Reuters on-line article basically confirming what was in Dawn, http://tr.im/xOUO Here the judge is said to have asked the prison to find an alternative to strip searches. SubhanAllah, if her lawyers want to meet her, if the judge wishes her to come to court, for almost anything outside the cell in which she is confined, the authorities subject her to strip searches. May Allah curse those who had subjected her to this barbarity for so many months when she has not been convicted of any crime.

If you have other news articles or especially eyewitness reports from people at the hearing, please post them (or links to them) here.

Chapter: An-Nisa (The Women)
Verse: 75

“And what reason do you have for not fighting in the cause of Allah, to rescue helpless oppressed men, women & children, who are crying, ‘ O’ our Lord! Take us out from this town whose people are oppressors & send us a protector by your grace & send us a helper from your presence’. “

Those wishing to write Dr. Aafia Siddiqui may use the following address:

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, #90279-054
MDC Brooklyn
Metropolitan Detention Center
P.O. Box 29002
Brooklyn, NY 11232

It is important NOT to discuss political matters or details of her legal case, as these may be used against her and/or prevent delivery of your letter, but words of general support can be helpful.

Jezekum Allahu khairun

a thought lingers when i hear of the plight of oppressed and unjustly treated muslims => it could just as easily be one of us. instead of imam jamil, it could be imam siraj. instead of gangs of serbians massacring bosnian muslims, it could be hatred in america leading to massive oppression of american muslims (jim crow wasn’t too long ago). and, finally, instead of dr. aafia it could be me.

truly, if you or i were in dire situations, unjustly accused or a target of wanton racism/hatred, what would you want your brothers and sisters to do?

Another way to think of the title, at least when I read it was, who was Dr. Aafia before her ordeal. To me that means that the allegations against her are so far fetched that they are nearly impossible.

That said, your point is VERY important as her story has not concluded and we all can make a difference, du’ah, sending letters of support, donations to her legal defense, raising awareness and so much more.

Ameen to your du’ah!

Jazak Allah khayr for the article. I know the article title is technically correct in grammar as the author is writing about his past experiences. But the use of “was” implies that she is in the past tense, ie, that she has passed away. Rather, like too many other Muslims who are treated worse than convicted felons when they have never been convicted of any crime at all — she only passes from the conscious reflection of the majority of Muslims and non-Muslims.

Rather than she, it is perhaps our hearts that should be spoken of in the past tense. May Allah guide us to care more than our actions belie.

Indeed, Dr. Aafia lives, alhamdolillah, despite all the mental and physical harm that hate, venom, and political calculation of the American government can throw at her. May Allah vindicate her in this world and reward her with Jannat al Firdaus in the next.