Thursday, 2 February 2006
Caricaturing the prophet - the Jyllands-Posten Mohammed cartoons
The timing could scarcely be more apposite. Just as the government's ill-thought out, ill-drafted sop to their Muslim constituents, the Religious Hatred Bill, is defeated in Parliament (and will now become law in an amended form), the row over the Danish cartoons is spreading.
You'll recall that in the autumn a Danish publication, Jyllands-Posten, ran a series of cartoons about Islam, some of which caused grave offence to the Muslim population of that country. But protests have spread far and wide in the Muslim world (no doubt aided and abetted by those with a political agenda to push) and Arab ministers have called for the Danish government to "punish" the newspaper (whatever that means).
Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Denmark, while Libya said it was closing its embassy in Copenhagen. On Monday masked gunmen briefly stormed the local office of the EU in Gaza, demanding apologies from Denmark and Norway, where a paper reprinted the cartoons. The Danish Red Cross said it had pulled two employees out of Gaza, following a threat from the militant al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Reuters reported.And now Muslims upset at the depiction of the Prophet with a bomb-shaped headdress are threatening suicide bombings in Denmark. I guess irony isn't their strong point.
On the other side of the dispute, some newspapers in other countries have reprinted the cartoons in solidarity with the Danish paper. One such newspaper is France Soir, which was the first major European title to republish the cartoons. They accompanied them with an editorial:
It is necessary to crush once again the infamous thing, as Voltaire liked to say. This religious intolerance that accepts no mockery, no satire, no ridicule. We citizens of secular and democratic societies are summoned to condemn a dozen caricatures judged offensive to Islam. Summoned by who? By the Muslim Brotherhood, by Syria, the Islamic Jihad, the interior ministers of Arab countries, the Islamic Conferences - all paragons of tolerance, humanism and democracy.
So, we must apologise to them because the freedom of expression they refuse, day after day, to each of their citizens, faithful or militant, is exercised in a society that is not subject to their iron rule. It's the world upside down. No, we will never apologise for being free to speak, to think and to believe. Because these self-proclaimed doctors of law have made this a point of principle, we have to be firm. They can claim whatever they like but we have the right to caricature Muhammad, Jesus, Buddha, Yahve and all forms of theism. It's called freedom of expression in a secular country...
Now the editor has been sacked for his decision by the owner, an Egyptian Coptic Christian named Raymond Lakah (an interesting aside from an Egyptian blogger, here). Well done, guys. Once again, France stands up to its enemies. The BBC is reporting on the story, but will not reproduce the cartoons - indeed, on last night's news, it blacked out the offending parts on screen as if it were pornographic. So much for media solidarity here.
(UPDATE: The BBC ran soft-focus shots of the cartoons on the news Thursday: "Newsnight" took the faintly ludicrous decision of getting a cartoonist to reproduce the caricatures without drawing Mohammed himself, which, given that all the cartoons were specifically designed to depict his likeness, strikes me as absurd in the circumstances.)
(UPDATE: The BBC ran soft-focus shots of the cartoons on the news Thursday: "Newsnight" took the faintly ludicrous decision of getting a cartoonist to reproduce the caricatures without drawing Mohammed himself, which, given that all the cartoons were specifically designed to depict his likeness, strikes me as absurd in the circumstances.)
The Danish newspaper concerned, and the Danish government, have acted blamelessly and bravely through all of this. The newspaper have apologised for any offence caused, but made it clear that they stand by their decision to print the caricatures. The government have made it clear that freedom of the press is paramount. My personal view is that the cartoons are not particularly amusing or enlightening, and have little great artistic merit (whether or not they are offensive is not really for me to judge). But that is not the same as saying that they should not be printed. Decide for yourself.
If we're going to get embroiled in a war over offensive caricatures, my view is that we should start by getting Arab governments to apologise for their press, which habitually runs cartoons like these:
Yes, those are rats with Star of David skullcaps on.
Plenty has been said, written and posted about the importance of freedom of speech and the right to criticise religion, so I won't add to it. But there is a growing tension between the norms of a secular society that we all take for granted, and the demands of religious minorities - often, but by no means exclusively, Muslim - to have certain types of speech, art, television or music banned. We should all be glad that someone is taking a stand.
Freedom of speech is very important. I welcome your comments.
