Khilafah Magazine April 2001 by kaskaa kaakas

Muharram 1421 - April 2001

Editorial

This past month marked the seventyseventh anniversary of the destruction of the Khilafah. On the third of March 1924, the protection of the Muslims was destroyed at the hands of the colonialist West. Britain was at the head of this onslaught.

Quotation

The escalation in the intellectual, political, economic, social and military onslaught against the noble Islamic Ummah is a painful reminder of how exposed and vulnerable we are in the absence of the Khilafah. During this time, it is only natural that feelings of despair may begin to penetrate into the hearts of the Ummah with regards to its liberation. Even da'wa carriers are not immune to such feelings, despite the gaining momentum of the Islamic revival.

Marking the twenty-second anniversary of the false revolution, President Khatami pronounced, "In the Islamic republic people should have the right to rule over their destiny, and experience individual and political freedom after a long history of oppression."

Reference News from around the world

Israel uses 'trench warfare' in blockade against Palestinians

Selling Out the Qur'an?

Turkey- Devaluation caused by the failure of Kufr

Shoot to Kill

Protection Money

Idle Talk

Washington Butcher's Convention

A Call of Protection from the Muslims of India

What is new in the world order?

COVER • ISSUE 4 • VOLUME 12

It is tragic to contemplate how the situation of our Ummah has changed. Since the destruction of the Khilafah, Muslims in India have been on the receiving end of a vicious intellectual and physical attack. Over the last ten years, hatred towards the Muslims in India has been more than open.

“And of Humankind are some who take (in obedience), others besides Allah as rivals (Andaad)...” There is another aspect to America's condemnation of the Taliban. General Colin Powell, the new US Secretary of State claimed that the statues were part of 'the world global heritage.' Notice the way in which globalisation is proposed in every aspect of life, meaning that whatever cultural heritage you have in your own land is not your own. Before deciding any matter, you have to first ask the world for its opinion, and then beg for its permission.

Nasr [Victory]

Was the System of Muhammad (saw) Democratic?

It was because the Muslims began to question the Qur'ans perfection, by adding their own ideas into Islam that they began to decline. They borrowed thoughts and rules from systems alien to Islam. When the Islamic Khilafah was destroyed in 1924, and the Islamic world came to be ruled by Kufr systems and rulers, the one that had the greatest effect upon the Islamic countries was the Western demo cratic system.

In Memory of the Destruction of AlKhilafah

On the 3rd of March 1924, a group, emanating from a Masonic-Jewish background, led by the Kafir Kamal Attaturk, managed to control the ruling affairs of Turkey. On that day they declared the cancellation of the Islamic Khilafah System and its Khaleefah and the birth the Turkish secular state.

What will happen to Non-Muslims in the Khilafah?

The Western Colonialists, along with the media and the agent rulers in our lands, combined with the physical clampdown on the da'wa carriers, use issues such as the Shari'ah law in Nigeria to mock and attack the idea that Islam should be implemented today. They know full well the history of the Khilafah. They have not forgotten that when the Shari'ah was implemented correctly, it created a state so powerful that it still remains unparalleled throughout history.

In the early 90's George W. Bush Sr. spoke of the birth of a new world order due to the fall of Communism and the end of the second Gulf War with the defeat of Iraq. The media, according to its various views and allegiances, injected this subject into everything related to international politics and relations. This fuss deceived the international public opinion with illusions. It led the public to believe that the 'new world order' was a phenomenon that the world would have to adjust to. Is there truly something new in the world order? What is this new development that is causing such a stir?

Necessary Changes to the Pakistani Constitution

This subject represents one of the pillars of any state. Revenues and expenditure are of critical importance in managing the affairs of people. One would imagine that the constitution would contain the sound economic principles from Islam. One would think that the laws of al-Raaziq would be valued as the ideal and perfect policies. But once again, the constitution disappoints us. In a series of articles, it is demonstrated that the entire body of economic thought of its authors has been taken from the Western Capitalist thought. Kharaj, Ushr and Jizya … these ideas are absent.

The Capitalist Catwalk

"Thirst is everything, obey your thirst" (American commercial for Sprite). We are told that the purpose for our entire existence is to worship Allah (swt). TV ads tell us oth erwise. According to advertisements, our needs, wants and instincts are everything; we should obey them. The Western way of life relies on a continual cycle of want. The people must always desire to own something new, regardless of whether they need it. The people keep the cycle of consumption in constant motion. They work extra hard, in order to buy things they do not really need, in order to impress people that they do not really care for.

Events Diary

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

Editorial

Khilafah magazine

Khilafah Magazine, Suite 298, 56 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4UB www.Khilafah.com, email Magazine@Khilafah.com Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatahu, This past month marked the seventy-seventh anniversary of the destruction of the Khilafah. On the third of March 1924, the protection of the Muslims was destroyed at the hands of the colonialist West. Britain was at the head of this onslaught. It was Britain that worked to cause division in the Islamic Lands, seeking to destroy Muslim unity and replace it with a host of alien thoughts including nationalism and democracy. The West were gleeful with their achievement; Lord Curzon, the then British Foreign Secretary said in the House of Commons, after the Lausanne Treaty of 24th July 1924: "The situation now is that Turkey is dead and will never rise again, because we have destroyed its moral strength, the Khilafah and Islam." From this point onwards the Islamic strength was removed from the Muslims, and puppets were placed over the Islamic lands, subservient to every whim and order of the Western Colonialist states. When one dies, their son replaced him to carry on the policies of his masters. If one becomes a liability, he would be replaced, and another man would come along, promising the world but bringing the same corruption as his predecessor. An analogy can be made with a great game of chess, as Western states battle over our resources, seeking to pillage the oil from the Gulf, the gas from Algeria and the dia monds from Sierra Leone. Whilst Muslims starve on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the West exploits the consumer culture they have given the world by opening up McDonalds in Lahore, Karachi and elsewhere, in order to sell to us their culture of decadence and selfindulgence. Whilst children die in Sudan, they hold multi-million dollar seminars in this country and that, passing resolution after resolution, committing to 'kill' poverty, but instead ending up killing the people of the developing world with crippling sanctions. Even the populations within the Western 'free' world feel the decadence of the Western ideology. We see the Kuffar living in a constant state of agitation, as crime rises to an amazing level. This is the world as it stands after

Published by Al-Khilafah Publications

the destruction of the Khilafah. There is a dangerous call that is emerging amongst the Muslims in the Western World that requires addressing. This call is a call to separate the Ummah from her body, the call to become citizens of the Western countries, participating in their political life so that they may integrate with Kufr and dine at her table. Such a call is carried by the weak and naïve Muslims, who have lost the direction that Islam gave them to live by Islam, under the Khilafah and to carry Islam to the world. This narrowness is merely a continuation of the struggle of the West to maintain the division in this Ummah. The British foreign minister just before the Second World War when addressing the Prime Minister said: "We must put an end to anything which brings about any Islamic unity between the sons of the Muslims. As we have already succeeded in finishing off the Khilafah, so we must ensure that there will never arise again unity for the Muslims, whether it be intellectual or cultural unity." It is clear that the Kuffar will work day and night to try and hold back the inevitable; the re-establishment of the strong Khilafah State. We pray that the victory of Islam arrives and that we do not need to pass another year with this humiliation upon the necks of this Ummah. "They (the disbelievers) want to extinguish Allah's Light (Islam) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kafireen may hate it. It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the Deen of truth, to make it superior to every other way of life even though the Mushrikeen may hate it" [TMQ At-Taubah: 32].

