and victory until we have proven ourselves worthy of it. So do it! Prove it!

Sheikh Ali Shehata continues with more practical advice:

Some people have been asking what du’as and athkaar can be said in times of great tribulation like this. Insha’Allah what follows is a collection of authentic du’as and athkaar for these difficult times:

1. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: “My Lord came to me tonight in the most beautiful form…” and in this hadith he said that Allah said, “O Muhammad, when you pray, then say:


اللهم إني أسألك فعل الخيرات ، وترك المنكرات ، وحب المساكين ، وأن تغفر لي وترحمني وتتوب علي ، وإن أردت بعبادك فتنة فاقبضني إليك غير مفتون

‘Allaahumma inni as’aluka fi’lal khayraat wa tark al-munkaraat, wa hubb al-masaakeen, wa an taghfira lee wa tarhamanee wa tatooba ‘alayya. Wa in aradta bi ‘ibaadika fitnatan, faqbidni ilayka ghayra maftoon (O Allah, I ask You (to enable me) to do good deeds and avoid evil deeds, and to love the poor, and (I ask You) to forgive me, have mercy on me and accept my repentance. If You decree that some trial should befall Your slaves, then take me to You [i.e., cause me to die] without having me be subjected to that trial).” (Tirmithi – hasan)

2. Abu Burdah ibn ‘Abd-Allah narrated from his father that when the Prophet (saas) was afraid of some people he would say,

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِي نُحُورِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ

“Allaahumma inna naj’aluka fi nuhoorihim wa na’oodhu bika min shuroorihim (O Allah, we place You before them and we seek refuge in You from their evil).” (Abu Dawud – Sahih)

3. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saas) used to say the following words of relief at times of distress:

لا إله إلا الله العظيم الحليم ، لا إله إلا الله رب العرش العظيم ، لا إله إلا الله رب السموات ورب الأرض ورب العرش الكريم

“Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah al-‘Adheem al-Haleem, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb al-‘Arsh al-‘adheem, la ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb ul-samawaati wa Rabb ul-ard wa Rabb ul-‘Arsh il-kareem (There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, the All-Powerful, the Forbearing; There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the mighty Throne; There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of heaven, Lord of earth, and Lord of the noble Throne).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

4. The Prophet (saas) said: “Shall I not tell you of something that, if any worldly calamity or disaster befalls any man among you and he says these words, he will be relieved of it. (It is) the du’a’ of Dhu’-Noon (the Prophet Yunus – as): “Laa ilaaha illa anta subhaanaka inni kuntu min al-dhaalimeen (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]! Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers).” According to another report: “No Muslim man says this du’a’ concerning anything but Allah will answer his prayer.” (Sahih al-Jaami’)

5. The Messenger of Allah (saas) said: to Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays, “Shall I not teach you some words which you can say at times of distress and hardship?

اللَّهُ رَبِّي لا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا

‘Allaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihi shay’an (Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him).’” (Sahih – Abu Dawood)

According to a version narrated in al-Sahih al-Jaami’, “Whoever is afflicted by worry, distress, sickness or hardship, and says, Allaahu rabbee laa shareeka lah (Allah is my Lord, He has no partner or associate), will be relieved of that.”

As a side note, a review of the various authentic supplications in this matter show that the statement of tawheed is common to many of them and indicates that when we fall into aspects of shirk in our life that this negatively impacts upon our affairs. Could it be that the degree of shirk in our ummah today is a major factor in their inability to throw off the yokes of oppression and humiliation? This has been a repeated effort by many of the ulamaa for the past 20 years with great success where it has been implemented – and Allah knows best.

May Allah forgive us for the countless sins we have committed, and make us amongst the truly sincere and repentant, and strengthen us in emaan, and make us worthy of victory over our enemies. Ameen, thumma ameen, ya Rabb al-‘Aalameen.

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Zainab bint Younus (AnonyMouse) is a Canadian Muslim woman who writes on Muslim women's issues, gender related injustice in the Muslim community, and Muslim women in Islamic history. She holds a diploma in Islamic Studies from Arees University, a diploma in History of Female Scholarship from Cambridge Islamic College, and has spent the last fifteen years involved in grassroots da'wah. She was also an original founder of MuslimMatters.org.