Comments:
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If it wasn't for the right to freely criticise religion, I wouldn't have found the books and websites that allowed me to find my Buddhist faith. Just a thought.
I don't think the Danish paper should have reprinted the cartoons once they realised they were causing offence, but they have every moral and legal right to do so.
Religions are, at their heart, no more than ideas - sometimes fiercely held, to be sure, and perhaps even correct, but ideas nonetheless.
The whole history of human progress - philosophical, intellectual, political - is about challenging ideas, whether it's the idea that women are inferior, the sun revolves around the earth, or that kings are divinely ordained. This is no different.
I don't deny Muslims their faith, or their right to be offended by stuff like this, but as a non-Muslim I absolutely deny that I am bound by their rules.
Religions are, at their heart, no more than ideas - sometimes fiercely held, to be sure, and perhaps even correct, but ideas nonetheless.
The whole history of human progress - philosophical, intellectual, political - is about challenging ideas, whether it's the idea that women are inferior, the sun revolves around the earth, or that kings are divinely ordained. This is no different.
I don't deny Muslims their faith, or their right to be offended by stuff like this, but as a non-Muslim I absolutely deny that I am bound by their rules.
these are offensive to me as a Muslim, I wouldn't go to burn down the danish embassy but it was unfair and provocative for the newspaper to reprint them, and for other European newspapers to publish them as well, there was no need to do that.
Freedom of speech is all very well bt there are limits, you don't show child images when reporting a story on a pedophile so why show this offensive stuff when you know Muslims are reading or watching?
Freedom of speech is all very well bt there are limits, you don't show child images when reporting a story on a pedophile so why show this offensive stuff when you know Muslims are reading or watching?
To the anonymous Muslim. As a Jew I am offended by the antisemitic cartoons publised in Islamic newspapers but it is their perogative, as is yours to withold your name.
Free speech is free speech. It involves listening to stuff you don't like and wouldn't say yourself.
I appreciate that Muslims are not allowed to make images of Muhammad. There is a similar rule in relation to pictures of God (the Second Commandment) which is broken so often that no-one's even thought to mention it. I assume that's because we all assume, as people who were raised on free speech, that if you aren't a Christian then you are free to break it. I don't understand how Muslims make the leap to other people not being allowed to do it either. If you aren't a Muslim then you don't have to live by Muslim rules.
I appreciate that Muslims are not allowed to make images of Muhammad. There is a similar rule in relation to pictures of God (the Second Commandment) which is broken so often that no-one's even thought to mention it. I assume that's because we all assume, as people who were raised on free speech, that if you aren't a Christian then you are free to break it. I don't understand how Muslims make the leap to other people not being allowed to do it either. If you aren't a Muslim then you don't have to live by Muslim rules.
VERY WELL SAID, as per usual.
As my letter to the Telegraph noted on Saturday: "...many of the complaints in relation to Denmark are from countries which, on a daily basis, publish virulently anti-Semitic images and pictures in their own national journals.
The hypocrisy is breathtaking."
As my letter to the Telegraph noted on Saturday: "...many of the complaints in relation to Denmark are from countries which, on a daily basis, publish virulently anti-Semitic images and pictures in their own national journals.
The hypocrisy is breathtaking."
Nearly all islamic people believe in forcing circumcision on a defenceless baby before he is a grown man to defend himself (tell me one that gave their child a choice)
Halal meat ate again by most muslims does not allow the animal to be stunned or drugged to reduce pain...
Starving of one self and ones children over a certain period is again practiced by most muslims.
Mohammed had sX with a 9 year old girl when he was over 50 (Aisha, this is in the hadith,she speaks of how he came whist she played with her toys!!)
..no muslim has EVER said he was wrong to do it.....
He said how women were half the intelligence of men, again read the islamic scriptures not mine, and how the majority of hell is full of women (what a true prophet is doing in hell is beyond me, only the false has reason)
Mohammed also had SX with his first cousin (an unholy act that is punished by huge child defects.
He told his soldiers that they could rape women during war,,well he said they could temporarily marry them for 3 days,,and of course take their right with them. Mohammed the sx prophet of course would not be undone and married a woman a day after he killed her dad and bro. Lets be serious no matter how brain washed or psychologically misplaced you are, no one can say she wanted Mohammed after that Evil act..
