Forbidding Evil with the Hand does not mean with Violence, Rebellion or the Sword

By FaithinAllah.org

The way of the Salaf (orthodox Muslims) is to change evil without resorting to violence against the rulers. Unlike the Khawarij (violent extremists), the Salaf would pray for the guidance and success of the rulers, even if they were oppressive.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَانِ

Whoever among you sees something wrong should change it with his hands. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then at least hate it in his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.

[Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 79]

Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (d. 795H/1392CE) writes in his commentary on this Hadith:

التغيير باليد لا يستلزم القتال وقد نص على ذلك أحمد أيضًا في رواية صالح فقال التغيير باليد ليس بالسيف والسلاح

…

قال أحمد لا يتعرض إلى السلطان فإن سيفه مسلول‏

Changing something with one’s hand does not necessarily entail fighting, and Ahmad also stated that in a version narrated from him by Salih. He said, “Changing things with one’s hand is not done with swords or weapons…”

Ahmad said, “Do not oppose the ruler, because his sword is unsheathed.”

[Ibn Rajb. The compendium of knowledge and wisdom. London: Turath Publishing., p. 554-555]

Imam Al-Barbahari (d. 329H/941CE) writes:

والأمر بالمعروف والنهي عن المنكر باليد واللسان والقلب بلا سيف

Enjoining good and forbidding evil is with the hand, the tongue, and the heart, not with the sword.

[Sharh As-Sunnah 129]

Imam Al-Barbahari also writes:

وإذا رأيت الرجل يدعو على السلطان فاعلم أنه صاحب هوى وإذا سمعت الرجل يدعو للسلطان بالصلاح فاعلم أنه صاحب سنة إن شاء الله يقول فضيل بن عياض لو كان لي دعوة مستجابة ما جعلتها الا في السلطان قيل له يا أبا علي فسر لنا هذا قال إذا جعلتها في نفسي لم تعدني وإذا جعلتها في السلطان صلح فصلح بصلاحه العباد والبلاد

فأمرنا أن ندعو لهم بالصلاح ولم نؤمر أن ندعو عليهم وإن جاروا وظلموا لأن جورهم وظلمهم على أنفسهم وصلاحهم لأنفسهم وللمسلمين

If you find a man making supplication against the ruler, know that he is a person of innovation. If you find a man making supplication for the ruler to be upright, know that he is a person of the Sunnah, if Allah wills. Fudayl ibn Iyad said, “If I had a supplication which was to be answered, I would not make it except for the ruler.” It was said to him, “O Abu Ali, explain that to us.” He replied, “If I made the supplication for myself, it would not go beyond me; whereas if I make it for the ruler and he is corrected, then through that the servants and the land are set in order.”

We are commanded to make supplications for them to be upright. We have not been ordered to make supplications against them, even if they commit tyranny and oppression, since their tyranny and oppression reflect only upon themselves but their uprightness is good for themselves and the Muslims.

[Sharh As-Sunnah 136]

Imam At-Tahawi (d.321H/935CE), the outstanding student of Abu Hanifa, stated:

ولا نرى الخروج على أئمتنا وولاة أمورنا وإن جاروا ، ولا ندعوا عليهم ولا ننزع يدا من طاعتهم ، ونرى طاعتهم من طاعة الله عز وجل فريضة ، ما لم يأمروا بمعصية ، وندعوا لهم بالصلاح والمعافاة

We do not recognize rebellion against our Imam or those in charge of our affairs even if they are unjust, nor do we wish evil on them, nor do we withdraw from following them. We hold that obedience to them is part of obedience to Allah, The Glorified, and therefore obligatory as long as they do not order to commit sins. We pray for their right guidance and pardon from their wrongs.

[Aqidah At-Tahawi 72]

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d.241H/855CE) said:

وإني لأدعو له بالتسديد ، والتوفيق ، في الليل والنهار ، والتأييد ، وأرى له ذلك واجبا علي

Verily, I supplicated for the ruler, for his success and support – night and day – and I view this as an obligation upon me.

[As-Sunnah of Abu Bakr Al-Khallal 14]

Ahmad ibn Hanbal was beaten and imprisoned by the Caliph Al-Ma’mun for saying that the Quran is the Speech of Allah. Even still, Imam Ahmad supplicated for him to be guided, and he counseled Muslims to be patient in the face of this tyranny.

