Bismillah,

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=578&u=/nm/20050717/ts_nm/iraq_dc_183 - http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=578&u=/nm/ 20050717/ts_nm/iraq_dc_183

This link talks of a father who could only find his son's head after the fuel tanker explosion in Musayyib.  It also has al-Qaeda's request that Muslims all over the world pray for them and their victory.

We might not have money or power, but we can pray for al-Qaeda's destruction, demise, and that they all burn in hell.  Let's let them know how much we hate them and that our Loving, Generous Lord will send them to hell forever for their evil ways.

PHILIPS: The Game of Tag and 'He Started It'
Jul 16, 2005
By M. Phillips

This won't sit well with anyone who sees terrorism as inherently evil and the battle against it as unquestionably good, but there's a startling string of similarities between the motivations and even the methods of Islamic terrorists and those of the neoconservative hawks who orchestrated America's war in Iraq.
American leaders believe the global spread of democracy is essential to peace. Islamic terrorists believe peace and harmony come only with life under fundamental Muslim doctrine. Each sees the other as dangerously wrong and a grave threat, both to its way of life and to world order. Each believes it stands upon the moral high ground, that God is on its side and that the other is evil. America had no more earthly authority to invade Iraq, beyond its self-bestowed right to do so, than terrorists had in blowing up London buses and trains.

Both are so driven to export and foist their world visions onto other nations that they're willing to kill innocent people to achieve, as each side sees it, a greater good. Each side relies on emotionally charged rhetoric and propaganda to convince its public that its cause is just and noble. Terrorist leaders tell Muslims that Western culture and capitalism are the devil's work, that the "infidels" want to control their land and oil. President Bush tells Americans terrorists are "cold-blooded killers" who "hate our freedoms."

Christian Rapturists who see this as a holy war believe they will reach higher, everlasting spiritual planes upon death. So do suicide bombers. American leaders foster a "they started it" argument, that 9/11 provoked the invasion of Iraq. Terrorists cite support for Israel, the World Bank and other Western entrees into the Middle East to say "No, they started it." Both point to the blood on each other's hands and tell their publics "See?"

Many call the invasion of Iraq an "illegal war." American leaders label terrorists "illegal combatants" in that war. Should the leaders of either side ever be captured by the opposition, they will be prosecuted in courts of foregone conclusions and put to death for crimes against humanity. Many believe terrorists exist only to wreak violence.

But if terrorists believed they could more effectively rid their societies of Western influence through nonviolence, they would do so. President Bush has said as much about his own rationale for invading Iraq - if Saddam Hussein would have resigned his dictatorship and fled into exile, opening Iraq to democracy, America wouldn't have invaded.With neither scenario plausible, rather than curtail its goals, each side resorts to violence to see its worldview to fruition.

Regardless which side "started it," the bombings in London prove America can't "finish it" through military might. As it is, people too easily paint this war in black and white (and, invariably, as their own side in white). Our very peace, and peace of mind, depends on stepping outside one's nationalist, religious and ideological perspectives to paint both sides the same color. Without the convenient borders separating good from evil, we're left with two distinct, sincere, flawed, incompatible systems - capitalist-fueled democracy and Islamic fundamentalism.

They come into conflict only when one encroaches on the other's perceived territory, geographical or otherwise. America can best neutralize terrorism through its own behavior. With a foreign policy divested of arrogance and sense of divine right, America would drop the notions of establishing military bases in the Middle East, leveraging poorer nations through forced economic reforms and imposing democracies on sovereign nations. Yes, this is exactly what terrorists want, but if that route leads to a true and deep peace, is that too much to ask? America can continue doing business with the Middle East without injecting itself into the Middle East. Middle Eastern nations and their citizens would struggle and succeed on their own terms toward social, political and religious equilibrium, and the gasoline fueling Islamic terrorism toward the West would evaporate. Until then, in this game of tag, neither is good nor evil. We are both simply "it," and much the deader for it.

M. Phillips is the pseudonym for a writer on the staff of a daily newspaper in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Email him at [email protected].

