Entertaiment

As I look at society here and the Middle East, it is vastly much different than 30 years ago, especially for children. With the rise of mass media, cable tv, internet, etc, kids are no longer taught to think or be creative. Television and mass media define the standard and do the thinking for them. Parents constantly want their children preoccupied with tv, video games, movies, internet, etc. Kids learn to idolize young superstars such as hannah montana, jonas brothers, etc. They want to dress like them, think like them, sing like them. If possible they would be an incarnation of them. If the latest movie comes out, they have to see it.

Kids walk around with ipods, cellphones, nintendos, etc, isolated from this world. They have no sense of nature or allah's creations. They want disney rather than a camping trip. They want the imaginary world of the cinema rather the reality of Allah's beauty and expanse.

As they become adults, they continue this process. They become mired in consumerism and materialism in constant need of stimulation. They need the latest in gadgets, hdtv, a new iphone, an account with facebook. Friday night they need to fill that artificial whim with the latest idiotic hollywood movie so they can discuss it with their friends the next day in some trendy corporate chain restaurant while they periodically chat on facebook. Their detachment from the spiritual continues. As the oppression and killing of muslims continue, they do not seem concerned for it is too much of bother or nuisance.

Vacation time comes and they seek the latest resort lounging at the pool decompressing from their sterile jobs with intermittent stimulation with a dvd or a cinema movie. Parents make sure that their children are also stimulated and entertained, otherwise they get bored and complain. The cycles continues. If you deviate from this you are considered an outcast, boring, eccentric, etc.

Obama Powerless

Obama as you know just announced more troops to Afghanistan. As I said before he is no saviour for the oppressed or left. He has been put in place to carry out the demands of this imperial empire with a more refined approach. He is doing what is expected from a leader of empire. This is, however, the last leg or push for the empire. But more senseless killing will continue on both sides and terrorism will also increase.
The emperor as you know has no clothes but does not like to be told. The Chinese, however, are starting to talk.

Superstars

I am sure most people have heard the news about Tiger Wood's accident and alleged affairs. The media continuously delving into the incident as if it is of major concern to the populace. What does Tiger Woods do that is so important to society that we have to be concerned about. I know he can hit a ball into a hole very proficiently. Without that, society would decay and wither. Whether he can or cannot play golf well is of know importance just like he is involved in an accident it is of no importance. These are all distractions from more important societal issues.

Is This Extremism?

Jewish extremism click here

Different Types of Muslims

Throughout your life you will encounter many types of muslims.

Some are simply nominal muslims, that is, they believe in Allah and acknowledge that they are muslims but never proceed beyond that. They do not fast or pray or really associate with muslims. They favor secularism and dunya over Islam. Many drink alcohol and view the world through materialism. Islam is a major nuisance to them. They have no desire to practice or defend islam.

Then there muslims that adhere to the 5 pillars but rarely offer anything more. They are overly concerned with dunya and materialism. They know the latest Hollywood movies and actors yet know little of the Quran or sunnah. They are always in competition for more dunya. Islam is acknowledged by them and practiced but it is usually secondary to dunya. Most of their friends tend to be very materialistic. There are varying degrees of this.

Another group is very similar to the group just stated above. They adhere to the 5 pillars and some even go beyond that. But their point of reference is always the West. They want shape Islam in a manner that is pleasing to West. They view the West as the pinnacle of human civilization and we must shape Islam so it is accepted by the West. They accept the major principles of Islam but some things bother them or they do not fully accept. They are always apologetic to West. They again are enamored by West and dunya. They tend to forget that our journey in this material world is only temporary. They sometime call themselves progressive muslims or reformist. Many want to reform some things in the Sunnah so it is more compatible with the West.

Then there are muslims that go beyond the 3 stated above in their Islam. They fast extra days, do extra prayers, memorize the quran, etc but their hearts are diseased. They criticize others about their iman, they envy others, and they always try boast about their religious accomplishments. They always want to prove you wrong in a religious dispute. You can find many to them at the masjid trying to lead discussions.

Then there are muslims that practice the 5 pillars and usually nothing more but their hearts are pure. They have no envy. They are humble and patient. They are gracious, generous, forgiving. They only rely on Allah for help and sustenance and are not too concerned about dunya. They are always content and happy and typically live a simple life but some can be wealthy. You do not find many of them today.

Then there are muslims that practice the 5 pillars and beyond. They fast extra days, volunteer at the masjid, do extra prayers, help the poor, and increase their religious knowledge. They are humble and have pure hearts. People come to them for advice and knowledge. The dunya is of no concern to them but they do not reject it. They are typically leaders in their communities. They totally surrender themselves to Allah. Their life is usually very simple.

Then there are muslims that tend to view this dunya as evil and it must be fought and rejected. They tend to take everything to an extreme. They are never happy and always paranoid yet they adhere to the 5 pillars and beyond. They are also always competing in iman with others. They misinterpret verses to suit their goals. They are rigid in opinions and interactions. They never smile and view woman as a fitnah. There varying degrees of this and some go on to take up arms and become militant.

Reliance on Allah

Today a Pew poll came out stating that Muslims make up 23% of the worlds population and the total number of muslims is around 1.5 billion. Yet we are so weak, divided, oppressed. The problem is not our religion, environment, or lack of resources but that we rely on nationalism, leaders, materialism, etc. and not Allah. When Obama was elected, muslims were so excited for he appeared to be less militant and more progressive than Bush. They thought that he would be fair in the Arab Israeli conflict and start withdrawing US forces in Iraq/Afghanistan. They had this hope that he would be a mercy to the world but we forget that only the prophets were a mercy to the world.
Now the war continues unabated. The US has several large base in Iraq and that will remain. In Afghanistan, they continue to escalate the war with expansion of troops and terrorist attacks. No pressure has been applied to Israel as they continue the settlement expansion and the Gaza siege. We forget to rely only on Allah for help and guidance. We forget to trust Allah. We forget to have confidence in Allah. We forget that Allah knows what is best for us.
We fail to understand that the calamities, oppression, misery, etc that afflict the Ummah can only occur with Allah permission and can only stop with his permission. He is al baseer (seeing everything).

8:53 "Because Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)."

Once we acknowledge this and quit blaming the West or conspiracy theories to explain everything that afflicts us and understand that it occurs only with Allah's permission will we then begin to understand our circumstances. Remember every circumstance that you encounter has a purpose, whether is to punish you, make you more humble, make you more patient, or increase your iman. We tend to forget this. We should examine ourselves closely, follow the Quran and Sunnah, and become closer to Allah. We should rely on him for everything. He is our helper, guide, sustainer, and saviour. Do not expect anything from the West or from corrupt Muslim leaders.

7:197 "But those ye call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed to help themselves."

8:10 Allah made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.


4:79 What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.