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

(www.faithinallah.org / 18.06.2012)

Ibn Kathir: Whoever kills a life unjustly is as if he has killed all mankind

By FaithinAllah.org

Ibn Kathir writes in his commentary on Surah Al-Ma’idah:

Allah says, because the son of Adam killed his brother in transgression and aggression:

 كَتَبْنَا عَلَى بَنِى إِسْرَءِيلَ

We ordained for the Children of Israel (5:32)

Meaning, We legislated for them and informed them:

 أَنَّهُ مَن قَتَلَ نَفْساً بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِى الاٌّرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً وَمَنْ أَحْيَـهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

That if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or to spread corruption in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.

The verse states, whoever kills a soul without justification — such as in retaliation for murder or for causing  corruption on earth — will be as if he has killed all mankind, because there is no difference between one life and another.

 وَمَنْ أَحْيَـهَا

And if anyone saved a life

Meaning by preventing its blood from being shed and believing in its sanctity, then all people will have been saved from him, so:

 فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

It would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.

Al-A’mash and others said that Abu Salih said that Abu Huraira said: I entered to see Uthman when he was under siege in his house and said, “I came to give you my support. Now, it is good to fight (defending you), O Leader of the Faithful!” He said, “O Abu Huraira! Would it please you to kill all people, including me?” I said, “No.” He said, “If you kill one man, it is as if you killed all people. Therefore, go back with my permission for you to leave me. May you receive your reward and be saved from burden.” So I went back and did not fight.

Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn Abbas mentioned the verse:

 مَن قَتَلَ نَفْساً بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِى الاٌّرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً وَمَنْ أَحْيَـهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or for spreading corruption in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.

Then he said, “Saving life in this case occurs by not killing a soul that Allah has forbidden. So this is the meaning of saving the life of all mankind, for whoever forbids killing a soul without justification, the lives of all people will be saved from him.”

A similar meaning was said by Mujahid:

 وَمَنْ أَحْيَـهَا

If anyone saved a life

This means he refrains from killing a soul.

Al-Awfi reported that Ibn Abbas said that Allah’s statement:

 فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

It would be as if he killed all mankind.

This means, “Whoever kills one soul that Allah has forbidden to kill is just like he who kills all mankind.”

Sa`id bin Jubayr said, “He who allows himself to shed the blood of a Muslim is like he who allows shedding the blood of all people. He who forbids shedding the blood of one Muslim is like he who forbids shedding the blood of all people.” In addition, Ibn Jurayj said that Al-A’raj said that Mujahid commented on the verse:

 فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

It would be as if he killed all mankind.

This means, “He who kills a believing soul intentionally, Allah makes the Fire of Hell his abode, He will become angry with him, and curse him, and has prepared a tremendous punishment for him equal to if he had killed all people, his punishment will still be the same.”

Ibn Jurayj said that Mujahid said that the verse:

 وَمَنْ أَحْيَـهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعاً

If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.

This means, “He who does not kill anyone, then the lives of people are safe from him.”

(www.faithinallah.org / 18.06.2012)

Cantona: Israel is racist, violates human rights

French soccer legend backs campaign to release Palestinian player, ban Israel as UEFA Under 21 competition host

Soccer legend Eric Cantona has co-signed a letter with other international figures to call for the release of Palestinian player Mahmud Sarsak, who is on hunger strike in an Israeli prison.

In a letter sent to UEFA President Michel Platini, the former Manchester United star said Israel should be subjected to the same scrutiny faced by Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine.

“Why are these same groups silent when Israel is to host the UEFA Under 21s competition in 2013? Racism, human rights abuses and gross violations of international law are daily occurrences in that country,” the letter said.

Cantona during his visit to Israel in 2007

“It is time to end Israel’s impunity and to insist on the same standards of equality, justice and respect for international law that we demand of other states,” Cantona continued. The player participated in a Beach Soccer tournament in Israel five years ago.

Also joining the campaign to release Sarsak is former Seville striker Frédéric Kanouté. The player called to grant Sarsak “the right to a fair and independent trial.”