The media muslim lie is that Islam is peaceful, but history from the very beginning of islam, Sharia law,a religious law based on islam,before these new moderates were born reveals the truth, as does the murder and rape of thousands of men and women, whilst the muslim armies rejoiced mohammed. They drooled over rape/torture/murder, through syria, lybia,Africa,afghanistan etc.
even now, a muslim refuses to live in peace (not the individual, the rational they try to use, but the collective.After all how many mass demonstrations do you see by these so called peaceful muslims against those clerics that preach hate?? none...the muslim only cares about muslim. For example. one of their 5 tenants is to do charity...BUT once again the self ego of Mohammed and the true reason of islam comes out, where you can decide not to help some one dying at your feet for charity but can instead devote your time/cash to furthering islam)
Tell me is this a religion of peace? The muslim will immediately say he is biggoted, ignore him. But dont read yourself, from all sources and YOU decide. The other favoured tool by the devious mohammedins, is when you are interested or a new con-vert to islam, they obsessively encourage you to only mingle with other muslims....this is not godly, this is mohammedly....
Halal meat ate again by most muslims does not allow the animal to be stunned or drugged to reduce pain...
Starving of one self and ones children over a certain period is again practiced by most muslims.
Mohammed had sX with a 9 year old girl when he was over 50 (Aisha, this is in the hadith,she speaks of how he came whist she played with her toys!!)
..no muslim has EVER said he was wrong to do it.....
He said how women were half the intelligence of men, again read the islamic scriptures not mine, and how the majority of hell is full of women (what a true prophet is doing in hell is beyond me, only the false has reason)
Mohammed also had SX with his first cousin (an unholy act that is punished by huge child defects.
He told his soldiers that they could rape women during war,,well he said they could temporarily marry them for 3 days,,and of course take their right with them. Mohammed the sx prophet of course would not be undone and married a woman a day after he killed her dad and bro. Lets be serious no matter how brain washed or psychologically misplaced you are, no one can say she wanted Mohammed after that Evil act..
The media muslim lie is that Islam is peaceful, but history from the very beginning of islam, Sharia law,a religious law based on islam,before these new moderates were born reveals the truth, as does the murder and rape of thousands of men and women, whilst the muslim armies rejoiced mohammed. They drooled over rape/torture/murder, through syria, lybia,Africa,afghanistan etc.
even now, a muslim refuses to live in peace (not the individual, the rational they try to use, but the collective.After all how many mass demonstrations do you see by these so called peaceful muslims against those clerics that preach hate?? none...the muslim only cares about muslim. For example. one of their 5 tenants is to do charity...BUT once again the self ego of Mohammed and the true reason of islam comes out, where you can decide not to help some one dying at your feet for charity but can instead devote your time/cash to furthering islam)
Tell me is this a religion of peace? The muslim will immediately say he is biggoted, ignore him. But dont read yourself, from all sources and YOU decide. The other favoured tool by the devious mohammedins, is when you are interested or a new con-vert to islam, they obsessively encourage you to only mingle with other muslims....this is not godly, this is mohammedly....
Nearly all islamic people believe in forcing circumcision on a defenceless baby before he is a grown man to defend himself (tell me one that gave their child a choice)
Halal meat ate again by most muslims does not allow the animal to be stunned or drugged to reduce pain...
Starving of one self and ones children over a certain period is again practiced by most muslims.
Mohammed had sX with a 9 year old girl when he was over 50 (Aisha, this is in the hadith,she speaks of how he came whist she played with her toys!!)
..no muslim has EVER said he was wrong to do it.....
He said how women were half the intelligence of men, again read the islamic scriptures not mine, and how the majority of hell is full of women (what a true prophet is doing in hell is beyond me, only the false has reason)
Mohammed also had SX with his first cousin (an unholy act that is punished by huge child defects.
He told his soldiers that they could rape women during war,,well he said they could temporarily marry them for 3 days,,and of course take their right with them. Mohammed the sx prophet of course would not be undone and married a woman a day after he killed her dad and bro. Lets be serious no matter how brain washed or psychologically misplaced you are, no one can say she wanted Mohammed after that Evil act..