Bismillah,

My strong feeling to pray against Al-Qaeda arose because they requested it after this heinous attack on an Iraqi town and its people.  They should know for a certainty that most Muslims do not support them and will pray against them.

We could also pray to Allah, SWT, against all terrorists as well, including American Government officials bombing innocents and ignoring collateral damage all over the world.

Our prayers are powerful.  Let's use them.

"But if terrorists believed they could more effectively rid their societies of Western influence through nonviolence, they would do so. President Bush has said as much about his own rationale for invading Iraq - if Saddam Hussein would have resigned his dictatorship and fled into exile, opening Iraq to democracy, America wouldn't have invaded.With neither scenario plausible, rather than curtail its goals, each side resorts to violence to see its worldview to fruition."

I've known other people who did not believe evil is inherent.  I do believe that it is, and that some people enjoy violence, bloodshed, and destruction.  Such a soul in any world would cause havoc and destruction.

Assalamu alaikum,

As the article akhi Moskva shared seems to indicate, I see the US and Al-Qaeda as two evil forces in battle with one another. May they destroy each other Insha'Allah.

Assalamu Alaikum

Brother MOCKBA, although I agree with some of the major points of the article you posted, I have two major problems with it. 

First, the person that wrote it uses the phrase "Islamic terrorism."  I am strongly opposed to the use of this word and anyone who uses it in reference to what is going on in the world does not truly understand the truth about Islam.  This bothers me tremendously.  Also, the writer refers to Al-Qaeda as "Fundamentalist Muslims."  Since when does Islam embrace what Al-Qaeda does?  They might be "Muslims" in some sense of the word; however, I don't think the right term is "fundamentalist."  To say that is like saying they are simply embracing Islam more strictly than others.  If they embrace Islam, they are doing so incorrectly at best.  It is simply wrong for anyone to equate the actions of Al-Qaeda with Islam. 

Second, it is wrong to equate the actions and behaviors of President Bush with Americans.  President Bush did not ask the American public whether or not we wanted to go to war.  Nor did he get the permission of congress.  Although many Americans are supportive of the troops that are in the Middle East, they do so not in support of the war, but in support of their fathers, brothers, son and such.  Many Americans remember the grave injustice that was done to the men who fought in Viet Nam.  It is not the fault of these men that President has sent them into a war unjustly.  To refuse to fight is an act of treason which is punishable by life in prison or death.  If you were to take a real poll regarding how Americans feel about Bush and his "campaign against terrorism" you would see that most Americans are not in support of Bush and what he is doing.  Most Americans would rather have their family members home and to let the Middle East take care of its own problems.  If there was support for the war in the beginning, it was because Bush distorted the issues and made his actions appear to be a means to stop what he refers to as "Islamic terrorists" which many Americans were mislead to meant he was going to stop Al-Qaeda.

I�m a Muslim and I don�t support Al-Qaeda.  I�m, also, an American and I don�t support Bush.  Neither Bush nor Ben Laden (or whoever is the head of Al-Qaeda at this time) care how many people they have to kill to fulfill their own agenda.  I do not believe for one second that Bush had the best interest of Americans in mind when he engaged in war or that he does as he continued his Middle Eastern blood bath.  Likewise, I do not believe for one second that the head of Al-Qaeda has the best interest of Islam in mind at this time or in the past.  Power and control that is what both these men want�that is their common thread.  Their desire is nothing short of being dictators of their own empire.  That is why they will continue to fight and why we as �Sincere Muslims� must stand up and make our voices heard.  We can no longer sit back and point fingers.  We can no longer wish or hope that one side of the other will simply �die.�  Even if they did, someone else would be more than glad to come along and pick up where they left off.  We must speak out for Islam and what is right.  We must work towards an Islamic Community as Allah asked us too.  If we don�t build one ourselves, then someone like a Ben Laden or a Bush is going to come and force us to bow to them instead of to Allah.  Inshallah that will not happen but it is our duties as Muslims to make sure it doesn�t.  In doing so, we will be successful as Allah promised.  Allahu Akbar!

