This is *NOT* Islam
Posted on November 10, 2007 by Tariq Nelson
What’s wrong with these people?? No matter how much you people (they know who they are) cry and call me names, I refuse to believe that killing 59 school children is Islam. I refuse to endorse this kind of evil and refuse to believe that this is Islam.
Filed under: Muslims DO Denounce Terror | Tagged: Islam, Muslim, terrorism
Important note in the article is that the Taliban denied involvement this looks like an operation similar to the ones carried out in Algeria in the early nineties to discredit legitimate resistance to the canceled elections.
There are some real monsters out there. Those killings in Baslan were completely hideous (and un-Islamic) as well
Assalamu alaikum, the question is, was it the “Taliban” or was it some sort of operation? I don’t know. But it seems really convenieent, imho, for people to say “oh it’s just some sort of operation, it’s not us”, whenever something like this happens. No matter “who” is doing it, we have to denounce it, because even if it’s some CIA job, there are also some “Muslims” who think that this sort of thing is OK! Why else would the CIA think they could get away with this sort of thing and blame it on groups like the “Taliban”?
Here is another attempt from Tariq Nelson to pretend those 59 children were killed intentionally by people as part of their islamic struggle.
If you read the whole article, you’ll find out that the target of the suicide attack were lawmakers who were visiting a sugar factory.
The 59 children were killed by accident. I am NOT saying that this is OK or that the fact that were not targeted makes it acceptable.
But in your blog post, you are twisting the facts to make it sound like muslims had deliberately targeted these children, which is what the muslim-haters frequently do to portray muslims as cold-heart killers.
Congratulations to you on another attempt to bash muslims.
Tariq, you probably should seriously consider some protection for yourself and family from your co-religionists
West African:
I don’t understand you. The brother clearly said that this is NOT Islam, yet you attack him as if you agree with the attack.
Tariq is clearly speaking out and is outraged at this taking place in the name of Islam and you are defending this garbage
How do you feel about Muslims flying planes into buildings in our religion’s name? How do you feel when creeps cut off the heads of three teenaged girls on their way to school in Indonesia? Over 300 children and teachers in Beslan, Russia were slaughtered in our religion’s name. Children were shot in the back!!.
Do you not think that we have duty to distance ourselves and our religion from this sickness?
I am with Tariq 100% and against this madness done in our name.
@West African in Philly:
Regardless of who was being targeted, it’s all totally disgusting and absolutely abhorrent! We agree with Tariq 100%, this is NOT Islam!
“I discuss a lot of taboo subjects and typically look at things from an angle that others will not. Please check all emotional baggage at the door. ”
Salaamun Alaikum, Tariq,
Let’s see if you are sincere about your above claim. Do you know that, according to Al-Quran the so-called five pillars and hadith books/sunnah, are shirk, hence, haram? The so-called muslim world is consumed by mutual violence, because thay are in open rebellion against Allah’s Words–Al-Quran.
I, too, am African American…perhaps we can talk.
JC-
AA-
Tariq: ” I refuse to endorse this kind of evil and refuse to believe that this is Islam.”
Ginny: “No matter “who” is doing it, we have to denounce it”
I fail to see the constant need to make such claims.
Dear Tariq, your stance on these sorts of issues have been made crystal clear, Alhamdul-Illah.
With all due respect, why do you feel that you have consistently return to this apologetic, inferior stance?
I firmly believe that the onus is no more on us Muslims (it can be argued that it never was) having to defend the irrational actions of the extreme few, but on the bigots and ignorant lot who will always look to indict the entire Muslim world at every possible opportunity.
Brnaeem,
I feel that we Muslim (at least those of us in the West) must be tenacious in condemning this evil at every turn, not miss an opportunity and absolutely be on the record of denouncing this insanity. The events Abdulla describes above are maddening and it needs to be known that until the point is driven home that Islam is free from it. I don’t feel that it is apologetic or inferior to condemn those events because they are done IN THE NAME OF ISLAM. It is not the same as (for example) condemning a person who robs a store and the robber happens to be Muslim. The anti-Muslim bigots will use such an event as proof that Muslims are evil.