Jalaluddin Patel

Editorial Team Jalaluddin Patel Dr Imran Waheed Fouad Hussein Baber Qureshi Badrul Rashid Taji Mustapha Abdul Hamid Jassat

Sisters Editorial Team Sameena Asghar Dr Nazreen Nawaz Zara Rahman Dr Shagufta Malik

News Team Yusuf Patel Rashad Ali Ahmad Jassat Mohammed Akmal Walid Gubara Ammar Zalloom

Publishing Team Farhad Khodabaksh Faisal Raja Nurul Amin

Internet Production Team Abu Yahya

Production Team Badrul Rashid Mokbul Hussain

No Copyrights Since Islam rejects copyrights and patents you are free to reproduce articles contained within this publication. It is our kind request that when doing so you cite the author and source of the article.

Translation of the Qur’an It should be perfectly clear that the Qur’an is only authentic in its original language, Arabic. Since perfect translation of the Qur’an is impossible, the term ‘Translation of the Meaning of the Qur’an (TMQ) has been used, as the result is only a crude meaning of the Arabic text.

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April 2001 Khilafah

Magazine

Reference

Quotation Reformers and Conservatives - Two Sides to the Same Coin Marking the twenty-second anniversary of the false revolution, President Khatami pronounced, "In the Islamic republic people should have the right to rule over their destiny, and experience individual and political freedom after a long history of oppression." How much Kufr can one man voice in one sentence? Khatami continues the cursed legacy of the previous rulers by using Islamic tags to describe established pillars of Kufr. Using terms like 'republic' or 'freedom' should in no way mislead the people into believing this is something good. Similarly in Iran the term majlis (assembly) is used even though its functions are that of a parliament where the problems of the Iranian Muslims are solved through legislation produced by human beings. Therefore Khatami calls the people to embrace a system of life based on the republican style of democracy covered with convenient Islamic labels. Allah (swt) rejects this way of ruling in society, as the right to decide legislation is only for Allah (swt) not with any President or any parliament. It is mentioned in the translation of the Qur'an, "The rule is for none but Allah" [TMQ Yusuf: 40]. The story does not end there. Some view the opposition in Iran as the only other option. Any opposition, which does not make the basis of their work and struggle the Islamic Aqeeda, is clearly not a valid opposition from the Islamic perspective. The conservatives or clergy in Iran oppose specific policies and actions of the current leadership but accept the overall Kufr system in Iran. They accept the presidential leadership of Khatami whilst regarding their own leadership as spiritual only. This entrenches the Kufr concept that Islam and politics, the Dunya and the Akhira and the material and spiritual can never work together in harmony. In Islam there is no such concept since every political issue (so-called 'dunya' issues) are directed by Islam. Also there is no group, such as the clergy, regarded to be elite above all other Muslims. All Muslims are obliged by the Khaliq (Creator) of the universe, Allah

(swt), to live by Islam and be subservient to the law of Allah (swt). Even the Khaleefah, the leader of the Muslims, is not above the law but is obeyed due to his acceptance to rule the Islamic Ummah according to the law of Allah (swt). Whether the reformers or conservatives lead Iran, both are two sides to the same coin, where Kufr is promoted in the name of Islam. On one occasion, the Messenger of Allah (saw) was reciting Surah Taubah. He recited the ayah where Allah (swt) equated the actions of the Jews and the Christians towards their Rabbis and Monks to making them lords besides Allah (swt). "They took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah" [TMQ AtTaubah: 31] When 'Adi bin Hatim (who was a Christian at the time) overheard this, he said, "O Messenger of Allah, they did not worship them." Upon this the Messenger of Allah (saw) replied, "Yes they did. They (Rabbis and Monks) prohibited the allowed for them (Christians and Jews) and allowed the prohibited, and they obeyed them. This is how they worshipped them." After which Adi (ra) accepted Islam. [Ahmad, Tirmidhi, At-Tabari]. Abdul Raheem

Reference The Prophet (saw) said in a Hadeeth narrated by Imam Bukhari, "Beware! Every King has a Hima (a sacred area) and the Hima of Allah upon the Earth are his Prohibitions!" [al Jami us Sahih Vol. 1 Hadeeth No. 49] "Have you seen those who claim to have faith in what was revealed unto you and what was revealed before you, yet they prefer the rule of Taghoot (false gods)? Even though they have been ordered to disbelieve in it!" [TMQ an-Nisa: 60] Ibn Jarir at Tabari states that this verse was revealed concerning a Muslim who had a dispute with a Jew and wanted to take the matter to a soothsayer instead of the Prophet (saw) (al Jami Ul Bayan an Tawil ul Qur'an). Mujahid (ra) the student of Ibn Abbas (ra) explained Taghoot as meaning, "Every ruler

in misguidance". Ibn ul Qayyim stated Taghoot as, "Every judgement other than Allah (swt)'s judgement" (I'lam ul Muwaqqin). “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): Worship Allah (Alone) and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût.” [TMQ AnNahl:36] Allah (swt) says in the translation of the meaning, "They (the Jews and Christians) took their Rabbi's and Monks as lords besides Allah and they were commanded to worship none but one god. There is no Lord except he, exalted is he from the partners they associated with him" [TMQ at Tawba: 31]. Ibn Katheer states, "Should anyone turn away from the command of Allah and the Shari'ah and favours something else, then he would have put something else (as a god) before Allah. That this is Shirk is clear from the verse 'They have taken their Rabbis and Monks as lords beside Allah'" (Tafsir ul Qur'an ul Azeem). "Verily, Allah forgives not that partners are set up with him in worship, but he forgives anything else to whom he pleases, and whosever sets up partners with Allah in worship he has indeed invented a tremendous sin" [TMQ an-Nisa: 48]. Allah (swt) says in the translation of the meaning, "Do they then seek the Judgement of ignorance? And who is bet ter in Judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Iman" [TMQ al-Maidah: 50] Ibn Katheer stated in his Tafseer of the above Ayah, "Allah criticises those who ignore His commandments which include every type of righteous good thing but prohibited every evil but refer instead to opinion, desires and customs that people themselves invented all of which have no basis in Allah's Deen. During the time of Jahiliyah the people used to abide by misguidance and ignorance that they invented by sheer opinion and lust" (Tafsir ul Qur'an ul Azeem). “But no, by your Lord they can have no real faith until they make you the judge in all disputes between them, and find in their selves no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest of submission.” [TMQ An-Nisa: 65]

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

Israel uses 'trench warfare' in blockade against Palestinians

Selling Out the Qur'an?

from around the world Israel's blockade of the West Bank and Gaza, which was imposed in response to the uprising at the end of September, continued into its fifth month and is starting to cause severe hardship and economic crisis in the region. According to a UN report 1 in 3 Palestinians are said to be below the poverty line (i.e. live on less than $2 a day) and unemployment has risen to 40%. The crisis is estimated to have cost the economy $1bn, leaving the ailing and incompetent Palestinian Authority with a $250m deficit. The blockade has been organised in a manner where impenetrable barriers surround Gaza on three sides whilst there is also no way out by sea, trapping fishing boats in the harbour and leaving 2,000 fishermen with nothing to do. More than a million Palestinians have been penned into the Gaza strip with no access to the outside world including the Nasser hospital, which is in the North, depriving the Palestinians of a vital humanitarian resource. The desperation of the Israeli's was apparent when they encircled Jericho with a trench to prevent Palestinian motorists from evading the Israeli checkpoints. This style of oppression is not an innovative style, as the Quraysh used it in the early Makkan years of Islam to induce the Muslims to renounce their faith and the call of Muhammad (saw). The Muslims were boycotted for three years depriving them of food and contact with the rest of society but this only served to strengthen their resolve, making them more determined and steadfast in pursuing the call to Islam. A similar trend is occurring in Palestine as the Muslims refuse to accept the illegal occupation by the Israeli army and the futile attempts of the impotent Palestinian Authority, which flouts the rules of Allah (swt), by accepting the rule of Israel. Faisal Raja