PAZ, Khadija

Asslamualaikum

Well said Khadija.I totally agree. "Islamic Terrorism" how can these words be juxtaposed? Islam is not what terrorists are doing. Islam is religion of peace and love. Same is the case with "Fundamentalist Muslims."

Khadija you are right "We can no longer sit back and point fingers.  We can no longer wish or hope that one side of the other will simply �die.�  Even if they did, someone else would be more than glad to come along and pick up where they left off.  We must speak out for Islam and what is right.  We must work towards an Islamic Community as Allah asked us too.  If we don�t build one ourselves, then someone like a Ben Laden or a Bush is going to come and force us to bow to them instead of to Allah.  Inshallah that will not happen but it is our duties as Muslims to make sure it doesn�t.  In doing so, we will be successful as Allah promised.  Allahu Akbar!"

So its time to realise our duties and work over it. Inshallah "we will be successful" no doubt.

Ma Salaam

Khadija1021 wrote:   Second, it is wrong to equate the actions and behaviors of President Bush with Americans.  President Bush did not ask the American public whether or not we wanted to go to war.  Nor did he get the permission of congress.  Although many Americans are supportive of the troops that are in the Middle East, they do so not in support of the war, but in support of their fathers, brothers, son and such.

exactly.  Im very glad some people see that it is unfair for any group or country to be steriotyped as all thinking the same way.

Yusuf. wrote: Assalamu alaikum, As the article akhi Moskva shared seems to indicate, I see the US and Al-Qaeda as two evil forces in battle with one another. May they destroy each other Insha'Allah.

Al Qaeda is obviously a group who all follow the same guildlines and beliefs however the US is not.  It is made up of many differant types of people from many differant religions and cultures unlike Al Qaeda.  To me it is unfair to group all americans together and call them evil.  What about the muslim americans, they are evil to in your eyes for simply living in the US ?

amna_ali wrote: Asslamualaikum Well said Khadija.I totally agree. "Islamic Terrorism" how can these words be juxtaposed? Islam is not what terrorists are doing. Islam is religion of peace and love. Same is the case with "Fundamentalist Muslims."

i see your point of view but they do claim to be Islamic, in fact that is the very center to there movement so to discard there religious views would be incorrect.  The fact that they use Quran scriptures to explain what they are doing is troubling.  What is more troubling to me is that these scriptures exist in the book. 5:51 is one of the most troubling to me.  Throughout the book I see referances to Jews and Christians as being unjust people not guided by Allah thus many could read as being guilded by Satan.  Jihad itself is built into the religion.  The forced Islamic Views and laws that have been forced on so many people are well within the Quran's teachings.

Im glad that there are so many peaceful Muslims.  Im not a Christian but do live around many here in the US.  I see how easy it is for religion to take over someone's life.

Bismillah

Jazzak Allahu Khair to all who have commented. Indeed there are some specifics in the article that i do not agree with, too. The main point is that this is not OUR war no matter how much both sides (GWB or AQ) try to convince us...

However, we are nearing the time when our lables of national identity will no longer mean much. The time when humankind will be divided into believers and non-believers. There is place for Americans, Mexicans, Ehtiopians in both camps... but the main identity will be fundamentally based on something else.   

Our embassies will be mosques...

Peace Rocitreal

Yes Al Qaida members do claim to be Islamic in their acts. But do you think mere claim is enough to make you believe their acts as Islamic. Shadaad, Pharoah, Numrood claimed to be gods. Were their claim going to make them gods??? 

One should keep one�s eyes and ears open to decide pragmatically. First verify and then accept or reject ideas. Claim without proper evidence is bogus.

You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. (Quran17:36)

Islam is a religion of peace, love, and brotherhood. It stresses on justice and freedom of an individual. Human life is sacred. No one is allowed to kill innocent lives. In Quran Allah says:

"...., we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. .... " (Quran 5:32)

".... You shall not kill - GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you that you may understand." (Quran 6:151)

"You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. ....." (Quran17:33)

Yes Muslims are allowed to fight back in their defense or for the enforcement of peace and justice. And it is Jihad to fight against oppression and terrorism.