However, when a complete mad man like OBL or Zawahiri makes insane rants in Islam’s name we need to refute, denounce and distance ourselves from their evil.
Living in a society of Muslims, you probably see things a little differently because you are not constantly asked about these things at forums on Islam or religion in general as I am. I would probably feel the same way if I was there. If I stay silent when asked, then it will look like a tacit approval of terror. However, I give a very firm defense of Islam and an unrelenting condemnation of the terrorism in Islam’s name
You seem like a reasonable brother, but there are others who think that to condemn is somehow an attack on Islam itself, which I think puts us in a weak position. When asked by non-Muslims to condemn terror in the name of Islam, they refuse to do so. That, in my opinion, is an ‘inferior stance’
are you sure muslims actually did it ? and why is , when muslims do evil things we should feel bad for it , and when non muslims do things a non muslims does not feel bad for their own kind of mess, I feel sick of constantly feeling ashamed for other muslim peoples issues .
i really feel we should concentrate on sorting our commuinty issues . That every time I go to sleep I cry about it , on top of that I have lack of hope for the muslim world , it seems to me people want to stay retarded.
Well the Taliban denied that Mullah Dadullah (may he rot in Hell) was killed even though his corpse was shown in the news.
So the Taliban have no problem lying when it suits them.
And the Taliban have a history of slaughtering children with no mercy. Go talk to a Shi’a Hazara and see how they feel about the Taliban.
A coward did this. The followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would never do this. May God make us amongst the followers of Muhammad, the beloved of God. Peace and blessings be upon him and his family. Ameen!
Salaam alaikum,
I was truly saddened to hear of the children’s deaths. The fact is, they targeted a sugar factor where innocent civilians would be. The people responsible knew that they would take the lives of some unarmed civilians, as well as the law makers. This is not a matter of being apologetic. Many of the same Muslims who condemn these actions are protested Abu Ghuraib, condemn police brutality in the US, condemn the war in Iraq, Blackwater, the injustice against the Palestinian people, the Israeli war against Lebanon, the murder of civilians in Darfur, and US support for despots like Musharraf and other dictators in Central Asia. Since the 90s, when the first suicide bombing began to pick up speed, many immigrant Muslims in America turned a blind eye. We didn’t make a firm stance showing how attacks against civilians was against Islamic law and our understanding of justice. Instead, we said things like, “that’s not Islam.” Or you have some people who justified targeting civilians (while being civilians in America!). The minority of Muslim who think like this not only tarnish our image, but really bring our community down.
“Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do” (Quran 4:135)
Let me emphasize that part, “even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.” and “Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just.” I find it amazing how so many Muslims will condemn women for not wearing hijab, but yet be faint of heart when it comes to telling their brothers to stop tactics that will hurt unarmed men, women, and children.
Some Muslims got it twisted. And they have been involved in some heinous actions. You can’t say that all the terrorist plots were part of some grand conspiracy to defame Islam. Terrorists are ignoring one of the main maqasid al-Shariah: “Justice.” It is time we move beyond just condemning, to ideological battle any madness carried out in the name of Islam. We need to come together to work on solutions to many of the conflicts that are plaguing Muslims internationally and in the US. We need leaders with real skills in conflict resolution and mediation. It is times like this when I feel like the OIC is really ineffectual, but could be doing so much. We need to work towards a future for our children and away from this culture of despair, desperation, defensiveness, and ineffectual tactics. And for all those talking about struggle, why don’t you spend their energy volunteering in these suffering nations to make a difference, educate children, build homes, and distribute food to the needy? You can do that here in America or even go abroad. Make use of your time and do something good with your lives, as opposed to spreading poison and fitnah.
Apologies for the rambling.
Br. Naeem. In a situation where we are condemned for not speaking out enough, what real purpose you think will be achieved by simply ignoring this kind of thing??