A great supporter of Palestinians. Frédéric Kanouté

The Palestinian Football Union Association has asked UEFA tobar Israel from hosting the 2013 European Under-21 Championship over its detention without trial of Palestinian players. In a letter to UEFA President Michel Platini, PFA President Jibril Rajoub pleaded with him not to give Israel the honor of hosting the competition.

The Israeli Football Association officially responded: “We are certain that FIFA and UEFA will not mix politics with football, and that the under 21 event will be held next summer in Israel as planned.”

(www.ynetnews.com / 18.08.2012)

 

Hunger striker ‘risks heart failure, fatal asthma attack’

Palestinians hold posters depicting hunger-striking prisoners Mahmoud al-Sarsak and Akram al-Rekhawi in Rafah, south Gaza.

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Diabetic prisoner Akram al-Rekhawi is in immediate danger of death after 63 days on hunger strike, Physicians for Human Rights – Israel warned Monday.

Al-Rekhawi has been held in Ramle prison clinic since his arrest in 2004. He suffers from diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

Al-Rekhawi’s hunger strike has inflamed his existing illnesses and he is at risk of heart failure or a severe asthma attack which could be fatal given his condition, a representative of PHRI told Ma’an.

“With his hunger strike and his refusal to receive treatment, his situation has deteriorated very, very fast,” a representative of PHRI told Ma’an.

Al-Rekhawi has refused treatment by Israeli prison service doctors, PHRI says.

“The IPS doctors’ threats to force-feed and force-treat him, in addition to their determination not to recommend his medical condition as worthy of earlier release from prison, has led Akram to regard them with deep distrust,” PHRI said in a statement.

Al-Rekhawi must be hospitalized immediately, PHRI says, adding that the prison clinic does not have the facilities to conduct necessary medical tests.

The 38-year-old has only been seen by an independent doctor once, after PHRI petitioned an Israeli court for access. They have not been permitted a second visit.

An Israeli district court on Thursday rejected PHRI’s petition to hospitalize al-Rekhawi. PHRI said the judge accepted a brief report “of little medical value” submitted by the Israeli prison service which failed to address the independent doctor’s concerns.

Al-Rekhawi, who has served eight years of a 12-year sentence, is demanding that Israel considers his medical conditions in his request for parole. On June 5, an Israeli court rejected his request for release.

His lawyer Mohamed Abed told Ma’an he submitted a petition to appeal to the decision but is still waiting for a date for the next hearing.

Palestinian prisoners, who are held under Israeli military law, are eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of their sentence.

Israeli prisoners, including those who live in the West Bank, are held under Israeli civil law. They are eligible for parole half-way through their sentences.

(www.maannews.net / 18.06.2012)

Israeli tanks, bulldozers attack Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip

File photo of an Israeli tank

Israeli tanks and bulldozers have carried out an incursion into the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, injuring a Palestinian during the attack.

Israeli bulldozers also destroyed on Sunday agricultural land in Deir al-Balah, located about 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) south of Gaza City.

The latest Israeli attack on Gaza was carried out on the same day when an illegal Israeli settler shot dead two Palestinians in the city of al-Khalil in the southern occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas condemned the killing of the two Palestinians on Sunday.

Israel conducts attacks against the Gaza Strip on an almost regular basis.

Three Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike on southern Gaza on June 1.

On March 30, Israeli troops shot dead a 20-year-old Palestinian in the city of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip on a day when thousands of pro-Palestinians had gathered in the occupied territory to mark the Palestinian Land Day.

In addition to airstrikes and ground attacks, the Tel Aviv regime also denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to decent living, work, health and education.

Israeli tanks and bulldozers destroyed Palestinian land in Gaza a few days after US President Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Israeli President Shimon Peres, the man who has overseen the killing of Palestinian women and children by Israeli forces in the occupied territories for decades.

Obama awarded the 88-year-old criminal the highest civilian honor in the United States during a dinner ceremony in the White House on June 13.

The US president said the “bonds” between the United States and Israel are “unbreakable” and “non-negotiable.”

(www.presstv.ir / 18.06.2012)

Israeli drone targets Gaza Strip, kills 2 people (Raising toll to 4 death today)

At least two Palestinians have been killed in the latest Israeli drone attack on the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel regularly targets the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring Palestinians. Most of the victims are women and children.