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. (Quran 2:190)

But again with some condition �do not transgress limits.� Islam gives religious freedom. It does not allow its followers to kill those who differ in faith. There are several verses in Quran the clearly tells What Allah wants from His people.

"There shall be no compulsion in religion...". (Quran 2:256)

GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable." (Quran 60:8)"

If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient." (Quran 8:61)"

"...... Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them." (Quran 4:90)

Now come to the verse that you are referring to it sates;

O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. (Quran 5:51)

It dose not mean that Muslims can not have Christians or Jews as friends. Here it warns against only those Christians and Jews who fight against Muslims but not those who are peaceful. This verse is wrongly taken by Al Qaida members who think it their duty to fight against every Jew and Christian. These are terrorists who call themselves Muslims. They have overlooked what Allah really wants from us.  

Rocitreal wrote:

�Throughout the book I see referances to Jews and Christians as being unjust people not guided by Allah thus many could read as being guilded by Satan.  Jihad itself is built into the religion.  The forced Islamic Views and laws that have been forced on so many people are well within the Quran's teachings.�

I think you better quote those specific verses.

As far as Jihad is concerned I quote from article �Save a Life, Save All Humanity--Take a Life, Kill All Humanity
What the Islamic scriptures really say about jihad and violence.�

�According to 'Abdur-Rashid, there are three levels of jihad:

Personal Jihad: The most excellent jihad is that of the soul. This jihad, called the Jihadun-Nafs, is the intimate struggle to purify the soul of satanic influence--both subtle and overt. It is the struggle to cleanse one's spirit of sin. This is the most important level of jihad.

Verbal Jihad: On another occasion, the Prophet said, "The most excellent jihad is the speaking of truth in the face of a tyrant." He encouraged raising one's voice in the name of Allah on behalf of justice.

Physical Jihad: This is combat waged in defense of Muslims against oppression and transgression by the enemies of Allah, Islam and Muslims. We are commanded by Allah to lead peaceful lives and not transgress against anyone, but also to defend ourselves against oppression by "fighting against those who fight against us." This "jihad with the hand" is the aspect of jihad that has been so profoundly misunderstood in today's world.� (Source http://beliefnet.com/story/87/story_8753_1.html - http://beliefnet.com/story/87/story_8753_1.html )

Ma Salaam

Bismillah,

Well said Khadija, Amna.

"Which scenario is better for the Iraqis? Forget all this geopolitical intrigue.
What would be the result as it affects todays' Iraqi citizen?"

My answer to this is my post about George Galloway, the British politician, who asserts that Iraqi's by majority want the Invading Forces to leave Iraq.  We rely on other people to give us information, and must choose what seems accurate and what does not.  With the information I have, Galloway's comments seem to be the most accurate.  And anything that Bush is in support of is something I view warily. (Not including his political niceties about Muslims, of course!)

B: We all appreciate people who would say a prayer to our Loving Lord for us.  JazzakAllahKhayr!  Allah, SWT, loves the prayers of just, good people.

Muslims united against Al Qaeda...

now thats something i support !!!

Bismillah,

B: Why can't you accept that many people disagree with the idea that America as a government is the righteous protector of the world that you believe it to be?  We disagree on this point, and that is not going to change. 

 I dislike and distrust Bush for many reasons, as many other Americans do also.  George Galloway, a British politican has made assertions that Iraqis who are outside the green zone do not support the war and want all foreign forces to leave.  I can't ignore this information. 

I'm thinking: Why, yes.  It is possible that I am getting disinformation from the media.  And what the Iraqis want is much, much, much more important than our opinions.  This is the key that really needs researched completely by some brave souls willing to do so for the Iraqi people's benefit.

I am an American who was against the invasion and voted for a candidate who did not sign or support the Patriot Act.