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Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
Watching recent events, in light of history, has been key to me taking the stance I now have regarding Israel. Before embracing Islam ten years ago, I neither understood the situation in Israel, nor was particularly interested. My view was simply that I wished people would just get along… After embracing Islam, I was given leaflets and videos about the Palestinian cause. I have since watched the news and developments in the region more closely, as well as reading up on history…
History testifies to the fact, that the Jewish people have been one of the most persecuted peoples and religious communities, throughout the history of human civilisation! Why then, should they be denied a state? Some may well note, that since 1948 they have had a state… Well, it’s true, at present they do. But isn’t that precisely what others are ganging up on them, to deny them?!
Why are other countries scared of the success of Israel? Why do so many, wish to bring the struggle of this tiny country to an end?
To tell a state it’s not allowed to defend itself, which is in effect what the United Nations are now doing, is to deny it the right to exist! Whatever mistakes Israel has made during it’s short history, this is an unjust and very worrying move!
There are only 13 million Jews in the world, roughly 6 million of whom live in Israel. On the other hand, there are many times as many Arabs, 1.5 million of whom actually live in Israel too! Jews make up only a tiny minority of humanity, there were around 6.8 billion people living on Earth in 2006…
Surely, it’s plain to see, the Jewish people are not a threat to anyone! So, why all the propaganda and conspiracy theories about them? Now, Israelis are the one’s being accused of war crimes, when they were only trying to defend what’s left of their much reduced country… Isn’t this a disgraceful and shameful situation?
The UN clearly does not understand the dynamics of Middle Eastern politics, either that or they do not care and are willing to turn a blind eye to a potential bloodbath in the region! If the latter, what was the point of their creation in the first place? If Israel’s not safe, bear in mind none of us are, whatever state we’re living in!
The Blessed Saint Mary (Maryam al-Muqaddasa) is a sensational film of the life of Saint Mary, the Virgin mother of Jesus, based on classical Islamic texts. The film begins with the birth of Mary and ends with the birth of Jesus, skilfully recreating the major events which Mary went through as well as that of Prophet Zachariah, Mary’s guardian and a righteous Prophet of God.
This two hour presentation is a glorious illustration and depiction of the lofty station held by Mary in Islam, as well as the great stature of Prophet Zacharias.
In the wake of Sept. 11, new light is thrown on the international ties increasingly linking Muslim and neo-Nazi extremists
By Martin A. Lee (Spring 2002)
As Germany’s defeat loomed during the final months of World War II, Adolf Hitler increasingly lapsed into delusional fits of fantasy.
Albert Speer, in his prison writings, recounts an episode in which a maniacal Hitler “pictured for himself and for us the destruction of New York in a hurricane of fire.”
The Nazi fuehrer described skyscrapers turning into “gigantic burning torches, collapsing upon one another, the glow of the exploding city illuminating the dark sky.”
An approximation of Hitler’s hellish vision came true on Sept. 11, when terrorists destroyed the Twin Towers in New York, killing nearly 3,000 people. But it was not Nazis or even neo-Nazis who carried out the attack — the deadliest terror strike in history allegedly came at the hands of foreign Muslim extremists.
Still, in the aftermath of the slaughter, white supremacists in America and Europe applauded the suicide attacks and praised Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the massacre.
To continue reading, click here…
By Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
Terrorism is obviously very wrong, as well as being a very primitive way of trying to champion a cause. However, Islam is not terrorism! Orthodox Islam never has been and never has promoted terrorism!
Today’s problems in the Middle East and elsewhere, started with groups of disenfranchised people, from within these countries. They went on to start political movements to champion their causes. In much the same way, as fascists and communists have done in the past within Europe. The ideologies of these people, have little in common with orthodox branches of Islam. Back in the Cold War era, with the exception of Iran, many didn’t even claim to be standing up for Islam or Muslims, but rather anti-imperialism, people’s rights and communism! In more recent times, with many of the same problems unresolved and festering, the same types now claim to be freedom fighters and mujahideen “those who struggle”, which the likes of Al-Qaeda, Hamas and the Taliban, claim to be soldiers and martyrs for Islam. But titles do not necessarily denote the true nature of those who use them!
The orthodox branches of Islam, both the majority Sunni as well as the Shia denominations, have extensive literature and historical records, that prove they do not produce terrorists. In fact, they produced some of the greatest civilisations in human history! Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and others, used to live side by side their Muslim neighbours in peace and harmony. Many of our modern sciences and technologies have their roots in these Islamic civilisations. Not only Muslims, but Jews also look back to the Golden Age of Islam, between the 8th and 11th centuries, which was their Golden Age too!
The basis in theology, terrorist and fascist organisations are using, is instead the extreme puritanical, sectarian ideas of people like Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab and Said Qutb. People discredited as fanatical heretics by orthodox scholars of Islam. Other trouble makers, take on nationalistic agendas, based on tribe and ethnicity. Nationalism and tribalism were things strongly condemned in the Holy Qur’an and even by Prophet Muhammad himself! So they certainly have no place in Islam.
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” Holy Qur’an 49:13 (Yusuf Ali)
To create a united front against these terrorist and fascist agendas, we first need to recognise Islam is not at fault, and to be careful how we approach the threat. So we do not inadvertently make it appear as though we are attacking innocent Muslims, their religion and their way of life! Clearly, that is not an appropriate way of building bridges, with the allies needed to help put an end to this threat. If innocent Muslims feel threatened by what they perceive to be imperialist or Zionist threats, whether genuine or only appearing as such, it’s possible they themselves would become radicalised, which would only compound the problem! There is no need for this!