If anything, we should be at the forefront not just at condemning but doing something practical to detox our communities from the casual acceptance of violence as a means of dialogue. This is tru as much in the bazaars as at home. Anyone that thinks otherwise should simply get their heads out of their butts.
AA- Tariq and all,
I agree that when questioned, refusing to condemn these acts is unacceptable. However, that’s not what I’m suggesting.
My simple contention is that those who are condemning us for not speaking out enough will never be pleased with our condemnations.
That’s why I mentioned that Tariq’s stance on these bombings is crystal clear. He (and others like him) have made their condemnations clear. Those who wish to listen, have heard.
Whereas, those who wish nothing but ill-will towards Islam and Muslims are the ones constantly calling for us to refute and condemn these clearly un-Islamic acts. Their calls are insincere.
What do I suggest? That we stop feeling any sense of culpability when it comes to these blatant acts of violence and move on. Sr. Margari alluded to some positive alternatives.
Most of us are working in that direction - building bridges of good-will, civic participation, community outreach, and so on.
Sadly, there just seems to be this knee-jerk reaction to return to this apologetic stance, requiring us to remind everyone and anyone listening to us ‘Hey, by the way, I’m not with THEM’.
Why?
Respectfully,
Naeem
inshaAllah you all will read the Quran and Hadith, then these questions about the Muslims will be answered…Islam is Perfect NOT the people..Perfection is for ALLAH (SWT) May Allah guide you all to the straight path
This is terrible. Why do people simply believe everything the white media tells them? Whites invaded the country and have killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans, men, woman and children. Whats the difference between a suicide bombing and dropping cluster bombs on a village? Why the selective outrage?
I think it is good when Muslims denounce and distance themselves from the extremists and murders who try to speak in their name.
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
as-salaamu ‘alaikum. What difference does it make, whether this is denounced by a single Muslim on a blog? Perhaps its a popular blog, still what difference does it make? We are living in ahir zaman, these are indeed the end times. Prophet is saying,
And even though people seem to be believers, it doesn’t seem like many Muslims are doing this. In fact it seems more Muslims are getting more and more heavily involved in the afflictions of this world. It is my thinking that denouncing will do nothing while tyrants are ruling. If Prophets word is true there will come a time for speaking up but this will only be effective in a just society, Prophet said,
So in these present times what has been advised to me, coming down from our Grand Shaykh, is that Muslims should retreat to simple lives, live off of the land, concentrate on ibadat, iman, ilm and most importantly making spiritual progress of the self. Then when the time of tyranny passes, if we are still alive, we can do something until then… what are we doing, really? Prophet’s word must come true.
-Fulani
So in these present times what has been advised to me, coming down from our Grand Shaykh, is that Muslims should retreat to simple lives, live off of the land, concentrate on ibadat, iman, ilm and most importantly making spiritual progress of the self.
salam akhi. I appreciate your sentiments and recognize the hard times and tyranny all around us.
I believe though that this sort of approach is detrimental to the Muslims, both in America and abroad. How can we sit and retreat to our own lives when we see our brothers and sisters in America facing so many challenges in their daily lives here in America, where their civil rights are being usurped and where the future President could be a dangerous man like(Giuliani?
If we don’t mobilize, if we don’t actively pursue dawah (both through actual transmission of the message of Islam and through civil and humanitarian participation), then how do we expect to teach our fellow Americans about what Islam stands for? Such that we convince as many as we can to not only NOT choose the wrong candidates for the sake of Americans, but also for the sake of our brothers and sisters dying all over the world due to the uneducated and illogical foreign policies of this nation.
The times of fitnah are for sure coming. We know that. They are in fact here as you observed. But the response of the believer should not be to retreat and hide but rather to live and work under this Decree and do the best to our individual capacities to help each other, to make dawah and to engage in order to protect Muslims here and abroad.
The hermit-approach is exactly what the Islamophobes desire, because it allows them to do whatever they wish to Muslims here and abroad. BUT, it is exactly what we cannot allow ourselves to give into.