20 Comments

20 Comments

  1. sis

    December 31, 2008 at 7:45 PM

    ameen! great post!

  2. sacbutteredtoast

    December 31, 2008 at 9:25 PM

    jazakallah khair, good advice

  3. Algebra

    December 31, 2008 at 9:48 PM

    Aslamu-alaikum:
    I liked that you summed it up with Dr. Ali Shehata’s post and your post of the sacred months.
    thanks Good job MashAllah
    salam

  4. Amatullah

    December 31, 2008 at 10:26 PM

    Assalamu Alykum,

    Sheikh Saleh Munajjid’s advice at http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/21284/

  5. Amad

    January 1, 2009 at 1:07 AM

    Thus we have the ultimate action alert. Not a protest in front of the White House. Not a petition to the leaders of our governments. Not a rally flooding the streets of Times Square or London. No. None of this is going to do us, or our brothers and sisters in Palestine any good.

    While I agree that Allah is the ultimate Help and that we should always have our tawakul in Him, I strongly disagree with your position here. There are many activists and even people of knowledge who believe that there is benefit in showing up in large numbers in rallies and especially in writing to our congressmen, senators, as well as to media outlets. Unfortunately, many people use the tawakul that should be present all the time, and the need for dua’ that should be continuous, as being mutually exclusive to taking other action. In other words, it is also used as a cop-out and laziness.

    Bottomline, tawakul, dua, and worldly actions are not mutually exclusive insha’Allah, and while I appreciate the spirit of this post and the excellent reminders (jazakillahkhair Sr. Zainab), we should still be careful before making broad sweeping statements of what helps or does not help. We do our best, and Allah rewards our good intentions as long as the action is not unIslamic.

    I plan to write a post highlighting MANA’s action-alert email from Imam Siraj as well as ways we can contact our elected representatives, those who were elected on our behalf, and compensated from our tax-money. Also, inshallah, ways to contact media, esp letters to the editor (which is the page in the paper that is read most).

  6. abu abdAllah, the Houstonian

    January 1, 2009 at 2:14 AM

    bismillah. Amad, that was a real downer post, but i do agree that the solution is dua plus action. jazak Allah khayr, Anonymouse, for compiling those great posts. may Allah reward you and all the writers. what i call “dua plus action” might be paraphrased “acts seeking the Forgiveness, Mercy, and Intercession of Allah plus acts demonstrating reliance on Allah.”

    when you make dua, that is an act of worship. notice how many of those 5 suggestions by Shaykh Ali recognize the Supremacy of Allah. the sunnah, alhamdolillah, always reminds us that Allah is Supreme. that knowledge strengthens the Muslim, it does not diminish him. it sustains him when he goes out to take on the Goliaths of the world.

    and indeed the state of Israel has certainly become the Goliath of the region, bullying all its neighbors and exercising the most tyranny on the weakest targets it can find. today Goliath terrorizes Gaza, and tomorrow, wAllaho’Alim.

    so make adhkaar, fast, make qunoot in jamat at every fard, but also take whatever action you are permitted to do. be as firm in your conviction of Allah’s support as was Prophet Dawood alayhis salam. if you cannot throw stones from a sling, at least throw your cries of protest, at least throw your complaints in letters and petitions.

  7. abu abdAllah, the Houstonian

    January 1, 2009 at 3:24 AM

    bismillah. this is a question for the people of dhikr. would it be the improper use of religious worship to hold a “prayer vigil”? the words “prayer vigil” resonate among Americans. they connote a respect and a submission to Allah that is sadly absent in the demeanor of most protesters.

    so instead of, or perhaps in addition to, the currently scheduled protests, could we have hundreds or more people gather at the same protest sites, but to perform nawaafil? an hour of prayer, probably in the morning hours of salat ad-duha. true, most nawaafil are prayed by individuals (not in jamat), but taraweeh is an exception. would it be an impermissible exception to have a large jamat of nawaafil? the advantages of jamat being that an imam would lead and presumably recite aloud, and the safs would move in disciplined unison.

    an alternative, assuming a nafl jamat is untenable, i think that even a multitude, in safs, praying individually (not in jamat) would be a striking image and a powerful statement.

    a second alternative, assuming the much-harder logistics problem could be solved, hold the fard salat at those protest sites, and have the imams lead the jamats in qunoot against the murderous attacks by Israel on the Palestinians. five times a day, even for one day, to have a jamat form up in safs, and then pray to Allah, disperse, reform at the time of the next salat. that would really be amazing. wAllaho’Alim.