Following the demolition of statues in Afghanistan, members of the World Hindu Council (VHP) have expressed their outrage in the form of violent demonstrations on the streets of New Delhi. Copies of the Qur'an were burnt, and threats of the destruction of Makkah and Madinah were also voiced. This was followed by condemnation in the Muslim world. In Pakistan calls for a general strike were issued by almost every well-known political party. This call by Pakistan's politicians does not spring from a disgust at the heinous treatment of the book of Allah (swt). The fact that they do not regard the blasphemy of disregarding the rules of Allah (swt), contained within the very same Qur'an, and are satisfied with legislation coming from mans own whims and desires exposes their double standard. What is the difference between burning the pages of the Qur'an, and setting aside what lies within it? The many ayat, which address political, societal, military and economic affairs, are disregarded. Instead our rulers have chosen to refer to the UN, US, Europe, OIC and themselves to address these areas of life, whilst effectively confining these ayat to the dustbin. The true sign of a desire to protect this Deen from our rulers would be the use of all diplomatic and military strength to stop these disgraceful actions by the Hindu Mushrikeen. Should the rulers not remind these people that Allah (swt) has recently sent them an earthquake to shake their senses? Do we not have the power to even threaten a military response? These were the sorts of measures adopted by Sultan Abdul Hamid II when the Europeans insulted Islam by staging a dramatisation of Dante's Inferno. He warned if they would continue to tolerate such a

play, he would use all the force of the Khilafah state to stop them. Both Britain and France duly complied and stopped the play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have sold the verses of Allah for a paltry worldly gain and they have hindered others from His way; indeed evil are the deeds that they have done" [TMQ At-Taubah: 9]. Dr Abdul Wahid

Turkey- Devaluation caused by the failure of Kufr Mevlut Zaman, a 42-year-old Istanbul taxi driver, doesn't remember a time when the price of bread has not doubled every year or two. "All the politicians we've brought to power in the last 30 years have one thing in common: they're good at making us poorer," said Zaman. Like many Turks, Zaman is angry because the government aban doned its policy of defending the currency, resulting in a devaluation that chopped one-quarter off their purchasing power and savings. Mustafa Kamal, the so-called founder of modern Turkey, abolished the Khilafah and the implementation of the Shari'ah on 3 March 1924. He openly adopted the Western ideology of Capitalism and its fundamental thoughts promising that adopting Western civilisation and abandoning Islam would bring "development, prosperity and modernisation to Turkey." Well here we are in April 2001, 77 years later, and what do we find? Turkey is politically corrupt, run with unstable coalitions that ruin people's lives. She is economically dependent on the IMF and World Bank, which mean enslavement to these colonial institutions, which enforce Western economic domination globally. Turkey has become a laughing stock begging to join the European Union and has been overlooked like a beggar. Where are the development, prosperity and modernisation promised by the corrupted policies of Kamalism? Is it not time the Muslims wake up to the fact that their affairs have been turned upside down and they have

been humiliated ever since Islam as their ruling system was abandoned? Is it not time, in this 77th anniversary of the destruction of the Khilafah, that this Ummah reject the false promises of development and prosperity brought by the Kamalist-imitators, the agent rulers, all across the Muslim world; promises which have only resulted in misery due to the implementation of Kufr. We must return back to Islam as our only saviour, which will lead to our success, both in this life and the Hereafter. "Whoever turns away from My Remembrance, for him is a miserable life!" [TMQ Ta-Ha: 124] Abdullah Hameed

Shoot to Kill America's l a t e s t h i g h school shooting incident has seen 3 people shot and injured, including 2 teachers at the Granite Hills High School in San Diego, California. The suspect armed with a rifle and a handgun fired seven shots. This incident took place less than 3 weeks after 2 students were killed and 13 others injured in another high school shooting in a different suburb of San Diego, Santee. America has been reeling from a spate of school gun attacks, the most infamous of which was the Columbine massacre of April 1999, where two teenagers killed 12 fellow students and a teacher before taking their own lives. Already this year, a 13-year-old boy killed himself at a school in Texas with his mother's gun, and in a Californian school, police shot dead a 17-year-old boy who held a girl hostage with a gun. American society is crying out for a solution to this chronic problem, but it is one which America seems

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April 2001 K hilafah

M a ga z i n e

unable to solve despite being the 'head of the free world' and the sole superpower. Rather than blame the system that breeds such killers, focus is instead shifted to containment measures such as increased gun controls. Guns do not kill - people do! Capitalism enshrines the concept of freedom, and the idea that all actions in life must be based upon individual benefit and pleasure. How can a country based upon these principles lay claim to be the leading nation, when it results in a society where children are not even safe in their schools? America is not fit to control the affairs of the world and to guide its destiny. Its Capitalist intellectual leadership has failed; the results are there for all to see. The Prophet of Allah (saw) said: "Islam is superior and its superior ty cannot be surpassed"(Darqutni).

N can defend herself from Israeli soldiers and Israeli occupation. Alongside this, she has been learning how to assemble rifles and practices shooting having decided to protect her family and herself.

How can the Muslims of Palestine have been abandoned in the clutches of the Jews? The armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey sit idle, ordered by their oppressive rulers, whilst every day the Ummah suffers. Shouldn't they feel ashamed that in the absence of their protection, our sisters throughout the world are forced into a position of taking matters into their own hands? Yasmin and those like her will continue to live under occupation and continual threat until a sincere leadership returns to rule by that which Allah (swt) revealed and continues the expulsion of transgressing Jews the Messenger (saw) begun. Dawud Abdur Rahman

Idle Talk

The expulsion of the Jews of Banu Qaynuqa from the Arabian Peninsula by the Messenger (saw) was a decisive solution to the mischief they had been causing. This event was caused by the humiliation of a Muslim woman as she sat at a jeweller's shop. A Jewish man approached her from behind and nailed the back of her dress with a thorn. As she stood up, the dress came off and the Jews all laughed at her insultingly. She cried for help and a nearby Muslim leapt at the jeweller and killed him. Then the Jews assembled together and killed the Muslim. Within today's climate of mischief, sister Yasmin from Palestine asked her fiancé to buy her a weapon so she could defend herself from Israeli soldiers occupying Arab land. Most Palestinian women traditionally receive jewels or money from their new husbands. But 28year-old Yasmin has asked her fiancé to buy her a weapon so she

from around the world

Athar Jamil

Protection Money

The destruction of the 1500-yearold Buddha statues by the Taliban, has unleashed a strong wave of disapproval and verbal assault. This ranged from UNESCO's accusations of "cultural vandalism" to the response of US Secretary of State Colin Powell who stated, "It's a crime against humankind" whilst his country is yet to dry its bloody hands from the murder of over half a million Iraqi children. The statements of the Kuffar and their reaction is no surprise for their hatred towards Islam is clearly highlighted in the Qur'an; "And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your Deen" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 217]. However what is surprising is that the outcry was not confined to the Kafir nations. The disapproval of the Muslim countries and their corrupt governments resulted in a delegation of over 22 scholars from the OIC countries led by Qaradhawi and the Grand Mufti of Egypt, being sent to Afghanistan in

