The Empire Strikes Back
Yesterday, finally after months of being on the receiving end of fierce bombardment, the Palestinian people struck back. Since the Hamas election victory, Israel has murdered almost 80 innocent Palestinian men, women and children. In the last 2 weeks alone, it has fired over 2000 artillery missiles into Northern Gaza killing 25 people in the last week alone. So what dd they expect when the oppressed Palestinians finally had enough and carried out a glorious attack on the illegal settlers reminding the world that they still exist and that if the world doesnt help them, they will help themselves. One must admire the self-restraint of the Palestinians who have exercised incredible self-restraint in the face of daily Israeli aggression but yesterday enough was enough, and the empire struck back. Allahu Akbar!!!
posted by Abu Abdullah @ 7:04 p.m.
14 comments
14 Comments:
Assalamualaikum.
This is called 'glorifying terrorism', no?
Yes apparantly so - but as Martin Luther King Jr said,
"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law."
Keep glorifying to respect the law.
Unfortunately, Martin Lings, nor thinkers like him are around these days.
"...who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice"
This is not a likelihood in modern day Britain. 'Conscience'? Even the Muslims will condemn you if they get the chance,lol. The imprisonment of a rebellious blogger could very well go unnoticed.
With secret renditions, extraditions and the fact that we don't know the names,crimes,or evidence against the 342 or so other Gitmo detainees, except that they're 'terrorists',I'd say imprisonment for something (of) greater (benefit) to the community would be more worthwhile than one blog entry. Though I understand the passion behind it.
Point taken but this is just this one blogger's initial tiny step to challenge these Stalinist policies. If indeed they feel me to be such a threat, you're right, it will probably go unnoticed. But if 10 such bloggers get imprisoned,its a slight hiccup and if this goes to three figures, the ridicuousness of these laws becomes all too apparant.
But some people need to throw the first pebbles and pray people follow suit. That the Muslim community will condemn you is to be expected. But if others do nothing other than condemn, that does not excuse us, for we wont be asked what others did, but are responsible for our own deeds.
Insha'Allah this "one blog entry" will be the first of many and a stepping stone to bigger things.
Btw, I think you mean Martin Luther King, not Martin Lings. Another of his quotes comes to mind that "Oppression can only survive through silence".
"But if 10 such bloggers get imprisoned,its a slight hiccup and if this goes to three figures, the ridicuousness of these laws becomes all too apparant."
Well, there's little I can say to that. Intending to raise the awareness of our society is a noble aim and I didn't mean to sound atagonistic towards that.
I'm not sure I can see the beneficial light at the end of the tunnel with the 'The Empire Strikes Back' blog nonetheless. If 10 bloggers get put away and the case receives media attention, what kind of awareness will be developed in the community?
The situation in Palestine might legitimise the use of such action, but when it's brought into the British arena, where we are relatively 'free' and such a means is not justified, naturally people will reject it and everyone that proclaims it's legitimacy anywhere else in the world.
"But some people need to throw the first pebbles and pray people follow suit"
Yes, they do and brave they are to do it,too, but they should keep in mind that 'going down' having made a difference/raised +ve awareness is more progressive.
Yep, sorry, meant M. Luther King. Was reading something by Lings at the time.
Wassalaam
"If 10 bloggers get put away and the case receives media attention, what kind of awareness will be developed in the community?"
Throughout Islamic history, the sincere have suffered for their unwillingness to compromise on the truth and it is this which has preserved Islam. Take the example of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and his absolute refusal to compromise on the issue of the creation of Qur'an knowing that he would be imprisoned and tortured for what he said.
Look at the example of the ahl-ul Kahf, a small number of youth who were punished for their refusal to compromise again. Yes, at the time it didnt do much for community confidence or awareness but over time, it was their actions which Allah rewarded in this dunya and insha'Allah the Aakhirah.
"The situation in Palestine might legitimise the use of such action, but when it's brought into the British arena, where we are relatively 'free' and such a means is not justified, naturally people will reject it and everyone that proclaims it's legitimacy anywhere else in the world."