The media muslim lie is that Islam is peaceful, but history from the very beginning of islam, Sharia law,a religious law based on islam,before these new moderates were born reveals the truth, as does the murder and rape of thousands of men and women, whilst the muslim armies rejoiced mohammed. They drooled over rape/torture/murder, through syria, lybia,Africa,afghanistan etc.
even now, a muslim refuses to live in peace (not the individual, the rational they try to use, but the collective.After all how many mass demonstrations do you see by these so called peaceful muslims against those clerics that preach hate?? none...the muslim only cares about muslim. For example. one of their 5 tenants is to do charity...BUT once again the self ego of Mohammed and the true reason of islam comes out, where you can decide not to help some one dying at your feet for charity but can instead devote your time/cash to furthering islam)
Tell me is this a religion of peace? The muslim will immediately say he is biggoted, ignore him. But dont read yourself, from all sources and YOU decide. The other favoured tool by the devious mohammedins, is when you are interested or a new con-vert to islam, they obsessively encourage you to only mingle with other muslims....this is not godly, this is mohammedly....
Halal meat ate again by most muslims does not allow the animal to be stunned or drugged to reduce pain...
Starving of one self and ones children over a certain period is again practiced by most muslims.
Mohammed had sX with a 9 year old girl when he was over 50 (Aisha, this is in the hadith,she speaks of how he came whist she played with her toys!!)
..no muslim has EVER said he was wrong to do it.....
He said how women were half the intelligence of men, again read the islamic scriptures not mine, and how the majority of hell is full of women (what a true prophet is doing in hell is beyond me, only the false has reason)
Mohammed also had SX with his first cousin (an unholy act that is punished by huge child defects.
He told his soldiers that they could rape women during war,,well he said they could temporarily marry them for 3 days,,and of course take their right with them. Mohammed the sx prophet of course would not be undone and married a woman a day after he killed her dad and bro. Lets be serious no matter how brain washed or psychologically misplaced you are, no one can say she wanted Mohammed after that Evil act..
The media muslim lie is that Islam is peaceful, but history from the very beginning of islam, Sharia law,a religious law based on islam,before these new moderates were born reveals the truth, as does the murder and rape of thousands of men and women, whilst the muslim armies rejoiced mohammed. They drooled over rape/torture/murder, through syria, lybia,Africa,afghanistan etc.
even now, a muslim refuses to live in peace (not the individual, the rational they try to use, but the collective.After all how many mass demonstrations do you see by these so called peaceful muslims against those clerics that preach hate?? none...the muslim only cares about muslim. For example. one of their 5 tenants is to do charity...BUT once again the self ego of Mohammed and the true reason of islam comes out, where you can decide not to help some one dying at your feet for charity but can instead devote your time/cash to furthering islam)
Tell me is this a religion of peace? The muslim will immediately say he is biggoted, ignore him. But dont read yourself, from all sources and YOU decide. The other favoured tool by the devious mohammedins, is when you are interested or a new con-vert to islam, they obsessively encourage you to only mingle with other muslims....this is not godly, this is mohammedly....
An Invitation to Paradise
I performed the istikhaarah salaah on the evening of Thursday, 7th September 1995 and pleaded for guidance from Allah, The One Who Is Above weaknesses. By the Grace of Allah, The One Who Is Most Kind to His slaves, I had the most marvellous dream. In my sleep that evening, I saw myself standing in the venerated presence of, and about two metres away from our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) in the Rauda al-Jannah. The Holy Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) was immaculately dressed in pristine white apparel and white turban. I felt entirely insignificant. I was in the company of the fountainhead of virtue. I, also, was dressed in white robes and a white turban, and stood with my back towards the qiblah. Tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks. The Holy Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger), who was sent by Allah, The Creator and Cherisher of all things, as a Warner and a Mercy to the worlds, stood and looked at me. I said in Afrikaans: “Yaa Rasulullaah, ek het vir U kom wys my familie – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah, en Makkia.” In English, this reads: “O Messenger of Allah, I have come to show to yourself my family – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia.”
I woke with a song in my heart. Allah had honoured me with the society of the best of mankind. The dream was etched in my memory with an astonishing clarity. I shall never forget it. It was, to me, a precognition of the predestination of Allah, The One Whose Will Reigns Supreme, and an invitation from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.