an attempt to justify the permissibility of the idol's existence from Islam. The question that arises is where was this delegation of scholars and their respective governments when the Muslims of Afghanistan were dying as a result of the UN sanctions. Has the value of idols made from stone become more than that of a blood of a Muslim? Indeed in the matters that require action, a muted response exists. We did not hear them call for Jihad, we did not hear them oppose peace with Israel, and we do not hear them speak out against the sanctions or reject the Taghut of the United Nations. May be these government scholars ought to take admonition from the noble Qur'an; "And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth)" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 42]. Al-Bazzar narrated on the authority of Muadh (ra), that the Messenger (saw) said: "The most evil ones in my Ummah are the evil scholars among the people" (Imam Suyooti: Hasan). It is evident that the current regimes in the Muslim countries are not just content with doing Shirk through their obedience to the intellectual idols of the West but their treachery is evident from their desire to preserve the physical ones as well. Al-Harth narrated on the authority of Ibn Masood that the Messenger (saw) said: "For every matter, there is a thing that spoils it, and what spoils this deen is the evil rulers" [Imam Suyooti: Hasan]. Waleed Gubara

Washington Butcher's Convention Two fellow butchers met in Washington on Tuesday March 20th - one of them fresh with the blood of the Muslims of Baghdad on his hands and the other with the blood of the Muslims of Palestine. These partners in crime also happen to be, respectively, the political leaders of the US and Israel, George W. Bush and Ariel Sharon.

The supposed agenda of the talks between the two leaders was the state of the stalled Middle East 'peace' (surrender) process and how it could be revived. Commenting on their talks, Ariel Sharon said, "We had a very constructive and frank discussion of strategic issues in the interests of the United States and Israel…I believe that every Israeli government made a great effort on the Palestinian problem and so this matter must be dealt with first". Earlier in the week Sharon had accused the Palestinians of "deepening their involvement in incitement, violence and terror". These are rich words coming from an Israeli Prime Minister, who is not the first Israeli head of state to come from a long tradition of inflicting violence and terror on the Muslims of Palestine. In 1982 Sharon was responsible for the razing to the ground of the largest Palestinian refugee camp at Ain Hilweh with 25,000 residents. In September 1982 he was responsible for a 62-hour rampage in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila that saw infants, children and pregnant women being killed, mutilated and disembowelled. It comes as no surprise that he had earlier that year said in an address to the Knesset that the Palestinians were "bugs" and their refugee camps were "tourist camps". How could anyone, with even an ounce of iman in his or her heart, be eager to accord a treacherous peace with this scoundrel or with the state of Israel? We have not heard one ruler from the Muslim lands declaring that he wants to remove the Jews from Palestine. Instead some of them criticise Sharon for the predicament the Muslims of Palestine find themselves in, while others of them yearn for the day that they can accord peace with him. The day of reckoning for such traitors draws closer with each breath… "And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the oppressors do" [TMQ Ibrahim: 42] Imran Waheed

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Khilafah

Magazine April 2001

A Call of Protection from the Muslims of India

The following article was sent to us by one of our readers in India Thawban reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "two groups of my ummah Allah has protected from the Hellfire: a group that will conquer India and a group that will be with 'Isa ibnu Maryam" [Ahmad and An-Nisa'i]. India, since her independence and division from Pakistan and Bangladesh, is a country with a population of over one billion. An estimated 20% of this population is Muslim. The region of the Indian sub continent was conquered by the Islamic Khilafah army under the leadership of Muhammad b. Qasim in 711 CE. During this time a great many people were brought from ignorance to enlightenment through Islam. Instead of their deaf, dumb and blind idols, the people now wor shipped Allah (swt). For more than a 1000 years after, Islam continued to thrive. Those who came to be guided were amongst the greatest of da'wa carriers, whilst those who remained non-Muslims lived justly under Islam alongside the Muslims. The civilisation of the Islamic Khilafah is still fresh in our minds despite the efforts of the disbelieving colonialists who attempted to sweep this vital period in history under the carpet like a forgotten memory. As the Islamic Khilafah began to weaken over the centuries, the Western nations found an opportunity to sow their poison -

ous seeds. This was the beginning of a long and painful era dominated by the British and other European colonialists. They began to pillage the resources of the Ummah and cause disunity between its citizens. It was during this crucial time that the Khilafah 'Uthmaniyah was conspired against and destroyed by the British masters of colonialism. At this point, the Islamic Ummah fell from its pedestal of honour. Civilisation declined, and instead of following Allah's (swt) decree, the Ummah was now looking to man-made laws. Despite this, members of the Ummah have not forgotten their duty to re-establish the State. Ever since the Khilafah was destroyed, Muslims all over the world have sacrificed their lives to establish an Islamic homeland, only to be cheated by their treacherous rulers who worked tirelessly to deceive the Muslims that worked day and night for their disbelieving colonial masters. It is tragic to contemplate how the situation of our Ummah has changed. Since the destruction of the Khilafah, Muslims in India have been on the receiving end of a vicious intellectual and physical attack. Over the last ten years, hatred towards the Muslims in India has been more than open. One only needs to consider the events in 1992 when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, Rashtriya Sawamsevak

Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal (whom are a mostly discriminated lower-caste Hindus who do the dirty work by defending the upper-caste Hindus and ultra right politi cal parties) wanted to advance their cam paign for a Hindu homeland, or 'Hindutva.' They proceeded in destroying any presence of Islamic history. Millions of Muslims were helpless as they watched the flashing images on their television screen of thousands of polytheists destroying the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This incident was followed by months of violent attacks against Muslims. In villages where Muslims made up a minority, disbelievers would burn their property and children alive. They would separate Muslim women for their husbands and throw them from high speed trains, only to be deserted if their fate was not death. In the Gujurat district of Surat, hundreds of Muslim women were dishonoured and raped only to be additionally violated by the filming of these atrocities so that the non-believers (the Kafireen) could make mockery of their honour. They would terrify Muslim families and insult them by demanding money to build their temples. During Eid ul Adha 2001, the polytheists openly burnt a copy of the Qur'an in full view of the public in New Delhi. The media, however, turned a blind eye. The Muslims in India are desperate for protection, but who will come to their aid? How do we answer the echoing voices of dishonoured Muslim women shouting "wa Islaama? Wa Mu'tasim billah?" ("where are you O Khalid b. Waleed? Where are you O Salahuddin?"). Furthermore, who will protect the children in Iraq, as well as all of the other Muslims who are being oppressed today? Let us look to our beloved Prophet (saw) who said, "Verily the Imam (Khalifah) is a shield from behind (the Muslims) fight and protect themselves" [Muslim]. We have learned a painful lesson: we must never let go from the book of Allah (swt) and the Sunnah of His noble Messenger (saw). During the Khilafah, disbelivers who attempted to mock Islam failed miserably. Like wolves, they wait for our Ummah to lose her sincere shepherd and be scattered in many directions, they await the opportunity to disgrace us, after all, there is no better time to strike than when our Ummah is as confused as a lost sheep. Despite this, the Muslims of India should not fear the Kafireen for we are told: "So do not become weak (against your