Regarding the issue of martyrdom operations, there is a huge difference between their use in Palestine and here - you know this, i dont need to go into it. But its the same as saying you cannot use helicopter gunships in Britain but they are somewhat permissible in a warzone.
What we need to make clear to everyone when we discuss this issue is that in all cases, anywhere in the world, the legitimacy of an operation is judged according to its target and not its delivery mechanism.
I haven't disagreed or found much to disagree on, so I'm wondering if what I'm saying is clear.
The glorification of terrorism has been outlawed. 'The Empire strikes back' was glorification. There was no need to glorify it in that way, even if you can see the bombers' point of view.
On sensitive issues it is reckless to glorify an act when the audience may not know the causes behind that action, or that it was self-defence.
"Regarding the issue of martyrdom operations, there is a huge difference between their use in Palestine and here - you know this, I don’t need to go into it."
I know there is a huge difference, but it's only now that I know that you think so, too: MAIN/Only POINT OF MY OPPOSITION.
Yes, Iman Ibn Hanbal ra. and many others were persecuted and imprisoned for their rejection of innovation (,Mu'tazali) and suppression of Islaam, but they were fighting for a cause, an obligation set by Allaah, swt.. Their imprisonment raised awareness to a just cause that people understood.
If the Hijaab and beard was banned in the UK and all those who wear them were threatened with prison, I could see the logic in being happy and willing to refuse to remove the Hijaab and beard and go to prison. Sovereignty lies with Allaah swt. That would raise awareness and most Muslims would unite.
Why get thrown into prison for saying what you like, when there's no need to say it, or there are other more diplomatic means by which to say it ? No one's forcing us by law to condemn the Palestinian operations. If saying that ‘we should work towards an Islamic state’ is anti-law, then being imprisoned for it is understandable.
News: Palestinian Suicide bombers kill 9 in Israeli settlers in the West Bank
You: Allahu Akbar! Good on them. Blasted Israelis. Die!
Audience: (Shock). 999. Hello, I’ve got a terrorism glorifier sitting here with me.
News: Palestinian Suicide bombers kill 9 in Israeli settlers in the West Bank
You: It’s unfortunate that the Palestinians have to resort to this kind of warfare. I guess it’s the only weapon they have and as far as they’re concerned, Israeli’s living on occupied lands are legitimate targets. They’re in a state of war.
Audience: So, tell me more. Why are they so angry?….etc.
It’s far more productive! I don’t even know why I’m explaining it in such detail.
It's not persecution that I fear, or disapproval of society, but the fact that all those that I know with good intentions and hopes of an Islamic state are being thrown into jail for simply wearing T-shirts and holding up offensive banners.
They could do far more work by treading carefully over such legislation and raising awareness in the community, so that in future, when a Suicide bombing does take place in Palestine, they'll immediately think of what the aggressors did to provoke it.
I think the problem is that we sometimes pick and choose which commandments we choose to follow and which we dont. But we forget sometimes that inciting the believers to fight is also an obligation which we need to carry out. Our brothers and sisters go through enough suffering already and in the global wave of condemnation they receive daily, some vocal support is much appreciated. (Read the SPT editorial on the blog). Our silence is seen as almost betrayal as if we are somewhat embarrassed by their actions. Some "scholars" like Hamza Yusuf go even further writing that their actions give Muslims in the West a bad name.
"If saying that ‘we should work towards an Islamic state’ is anti-law, then being imprisoned for it is understandable."
This has become virtually illegal - statements by Blair and Clarke confirm this. But dont look at this in a void - it is part and parcel of this whole social engineering project to create a version of 'Islam' more palatable to Western society but lacking the very substance that makes the deen, the deen of Allah.
"all those that I know with good intentions and hopes of an Islamic state are being thrown into jail for simply wearing T-shirts and holding up offensive banners."
They could do far more work by treading carefully over such legislation and raising awareness in the community, so that in future, when a Suicide bombing does take place in Palestine, they'll immediately think of what the aggressors did to provoke it."
