During these turbulent times, when it seems like nothing is going right for the Ummah, we must all remember the numerous blessings that Allah, subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, has granted us, and continues to grant us at every moment. For example, just before the blogosphere was taken over by the news of Benazir Bhutto’s assasination, we were rejoicing at the release of our beloved sheikh, Anwar al-Awlaki, after his one and a half year detention in a Yemeni prison. Even prior to that, there was more cause for celebration when four British detainees were freed from the hell-hole, that is Guantanamo. However, a comment left by a CagePrisoners representative has brought to our attention the sad fact that we, as a community, failed to express our joy at the release of these brothers with the same enthusiasm as we did for the sheikh:

JazaakumAllahu khaira to everyone who sent messages to Sheikh Anwar – we were really quite overwhelmed by this unprecedented outpouring of support and all have been forwarded on.

I hope you do not mind me making a small request; whilst it gave us immense happiness to see the love in the hearts of the Muslims for Sh Anwar I have to say that I felt deeply saddened that only one Muslim has sent a similar message to the three brothers who were released from Guantanamo on Eid ul Adha and returned to the UK – Jamil Al Banna, Omar Deghayes and Abdenour Sameur. We received a dozen messages altogether – the remainder from non-Muslims.

I know that for most of us, these are just names and they have not impacted our lives in the way that Sheikh Anwar has, but these brothers were held away from their families, often in isolation, in far worse conditions and tortured for six years.

I’m sure these brothers would be equally moved to receive messages from their brothers and sisters. You can read more about them on our website. If you would like to send a message please email it to contact[at]cageprisoners[dot]com. JazaakumAllahu Khaira.

I hope that upon reading this request, we are sufficiently inspired to send in a simple “Welcome back!” message, as an expression of our compassion, brotherly love, and most importantly, our gratitude to Allah the Most Merciful, for answering our prayers.

Cageprisoners also has a regular letter-writing campaign in place, to those prisoners who have yet to be freed. For prototype cyborgs (such as myself) who are not used to writing decent-length letters by hand, you can also send them greeting cards containing short messages of support. When you’re completely cut off from the outside world, it really is the thought that counts. Remember, the prayer of the oppressed individual is never rejected – what an honour it would be, to be mentioned on the lips of our imprisoned brothers, when they make dua to Allah.

May Allah preserve this Ummah, and end oppression in all its ugly forms. Ameen.