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enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers" [Al-Imran: 139]. They must not become disheartened, for they are not a minority, but a small part of a blessed Ummah. This Ummah is large enough that its population will please the Messenger of Allah (saw) on the Day of Judgement, inshallah. This unified Ummah does not lack the resources, nor do we lack the intellectual or technological know-how. However, we lack the system and the leadership under one sincere Khalifah. Allah (swt) has ordered this upon us so that we may implement Islam correctly and live in peace and without fear. Imam Ahmed recorded from Tanim ad-Dari that he said, I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying, "this matter (Islam) will keep spreading as far as the night and day reach, until Allah will not leave a house made of mud or fur, but will make this Deen enter it, whilst bringing might to a mighty person (a Muslim) and humiliation to a disgraced person (the one who rejects Islam). Might with which Allah (swt) elevates Islam (and its people) and disgrace with which Allah (swt) humiliates disbelief (and its people)." The Messenger of Allah (saw) motivated us with the prophecy of our fate. He (saw) foretold of people from amongst this Ummah that will conquer India entirely and then meet 'Isa b. Maryam (as) in Bilaad ash-Sham. "A group of you will conquer India, Allah will open for them [India] until they come with its kings chained - Allah having forgiven their sins when they return back [from India], they will find Ibn Maryam in Syria" [Na'im b. Hammad in al-Fitan reports from Abu Hurairah]. Abu Huraira said to this: "the Messenger (saw) promised us the conquest of India. If I was to come across that, I will spend my soul and my wealth. If I am killed then I am among the best of martyrs, and if I return then I am Abu Huraira the freed" [Ahmad, An-Nisa'i, Al-Hakim]. Who from this Ummah does not want to achieve this status? Let not the disbelievers deceive and pacify us from our Deen. Today's Ummah lives in a situation where they could meet the vision of the Messenger of Allah (saw). This requires the Muslims in India, and the entire world, to answer the call of Allah (swt) and work endlessly to re-establish our Deen. The act of re-establishing the Khilafah is an obli-

gation upon every Muslim, which requires the kind of struggle and sacrifice that was typical of the Messenger of Allah (saw) and his noble companions (raa). The rewards of such action will be great in the hereafter. Let us find inspiration for Muhammad's (saw) prophesy: "I feel a cool breeze (refreshment) from Al-Hind (Muslims of India)" [Abu Dawood]. From the thick stench of Kufr, the cool fragrant breeze is becoming more and more distinguishable. This breeze, however, will only diffuse its true aroma under the shade of Allah (swt). The shade of Allah (swt) is the Khalifah. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "the Khalifah is the shade of Allah (swt) on the earth" [AlTabarani and Al-Baihaqi]. Imam Suyooti commented on this hadith as being sahih. Our victory is imminent. It is only a matter of time when the establishment of the Khilafah will be announced in Pakistan, Central Asia or the Arab world. On that great day, we will witness thousands of Raya migrating from the Khilafah to liberate India. From the distinguished gloom of the night, there will emanate the coming of a bright morning. Its light will illumi nate the skies. From the long painful afflictions, happiness will be born from this Ummah. Every night has its end, and the fiendish night of Kufr civilisation is drawing nearer to its dawn. The justice of Islam will prevail, because Islam never ends. We pray to Allah (swt) that it will remain that way. For after the fear that the Muslims of India have suffered, they will look forward to the protection and securi ty that remains under the Khilafah. "Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that of a certainty, He will cause them to accede to power on earth, as He granted it to those before them, that He will establish in authority their Deen which He has chosen for them, and that He will change (their state) after the fear in which they lived, to one of security and peace: They will worship Me (alone) and not ascribe powers to any beside Me" [An-Nur: 55]. Praise be to Allah (swt) who has honoured us with Islam, we pray he (swt) sends peace and blessing upon Muhammad (saw) and will grant us the Khilafah soon. Abu Ghaznawi Gujarat, India

â&#x20AC;&#x153;And of Humankind are some who take (in obedience) others, besides Allah ? as rivals (Andaad)...â&#x20AC;? The following is a transcript of a talk delivered by Fouad Hussein in London, on the 10th of March 2001. Brothers this issue began with the issu ing of the fatwa by Mullah Muhammad Umar, regarding the destruction of the two huge and ancient statues found in Afghanistan. After the fatwa Abdul Salam Zaeef, the Taliban's envoy to Pakistan was quoted as saying by the Islamabad-based Afghan Islamic Press: "We will destroy all statues, including the Buddhas, and no other proposal is under consideration in this regard" The result of this was a worldwide outcry from all levels of the society; governments, NGO's and citizens. Should we examine the positions of both sides be it the Taliban or the rest of the world, especially the UN and USA, we will find many contradictions. This is something we are used to but we must ascertain what is our position regarding this issue, which must be the Islamic position. Let me start with the contradictions of the rest of the world, particularly America, Europe and the United Nations; we are accustomed to the constant slander issued by the West towards the Muslims, to third world countries or any other issue that is not to their benefit. So for example the US is in uproar over the destruc tion of these two idols and at the same time endorses the international boycott of Afghanistan that has caused widespread starvation throughout the country. So on the one hand the Americans are defending the rights of the lifeless stone idols to exist whilst simultaneously denying thousands of Afghans access to their sustenance. This is nothing new for these people. These are the same Americans who have imposed sanctions on Muslims in Iraq for 10 years, causing the death of over 750,000 innocent Muslim children, by denying them basic foods and medicine. This is but one form of the contradiction we witness. For this is not the first time we have

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seen the destruction of monuments or places of worship. Not so long ago we witnessed the destruction of Babri Masjid by the BJP in India. Where was the American outcry and world condemnation then? Recently, Turkey has built dams on the River Farad that have flooded many cultural sites and monuments. However, regarding this there has been no outcry from the West, not even a whimper. Maybe this is because they were commissioned to build these dams, thus generating revenues for them. Thus they took part in the very thing that they now complain of. Muslims in Palestine struggle to find places to pray because their Masajid have been turned into museums, military buildings and even pubs by the occupying Jews, yet we have not heard one word of complaint from the West. Even more sinister is the excavation that is happening under Masjid al-Aqsa; the slightest disturbance may result in its destruction, and yet no one has warned or admonished the Jews. Less than a year ago, when Jorg Haider, a farright politician in Austria was elected, there was uproar from all over Europe even though his election was by the people. The recent election of Ariel Sharon has not raised the same sentiments, though he was held responsible for the massacres of Muslims in the refugee camps at Sabra and Shatila in Lebanon. Rather, world leaders have congratulated him and welcomed him to their fold. Only a few years ago the people of Russia broke the statue of Lenin, the supposed prophet of Communism, an ideology in which many people still fervently believe. They destroyed it, and the West watched and celebrated. Why was this not seen as a part of the culture and heritage of a people? Always the Muslims are targeted, and they seek to persuade the Muslims to leave Islam and cherish their old history, such as the Egyptian Kings and Queens of old. But the extent of the contradictions we see from them sends us a clear message: care not for what the West say we should or should not do, since their stance is never consistent and they are not clear on what is right and what is wrong. There is another aspect to America's condemnation of the Taliban. General Colin Powell, the new US Secretary of State claimed that the statues were part of 'the world global heritage.' Notice the way in which globalisation is proposed in every aspect of life, meaning that whatever cultural heritage you have in your own land is not your own. Before deciding any matter, you have to first ask the world for its opinion, and then beg for its permission. Already, they have interfered in more danger-