Umra

This summer I went to Umra. It was my first time but it was the most rewarding trip I have ever taken. The whole trip was abaddah (worshiping and practicing). Your whole day revolves around the salah. Shops close and people put dunya aside and hurry to the mosque. After the prayers, we read, do dhikr, and pray extra rakahs when appropriate.
Subhaniallah, your motivation and iman increases dramatically while you are there partly due to the fact that there are no distractions. Your whole purpose is to simply worship allah. You tend to forget about your job, kids, and the material world. You start to understand what is truly important in life and reexamine yourself. You start to look at your life and wonder what are your goals. Is it a big house, expensive cars, designer clothes, eating out at expensive restaurants, or worshiping allah and working for the ummah because in the end, the only thing that will be of benefit is your actions and iman not your material wealth.
Medina was one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities I have been to. There is a serene feeling you get as soon as you arrive there and the mosque is amazing in size and beauty. The people are very respectful and nice and outside the mosque the area was very clean.
In Mecca, outside the haram, the area was dirty and run down and the people were more aggressive. Yet I did not let that lessen the enjoyment.

When I was there, I kept contemplating around the time Islam came and kept thinking how in the middle of the desert allah brought Islam to us through the prophet peace be upon him and how it has spread to all corners of the world. It is here where the center of world is not New York or London. I kept thinking how strong the sahaba's faith were at that time when they were oppressed, killed, starved, and lived in deprivation. Yet they persevered in their faith. The highest degree of human civilization was attained at that time.

Before you go I would highly recommend that you read more of the quran and ahadith several months before to increase one's iman and knowledge. Also read up on how to perform the umra. You will appreciate the umra more and be more disciplined in your worshiping.

Ramadan

As Ramadan comes to an end, I hope that muslims around the world used this month to increase their iman, knowledge, purify and soften their hearts, humble themselves, increase their compassion for others, become less attached to this world, and prepare for this coming year. Each year, Ramadan should be a month where we increase our faith and knowledge building on the previous year. At the end of the month, examine yourself and write down what you accomplished. How much of the quran did you read? Did you do all your prayers on time? During the last ten days, did you increase your prayers and reading? Were you humble, patient, and nice to others? Did you help any needy people if it was within your ability?
Hopefully as you emerge from this Ramadan, you are better muslim with more knowledge, iman, piety, patience, compassion, and humbleness and that you will continue these attributes throughout the year.
Eid Mubarak

Obama The Saviour?

As most people know, President Obama was in Egypt giving his speech to Muslim world how US is not at war with Islam and going forward US policies will be much gentler than Bush's and an equitable solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is dire need.

To fully understand what his speech means one must view it in the context of imperialism. President Obama inherited from Bush an economically weak US and one whose power and hegemony is in inevitable decline. The elites know this and understand that Bush accelerated this. They needed someone that friendlier and more appealing than Bush to sale to the masses US imperialism. Obama is more refined, sophisticated, cultured. He can present policies as congenial, beneficial, and moderate. He is also apt to negotiate first. But the basic premise of US imperialism and economic deprivation remains intact. There is no mention of closing US bases in the Gulf or Iraq. There is no mention of cutting off aid to Egypt or Israel. US corporations continue their pillage and rape of developing economies. Globilization and free markets continue full force. Military spending continues to increase every year. Obama has increased troop levels in Afghanistan and attacks in Pakistan and now there is over a million refugees.

So President Obama was not there to apologize for or curtail US imperialism. He was simply presenting it to you in a more refined, sophisticated manner that appeals to the ignorant, materialistic, and obsequious middle class muslim. Remember the elites (US corporations, Wall Street) did not bring him to curtail or dismantle the empire.

Still not convinced, well look at George Mitchell while he was in Israel (article).
But that is ok for empires built on theft, oppression, dominance, injustice always fail and the US and Israel are no different. Look at these 2 articles regarding Israel and US.
Israel
US

Free Will

I was listening to Sheikh Hamza Yusuf explain Imam Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi's interpretation of the Fatiha especially the part إِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِينُ (only you we worship and only you we seek help). Basically we are free to worship Allah but once we worship Allah we seek his help. At that point we lose some of our free will. One of the Sahabba asked Sayidna Ali about free will and he said lift your right leg and keep it in the air. Now try to lift your left leg and the Sahabba said I can't without falling. Sayidna Ali then said free will is somewhere in between So we are somewhere between musair and mukhair (pre destined and free will).

Other verses in the Quran support the absence of 100% free will. Baqarah 6
خَتَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ وَعَلَىٰ سَمۡعِهِمۡ‌ۖ وَعَلَىٰٓ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِمۡ غِشَـٰوَةٌ۬‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ۬
Allah hath sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom

Yassin 7-8
إِنَّا جَعَلۡنَا فِىٓ أَعۡنَـٰقِهِمۡ أَغۡلَـٰلاً۬ فَهِىَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَذۡقَانِ فَهُم مُّقۡمَحُونَ

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۢ بَيۡنِ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ سَدًّ۬ا وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡ سَدًّ۬ا فَأَغۡشَيۡنَـٰهُمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يُبۡصِرُونَ

Lo! We have put on their necks carcans reaching unto the chins, so that they are made stiff-necked. (8) And We have set a bar before them and a bar behind them, and (thus) have covered them so that they see not.

The Quran essentially says for the unbelievers, if you persist in disbelief we will create a path for you to continue in Kufr, so they lose some of their free will. This is only after they persist in disbelief.

The same goes for the believers for Allah choses who he guides.

Of course this a simplified explanation and I am in no way an expert on this.

Debt and Empire

As the US and Great Britain try to extricate themselves from their economic mess, they continue to borrow money and pile on the debt. This, inevitablely has consequences. Eventually the world will be reluctant to give them more money to fund their imperial policies (ie Iraq, Afghanistan, NATO, over 700military bases around the world) and if they do they will demand much higher interest rates for 2 reasons. Firstly, as their creditworthiness deteriorates foreigners want compensation for the higher risk they are undertaking. Secondly, the US government will print money, as they are doing now, to fund various debts, which ultimately leads to inflation. To account for this again foreigners will demand much higher interest rates. The combination of high interest rates and inflation will lead to stagflation and lower standards of living for Americans. Ultimately, these imperial powers will have to curb their foreign adventures and their facade of economic dominance will crumble quickly as Asia and countries with natural resources rise to fill the vacuum.

2 articles on their credit ratings.
Great Britain
US

Strong Iman

Yesterday I was watching a segment on Egyptian TV of Sheikh Mohammed Al-Shawrawi, a famous Egyptian Islamic Scholar during the 20th century. He has authored many books on Islam but what really struck me about the segment was during the 1967 war where the Muslims were routed by the Israelis. He was in Algeria during that time and the Sheikhs around him what would he do next and he said lets go and pray 2 rakkahs shukr lillah. The people around him were flabberghasted for that meant to them that he was happy of the outcome.

He said we always have to have faith in Allah and this is Allah's decree. Allah could have made it more disastrous for us but he did not so we should thank him. Also, this is a wake up call to look at ourselves and quit blaming the West and Israelis for our failures. We should look at this disaster as a warning from Allah. We have deviated from ahl al sunnah and this is the consequence. During the 1960 Egypt was with the USSR, the non-aligned movement and socialism, etc but where was Islam. Look at the consequences. Now we are with the West/US/IMF/World Bank and look at us now. Or look at the Palestinian movement with its secular/nationalism movement. Yet we continue not to learn from the past.

These calamities should be used to reexamine ourselves. We should ask why has Allah decreed this upon us and quit blaming others. We should look the Allah and get closer to him, for it is he who put us in this position and only he can remove us from this position.