Palestinians of the Gaza Strip are living in what is called the “world’s largest open-air prison” as Israel retains full control of the airspace, territorial waters, and border crossings of the territory.

Note occpal:

This morning already 2 resistance fighters were killed Ismail Abu Owda, 20 years old and Mohammed Shabat, 23 years old (Islamic Jihad) raising the death toll of today to 4 (so far)

Recommended read:

• A “Leaflet” to the World about it’s own “forgotten” Extermination Camp called Gaza

Featured

• Gaza Siege Harshness Continues. Israel’s committing slow-motion genocide ~ by Stephen Lendman – March 23, 2012

(occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com / 18.06.2012)

Raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank

OCCUPIED WB,(PIC)– Israeli occupation forces have launched, at dawn on Monday, a broad arrest campaign in different West Bank cities and villages, resulting in the arrest of at least eighteen Palestinian citizen. Occupation military sources, which confirmed the arrests, did not divulge the detainees’ identities and their cities however they pointed out that they were turned to the concerned security authorities for interrogation about their involvement in attacks against Israeli targets. For its part, Palestinian security sources told Quds Press that an armed military force of the occupation army broke into several neighborhoods in Al-Khalil city in the early hours of Monday morning, where they arrested two Palestinian young men, Mohammed Abdeen, 30, and Ashraf Qawasmi, 25, and took both of them to an unknown destination. In the same context, sources pointed out that the occupation forces had erected several checkpoints at the entrances to towns of Yatta and Samu southern Al-Khalil, and they have stepped up its military presence in the area which had witnessed on Sunday shooting on Palestinian workers by Jewish settlers the led to the death of two. Meanwhile, Zionist occupation forces stormed, at dawn on Monday, the city of Jenin and towns of Burkin, Hashemeyyah, and Kfert and launched combing and raid campaigns, in addition they setting up ambushes, during clashes in Jenin refugee camp. Eyewitnesses told PIC correspondent that more than ten military vehicles entered the Jenin refugee camp at dawn and began firing randomly, which provoked the citizens and led to the outbreak of clashes by throwing stones and empty bottles. The sources pointed out that the occupation forces entered the town of Jenin, and roamed its streets until the morning hours. The occupation forces also stormed Burkin, Hashemeyyah, and Kfert towns and launched combing operations in the open areas and Karam Zeitoun firing light bombs during the operation. (www.palestine-info.co.uk / 18.06.2012)

Lawyer: Al-Sarsak ends hunger strike in release deal

Girls hold posters of soccer player Mahmoud al-Sarsak near Ramallah on June 13.

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Mahmoud al-Sarsak, on hunger strike in an Israeli jail for 92 days, agreed to start eating on Monday in a deal that will see him released on July 10, his lawyer said.

Mohammad Jaberein said al-Sarsak signed the agreement during his visit to the prisoner on Monday. Israeli prison authorities asked al-Sarsak to eat something in their presence to ratify the deal, after which he took a piece of chocolate from the lawyer, Jaberein said.

An Israeli prisons spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.

Under the deal al-Sarsak will visit a civilian hospital for treatment on Tuesday, but the same day will return to Ramle prison clinic until his release on July 10, the lawyer added.

Physicians for Human Rights – Israel say the clinic is not equipped to treat long-term hunger strikers or manage the health risks when they return to eating, and has called for transfer of hunger strikers to civilian facilities.

The 25-year-old soccer player from the Gaza Strip has been imprisoned by Israel without charge or trial since July 2009.

According to prisoners group Addameer, al-Sarsak was told the next consideration of his release was set for August 22. An earlier offer to release him on July 1 in exchange for ending his hunger strike was withdrawn when he demanded the deal be put into writing, the group said.

He is the only person held under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows for Palestinians from Gaza to be detained for an unlimited amount of time without charge or trial.

Al-Sarsak had joined the local soccer team in his Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip at 14, becoming the youngest footballer to play in the Palestine Liga A at the time. The midfielder attracted the attention of a German coach while playing for the Palestine national team in Norway.

The first step was to play for a team in the West Bank. But Israeli security arrested him on July 22, 2009, at the Erez crossing from the blockaded Gaza Strip, the only route to Palestinian territory in the occupied West Bank.

(www.maannews.net / 18.06.2012)