“Fear Allah as much as you can”… we remember “as much” but we forget “you can”.
Lets put the effort and then leave it to Allah. “Tie the camel and THEN leave it to Allah” (approx hadith essence).
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
wa ‘alaikum as-salaam Amad, you wrote.
You may do as you like Amad, it is your right to follow the guidance of those whom have the authentic authority to speak or follow your own whims and inclinations. You are indeed endowed with the capacity to choose for yourself. I have made my choice and I am following the guidance of the Holy Prophet Sayyidina Maulana Muhammad (alayhi salatu wa sallim) during these times.
Did you learn nothing from the 2000 election? Frankly speaking, auzu billahi min ash-shaytani rajim, there will never be justice for a nation as long as the feet choose the head. That is like the sheep selecting their Shepard, impossible, foolish to think something of a high station can come out of it.
Are you serious, coming? They are already here my friend unless you think that there is currently justice and equity among men in these times.
There is safety in removing yourself from afflictions, trouble, heedlessness and moving to a spiritual place, the mountains, to gather more power; spiritual power. Besides, it is an instruction from our Prophet! Do you disagree with our Prophet (alayhi salatu wa sallim)?
Spiritual power, my friend, and the authority to exercise spiritual power is the only way to bring justice and equity to mankind, but as you like.
-Fulani
http://www.hazara.net
Go on there and tell me that the Taliban are still innocent!
[...] Poonawala tells us who we are really talking about: not to contradict Tariq bhai, but these aren’t even people. They are Reavers, and they will burn in [...]
salam bro.
I am sure you believe that to be the case, but you believe in what is your interpretation of the Prophet (S)’s guidance. Many would disagree with that interpretation, so it is not fair to think that others are following their whims and desires if it is different from what you feel is the right approach.
Yes, we did learn a great deal out of the 2000 elections. Exactly. We “LEARNED”… so that we try not to repeat our mistakes. If we cannot learn from history, then the future isn’t meant for us.
However, each of us makes mistakes in our lives. We take decisions that may or not pan out. And we leave it up to Allah because the Muslim’s affairs are all good. Even the trial is good and the affliction is good. But we have to tie the camel before leaving it up to Allah.
If we get all wrapped around one error and condemn all future political action based on that, then that in itself is a grave error.
Please reread what I wrote. “They [times of fitnah] are in fact here as you observed.”
w/s
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
as-salaamu ‘alaikum Amad. You wrote,
Perhaps, but it is fair to say those are following their own whims and desires when they are following no one. When there is no authority to which one refers other than an interpretation of Qur’an and hadith based on their own whims and desires. This is when I think I am in the right saying,
So if this is not what you are doing, may I ask who do you follow?
To Tariq Nelson, who is so eager to slander muslims, it turns out that these children were killed for the most part by the bodyguards of the parliamentarians. These are the guys that the US supports.
What are you going to say now???
msnbc.msn.com/id/21884299/
KABUL, Afghanistan - An internal U.N. report obtained Monday said bodyguards protecting parliamentarians fired indiscriminately into a crowd after a suicide bombing and that children bore “the brunt of the onslaught.”
The report also said there was no evidence to show authorities had tried to identify those behind the shootings or bring them “to account for their crimes.”
Read the full story at msnbc.msn.com/id/21884299/
Saifuddin,
Please quote for me where Allah(swt) Commanded Us to follow other than The Qur’an and our Beloved Prophet(pbuh)?
This time we are living is not and will NOT! be the last where The Ummah faces hardship. What do you say about the Mongul invasion? Did the Ummah abandoned the Sunnah and the Qur’an and followed “the guidance of those whom have the authentic authority” to be 100 % sure on the right record?
What about the Muslim Slaves in Latin America? Did their iman became weak so that they could not spread Islam among the indigenous people?
There is a reason why the Qur’an was sent; to read!! and use the reason Allah gave us. And if someone follows their own whims and desires, then what is your problem with that? Does not a criminal follows own whims and desires when he commits unlawful?