Sheikh Shawrawi's prayer demonstrates a true and humble servant thanking Allah for his compassion and mercy on the Ummah for he knew it could have been much worse.

Friends

Your friends are a mirror of your beliefs.

Identity

One should always examine one's character, beliefs, behavior, etc. An important part of any human being is their identity. We tend to indentify with others that we have the most in common. If you are infatuated about sports you will tend to associate with others of similar beliefs. if you are materialistic the majority of your friends will likely be materialistic. If you are of strong iman, most of your friends will be of strong iman. Over time your friends will tend to have influences over your behavior and you will tend to absorb and imitate them.

You should self examine yourself and your friends. Would the prophet prayers and peace be upon him approve of my friends? Are my friends too concerned about the dunya and not about Islam? Do we get together and talk about others? Are we constantly envying others with regards to their house, expensive cars, lifestyle, kids, etc? If the answer is yes then you need new friends.

Another way of looking at it is if you died today what would people say about you? Were you a person of strong iman, honesty, compassion, good alm, humbleness? Or were you a person that chased this dunya and made sure people noticed your successes while Islam was secondary? Remember in the end you do not take the material gains with you, only your good and bad deeds. On the day of judgement no degree, wealth, car, or position will be of benefit to you.

How is your Heart?

I was listening Hamza Yusuf explain Sidi Ahmad Zarruq The Poor Man's Book of Assistance. It deals with the diseased heart; that is, is your heart full of envy, arrogance, greed, miserliness, hatred, cruelty, etc. Or is full of love, patience, compassion, generosity, humbleness?

When you visit your successful friends, do you have envy? Do you look down on people that are less successful than you? Do you hardly forgive others for mistakes? Do you yell at others for mistakes? Do you always think that you are right? Do you backbite and gossip on others? Do you always delay your prayer? Reflect on this and write them down if you have these ailments. Look back on your past and closely examine your actions. Ask yourself what is the main focus everyday dunya or Allah. We all have to some degree a diseased heart, some worse than others.

The treatment first is to acknowledge the problem and then you can treat your heart. Ask for forgiveness from Allah and then try to increase your iman. Fast a few days out of the month. Pray extra rakkahs. Try to read the Quran daily. Do thikr. Increase your knowledge. Do your prayers on time for it lets you keep Allah as the center of your life not dunya. Associate with friends with strong iman and knowledge for over time you will tend to absorb and reflect their piety. Avoid friends that are caught up in dunya and of weak iman. You will notice eventually your heart will become pure and strong. You will make mistakes but this time you will feel guilty and remorse and your conscious will deeply bother you which is a reflection of your strong iman and pure heart.

At the end of your aisha prayer reflect on the day that just past and review your actions. Was I patient, calm, humble, compassionate? Did I do my prayers on time? Did I always say inshallah? Then after the fajr prayer prepare for the coming day and Seek guidance and mercy from Allah. These actions should be habitual to point that if you miss them then you feel bad and as if something is missing.

Extremism

We always hear in the media about Islamic extremist or Muslim extremist or Jihadist, etc. Next time you hear this remember the West's history in the 20th century.
Western civilization is the most barbaric of all civilizations in the 20th century. Remember WWI, WWII, Vietnam, colonization of Algeria, India, slave trade, slaughter of native americans, Holocaust, overthrowing elected governments of Iran, Chile, Guatamala. How about the death squads in El Salvador armed and trained by the US with over 70,000 dead or the support of the contras in Nicaragua. Recently, there was the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Palestine or apartheid in South Africa. If we add up all people killed by Western civilizations in the 20th century which is based on Judeo-Christian values the ratio is more than 60 to 1 compared to killings by Muslims. Is Western civilization so barbaric that you almost got rid of the Jews in WWII and killed at least 60 million people? Now look at Iraq and Palestine, add up the dead on both sides and ask yourself who is more inherently violent Islam or the West? It is amazing how people have such short term memory. Remember numbers do not lie.

So am I to characterize Western civilization as barbaric based on the actions of their democratically elected government or say that is the actions of the government but the people are not held responsible?


Are there acts of terrorism committed by Muslims? Of course and they should be condemned but terror committed by Muslims is so minuscule when compared to the West. The West simply uses newspeak to justify their actions.

Collateral damage--sorry we did not mean, we are being very careful next time and we do not target civilians

Democracy--really means that our guys rule not you elect

Economic reform--opening the markets so Western corporations can enter and rape your economy

Freedom--ability for us to infiltrate your country and do as we like

Fight terror--excuse to invade, occupy, control and rob your country

Love of this World

I just got back from vacation with one of my good friends who is very knowledgeable on Islam and well read. We were talking about Muslims today and their love of this world. The focus of many Muslims in the middle east, especially the middle class and above, is accumulation of material wealth over Islam. They desire that huge mansion and the latest Mercedes. Or they desire a ministerial position that comes with it a great deal of power, their own entourage, and constant praises by mindless advisors. They will rationalize selling alcohol or supporting the West to oppress and colonize Muslims. Some even put christmas trees in their houses during the winter. They become obsessed with the latest Hollywood movie or what so and so actor does. These are all distractions and worthless endeavors. On the Day of Judgement Allah will judge you on your actions, iman, intentions, and on the purity of your heart not on whether you have a Mercedes or BMV or eat at the most expensive restaurants and vacation in Europe.
Love of this dunya (world) and forgetting why we are here leads people astray. That is why many people steal, lie, spite others, connive, oppress, and kill. In my opinion obession and love with this world along with nationalism is what is keeping us so weak, fragmented and backward.
Any practicing muslim that has a strong Iman would not steal, connive, kill, oppress, connive, lie, for they fear God and the consequences on the Day of Judgement. People with a weak Iman and obsession of this world, will people steal, lie, spite others, connive, oppress, and kill to gain that extra advantage for more material gain, forgetting that al rizk min aand allah or our bounty is only from Allah. Why else do people in positions of power commit these acts?
There is nothing wrong with accumulation of material wealth as long as it is obtained via halal means and you pay zakat. But our primary goal should not be accumulation of wealth while we neglect our Islam or compromise on our Islam. We should also remain humble if we become wealthy for arrogance (kibar) is a bad trait and many wealthy people become arrogant.

Death

I was watching Iqraa which is an arabic Islamic channel. One of the Sheikhs was talking about death. He was stating that Allah has to force it upon all humans because as humans we have a disliking for death. We tend to enjoy this world dearly and are afraid of death. We do not know when we will die for if we did we would probably delay preparing for death if it was 20 years away and if it was next year we would not live a productive material life.

We should constantly be prepared as if we would die within the next hour. We should not become too attached to this material world. We should not fear death and extend the mourning more than 3 days, for in Egypt women would wear black for over a year and stay depressed. By extending the mourning, you are telling Allah that you still have not accepted his judgement.

This reminds me during Gaza and Iraq when the slaughter of Muslims was occurring daily and they brought the family survivors on tv many would be crying but they always said alhamduallah and that they martyred a son, father, sister, etc. They all seem to recognize it is Allah's will and the dead is a shaheed which is something to be proud of.