ous and serious affairs than this. Has not every Ummah its own culture and viewpoint of life? So why do the West, in particular America, seek to impose upon us their cultural values? Not satisfied with this, they force upon us their politics, their economics and their morals as well! From where does such arrogance arise in a nation that was born just yesterday, whereby they seek to impose their ever-changing laws? Truly, it is arrogance to attempt to discard the system and civilisation revealed by Allah (swt); a civilisation that weathered the sands of time, providing tranquillity and justice for over 1400 years. To replace this with a system barely 200 years old, which has already shown its corruption to the world, will lead man to destruction. This is as regards the world. As for the Taliban, here is the true wonder. The Taliban may be destroying the idols carved by man but what about the fact that the man made laws they implement, the policies they follow and their relations with neighbouring countries are totally against the laws of Islam? Rather they have been geared to assimilate with the laws of the United Nations. If you require evidence for this I refer you to the letter that the foreign affairs representative of the Taliban wrote to the Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. This letter is available for all to see on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan New York Office website: (http://www.taleban.com/letters.htm). In this letter he wished to con firm to the UN four actions that the Taliban were carrying out, and if you read these you will find the motive is not Islam. Rather the motive is to show that they are abiding by the conditions imposed upon them by the UN and so accordingly they are entitled to the recognition of the UN, along with that of other nations. Firstly in this letter he said that the Taliban had stopped the planting of poppies from which opium can be harvested. Why do you have to tell the United Nations Secretary? You have to do it according to Shari'ah. You have to do it for Allah (swt). Not so you can tell the Kuffar that we have done just as you would like us to do. Not to say you demanded this and we did it. The Mujahideen who fought the Soviet Union did not do as they were told by the Kuffar. They

did what they were told by Allah (swt). Secondly they said that all weapons had been taken from the irresponsible people. Again to assure the UN that no arms are in the possession of any terrorist groups. Thirdly in the letter they stated that they favour peace and believe in peaceful relations with their neighbours. This is of course is one of the tenets of the UN - that all states must live in peace i.e. that they must organise their relations peacefully and recognise the borders that exist between them. The Taliban have accepted this. Finally and worst of all, there are many reports that the Taliban have said they want no foreigners in their armed forces (especially Pakistanis). The armed force of Afghanistan is for the Afghan people. Is the Taliban responding to Islam or to do they wish to prove that the Taliban is like any other state in the world that abides by the international law? Here is a great contradiction. To break down the stone but to protect and preserve the Kufr laws. Is this what Muhammad (saw) did in Makkah? No! We find that Muhammad (saw) destroyed all the laws of Kufr before destroying the physical signs of Shirk that were made of stone. Also Muhammad (saw) did not establish a state in Madinah alone. Rather he established a state in the whole Arabian Peninsula even before opening Makkah. He (saw) wrote to the leaders of the world asking them to embrace Islam. These people are writing to the United Nations asking to join the United Nations. Do you see the contradiction? What is the United Nations? An organisation that seeks to be the reference point of other nations, economically, politically, socially, culturally, educationally and in every aspect of life. These nations have to change their laws to match those of the UN. The Taliban are begging and crying to do this for the UN. Which means that they are willing to change their own laws, which are supposedly Islamic to match the demands of the UN. So we see the manifest contradiction of both the West and the Taliban. Regarding the Taliban do you know what it means to take other than Allah (swt) as a reference for your legislation? Allah tells us in the Qur'an al' Karim: "And of Humankind are some who take (in obedience), others besides Allah (swt) as rivals (Andaad); they love them as they love Allah (swt). When those who are followed disown those who followed them, and they see their torment. And all their relations will be cut off from them. And those who followed will say, 'If only we had one more chance to

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return (to the worldly life), we would disown them as they have disowned us'. Thus Allah (swt) will show their deeds as regret for them. And they will never be able to get out of the Fire" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 165-167]. The mufasiroon (commentators of Qur'an) elaborated the nature of these rivals. The Andaad are described as humans. As-Suddi says, "The rivals are people or men whom they obey as they obey Allah (swt), even they obey them whilst disobeying Allah (swt)." Fath al-Qadeer by Imam Shawkani says, "The rivals here are the leaders." So, Andaad are humans, for the reference to 'love' is in the context of humans, not idols. This is further clarified by the fact that the Andaad will dissociate themselves from their followers on the Day of Judgement, which is not possible for idols. It is Allah (swt) who decides how you are to behave yourself. Not the United Nations that decide how you are to behave yourself. Those who allow them to decide for them how they run their economy, how they conduct elections, they love the UN as we are supposed to love Allah (swt). For when you love someone you are ready to obey and please them. The believers should love Allah more than any other. Who do the policies of the Taliban aim to please? The Taliban claim to rule by Islam, yet they take others as Andaad. The situation is the same in all the Muslim countries today whether they call themselves Islamic or not. Even though the people are sincere in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries, it is the rulers that fail them. We have seen similar policies by so-called Islamic states in the past, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan and in Saudi Arabia. These governments claim to follow Islam but really they follow Taghut (judgement from other than Islam). The Khilafah will not destroy idols to win the favour of public opinion, rather it will destroy all idols physical and intellectual. It will remove the shirk of man-made law from the Islamic lands. The Khilafah will follow the same steps as Muhammad (saw) and will not be willing to please the Kuffar, take orders from them or check our actions according to their whims. The Khilafah will check its actions according to law of Allah (swt). If they like it welcome them and if they do not let them do as they like. This is exactly how Muhammad (saw) taught us. Fouad Hussein

Was the System of Muhammad (saw) Democratic? Introduction Allah (swt) revealed the deen of Islam as a complete and comprehensive system for mankind. This system gave thoughts and rules concerning every aspect of man's life. The comprehensive nature of Islam not only determines all of life's affairs, but it also offers solutions to all human problems connected to his relationships with his Creator (swt) and with fellow human beings. The Islamic system is perfect; therefore, there is no need for amendments or corrections. This point is highlighted in the following ayah: "Today I have perfected your Deen, completed my favour upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your Deen" [TMQ Al-Ma'idah: 3]. It was because the Muslims began to question the Qur'ans perfection, by adding their own ideas into Islam that they began to decline. They borrowed thoughts and rules from systems alien to Islam. When the Islamic Khilafah was destroyed in 1924, and the Islamic world came to be ruled by Kufr systems and rulers, the one that had the greatest effect upon the Islamic countries was the Western democratic system. At one point, the Muslims actually adopted democracy as an ideal they should preserve and protect. Almost all of the political parties, including the Islamic parties call for democracy and make it the arbiter in political disputes. The terrifying aspect of this attitude towards democracy is that many Muslims began to equate the democratic system with Islam. This was justified by some similarities discovered between certain Islamic rules and the democratic system. This erroneous idea was able to prevail because they neglected to study the basis and foundations of the two systems in a complete manner. Moreover, they failed to realise that the similarities between the two systems were superficial.

Fundamental Contradictions Between the Two Systems The democratic system is built upon the creed of secularism, which separates religion from life's affairs. Therefore, the most important element of democracy is the rejection of Allah's (swt) right to legislate. Democracy attributes this right to the human beings and their whims and desires. In democratic states we find it is the human being who is sovereign and the law maker. This is a clear contradiction with the Islamic system.