By the words “Yaa Rasulullaah” (“O Messenger of Allah”), I knew that I had definitely dreamt of the Holy Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). That I spoke in “kombuis” Afrikaans was enlightening. I had much to think about. The reason for my not mentioning my wife’s name (as part of my family) in the list of introductions to the Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) later became apparent to me – she had introduced herself on our first pilgrimage in 1991! The same could be said for myself – I also had not introduced myself in the dream, as I, likewise, had first travelled to Madinah then. The dream held another eye-opener – I had referred to Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia as ‘my family’ and not as ‘my children’ (as we do in the west). In this lay a poignant lesson – although Makkia forms part of our family, she is adopted (and not ours biologically) and therefore not of ‘our children’! For inclusiveness and especially in du’aa, I later familiarised myself with referring to them as ‘my family’, rather than ‘my children’. I would also refer to them as ‘the children’ in du’aa.
Always thereafter, I wondered why our Cherished Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) did not speak to me in the dream.
I related my experience to anyone who would listen.
Islam teaches that a person who dreams of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) has dreamt the truth and has in fact seen the Holy Prophet, and not (mistakenly) anyone else in his or her dream. Based on this reassurance, I believed with certainty that, as long as we held firmly onto the Shari’ah, my family and I would receive divine assistance to get to the Hijaz.
More than fifteen Jamaa’ah people had gone on Haj in 1997. In 1998, thirty-six persons had performed the holy journey. Twenty-one Jamaa’ah pilgrims had answered the call in 1999. The year 2000 had twenty-five Jamaa’ah Hujjaaj. Just eight people had gone during 2001. This time, more than a hundred went.
It was a good year, 1422AH. The Haj of that year brought new meaning to the lives of many and helped to heighten the spirit of camaraderie among the members of the ’Ibaad-u-Ragmaan Qadiri Jamaa’ah. Travelling to and staying in the Holy Land has always meant a lot to me. This journey was especially fulfilling. Every day was better than the one before, every moment sweeter than the previous one. Better travelling companions I could not have hoped for.
At 6pm on 24th December 2001, we left Cape Town for Johannesburg. Two days later, we left Johannesburg on Flight KQ 0461 for Nairobi and Jeddah. On 27th December 2001, we arrived by bus in Makkah al-Mukarramah from Jeddah. We completed the rites of ’Umrah.
If monetary outlay was the standard by which such things were measured, the Great Mosque in Makkah must have ranked as the principal wonder of the world. Billions of Saudi riyal had gone into its expansion and upkeep.
Brown tiles had replaced the hand-hewed granite stones of the Holy Ka'aba. Embroidered Quranic texts glistened above head-height on the kiswah.
Falcons had ousted the finches from the Great Mosque. Gliding majestically from the 89-meter-high minarets, these magnificent hunting birds soared elegantly on the warm air currents high above the Masjid al-Haram. They were showing off, I thought.
At around 16:00 on 2nd January 2002, we went by bus from Makkah to Madinah and reached there the next morning. Al-Masjid al-Nabwi, complete with underground parking and a first floor, had been enlarged to include two inner courtyards. There, big, state-of-the-art, umbrella-shaped sunshades sheltered visitors against the sun. Enlarged to hold more than a million worshippers, the Holy Mosque boasted golden grilles, precast terrazzo cornices and large brass doors. Plush woollen carpets enhanced the stylish décor.
After performing the necessary Salawaat, I carefully walked into the Rauda al-Jannah. A heavenly fragrance caught my attention. My mood moved from a state of grace to the very mountain-top of spirituality. Clad in white robes and a white turban, and standing with my back towards the qiblah, I stopped about five feet from the brass lattice that separates one from the holy graves. My spirit rested. I was unable to stop the tears from running into my beard. Choking back my emotions, I managed to greet the Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). I softly added: “Yaa Rasulullaah, ek het vir U kom wys my familie – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah, en Makkia.” (“O Messenger of Allah, I have come to show to yourself my family – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia.”)
I also greeted the Holy Prophet’s illustrious companions, Sayyidina Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Sayyidina ’Umar al-Faruq (may Allah, The One Who Is Best Informed of all things, Comfort them with His Unending Satisfaction).
Alhamdu-lillaah. My dream of our Free-handed Prophet Muhammad had come true after more than six years. Allah, The One Who Feeds us against hunger and Makes us secure against fear, Had Guided us through the flawless personality of our Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). Our Blameless Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) is the guiding light of those who do good deeds. There is no man greater than him. He is the spirit of truth and the master of those who warn against evil. The most honoured person in the Sight of Allah, our Generous Prophet remains the model that guides others to the straight path. Our Chivalrous Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) is the Sayed of the people of paradise.