Prayers

I was wondering does anyone drift off onto other thoughts during prayer. Do you think about todays' activities, other worries, etc. Then do you forget how many rakkahs you have done? Some say it is the shitaan playing with you. Now when I pray I try to concentrate more during the prayer, use a quiet room, remember the ayahs I will recite.

Interracial Marriages in Islam

49:13 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 honoured 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).

I am all for interracial marriages for that is how we break down barriers and prejudices and unite muslims. Imagine if Egyptians only married Egyptians and Pakistanis only married Pakistanis. We would never overcome our prejudices and remain isolated.

Interracial marriages will work only if both are of the same taqwah and imaan and if both place the religion above culture. For what is culture, it is man-made ideas and practices yet to many people that is more important than the deen. It should be the opposite. So when someone ask you who you are you should say I am muslim first.

I have seen many interracial marriages work when both are committed to the deen and they leave most of the cultural baggage behind. It is really the culture that usually causes problem for the marriage.

For example I have seen many young muslim Egyptian girls raised in the states get married to an Egyptian from back home and it usually ends in divorce. Why? Because the man is too ingrained in the culture and expects the wife to be his servant at home while he sits down. Yet religion has nothing to do with this. There is no hadith that states that it is incumbent on the wife to cook, clean, and serve at home. It is all cultural. The men from Egypt though cannot separate this from religion. But if both are truly committed to the deen and understand it, the marriage in general will succeed, for both are striving for taqwah, stronger imaan, and alm rather than worrying if this practice is Egyptian or Pakistani or not.

Do Not Forget Gaza and the Others

Since Obama's inauguration, Gaza has been out of the headlines. Yet the native Muslims and Christians continue to suffer. Many are homeless, weak, and Israel continues to bomb them sporadically. They even have forbidden pasta, lentils, tomato paste, and hearing aids (article). So keep them in your prayers and dua and try to help anyway possible. We must not be complacent and distracted. This also goes for Muslims in Chechenya, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, etc. True brothers and sister are happy together and sad together.

Trials and Tribulations

Every human will undergo tribulations in his or her life whether it be a disease, accident, financial loss, abandonment, etc. Tribulations are really a test. We should learn from them for their is always some longterm good in them. The faithful will be steadfast, patient, and says al-hamdullah. The ones of weak faith panic, get angry, and fail to acknowledge god.
I remember when I totaled my car. I was at an intersection and waiting at the stoplight listening to Abd al Hakim Murad CD. The light turned green so I slowly proceeded forward. Then all I remember was a loud boom and my car spun around while my hands were burning from the airbag. I was hit by some idiot who ran a red light going about 60. He hit my car right in front of the drivers front tire and then my car spun clockwise colliding again with the other car damaging the rear driver's door and the panel behind it. I dazed but did not pass out. I felt angry for car was severely damaged. My dad came along with my wife. After making sure I was ok my wife looked the car noticed that my door did not have a scratch on it yet the car was damaged in front and behind my door. She said sign or warning from Allah for it could much worse. I did not quite fathom that thought for I was angry at my wrecked car but now I do.
Many times we get attached to material things and angry if we lose them. Allah sometimes takes them away to see how react, whether we will become closer to him or wallow in sorrow and anger. Fortunately, I chose the former.

Business as Usual in the Imperial State But Not for Long

As I said before Obama will not be drastically different from Bush. He will simply use different tactics. The bombing in Pakistan and Afghanistan continue. Detainees in Bagram Air Base do not have the right to challenge their detention. Wiretapping in the US will continue unabated. True, he wants to withdraw troops from Iraq but he also wants to keep 50000 troops there permanently. See link for more detail on above.

Yet the American government is deluding itself in that it will remain a superpower. America is essentially bankrupt. They are funding their hegemonic expeditions and the latest Wall Street bailout through debt on top of debt all ready isssued. Never has a superpower that continuosly increases its debt remained a superpower. Remember the Ottoman and British, they collapsed mainly because of debt and inability to fund their empire. The same is happening to the US except it is accelerating given the collapse of their financial system.

As a side note remember this hadith, The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (RA),

‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet (SAW) said,

‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

Well we know the main invaders of Iraq and Afghanistan, the US and Great Britain and now look at the collapse of their financial system and severe economic recession. I wonder if Allah has realized their dua or is there more to come.

Nationalism and Muslims

The other day I was having a conversation with a Muslim Egyptian friend and we were talking about Egypt and the Palestinians. He stated that Egypt has done more than enough for them and they deserve what they get. He also mentioned that he has never met a good natured Palestinian. We argued some but I realized that his myopic and bigoted view will not change. This view by the way is very common in Egypt after speaking to many Egyptians and reading the press.
To understand this, one must look back at their education. Egyptians and other Arabs, grew up with post colonial education; that is, the concept of a nation state and loyalty to the state, government, flag. They think of themselves as Egyptians first. This applies also to other Arabs. I am currently reading David Fromkin "Middle East, A Peace to End All Peace" which he meticulously outlines how the British carved up the Middle East according to their whim but also to make sure you have competing nation states for if they are divided they will remain weak.
They could care less for Indonesian muslims or Chechens.
Yet the Prophet Mohamed PBUH said, "The Muslims are like a body, if one part of the body hurts, rest of the body will also suffer". The Quran states, "The faithful are but brothers..." [Qur'an 49: 10].
Practicing Muslim who grew up in the West and converts in general I do not think are obsessed with nationalism and race, mainly because they feel that they are a minority and minorities tend band together and support each other. Plus, they tend not have inherit the stifling cultural baggage our parents have.
We as Muslims have to transcend this form of tribalism or Aasabiyah. We need to learn more about our history. We need to befriend Muslims from all backgrounds and learn about their history, culture, and struggles. We need to quit assigning labels and prejudjing them.

Birthdays

I used to celebrate birthdays when I was a kid but I never really understood to whom we are celebrating the birthday. Now I tell people I do not celebrate it and you are dying to give me a present give it charity instead. If we are celebrating the day one is born, one should really give sadaqa (alms) to the poor to thank god for the day you were born. I never understood why people give you presents for your birthday. It is not like you did anything to come into this world, for it is god who brought you in and will eventually take you. Birthdays are really a Western phenomenom. My dad told me that they never celebrated birthday's when he was young. If you look at the sunnah there is no mention of birthdays.
This begs the question why do we do it. Well look at muslim weddings now and the celebration of valentines. We slowly absorb and practice Western mores because we want to be like them. We want to dress like them, eat like them, talk like them, marry like them, date like them. We aspire for the material world which the prophet (pbuh) warned us about hoob al dunya (love of this world) and imitating people of the book. We as muslims need to take a closer look at ourselves, our practices, our thinking, our outlook on life, and our goals and get back to the true sunnah.