  8. Algebra

    January 1, 2009 at 3:50 AM

    Aslamu-alaikum:
    All of you have great ideas…………. everything is necessary.
    All of you guys remind me of my twelve brothers and sisters.
    They all have a different perspective in solving an issue but everything is pertinent to achieving the goal or outcome.
    1. First and foremost a STRONG IMAN is COMPULSORY, PRAY, Ask for forgiveness, like dr. Ali Shehata mentioned and sister Zaineb affirmed.
    2. Write letters to congressman, civil rights organizations like Amad mentioned
    3. Not to mention write letters to leaders in Saudia Arabia………….. NICE ONES giving POSTIVE NASEEHAH. Not promoting anarchy.
    4. In addition to DEEN we have to Teach our children how to be strong and healthy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, teach them Karate, archery, sharp shooters……………….Thats important…………..especially the boys…………..
    5. Have lots of children and increase our UMMAH…………….. they will go vote……………..yea vote………………… inshAllah for a MUSLIM PRESIDENT some day not to mention increase in muslims numbers…………..
    6. Spread the video AMAD had concerning the MEDIA PROPOGANDA……………….so TRUE. I did digg it. I had to overlook my negativity:)
    7. Do dawah to people over here…………. LET’s gift them the BLESSING of the QURAN………… share our GIFT………….. seriously.
    salam
    i have to go now……….. have a lot to do tomorrow before college starts.

    .

  9. AsimG

    January 1, 2009 at 1:18 PM

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/world/middleeast/01gaza.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

    -Stories of some of the children killed in Palestine

  10. sadia

    January 1, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    Dua is indeed the weapon of the believer and instead of taking the victim mentality and always just looking at what Israel is doing and blaming them, we should look to ourselves and check what we are doing

    But I do think that there is still some benefit in demonstrations, it does send a message and make a difference. When the general public sees large numbers of people come out and protest against something, it raises awareness and mobilizes people to action. Of course a protest alone cannot get the job done. But I do feel that it makes somewhat of a difference as opposed to no difference at all

  11. Pingback: Gaza In Need! « JustQuran.com

  12. muslimahh

    January 2, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    As wr wb,

    Amatullah:
    This link ‘http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/21284/ ‘ doesn’t open for me :(

    Is it same with others too?

  13. Former US marine

    January 2, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Asalaam 3alacom

    Some of you might have misunderstood what is said hear. (Regarding action) its the type of action is what is being talked about. Would you rather go to person to ask for help who is not a Muslim, does not believe in Allah or holds other to the status of God. Or woulf you rather go to a Muslim leader like a Kahlifah who is obligated to help the Muslims. Its very clear that we do not have a Kahlifah because we are not working on it. So do you go to non-Muslims for help? They have already openly said that they will not stop israel or go to Allah and unite the Muslims. It might be better to have 5 protests a day, every day at the Musjid for our mandatory prayers then to go to mass gathering and do nothing. Imagine Muslims of America, Australia, England the Muslim majory nations going to prayers at the Musjid in masses for 5times a day. Now that would scare any Muslim puppet leader.

    No one is saying to have no action or only make dua. They are saying the right action and relaying only on Allah through the right channels is what needed hear.

  14. Umm Reem

    January 2, 2009 at 11:35 PM

    A message for UK Muslims from Yvone Ridley:

    George Galloway, singer Annie Lennox, human rights activist Bianca Jagger, comedian and author Alexei Sayle, Ken Livingstone, Jeremy Corbyn MP, writer Tariq Ali and musician Brian Eno are among the prominent politicians, musicians, activists and writers who will join Saturday’s demonstration in London.
    We need to show our outrage at Israel’s… Read More
    barbaric devastation of Gaza and its people. Please do all
    you can to encourage friends, relatives, work colleagues,
    fellow students, etc, to join us.

    NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION: SATURDAY 3 JANUARY
    HANDS OFF GAZA: STOP THE BOMBING: FREE PALESTINE
    ASSEMBLE 12.30 PM EMBANKMENT, LONDON WC2
    Nearest tube Embankment or Charing Cross
    MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE
    And from 4pm we demonstrate, outside of the Israeli Embassy.
    And bring a spare pair of shoes to leave at Downing Street on the way up to Trafalgar Square to show Brown we are not going to let him trample over us – it’s us that can give him the boot and he needs a reminder!!

  15. ilmsummitee

    January 3, 2009 at 1:50 AM

    JazakAllahu khairan brother Amad for your well-written opinion, as I strongly agree with you. In fact, I was very disturbed when I read this :
    “Thus we have the ultimate action alert. Not a protest in front of the White House. Not a petition to the leaders of our governments. Not a rally flooding the streets of Times Square or London. No. None of this is going to do us, or our brothers and sisters in Palestine any good.”

    Like you said, we need to have a balance between both tawakul and action–making duaa & increase in worship like qiyaam and fasting is obviously something we need to do but we also need to act, write, show our support….the more flooding of letters, petitions, phone calls, and media press we recieve the better inshallah. Even if it may ‘not work’ as the opponent of the argument may suggest, at least its something that you will benefit from as being accountable in the hereafter of what you did to help your brothers/sisters by any legit means necessary, iA.

    Please I urge all of you to continue to send letters/emails, make calls, and show up at rallies….may Allah bless you all, forgive our shortcomings & sins, and hasty the victory of falastine and the rest of the Muslim world. Ameen.

  16. UmmHudaifah

    January 4, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    As Salaamu’alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa barakatuuh,

    May Allaah tabarkwatalaa bless you for this article. I strongly agree with what you have said. Jazakhillaah khayran.

    masalams.

  17. AnonyMouse

    January 6, 2009 at 1:57 AM

    Important note:

    According to the Higher Judiciary Council ( Al-Majlis Al-Aala Lil-Qadha), Tuesday is the tenth of Muharram based on confirmed sighting in Arabia. Therefore: Monday is Muharram 9 (Tasoo’aa), and Tuesday is Muharram 10 (Ashoraa) , and Wednesday is Muharram 11.
    Those who missed fasting Tasoo’aa can still fast TOMORROW (ASHOORAA) and Wednesday.

    May Allah help us to to remember Him, thank Him, and worship Him perfectly.

    Do not forget to make Du’aa for the believers who are suffering. O’ Allah: Save the believers who are weak, make them from those who relied upon You and You sufficed them; from those who asked for Your Guidance and You guided them; and from those who asked for Your support and You supported them. Ameen

  18. Protestor

    January 11, 2009 at 3:53 AM

    As muslims, we should be the first ppl at demonstrations showing our solidarity with the palestinians. Im fed up with these claims that it is unnecessary and makes no difference! May i ask if u’ve ever been to one??

  19. Pingback: Open Thread Sunday 1/25/09 | MuslimMatters.org

  20. Faraz Saeed

    July 21, 2014 at 1:42 AM

    There are number of scholars who clearly state that joing a demonstration against oppression is obligatory among all Muslims, while some consider it permissible .. Please go through the following links scholarly fatwas ..

    http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/international-relations-and-jihad/jihad-rulings-and-regulations/169305-islamic-ethics-of-staging-demonstrations.html?Regulations=

    http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/faqs-and-fatwas/is-protesting-permissible/

    Yes I agree that rallies/demos do not stop war in itself, but it definitely aid or help in stopping the wars .. rather than taking the route of supplication/dua only, you must create a balance b/w due (supplication) and action .. actions such as boycotting goods of the oppressors, demos, article, blogs or dialogues in social media n newspapers acts like a pressure tactic against the oppressors, from all over the world ..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MuslimMatters NewsLetter in Your Inbox

Sign up below to get started

Trending