The Islamic system is based on the Aqeedah of Tawheed. Islam forbids the Muslims from acting according to their desires. The Qur'an makes it clear: "It is not fitting for a Muslim man or women when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they have a choice in the matter" [TMQ Al-Ahzab: 36]. Moreover Islam makes it an obligation that the Muslims to rule by what Allah (swt) have revealed. The Qur'an explains: "And those who do not rule by whatever Allah has revealed are the disbelievers" [TMQ Al-Ma'idah: 44]. Furthermore, we are told: "And rule between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their whims away from the Truth which has come to you" [TMQ Al-Ma'idah: 48]. Another key element of the democratic system is that ruling and the leadership are a collec tive matter. This means that the affairs of the state are managed through a collective body which divides authority between the members of cabinet. Through a majority rule, they ensure the mandatory powers of ruling are shared, this way no one person can hold all the powers of the state. Islam, on the other hand, pays no regard to majority rule. It vests all the powers of ruling in the hands of one person: the Khaleefah. Muhammad (saw) said, "If three of you went out on a journey appoint one of you as Amir." [Abu-Dawood] This means that there can only be one leader. The same applies to matters of the State, as this was the case with the state that Muhammad (saw) established and the Khulafah after him (saw) followed. In the Islamic State authority is never shared between many. The responsibility of ruling and implementing Islam is for the Khaleefah alone. Islam obliges the Muslims to protect the singu lar leadership of the Khaleefah rather than a collective ruling body (which is the demand of democracy). Just as the absence of ruling by the majority would make the democratic sys tem undemocratic, absence of ruling and authority in the hands of the Khaleefah alone would render the system un-Islamic. It is apparent that the contradictions between these two systems are at the core level. No matter what similarities were found in peripheral matters, nothing would render the two systems similar.

Scrutinising the Similarities Those Muslims who wish to adopt the demo-

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cratic system can be divided into two camps. In the first group there are those who have no regard for Islam and are one with the Kuffar in their attempts to wipe Islam from the Islamic lands. The second group consists of ordinary Muslims who lack an understanding of Islam and its ability to solve contemporary problems. The first group realises that the basis of democracy is the rejection of Allah's (swt) laws, and therefore they discourage Muslims from looking to the origins of the democratic system. Instead, they direct the Muslims attentions to the superficial similarities and call the Muslims to adopt it. The second group are either misguided by the first group, or they simply lack a deep understanding of the Islamic system. They are therefore easily led into looking at the similarities, while ignoring the basis. When we scrutinise the similarities that are found between the two systems, we find that they are in fact superficial. There are, however, several justifications of those who call for democracy. Firstly the Islamic system has the bayah, which some may see as similar to elections in democracy. Next, Islam has provided for shura (consultations) between the ruler and the people. This would be similar to the parliament in the democratic system. Also, Islam commands the Muslims to account the ruler. This is akin to the accountability within the democratic system, whereby politicians and media etc, voice their opinions for or against the rulers.

Elections: Elections are permitted in Islam in order to gauge the people's opinion on the matter of who they wish to appoint as their Khaleefah, however Islam has not made mass general elections every four or five years an obligation or an inalienable right of the people, as in the democratic system. The method for appointing the Khaleefah is the bayah. We find that the rightly guided Khulafah, for example, were appointed as Khaleefahs without the involvement of the entire Ummah. Furthermore, the conditions for a candidate's eligibility are contradictory within the two systems. In democracy, the candidate must be of a certain nationality (e.g. British if in Britain or Egyptian if in Egypt). Islam forbids this and allows any individual to run for elections. Islam only obliges the person elected to be a Muslim. Democracy allows disbelievers to rule. In addition democracy permits the election of women into ruling positions. Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is a prime example. This contradicts Islam as Muhammad (saw) said, "Any people who appoint a women as their leader will never succeed." [Bukhari]

Shura: "And do consult in the matter and if you

decided put your trust in Allah" [TMQ Al'Imran: 159]. This ayah requests Muhammad (saw) and the Khaleefahs after him to make shura with the Muslims in their affairs. Shura, however, is not equivalent to the parliaments in the democratic systems. Parliaments are an obligatory aspect of the democratic system. Their presence is necessary in order that the representatives may legislate on the people's behalf. In the Islamic State, however, shura is not a legislative organ. After all, in Islam legislation is the right of Allah (swt): "The right of Rule is solely for Allah" [TMQ Yusuf: 40]. Hence there is no need for the existence of a legislative body to allow man to come together and enact legislation. Shura is also not an obligation in Islam. In a democracy the ruler must seek the opinion of the people or their representatives in parliament. The ayah requesting Muhammad (saw) to make shura with the Muslims is a recommen dation rather than an obligation. The request has no indication that raises it to an obligation. Also Shura can only occur on those issues that are mubah, so there would never be Shura on whether to legalise Alcohol for instance. To add to this it is known that the Muhammad (saw) did not always consult his companions and so therefore its absence will not turn the Khilafah to a non-Islamic State. Shura, therefore, is not the same as the legislative bodies of parliaments or congresses.

Conclusion Clearly, the system brought to us by the Prophet (saw) is not democratic. Indeed, the democratic system is contradictory to the Islamic system both in its basis and details. It is a grievous sin for the Muslims to equate the two. Scrutiny of the two systems of government proves that they are completely divergent in nature. O Muslims! Do not be misled by the claims of those who wish you to follow the disbelieving colonialist systems. Do not allow them to wipe your deen from your lives or the lives of your children. It is time for you to distinguish between the Haq from the Batil and reject the Taghut of democracy. "And do not mix the Truth with Falsehood nor conceal the Truth when you know it" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 42]. Zituzzaman Hoque

In Memory of the Destruction of Al-Khilafah

Accountability:

Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

Muhammad (saw) said, "Whoever believes in Allah (swt) and in the Hereafter, let him say good or refrain from saying anything." [Bukhari] This hadith defines the basis of accountability in Islam. While Islam has commanded the Muslims to enjoin the ruler to do good and forbid him from practising evil, it does not permit the Muslims to voice any opin ion they desire. Here, the people do not have the freedom of expression that would permit people to demand the ruler to enact Kufr. For example, the people are not able to demand that their ruler legalise homosexuality or cannabis. Democratic pluralism is also not the basis of the accountability permitted by Islam. For example, the existence of parties and movements calling for Kufr concepts like nationalism, women's liberation or free market economy etc., are also not allowed. Indeed, the command upon the Muslims to account the ruler and to establish parties to enjoin the good and forbid the evil is to prevent the ruler from enacting Kufr rules and laws and the spread of Kufr concepts.

"The Khilafah is the Islamic State that unites the Muslims under one State and rules them according to the Quranic orders and instructions of the Sunnah and carries Islam to the rest of the world through da'wa and jihad." After a long violent conflict that lasted 13 centuries between Islam and Kufr, the Kuffar had achieved their aims by destroying the Islamic State. Consequently, Islam and Muslims had been removed from the international arena of politics that paved the way for the Kuffar to crown themselves as the only "leadership" of humankind. On the 3rd of March 1924, a group, emanating from a Masonic-Jewish background, led by the Kafir Kamal Attaturk, managed to control the ruling affairs of Turkey. On that day they declared the cancellation of the Islamic Khilafah System and its Khaleefah and the birth the Turkish secular state.