Superstars

I am always amazed in Western culture, which has infiltrated over into the Muslim societies, at the obsequious followers of movie stars, athletes, wealthy people. This weekend in the US illustrates this point. This Sunday was the superbowl (American football championship). Across the US were superbowl parties where friends got together to watch and celebrate the game. Many of my colleagues at work are asking me where I am going to watch the game. Women I know who know nothing about football can't wait for the game.
This is part of the herd mentality Western culture indoctrinates into people. You must conform to the crowd. You have to support your team whether it is your college team or your hometown professional team because "they need your support." You have to party with your friends, getting drunk while supporting your team.
In college, many students would camp out hours in the cold for tickets. Then there was the ritual before the game where they partied before the game and after the game if their team won. You had to dress up in your college paraphanelia and chant slogans. The students know many of the players statistics and are awed when they see them on campus asking for their autographs, as if these players contribute anything significant to society. Many students walk around wearing players' jerseys to signify that they want to be like them. Talk about a loss of identity.
This infatuation and blind worshipping of athletes carries over to movie stars and wealthy people. We always are inquiring into their personal lives looking at their clothes, food, house, lovers. When they talk we seek out their comments as if they will have something important to say.
In Muslim societies this phenomenom is not any less. Muslims constantly follow Hollywood and its stars. They also religiously follow the local film industry. During Ramadan in the Arab world, the best shows are broadcast then.
These are all distractions from more important issues. We tend to concern ourselves with these worldly things and strive to dress like them, eat like them, and know their personal lives. I always wonder why people support certain teams. Why should I care if this or that team wins? Their win or loss does not affect my life and is of no significance. These players are already overpaid so why should I continue to support their decadent lifestyle. I would rather put my efforts to helping others, learning more about my history and religion. I see nothing wrong watching a game but to worship these players and constantly follow their lives really destroys ones identity and distracts us.
In Egypt most of the middle and upper class have no true identity. They blindly aquiesce to Western culture, for they dress like them, try to speak like them, and seek out their food. Beauty is defined as being white. The lighter skin color the prettier you are. Birthdays which are a Western phenomenam are common place. Fast food culture is becoming more common place. Very few people read about history, religion, literature. They are constantly chasing the material world.

Prophet Mohammed's Final Sermon

Peace Be Upon Him

This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah, 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ (in Mecca). After praising, and thanking Allah the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds.

ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

Of course his speech is prescience. He warns of interest which today has handicapped and hindered the "Third World" (I hate to use the phrase third world for where is the second world). It has also destroyed the lives of many able working people and promoted the mindless culture of materialism-buy now and pay later.

He warns us to treat our women well. Now look at the status of women in many Muslim countries, they are secluded, divorced at whim, beaten, uneducated, oppressed. A society will never advance with half of its population left behind.

He warns us of racism and nationalism. In the Gulf countries, unless you are a national, you essentially have no rights if you are Muslim, while the Westerners are treated more favorably. Also, Arabs still adhere to this myopic concept called nationalism. They have no affiliation with non-Arab Muslims such as, Indonesians, Pakistanis, etc. Look at the tsunami that killed over 180,000 Indonesians, yet very little support and aid from the Gulf countries. Arabs almost invariably identify themselves by their nationality first not their religion.

Then he guides us on righteous path by praying and following the Quran and Sunnah. This has become very difficult for many Muslims, for we are always distracted, busy, placing wordly affairs ahead of our religion. We will never be late for a job interview yet we can be late for Jumaah prayer. We will wake up early for a meeting but neglect the Fajr prayer. We will always dress nice to work but not for Friday prayers. We are cordial, talkative, helpful at work but at the mosque we are always critical of other's iman, dress, behaviour neglecting to look at ourselves first. We concern ourselves with movie stars' lives and appearance yet know very little of the prophet and sahaba. We put great effort in following sports and cheering for certain teams but make little effort learning and concerning ourselves about the current plight of Muslims around the world.

Qatar and Israel

Video of Qatar's emir and Israel's Foreign Minister

Video

Obama

As I said before, do not expect much from Obama. Already his first week in office he has bombed Pakistan and he wants to increase the troop levels. The problem really is not Obama but the whole system itself; that is, corporate America, the defense establisment, Wall Street. The government is simply an agency to carry out and expedite their goals. That is why you have the bailout of Wall Street and you have the largest defense budget in the world even compared to the the total of all other countries' defense budgets. This show you where our priorities lie. There is a revolving door between the government and the private industry, with the private industry making sure that its goals and policies are realized. Obama is really a figurehead just as Bush was. It is the people below him and the private industry that run the show. Remember, the private industry would never put someone in office that goes against their interests. This does not mean every leader will be the same. You simply have competing and different tactics that ultimately achieve the same goal and that is really the difference between Obama and Bush. It will be imperialism as usual just with a different method.

Purification of the Heart

I highly recommend the Hamaz Yusuf's CD series on purification of the heart. I think that envy, greed, and a weak heart is the root of all problems and conflicts in today's society. Look at why most wars are fought over-- resources (related to greed). Look at why many people cannot get along-- envy-- we constantly eyeing others and competing with others. We want to be better than our fellow neighbor or friend. If their son is a genius, we become envious and wander why our child isn't. If they get a nice house, we become envious, for we want something better. We rarely are content and happy with God has provided us. We are always in competition. The problem, however, is that our hearts are ill; that is, we have become obsessed with the material world and its competitive behaviour. Very little effort is put into the spiritual aspect. Very rarely do you meet a successful muslim in material whose heart in pure; that is, he is humble, content, unpretentious.
When I visit Cairo, I amazed at the level ostentatious behaviour. Egyptians constantly eyeing each other to see what the other is wearing, vacationing, or buying. In the summer, everyone wants to be part of the crowd and vacation at the hot spots. Weddings have become a carnival for the wealthy to flaunt their wealth, show appreciation and understanding of Western mores and fashion, ability to attract who's of who in Egypt, etc., so after the wedding the attendees can go home and discuss the wonderful food, comment on bride and grooms outfits, and offer constructive criticism on how improve it.
Before the muslim society can advance, it followers need to purify their hearts. Prayers, fasting, hijabs really are all outward manifestations but without the inward, we are lost and void. They both complement each other. We are incomplete without the other. I have seen many muslims that pray fervently on time supplemented with extra prayers, constantly boasting how much they have memorized from the Quran, fasting Monday and Thursday yet they are rude, talk about others when they are absent, and flaunt their material success. Then I have seen muslims and non-muslims with the purest hearts, constantly helping the poor, never envious, content with their standing in life but they never pray, read the Quran, or remember God.
If we look at political Islam it is doomed to fail because it followers lack a pure heart. Most of the movements aspire for material gains or revenge not justice and the removal of oppression. Look at the GIA in Algeria or the Islamic government in Saudi Arabia. They have not been successful in creating a robust, harmonious, and happy society because they are only concerned with the outward while the inward is diseased. When Islam was born, it spread quickly because muslims practiced the inward and outward and their goal was the elimination of oppression and the establisment of justice. Again, the dark days will continue as long as we neglect the inward.

How Bin Laden Bankrupted America

Excellent article

Article Link
The five ways
by Jon Basil Utley
For a man who spent years living in caves, Osama bin Laden sure knows his Sun Tzu and the basics of jujitsu. Sun Tzu's famous dictum was "know yourself" and "know your enemy." Jujitsu is based upon using your enemy's strength against him, e.g., like Jack in "Jack and the Beanstalk," who used the giant's own size and anger to get him to crash from his own weight. Bin Laden understood that the way to beat America was to turn its power back upon itself. His early stated aim was to bankrupt America. He knew his own weaknesses, and he profoundly understood America's, how its pride and fears could trigger irrational, self-destructive reactions.