I performed the istikhaarah salaah on the evening of Thursday, 7th September 1995 and pleaded for guidance from Allah, The One Who Is Above weaknesses. By the Grace of Allah, The One Who Is Most Kind to His slaves, I had the most marvellous dream. In my sleep that evening, I saw myself standing in the venerated presence of, and about two metres away from our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) in the Rauda al-Jannah. The Holy Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) was immaculately dressed in pristine white apparel and white turban. I felt entirely insignificant. I was in the company of the fountainhead of virtue. I, also, was dressed in white robes and a white turban, and stood with my back towards the qiblah. Tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks. The Holy Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger), who was sent by Allah, The Creator and Cherisher of all things, as a Warner and a Mercy to the worlds, stood and looked at me. I said in Afrikaans: “Yaa Rasulullaah, ek het vir U kom wys my familie – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah, en Makkia.” In English, this reads: “O Messenger of Allah, I have come to show to yourself my family – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia.”
I woke with a song in my heart. Allah had honoured me with the society of the best of mankind. The dream was etched in my memory with an astonishing clarity. I shall never forget it. It was, to me, a precognition of the predestination of Allah, The One Whose Will Reigns Supreme, and an invitation from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.
By the words “Yaa Rasulullaah” (“O Messenger of Allah”), I knew that I had definitely dreamt of the Holy Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). That I spoke in “kombuis” Afrikaans was enlightening. I had much to think about. The reason for my not mentioning my wife’s name (as part of my family) in the list of introductions to the Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) later became apparent to me – she had introduced herself on our first pilgrimage in 1991! The same could be said for myself – I also had not introduced myself in the dream, as I, likewise, had first travelled to Madinah then. The dream held another eye-opener – I had referred to Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia as ‘my family’ and not as ‘my children’ (as we do in the west). In this lay a poignant lesson – although Makkia forms part of our family, she is adopted (and not ours biologically) and therefore not of ‘our children’! For inclusiveness and especially in du’aa, I later familiarised myself with referring to them as ‘my family’, rather than ‘my children’. I would also refer to them as ‘the children’ in du’aa.
Always thereafter, I wondered why our Cherished Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) did not speak to me in the dream.
I related my experience to anyone who would listen.
Islam teaches that a person who dreams of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) has dreamt the truth and has in fact seen the Holy Prophet, and not (mistakenly) anyone else in his or her dream. Based on this reassurance, I believed with certainty that, as long as we held firmly onto the Shari’ah, my family and I would receive divine assistance to get to the Hijaz.
More than fifteen Jamaa’ah people had gone on Haj in 1997. In 1998, thirty-six persons had performed the holy journey. Twenty-one Jamaa’ah pilgrims had answered the call in 1999. The year 2000 had twenty-five Jamaa’ah Hujjaaj. Just eight people had gone during 2001. This time, more than a hundred went.
It was a good year, 1422AH. The Haj of that year brought new meaning to the lives of many and helped to heighten the spirit of camaraderie among the members of the ’Ibaad-u-Ragmaan Qadiri Jamaa’ah. Travelling to and staying in the Holy Land has always meant a lot to me. This journey was especially fulfilling. Every day was better than the one before, every moment sweeter than the previous one. Better travelling companions I could not have hoped for.
At 6pm on 24th December 2001, we left Cape Town for Johannesburg. Two days later, we left Johannesburg on Flight KQ 0461 for Nairobi and Jeddah. On 27th December 2001, we arrived by bus in Makkah al-Mukarramah from Jeddah. We completed the rites of ’Umrah.
If monetary outlay was the standard by which such things were measured, the Great Mosque in Makkah must have ranked as the principal wonder of the world. Billions of Saudi riyal had gone into its expansion and upkeep.
Brown tiles had replaced the hand-hewed granite stones of the Holy Ka'aba. Embroidered Quranic texts glistened above head-height on the kiswah.
Falcons had ousted the finches from the Great Mosque. Gliding majestically from the 89-meter-high minarets, these magnificent hunting birds soared elegantly on the warm air currents high above the Masjid al-Haram. They were showing off, I thought.