The problem with you is not with small fish, thieves, but placing an authority on Islam. If that was the case, surely Allah (swt) could have giving the authority to Arabs.
The Beauty of Islam is, that Allah(swt) Made very clear about His Region, and when someone follows own whims and desires, because He gave us the ability to read. And what Allah(swt) Did not revealed or explained was because of Mercy from Him, and warned not to dig the hidden words, for our own Best!
Let me be clear, on authority, I mean, a Prophet (”Holy Man”), a “Pope”, following a blodline from someone, or anyone you can not question his authority or not using reason.
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
as-salaamu ‘alaikum. Gess, here is something which may answer your question, READ.
You know I let it go the first time and have tried to maintain a sense of fairness in our discourses. But obviously you are not interested in not making it personal.
Then I should add that perhaps it is fair to say that you don’t know what fair means anymore bro. Since your “conversion to the saintly path” that you keep displaying with much fanfare, you have been on a spree of accusing others of what they are not guilty of. I told you much earlier, in a sincere note, that your new path will lead you to increase in your despise for other Muslims. That you will balk at the path of those that you now believe are on a “perverted” path, different from your “pristine, saintly” positions. So, your strange posts on the relationship between kufis and combining prayers (!), on how the African Americans have strayed from “real” Islam, and other strange events that you somehow consider Islamic (including those with pantheistic Indian leaders) haven’t gone unnoticed.
I could write tons and tons on this kabbani-remnant (YES, I know you all have disassociated with kabbani “officially” but the spirit of the movement is still the same), but you know what… there is much more important stuff to deal with… much bigger fish to fry. Muslims are at the receiving end of bigotry not seen since McCarthyism, and all you can talk about is why men don’t wear their kufis anymore… something which isn’t even a consensus Sunnah. I am all for following the Sunnah but for example, when the adhan as was pronounced in the time of the of the Sahabah is an “innovated form”, while a longer version with the salaah on the Prophet is the “sunnah form”, then this warped sense of Sunnah is also misplaced, just like your priorities.
So, before accusing me of following my whims, you should contemplate on what you have been writing about since your new path: bitter yearnings about why others don’t take the path that you have taken, your unilateral attacks on me and other Muslims who are no longer the type of Muslims you want us to be. I can tell you with surety, because I have been there, done that… your attitude and view towards others, and the feeling of exclusivity and “holier than thou” is not far from what Tariq talked about in the “cult mentality”. I know you don’t want to hear that and that you will take great umbrage at this insinuation. But it is YOU who is consistently attacking others, and remember that someone living in a glass house should think many times before throwing rocks at others.
I still consider you my brother in Islam, but I think we can co-exist without making our whole dawah about what is wrong with the other’s.
wasalam
BismillahirRahmanirRaheem
Salamu’alaykum Amad,
You are the master of spin.
A year ago it was your excited comments on your personal blog calling out some musical lyrics and pictures as bida-shirk-kufr.
One might consider, if it weren’t for constant hater salafi’s like you, a reaction against kufi’s and combined prayers may be laughingly overlooked.
Not all of us had the comfortable American Islamic experience of Saudi funded institutions support. Others of your ilk that Saifuddin has dealt with in real life have pointed him out in a Jummah Khutba as an example of more bida, shirk and kufr solely because he wore a turban.
So, inshaAllah, I advise Saifuddin to temper his reaction to such hatred and bigotry, get used to it, I’ve dealt with it for too many years for it to matter that much anymore… and a reminder to everyone that we all begin and end at different places on the path.
-Yursil
Just answer the question, Yursil. And you don’t need always to defend Saifuddin.
I am not a fan and never been and will never be of Amad, but it is a fact that he has changed his attitude, and I pray to Allah it will continue, Insha’Allah.