The genius of bin Laden's pinprick attacks, costing a few hundred thousand dollars, has left America reeling with two unending multi-trillion-dollar wars it doesn't know how to get out of. He knew that his own strength was mainly in his appeal to the minds of men, particularly to the lost dignity of Muslims trampled under the heel of their own dictators, Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and America's military. Getting rid of the "far" enemy was the way to take on the "near" ones.

Instigating America to destroy Iraq was a triumph of genius. He must have known about the neoconservative cabal in Washington that was itching to start wars and destroy Iraq. In bin Laden's wildest dreams he then imagined that he could get an enraged America to destroy his enemies while, at the same time, isolating itself from allies and becoming seriously weakened. His prime Arab enemy, secular nationalist socialism, was embodied by the Ba'athist rulers in Iraq. Once destroyed, Muslim resistance could be channeled to religious fundamentalism as the only remaining force honest and profound enough to challenge Arab dictators and American soldiers successfully. In that sense he was allied with Israel, again an intelligent strategy of harnessing his enemies' strength, which, for different reasons, feared Iraq as the most modern, secular nation among the Arabs far more than it feared Muslim fundamentalists. Indeed, in Palestine, Israel built up Islamist Hamas at first as a counterforce to the secular PLO. Successful terrorists come from the well educated, not from fundamentalist fanatics.

Next was his hope that he might get America to destroy his Shi'ite enemy, Iran. He almost succeeded in this too. His prime aim, though, was to get America bogged down in endless, resource-sapping wars on the Asian landmass and disrupt oil flows that benefited his enemies.

Bin Laden understood how America's religious fundamentalists, who had inordinate power in Washington, could be encouraged to sustain religious wars. He "knew" them precisely because he understood his own Muslim fundamentalists, as indeed also the Israeli ones. All could work together in his scheming mind to wreck the global economy, which so benefited American power. In 2002 at a party in my home, I said to Peru's brilliant economist Hernando de Soto that, of course, bin Laden's objective was to drive America out of the Middle East. He replied to me, "Not just that, out of the whole Third World!"

The actual crash in America came about because of the wars, in several ways:

First, financing the wars with debt was the final straw that broke the camel's back. No one knew how much debt would break America, but doubling the national debt from $5 trillion to $10 trillion, with new trillions being borrowed now, finally did it. A government at war seeks political support. Spending billions for an unpopular war and its waste makes it far more difficult to deny billions for more welfare. That's why America is called a warfare-welfare state. Welfare began in Germany in the 19th century when Bismarck sought popular support for his military ventures. It was the trade-off.

Second, the destruction of Iraq, and Bush's constant threats to start bombing Iran, which could have closed down the Strait of Hormuz, brought about sky-high oil prices, which then busted world prosperity. Still, bin Laden might not have imagined that hedge funds would feed the speculation, and that Bush would not release oil from the petroleum reserve, which could have broken the price, because he wanted to keep it in reserve for war against Iran. Then the subsequent collapse of oil prices dried up a major source of foreign buyers for U.S. government bonds, which finance America's wars and reckless debts.

Third, all of Washington's attention was absorbed by the wars, leaving little time or energy for dull domestic issues such as debating reforms to the financial markets. Anyone who questioned the wars' costs was dismissed as unpatriotic. Lies are part of waging war, and losing discredits and exposes the leaders' lies. From discredited American leaders, it was a short step to discredited American financial markets.

Fourth was the toxic alliance of neoconservatives and religious fundamentalists. The neocons were academic Washington policy wonks who dreamed of ruling the world. The "fundies" provided electoral support, because they viewed America as doing God's work among the foreign heathens. Their extremists indeed wanted chaos in the Middle East to "hurry up" God's plans for Armageddon. Instead they served bin Laden's goals.

Fifth, war spending deficits were in effect a massive Keynesian pump-priming operation, bound in the end to leave an economic hangover. Wars make the economy boom with seeming prosperity, but they are actually incredible wastes of resources. Over $200 million for each new fighter plane, $1,000 a day for mercenaries, massive corruption and incompetence in the military occupation – even bin Laden could not have anticipated how costly the war would become.

All of this was indeed foreseen by the wars' many critics, but they could not break through in the major media against the powers and lies of the Bush administration.

Editor John Feffer forecast the wars' consequences precisely in 2002:

"The successful realization of bin Laden's secret strategy will happen not with a bang but with a whimper. Having failed to use the unipolar moment for the world's advantage, the United States runs the risk of following the examples of Russia and England and Turkey, all faded empires whose ambitions overreached themselves. In the worst-case scenario, the U.S. will become the sick man of North America, a victim of military hypertrophy, extremes of wealth and poverty, decay of civil infrastructure, and loss of competitive economic advantage."

At least Americans are told that Washington "succeeded" in preventing any more attacks on the homeland. Maybe, but the more likely reason there have been no further attacks was explained in a letter to the editor of Foreign Policy magazine [.pdf] by researcher Laura Garcés:

"But one could venture that Osama bin Laden has no reason now to expose himself and expend massive resources when he accomplished exactly what he wanted: billions of dollars of expenditures in launching wars, the total neglect of infrastructure, the loss of thousands of tourists who are wary of staying in line for hours dealing with airport. Decay and bankruptcy is what he sought, and fear is what he wanted to instill. Can anyone doubt that he succeeded?"

Barack Obama

Many Arabs and Muslims are brimming with optimism because Obama is now president. They somehow think that he will be fair, push for justice, withdraw US troops from the middle east, close military bases around the world, pressure Israel for a just solution, etc. The problem is that the way the system is set up, you cannot make it this far unless the elites (corporate America, media, defense establishments) approve and endorse you. In his heart, Obama is probably progressive but you do not reach positions of power unless you have been scrutinized, dissected and approved. An imperial government would never place a leader that goes against its interest. It is like a corporation putting in place a CEO that wants to give the majority of profits to the poor and downtrodden, that would be in contradiction with corporate America and self destructive.
That does not mean all elites agree on the same path to its goals. Look at the build up to the 2003 Iraq war, many conservatives opposed it on strategic grounds. Obama simply has a different method in achieving those goals. Bush was more blunt, abrasive, reckless, and pugnacious in his methods. Obama will be more refined and subtle. Looking at his cabinet provides insight into ideology. Majority are previous Clinton appointees and examining Clinton's legacy does not provide one with much optimisn. Remember the crippling and muderous Iraqi sanctions, the cover-up of Israel's bombing of the UN in south Lebanon, bombing Sudan and Iraq, etc.

Hail to the Departing Chief

Looking at the great commander and chief's legacy, we certainly have much to be thankful. He increased the budget deficit from over 3 billion to 12 billion dollars. An almost complete collapse of the financial industry occurred under his watch. The housing industry in free-fall with rising unemployment as he bails out the greedy, inresponsible speculators on Wall Street. The US is now the largest debtor nation in the world with worsening economic conditions. We are more dependent than ever on foreigners to finance our extravagant wasteful lifestyle. Then there is the reemergence of the Taliban with an increasingly violent guerrila warefare. North Korea continues to keep its weapons and Iran publicly defies the great superpower over its nuclear program. Torture and intrusive spying on American citizens have become a de facto policy on the war on terror. Isn't it obvious that we are well-prepared for the 21st century.
Unfortunately, the opposite is true. The US is in decline and Bush simply accelerated the process. Never in history has the biggest debtor nation remained a superpower. Bush's legacy will be a defining point in history. Obama might actually stave off some decline, simply to please the elites but it is inevitable. As some say, follow the money and the money is in the East and continues to travel there.