The time to tread carefully is coming to a close - the Muslim community has gotten itself into the mess it is in now by treading carefully so as not to offend the wider society. I have seen Muslim leader after Muslim leader say things in public debates like "yes, there are aspects of shari'ah which are indefensible", and "we shouldnt campaign for brothers in Guantanamo because there is no smoke without fire and it will only bring heat to our community here'. We need to be proudof our deen and our brothers and sisters struggling the greatest of struggles.
Yes, I agree that the need to educate the community on how to discuss issues of martyrdom operations in Palestine and elsewhere is extremely important but this must go hand in hand with openly showing our support for them.
"Why get thrown into prison for saying what you like, when there's no need to say it, or there are other more diplomatic means by which to say it ? No one's forcing us by law to condemn the Palestinian operations."
No one forced people by law to condemn the actions of the ANC but it was still crucial for people to support them and their actions. Its not saying what I like but saying what I must. When i get into discussions with non-Muslims regarding the issue of martyrdom ops in Palestine, i dont just shout "death to israel" or similar but try to use the arguments of international law, human rights and local analogies. There is the need for diplomacy then but i think we need to be unequivocal in our support as long as their actions stay within the shari'ah. Nowadays, our community immediately jumps to condemnation without even being asked to.
In conclusion, i think we are more or less agreed in principle but differ in method of conveyance. Yes, you are correct in that sometimes we need to be more diplomatic, however i think there is a time and a place for that. But its a good idea to maybe put together the relevant arguments we can use and post them.
But even these arguments will constitute glorification but on a more intellectual level.
I slept on what you said and understand it.
"In conclusion, i think we are more or less agreed in principle but differ in method of conveyance. Yes, you are correct in that sometimes we need to be more diplomatic, however i think there is a time and a place for that. But its a good idea to maybe put together the relevant arguments we can use and post them."
I'm realising maybe there is a time and a place for 'direct action' too, even though I never come across such times and places myself.
Our point of disagreement may be due to the differing levels of faith we have in British society and the probability in changing the public perception on suicide bombings.
Thanks for the education.
Wassalaam
GLorious Attack? there's nothing glorious in violence.
What it is is a desperate attack for it is all they can do.
I totally agree with the point about social engineering of Islam though.
Very true, they're trying to take away the soul of Islam. Re-brand it as they see fit.
It really pisses me off when I hear pricks like Tony Blair labelling Muslims as 'radical' or 'moderate' etc.
Even "moderates" are unacceptable now, lol. We need more categories, I like the term 'watercolour/waterwash Muslim'.
BRR
AA TMs,
Legal Advice for the newly formed Government in the southern occupied territory.
1. The 200 shells into Gaza last week, the killing of 80 non-combattants in south Palestine amounted to an armed attack pursuant to Art.2(4) UN Charter.
2. This gives the right to respond in self-defence under Art.51 UN Charter.
3. The conditions of response but be proportionate.
4. The operation killing 8 Israelis in North Palestine was proportionate but did not facilitate repelling the agression.
5. However, since they could be non combattants or minors, this would be potentially non sharia compliant. This has to be left to the Fiqh Council to be discussed.
End of Legal Advice
BRR
AA TMs,
Legal Advice for the newly formed Government in the southern occupied territory.
1. The 200 shells into Gaza last week, the killing of 80 non-combattants in south Palestine amounted to an armed attack pursuant to Art.2(4) UN Charter.
2. This gives the right to respond in self-defence under Art.51 UN Charter.
3. The conditions of response must be proportionate.
4. The operation killing 8 Israelis in North Palestine was proportionate but did not facilitate repelling the agression.
5. However, since they could be non combattants or minors, this would be potentially non sharia compliant. This has to be left to the Fiqh Council to be discussed.
6. South Palestine is not a state in International Law. Therefore it has no right under Art.51
7. South Palestine follows IL subject to Sharia Compliance.
8. South Palestine considers it have a right to self-defence under Quranic injunction and natural justice.
End of Legal Advice
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