At around 16:00 on 2nd January 2002, we went by bus from Makkah to Madinah and reached there the next morning. Al-Masjid al-Nabwi, complete with underground parking and a first floor, had been enlarged to include two inner courtyards. There, big, state-of-the-art, umbrella-shaped sunshades sheltered visitors against the sun. Enlarged to hold more than a million worshippers, the Holy Mosque boasted golden grilles, precast terrazzo cornices and large brass doors. Plush woollen carpets enhanced the stylish décor.
After performing the necessary Salawaat, I carefully walked into the Rauda al-Jannah. A heavenly fragrance caught my attention. My mood moved from a state of grace to the very mountain-top of spirituality. Clad in white robes and a white turban, and standing with my back towards the qiblah, I stopped about five feet from the brass lattice that separates one from the holy graves. My spirit rested. I was unable to stop the tears from running into my beard. Choking back my emotions, I managed to greet the Messenger of Allah (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). I softly added: “Yaa Rasulullaah, ek het vir U kom wys my familie – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah, en Makkia.” (“O Messenger of Allah, I have come to show to yourself my family – Suleiman, Dawood, Rifdah and Makkia.”)
I also greeted the Holy Prophet’s illustrious companions, Sayyidina Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Sayyidina ’Umar al-Faruq (may Allah, The One Who Is Best Informed of all things, Comfort them with His Unending Satisfaction).
Alhamdu-lillaah. My dream of our Free-handed Prophet Muhammad had come true after more than six years. Allah, The One Who Feeds us against hunger and Makes us secure against fear, Had Guided us through the flawless personality of our Prophet (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger). Our Blameless Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) is the guiding light of those who do good deeds. There is no man greater than him. He is the spirit of truth and the master of those who warn against evil. The most honoured person in the Sight of Allah, our Generous Prophet remains the model that guides others to the straight path. Our Chivalrous Prophet Muhammad (May Allah Convey His Peace and Blessings upon the Holy Messenger) is the Sayed of the people of paradise.
The Muslim world is now just starting to wake up to the fact it is being persecuted whilst affraid to being labeled 'terrorist'. (from Allah we came and back to Allah we shall return)So many people just dont get it. Why?... because most people are asleep sheep that cannot or too affraid to think for themselves. If the world were to attack their own mothers these people would join in, thinking that there is some gain or self protection to be gained from it. Disgusting!
The really funny thing about all this is whilst people attack Islam, they are oblivious to the drastic changes going on around them. And they are so foolish to think that these detention centres are for muslim terrorists only. How easily you give away your own freedom
These freedom of speech usurpers are the actual ones who will destroy freedom all together. Why?.. Because these cartoons are not an expression of 'freedom of speech' at all but rather the cartoons are tantamount to defamation of character. Why is it you can spread lies about someone or a nation of people without giving them the right to defend themselves or explain their side of the story. So like 'Animal Farm' all people are equal but some people are more equal than others. Right? right.
Now how about some facts. Can you handle it or do you want your Mummy? It is well known that the editor of the Jylander News paper Rose Fleming travelled to New York to talk with his good friend Daniel Pipes (a neo-conservative and counter terrorism analyst and...and columnist for the New York Sun) talked about his Islamic publicity stunt. Daniel Pipes is well known in the American press for his almost total commitment to Anti-Islamic propaganda. The dicussion between Pipes and Fleming was to do with the cartoons in question. Daniel Pipes who is educated with a good scope of Islamic knowledge and affairs made the suggestion and Fleming Rose gave the go ahead to publish with the anticipation of maybe creating such publicity as did Rushdie's Satanic Verses and reap the rewards. Many American reactionaries got so excited about this faroar and coined this event as "The Clash of Civilisations". The Reaction from some Devout angry Muslims would provide yet more justification for the bloodshed and rape of Iraqs resourses and women as 9/11 seemed to be fading into the background. (see... they burned our flag! lets detroy an Arab village!! Yeah.yeah! one for you, one for me!)It was getting harder to justify children being blown apart limb from limb for the greatness of the financial world elite.
Now those of you who disbelieve in divine justice heres what was reported to have happened next.