Expectations

Talking to Muslims, is many times confusing and disconcerting. They watch the Gaza massacre and suddenly are mad and angry at the American and Europeans for supporting it. It as if they had an expectation that the Americans and Europeans would actually restrain and punish Israel. You should only feel this way if you felt betrayed by a friend. Remember prior to the Gulf War, many European countries opposed it, not for humanitarian reasons but rather out of self-interest. But once they saw that the US and Britain were intent on it, they wished them good luck; that is, good luck in occupying a country and massacring its population. I do not recollect any European leader wishing the Iraqis good luck.

This expectation arises from Fanon's idea of colonizing the mind and consequential inferior complex. Many Muslims are infatuated with the West, its technology, culture, idioms, clothes, music, food so they obsequiously follow and imitate the West. They love the Hollywood movies and can recite movie lines, they know all the top singers, they read the latest fashion magazines, etc, all of which contributes nothing to their lives. These are all distractions from the true purpose of life. We should be learning more about Allah, prophets, and sunnah. We should strive to constantly improve our character, help to the poor and oppressed, purify our hearts from envy and greed. We should make extra prayers asking for forgiveness, guidance and mercy. We should rid our countries of fitna, dallal, and learn to embrace all muslims as brothers and sisters not as certain nationals. Only then will Allah help us, for he never aides the misguided who strives in misguidance.

So you when you witness the next massacre of fellow Muslims by the West do not feel surprised and angry. If you do, go back and read the Quran and history. You might then actually learn something.

Tough Love

Reading the Israeli press and hearing the Israelis speak and justify this massacre, it is known in Orwellian terms as "tough love". We love the civilians and are not targetting the civilians but the killing is necessary because we are getting rid of the terrorist and making it safer for you. In the meantime, many will be killed, injured, and maimed because it is Hamas fault. Once we rid you of Hamas, then you can be the obedient, servile slave that obeys commands and remain imprisoned in your refugee camps. It is for the best, like when the slavemaster has to punish a slave for being recalcitrant.
So we all grieve for the Israelis as they had to make this tough and moral decision. After the area is cleansed from the terrorist, the Israelis can go back and live on expropriated land, for they will not be bothered by those irritating, pesky minute rockets as their 1000 lb bombs serve as a deterrent.

Allies

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡيَہُودَ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰٓ أَوۡلِيَآءَ‌ۘ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمۡ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

5:51 O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.

This verse in the Quran is often translated wrong. It is often translated as to not take Jews and Christians as friends. The word Aliyah comes from Wali which really means a guardian, governor, overseer etc. So it is telling the muslims not to let a non-muslim govern their affairs or control their lives. This verse is so prophetic looking back at history. In the 1900's when the Arabs sided with the British to rid themselves from the Ottomans what is the result? A carefully carved out Middle East with various nation states competing against each other, discriminating against neighboring citizens, pandering to the West for protection of their illegitimate rule and material wealth, oppression and wealth expropriation of its citizens, etc.

Nation-states and nationalism have never made us more weaker, underdeveloped, dependent, and backward than today. We automatically recognize and categorize other muslims based on their nationality not they are simply muslims. Thus, we start to grade them, define them, and ultimately discriminate against them. Their problem is not my problem for they are from another country. Their death, oppression, misery is of no concern for I have to worry about my material wealth, for I do not want anything to interfere with my success, forgetting that the ultimate provider of success is Allah not humans. If Allah wills, it happens. We tend to forget that and not put our trust in Allah. We are also going against the Sunnah of the prophet PBUH. He grieved for any muslim oppressed and fought to rid the Ummah of oppression. His concern was not accumulation of wealth and material gains but justice, helping the poor, sick, and elderly, and fighting oppression. Muslim societies have lost sight of this distracted by TV, music, actors, glamour, wealth. Since we have chosen this wrong path do not expect the future to be rosier and kinder.

Muslim World

Watching aljazeera and observing the muslims demonstrate against the massacre in Gaza is inspiring and definitely encouraging. But once the massacre is over, the average muslim will go about his daily activities with a deep hatred for Israel until the next massacre occurs. Very little is done in between. Of course they call for boycotting Israel, Egypt and Jordan severing relations with Israel, publishing op-ed pieces, etc. None of that, however, really puts pressure on Israel, real pressure is what is needed.
Western societies are very materialistic (not to say that muslim societies are not). The basis for their society is making money and maximizing profits, especially US corporations. Anything that hampers this forces US corporations to change and seek another way to maximize profits. Putting pressure on Israel ultimately has to be done mainly through the US and partly Europe. Boycotting US corporations, especially their products, as long as the US occupies muslim lands and supports Israel is very simple. Ultimately then, US corporations with the prospect of reduced profits and fewer opportunities to expand, especially with many muslim economies growing 6-8%, will force a change in US foreign policy. This is the best way along with resistance to bring about change. We now fortunately have many economic choices given the rise of Asia and Russia. In addition, the US is essentially bankrupt with foreigners funding their unsustainable and disastrous economic policy which will eventually lead to the collapse of its empire soon. Funding this debt, especially from the Gulf countries, gives us significant leverage.
Iran has been boycotted by the US for over 29 years, yet they have transformed themselves into a powerful and independent regional player, compared to Egypt which is a servile, weak, corrupt, neo-colonial outpost of the US, which is what Iran was during the Shah.
Looking back at the boycott of Danish cheese in the middle east proves my point that muslims can mobilize and be effective. Simple protests, chants, etc, in the end never really has stopped a war. Muslim need to shed their inferiority complexes which they inherited from colonialism and reinforced through Western media and open their eyes to the ultimate source of militarism, imperialism, racism, etc., for Israel is simply a proxy for the US. Once we acknowledge this and dissect it, can we move forward and learn to confront it. Otherwise, the muslim world will remain in its decrepit, backward, weak, and declining state for years to come, as the West's exploitation and neo-colonialism continues unabated.

Genocide

I wonder how the IDF soldier fired at the UN school and killed 40 children feels. I bet he is ecstatic because he has killed future "terrorists", for their parents were probably from Hamas, even though the IDF privately told the British Independent that no shots were fired from the school. He can now sleep at night knowing that he is making Israel a safer place from terrorists. He has cleansed Israel from the dirty, recalcitrant, potential terror mongering Palestinians. Israel is coming closer to the ultimate Zionist dream-- A pure Jewish state.

What is going on in Gaza parallels the Nazi concentration camps. Gaza is a prison inhabited by a starved, oppressed, subjugated population with only an occasional exit. The only connection with the outside world is through tv, telephone or internet. This is rationalized by Israel's security and fighting terrorism.

On may wonder Gaza is subjected to such extreme terrorism compared to the West Bank. The Israelis hate resistance for it interferes with Zionist goal of a pure Jewish state and resistance must be crushed with overwhelming force, especially after Israel's 2006 defeat. To avoid genocide, you must submit and comply with the occupation. The Gazans made one mistake. It elected Hamas who chose to resist and stand up for their rights which in the Western press is labeled terrorism.