We need to focus on challenging the dangerous ideologies that are a threat to all civilisations, including Islamic ones! By building constructive relations with Muslims and giving due respect to orthodox Islam, we can make good progress. There is not that big a gulf between us! Giving support to those who need it, helping them to pick themselves up after terrorist strikes. Ensuring more airtime to those peaceful, constructive voices from within the Muslim community. While discouraging the media from giving free promotions for extremist voices. Unfortunately, media channels have a lot to answer for in this respect…
If these steps are taken, we will certainly make good progress and diminish the influence of extremism. If the Western world is sincere about their war on terrorism and fascist types, they will succeed, but only in partnership with Islam. Nobody has ever won a war through demonising potentially their greatest ally in the process! Islam is part of the solution, not part the problem!
Food for thought? No matter what your views on Palestine/Israel, one can but admire the Israelis!
There are better ways of doing things,
Than dividing up according to kin.
Though boasting emirates and stans,
Dire and empty are their plans!
Chasing ephemeral in lieu of ethereal,
Reaping the bounties of their hands.
Present conditions of previous sin,
Against the Caliph think they win!
Temporary nations on Allah’s lands.
Not only from far but close at hand,
Dictators and tyrants together band.
Be careful what you wish and sow,
Especially when you do not know!
Not according to faith did they,
Big egos causing all to stray.
Provided for others to claim,
Some land amongst the fray.
Beginnings of now lie in the past,
In Arab hands was made a pact,
Not justifying cousins now,
But be aware of when and how.
Not only outsiders causing injury,
Family, friends wishing for a jury.
Even without an Israeli state,
Still suffering an awful fate.
Surely the answer to our woes,
Lies not in condemning others,
But by looking into ourselves!
Realise own wrong to become strong.
You see the strife outside,
Mirrors your disease inside,
You must purify your hearts,
To see a better world outside.
Love your neighbour as yourself,
And do not do unto others,
Anything hateful to yourselves.
True ones wish for their neighbours,
That which they desire for themselves!
© Paul Salahuddin Armstrong. 24.02.2009
“O Children of Israel! Remember My favor wherewith I favored you, and fulfil your (part of the) covenant, I shall fulfil My (part of the) covenant and fear Me. And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.
Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth. Establish worship, pay the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship). Enjoin ye righteousness upon mankind while ye yourselves forget (to practise it)? And ye are readers of the Scripture! Have ye then no sense?
Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded, Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning. O Children of Israel! Remember My favor wherewith I favored you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures. And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped.
And (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh’s folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women: That was a tremendous trial from your Lord. And when We brought you through the sea and rescued you, and drowned the folk of Pharaoh in your sight.”
Holy Qur’an 2:40-50 (M.Pickthall)
“And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal- zephon, over against it shall ye encamp by the sea. And Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel: They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he shall follow after them; and I will get Me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.’ And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people were fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned towards the people, and they said: ‘What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
And he made ready his chariots, and took his people with him. And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand. And the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were sore afraid; and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses: ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to bring us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we spoke unto thee in Egypt, saying: Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.’
And Moses said unto the people: ‘Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will work for you to-day; for whereas ye have seen the Egyptians to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.’ And the LORD said unto Moses: ‘Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. And lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it; and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground. And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them; and I will get Me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten Me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.’
And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them; and it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness here, yet gave it light by night there; and the one came not near the other all the night.
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
And it came to pass in the morning watch, that the LORD looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, and made them to drive heavily; so that the Egyptians said: ‘Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.’ And the LORD said unto Moses: ‘Stretch out thy hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.’ And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, even all the host of Pharaoh that went in after them into the sea; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea-shore. And Israel saw the great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared the LORD; and they believed in the LORD, and in His servant Moses.”
Exodus 14:1-31 JPS (1917)
“To The Onlookers” by William Hayen
When our backs are turned,
when someone stares at us,
we feel them.
You who watched the killing, and did nothing,
still feel the eyes of those dead
on your bodies.
How many see you
as you pick a violet?
How many oak branches twist
into hands begging for help?
How many memories congeal
in the sun’s evening blood?
O the unsung cradlesongs
in the dove’s nightcries–
so many would have loved
their own stars in the night skies,
but now only the old well
can do it for them.
You did not murder,
but looked on, you,
who could have been changed
into light.
For anyone who doubts just exactly how bad Hamas are, watch this video… Hamas are fanatics who in no way, shape or form can be said, to be representing the beautiful religion of Islam! They are nothing but a fanatical terrorist organisation, perverting the teachings of a otherwise peaceful faith. Muslims should not support them!
I was just asked by a friend to vote on on a CNN pole, whether I supported Israel or Palestine. I didn’t vote, because I support neither side in this ridiculous, ongoing inhumane conflict that has caused so many people to loose their lives. I attended a march in London last weekend, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as I’m really upset by the appalling loss of life. But I’m against Hamas as much, or maybe even more than I’m against Zionism.
The only solution is for people to give up their misplaced hatred of their brothers and sisters in humanity! When people make this first step towards ‘loving thy neighbour as thyself’, we will see peace! May the Lord help us all love thy neighbour as thyself! I support neither Israel or Palestine, but all the people of Holy Land living in Peace, Love and Harmony with each other!
Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