On 8 February 2006, Flemming Rose said in interviews with CNN and TV 2 that Jyllands-Posten planned to reprint satirical cartoons depicting the Holocaust that the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri planned to publish. He told CNN "My newspaper is trying to establish a contact with that Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, and we would run the cartoons the same day as they publish them". Later that day the paper's editor-in-chief said that Jyllands-posten under no circumstances would publish the Holocaust cartoons.
and Flemming Rose later said that "he had made a mistake". The next day Carsten Juste, the editor-in-chief of Jyllands-Posten, stated that Flemming Rose was on indefinite leave.
Now thats some funny sh~" goin on right there.
So there is your freedom of speech you hypocrites.
So for the Infamous Cartoons. News bullitin here... majority of Muslims dont give a damn. Not anymore. Infact these cartoons are still available throughout the internet and other media for every bloodthursty infidel to gloat over. As a Muslim myself , my attitude is, this is YOUR sin not mine, it is only YOU who has to justify it to your maker come Judgement Day. But of course so many people are convinced that there is no God out there to account for their actions. So on with the carnage, deluded people of the free world!
The really funny thing about all this is whilst people attack Islam, they are oblivious to the drastic changes going on around them. And they are so foolish to think that these detention centres are for muslim terrorists only. How easily you give away your own freedom
These freedom of speech usurpers are the actual ones who will destroy freedom all together. Why?.. Because these cartoons are not an expression of 'freedom of speech' at all but rather the cartoons are tantamount to defamation of character. Why is it you can spread lies about someone or a nation of people without giving them the right to defend themselves or explain their side of the story. So like 'Animal Farm' all people are equal but some people are more equal than others. Right? right.
Now how about some facts. Can you handle it or do you want your Mummy? It is well known that the editor of the Jylander News paper Rose Fleming travelled to New York to talk with his good friend Daniel Pipes (a neo-conservative and counter terrorism analyst and...and columnist for the New York Sun) talked about his Islamic publicity stunt. Daniel Pipes is well known in the American press for his almost total commitment to Anti-Islamic propaganda. The dicussion between Pipes and Fleming was to do with the cartoons in question. Daniel Pipes who is educated with a good scope of Islamic knowledge and affairs made the suggestion and Fleming Rose gave the go ahead to publish with the anticipation of maybe creating such publicity as did Rushdie's Satanic Verses and reap the rewards. Many American reactionaries got so excited about this faroar and coined this event as "The Clash of Civilisations". The Reaction from some Devout angry Muslims would provide yet more justification for the bloodshed and rape of Iraqs resourses and women as 9/11 seemed to be fading into the background. (see... they burned our flag! lets detroy an Arab village!! Yeah.yeah! one for you, one for me!)It was getting harder to justify children being blown apart limb from limb for the greatness of the financial world elite.
Now those of you who disbelieve in divine justice heres what was reported to have happened next.
On 8 February 2006, Flemming Rose said in interviews with CNN and TV 2 that Jyllands-Posten planned to reprint satirical cartoons depicting the Holocaust that the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri planned to publish. He told CNN "My newspaper is trying to establish a contact with that Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, and we would run the cartoons the same day as they publish them". Later that day the paper's editor-in-chief said that Jyllands-posten under no circumstances would publish the Holocaust cartoons.
and Flemming Rose later said that "he had made a mistake". The next day Carsten Juste, the editor-in-chief of Jyllands-Posten, stated that Flemming Rose was on indefinite leave.
Now thats some funny sh~" goin on right there.
So there is your freedom of speech you hypocrites.
So for the Infamous Cartoons. News bullitin here... majority of Muslims dont give a damn. Not anymore. Infact these cartoons are still available throughout the internet and other media for every bloodthursty infidel to gloat over. As a Muslim myself , my attitude is, this is YOUR sin not mine, it is only YOU who has to justify it to your maker come Judgement Day. But of course so many people are convinced that there is no God out there to account for their actions. So on with the carnage, deluded people of the free world!
Just reading some of the comments by self proclaimed knowers of Islam and all the evil stuff that comes from it. I only have 1 thing to say to you. PROVIDE YOUR PROOF IF YOU ARE TRUTHFULL. If you cant provide the proof then you are a LIER! I think you will find this just another act of defamation. The lies and corruption coming from the non-muslim is breathtaking.
Good one, thanks!
absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
marry very young girl...
if it makes you HAPPY man
but wait until she is ten
..
Post a Comment
absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
marry very young girl...
if it makes you HAPPY man
but wait until she is ten
..
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