The future looks bleak, especially for the Gazans. Many more will die for the resistance will grow. Israel's future is even more bleaker. A nation built on lies, deception, genocide, oppression, racism ultimately fails. The disparity in strength between the Arabs and Israel will narrow. The hidden lies Israel promulgates will eventually be discovered and the commoner will shun Israel. This massacre has just opened the world to racist and genocidal policies perpetrated by Israel. Look at South Africa, the colonial struggles, liberation wars etc., and one sees that history comes close in repeating itself. Time, patience, and resistance is the best asset the Palestinians have.

The Middle East

As I watch daily footage in Gaza, seeing the 4th most powerful military in the world bomb one of the most densely and helpless populated areas in the world by air, land, and sea, it truly demonstrates what Zionism is all about. It is a racist ideology that seeks to purify the state of Israel from all non Jews and non Zionist at all costs. Any resistance must be crushed and made an example of.

Israel lost the 2006 war so it is now seeking redemption and telling the Arabs that we are still powerful and do not dare resist. Yet, Israel is simply sowing the seeds of hatred, revenge, resistance. Children whose family's were slaughtered in Gaza will never forgive or forget and a new generation of fighters will emerge. Muslims in the middle east will also never forgive and forget, forming resistance movements. Ultimately there will be more wars, for again, Israel will not tolerate any resistance in its area.
Look at the West Bank, Israel is not bombing it because there is no resistance and Abbas, the Israeli puppet, simply carries out Israel's wishes. The day they resist will be the beginning of "purification" or ethnic cleansing so what we are left with is a docile, compliant, servile, oppressed population imprisoned in Bantustans.
Fortunately, human nature will resist these Nazi like policies and Israel over time is weakening. It relies heavily on the US for arms, loan guarantees, technology. But the US is in decline and will likely go bankrupt in the next 20 years. With the decline of the US economically comes the weakening of the military. Consequently, Israel and the US's proxy allies will weaken.
The other factor is Israel itself is already in decline. First, there is no net migration to Israel and the demographics heavily favor the Palestinians in the long run. Short of mass expulsion, Israel has no solution.
Second, the 2006 war shows that Israel can be defeated.
Third, the number of soldiers going awol for military duty is around 10-15% and growing for history has shown over time that empires and dynasties decline partly because of complacency and arrogance, for more on that read Ibn Khaldun. Israeli society over time cannot maintain this level of military preparedness and superiority, for no society has ever maintained that forever.

Gaza Massacre

As Israel is given a free hand with the blessings of the US and Arab leaders to massacre a defenseless population, it will ultimately fail in its goal, that is; to bomb, kill, subjugate the Palestinians into bantustans with essentialy no rights while Jews enjoy superiority and full rights. Never in history has a nation bombed an indigenous population into submission. The indigenous people inevitably rebel and win. What we are witnessing is a turning point in history. The Israelis attacking a defenseless population by air, ground, and sea yet their objectives have not been achieved. The Palestinians are more resolute in their resolve to fight on and rockets keeping coming. Of course they will not defeat the Israelis but they will survive and surviving is a win for the Palestinians, for they can fight again another day. The Muslim world is turning more religious as it is obvious that materialism, consumerism, globalization, etc, are devious means to infiltrate society and brainwash the masses to neglect their obligations as muslims. It preoccupies them with worldly things that ultimately contribute nothing to their lives.
“There is no Aid Except from Allah, the Exalted the Wise.” [3:126].

The death of children and women killed in collaboration with the Arab governments has reignited the Muslim world and is breaking the barriers erected by nationalism and colonial powers. Muslims will start to look at each other as simply muslims and not isms. This will ultimately unite the Ummah.

Adhaan

The Dollar and Empire
The year 2008 will go down in history as a pivotal and momentous year regarding the US empire. Most historians will consider it the first stage in the decline of the US empire. The impending financial collapse of US banks, the ballooning US government debts, the reliance on foreigners to finance US military expeditions and bank bailouts all have consequences, especially on the US dollar. The US dollar has been the world’s reserve currency since Arab oil embargo after the US colluded with Saudi royal family; that is, the US’s agreement to support the royal family at all cost in exchange for pricing Opec oil in dollars and for the Saudis to recycle the petrodollars back to the US in investments. Thus in an instance, the dollar became the world’s reserve currency. This worked smoothly for at the time the US was a creditor nation, its fiscal situation was much stronger, and its trade deficit was insignificant. Now, however, the dollar is losing its status as a reserve currency, for the Chinese, Russians, Kuwait, Iran are diversifying away from the dollar, with others soon to follow. This will undoubtedly lead to the dollar’s devaluation.
The dollar’s devaluation will curtail and ultimately end the US empire and hegemony. The US is beholden to foreigners to finance is ever increasing deficits and empire. Over time this gives foreigners leverage over the US but also wariness about continuing funding US debt. When Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were taken over by the US Treasury department, it was not to save the mortgage industry but rather to provide guarantees to foreigners that their bonds are safe and guaranteed by the government. This past summer when the Chinese and other foreigners were cutting back in their purchases of these bonds, the US government sent treasury emissaries around to the Gulf and Asia telling them that it has the full backing of the US government. But as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae financial conditions worsened, foreigners, especially the Chinese became wary and cut back in buying. This resulted in the nationalization of both entities.
The problem, however, is the US does not have the money for bailouts. They have to borrow it, again from the foreigners just as it did for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This does not even include the future obligations for social security and medicare which are currently unfunded approximately for $50 trillion. The US government does not have the financial means to pay these debts nor the intention. It will in the future use the Federal Reserve to print money and buy its own debt. Looking back at history, printing money has devastating consequences for a currency. Germany after WWI printed money for many years and the result was hyperinflation and devaluation of its currency. This will severely weaken the US financial situation and foreigners will shun the dollar, for why hold a currency that continues to lose its value. The US domestic will suffer greatly under hyperinflation as their standard of living declines and then the US government will reach a critical junction. It must decide whether to continue on this destructive economic path or reign in its’ hegemonic aspirations, shut its military bases abroad, and focus its’ efforts and money on the domestic front. Looking back at the British Empire after WWII and the Soviet Union in the 1980’s will provide clues to the outcome. History has repeatedly shown strength evolves from wealth and currently the wealth is shifting East not West.
I actually think the US empire’s demise began in March of 2003 when it invaded Iraq and Bush accelerated the deficits to pay for it, Afghanistan, homeland security, etc. At that time, everything was cheery and rosy with Bush celebrating mission accomplished and the Neocons planning to invade Syria and Iran. But then came the insurgency in Iraq, stopping the Americans in their future plans and turning the American public against Bush. Things are relatively quiet in Iraq now but that will change when the Iraqis realize that the Americans have no intention on leaving despite the new agreement. In Afghanistan the conditions are no better, for the situation worsens daily as the Taliban accelerates their guerrilla warfare. And as the US empire collapses do not expect its propped up allies and proxy states to fare any better in the long run. Ironically, the greatest threat to the US empire is not Bin Laden but its own currency.