* this is my last comment for the next two-five days.(Internet problem)
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
as-salaamu ‘alaikum. Amad, this is turning into a troll session and beginning to fit the title of this post. Lets take it offline ok. Oh and gess leave Amad and Yursil, its not about me, they are longtime pals.
wsalam (sorry akhi Tariq for taking this valuable space for not very valuable comments)
**I had a comment written up but in deference to Saifuddin’s request, I’ll let it go… I’ll leave the P.S. though because it is an important clarification on my “changing” stance**
wasalam
P.S. Re: “master of spin”…. You don’t get it, do you Yursil? Like Tariq and many others, I haven’t changed my Islamic positions. So, if and when you sing a song over guitar strings about how Allah’s Throne shakes when your Shaykh says Ya-Allah (naudhubillah), I will still maintain that this is not only not Islamically correct, but also, to be honest, plain wacky.
BUT you see this issue and similar issues are no longer as important to me as the bigger issues facing the Ummah. So, I choose not to focus my energies ANYMORE on this squabbling. Thus, you won’t find me dwelling on these issues on my blog. Rather, I’d like to work with my brothers and sisters “in the middle”, the “Sunni center”, and address issues that are common to all Muslims.
Salamu’alaykum Amad,
Which is generally a good attitude (wrong in fiqh but eh)…
…except when your forget that others may still be where you were last year, and some may even have a better reason to be you or I ever did.
On the other hand we may still disagree what issues are common to all Muslims and what is the best way to address them.
For example, you won’t see too much interference on my part with regards to political elections. I find that our Shayukh don’t feel it suited for them to interfere in and I join them in that regard.
On the other hand, uniting with people of sincerity and faith and goodness to build bridges…. well that is something I’m interested in.
All of that is just IMHO.
Saifuddin,
If you come up with an argument and abusive generalizations, expect people to answer back. You brought this on line, so why take it off line?
Sufis and Salafis for all their talk against one another,
They sure do resemble themselves in mindset, albeit opposite sides of the same coin.
Reply to West African in Philly
“To Tariq Nelson, who is so eager to slander muslims, it turns out that these children were killed for the most part by the bodyguards of the parliamentarians. These are the guys that the US supports.
What are you going to say now???”
I’ll give you the Palestinian answer; it is the suicide bombers fault. We have suffered so much because the evil imposed leaders of these terrorist organizations keep forcing out children to go out and shame us with these “operations” which made our blood look cheap. YES, maybe Israel wanted to bomb us anyway, but why are we so stupid as to give them a great reason to do it?
Before that, we had jobs and a life and we had hope for peace, somehow. We didn’t want this to happen, they killed our people who spoke against it and make it happen. Now, Israel and the world say it’s our fault. Most people are against it, but when we are not heard when we plead with the world to see the oppression we are under from our own people, they do not want to hear that because they NEED to hate everyone and use us as excuse and keep encouraging these criminal monsters to send our people with these operations, or else, and then when Israel bombs us everyone complains. Well, we blame the cheap suicide operation.
If all suicide attacks would stop in the world, do you think there will be so much anti Muslim feelings and so much reasons to come and kill us? THINK ABOUT IT, do not give me the stupid sheikhs endorsed answers; the ones that love pictures of our dead children so they can collect donations in our names and steal it and the ones who want more photos and keep the “struggle” alive like a good investment. Cheap investment, paid for with our blood.
Blame your chickens before you blame someone else’s eggs. If everyone does, we will be OK and before you tell others to do something do it yourself…
To West African In Philly:
I sincerely mean this and feel compelled to advise you as my brother in Islam.
Reading is Fundamental but perhaps if you widened your range and began to read more than this blog, you would have a wider and more informed context to comprehend it in. Your comments are clearly forced out of your funnel of poor understanding and have become the pothole to avoid on these postings. I have managed to ignore them for a while now, but alas, everyone has a tolerance level-I have reached mine. Bro. Tariq does not insult anyone, and while I do not attempt to possess the ability to gauge anyone’s intentions, I believe his intentions are pure and noble. Try purifying your own before you spew anymore of your….comments. Thanks. Btw Bro. Tariq, I fully agree with the sentiments you expressed in this post, keep speaking truth to power.