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So after thirteen golden centuries of Islamic rule, the Khilafah, which was the extension of the Islamic State that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) established in Madinah, no longer existed. This was the state that spread Islam over the whole world. It established peace, security and justice; made great advancements in the field of science; and eradicated all boundaries that separated people like nationalism and racism. It is well understood that the Muslims bear a great responsibility for the destruction of the Khilafah, for it was in our complacency in understanding the ideological and material strength of our Aqeedah which paved the way for our downfall and allowed the Kuffar to achieve their wicked aims. Not withstanding this, we must similarly understand that the destruction of the Khilafah was also the result of centuries of plotting and planning against Islam and the Muslims. Prime examples are the incidences of the Crusaders in the 12th century and the invasion by the Tatars (in Baghdad and Damascus 1258). Despite these short lived "successful" attacks, the Muslims managed, by the grace of Allah (swt), to overcome the invasions and continue to move forward and spread the message of Islam until they reached the very doorsteps of the enemies and "touched" the heart of Europe. No sooner than later, the Kuffar came to understand that the Muslims will always re-conquer their invaded lands at all costs. Therefore, they abandon their conventional tactics of military invasions and adopted instead a much more dangerous and powerful strategy. They resorted to ideological and missionary invasions; implanting racism and nationalism; securing "Muslim" agents in the areas; and colonising the far areas of the Islamic world. These new methods proved to be very effective by World War 1. By this period, the Muslim world was in complete disarray, weak and vulnerable - an opportunity that was ripe for the Kuffar to destroy the Khilafah. "What is the meaning of the destruction of the Khilafah?" and "What are its repercussions?" The Khilafah is the Islamic State which rules by what Allah has revealed - the Qur'an and Sunnah. Destroying the Khilafah leads to abandoning the Islamic rules and replacing them with human rules (kufr rules) that will cause the wrath and anger of Allah to descend upon us. Allah (swt) says: "But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment." [TMQ Ta-Ha:124] The Khilafah is the Islamic State that used to carry Islam to all nations by way of da'wa and jihad. Destroying the Khilafah will halt the spreading of Islam and the subsequent conquering and opening of new lands. Destroying the Khilafah allows the Kuffar to easily spread their corrupt thoughts and beliefs throughout the Muslim world. The Prophet (saw) said: "Any

nation that abandons the jihad will be humiliated." The Khilafah is the Islamic State that unites Muslims under one umbrella. Destroying the Khilafah leads to the division of Muslims and their lands into many statelets - over 55 futile states exist today! This leads to the rise of nationalism, racism and patriotism among the Muslims and the loss of Brotherhood that is so dear to all Muslims and fundamental to Islam. Allah (swt) said: "Verily, this nation of yours is one nation and I am your Lord, so do worship Me." [TMQ Al-Anbiya: 92] The Khilafah is the Islamic State that protects the Muslim lands and keeps the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Destroying the Khilafah resulted in the colonisation the Muslim world by the Kuffar and the establishment of their military bases on our lands. Palestine being a prime example! Thus, the Khilafah protected it from the Jewish occupation but when the Islamic State was lost, Palestine too was lost. The Prophet (saw) said: "Verily the Imam (leader) is a shield that you fight with and be protected by". The Khilafah is the Islamic State that keeps and protects the Islamic wealth and invests it to serve the Muslims and Islamic cause. Destroying the Khilafah lead to the theft, exploitation and scattering of the Muslim wealth at the hands the Kafireen and their multinational companies, including the Muslim puppet rulers. No wonder starvation in the Muslim world is wide spread and civil wars are thriving everywhere and Muslims in droves are fleeing their countries to Kafir lands looking for a basic living, despite the wealth of their lands. The Khilafah is the Islamic State where every individual citizen feels safe and secure about themselves, their family, money and above all their pride, dignity and honour. Destroying the Khilafah will lead to what we are witnessing and feeling today - no security, no safety but all fear. All this has resulted because the Islamic rules that protect the individuals are not being implemented and are been ignored. Oh Muslims! Where are we now in the re-establishment of the Khilafah and what is still required? We should examine where we were in the past (at the time when the Khilafah was destroyed) in order to understand where we are now, the progress we have achieved and more importantly, what remains to be done. After the destruction of the Khilafah, the disbelievers (Kuffar) assumed rein over all the Muslim lands and controlled everything - the government, media, educational institutions, economy and even the public life. The sincere Muslims -

who refused the status quo - considered this invasion as a phase only and a time to which to start their struggle to re-establish their Islam and resume the Islamic way of life. The struggle was on various fronts. A. Clear the dust (misconceptions) which was clouding the Islamic ideas and its ruling, particularly the political thoughts and systems of ruling, who the Kuffar and their Muslim agents worked endlessly to bury and distort. B. The Muslim masses. The Kuffar aspire to win the Muslim masses to their ideology and viewpoint about life. Liberal freedom, capitalism and secularism are false ideals employed to instill doubt in the minds of the Muslims about the ability of Islam to rule them and thus make the masses adopt the Kuffar's corrupt and haram way of life. C. The ruling class. The Kuffar have created a false leadership in every Muslim country who are nothing more than agents collaborating with the West. We can say that to date, by the grace of Allah (swt) that those who worked for the re-established of Islamic State have achieved great success on all three fronts, despite the heavy prices incurred. The Islamic thought, particularly the political thought, has been cleared and the masses have declared their loyalty to Islam and they see no alternative to Islam. The false leadership has been exposed - thus a political vacuum has been created between the Muslims and the ruling regimes in our lands. The Khilafah will insha'Allah fill this vacuum. Now we are on the last front of the da'wa seeking the power (Nusrah) for the Ummah from the various power brokers and influential personalities within the Muslim world, among which consist the Muslim armies. Oh Muslims! Does not Islam deserve our sacrifice? Does not the Islamic State - "Khilafah" - deserve our sacrifice? Does not rescuing humanity from the misery of Capitalism deserve our sacrifice? Al-Jannah demands these sacrifices. We call to every serious and sincere Muslim to undertake their responsibilities to work to re-establish the Khilafah. We call you to respond to the commands of Allah (swt)! "Oh you who believe! Respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger when he calls to that which gives you life." [TMQ Al-Anfal: 24] Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Australia 3 Dhul Hijjah 1421 H 26 February 2001

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

What will happen to Non-Muslims in the Khilafah?

Introduction "Speaking yesterday on the first day of his twoweek pastoral visit to Nigeria's fifteen million Anglicans, Archbishop Carey said that while he respected Islam, the imposition of Shari'ah law in several northern states could divide the country." [BBC World Service 2nd Feb 2001] According to news reports more than two thousand people have been killed in Kaduna in Nigeria, during riots last year between Christians and Muslims. Statements similar to those made by Archbishop Carey have become commonplace when discussing the imposition of Shari'ah law in Nigeria, Pakistan and Indonesia. The common viewpoint is that imposing Shari'ah on nonMuslims will create riots, bloodshed and division. There is a real fear amongst many nonMuslims that living under Islamic law would mean the beginning of the end for them. In the Islamic world this fear is used to justify the harsh measures taken against Muslims calling for the Shari'ah return by the establishment of Khilafah. The Western Colonialists, along with the media and the agent rulers in our lands, combined with the physical clampdown on the da'wa carriers, use issues such as the Shari'ah law in Nigeria to mock and attack the idea that Islam should be implemented today. They know full well the history of the Khilafah. They have not forgotten that when the Shari'ah was implemented correctly, it created a state so powerful that it still remains unparalleled throughout history. The unity of so many disparate peoples is unprecedented. We

must

understand

that

the

Western

Colonialist nations have an agenda to distort the image of Islam, so it cannot be viewed as an alternative to the Capitalist way of life. Therefore, to get a true idea as to what will happen to non-Muslims in the Khilafah; instead of looking to the Capitalist opinion, we need to look to the Shari'ah. In it, we will find examples that give us the true picture of how nonMuslims will be treated under the Islamic sys tem.

Non-Muslims are Ahl adh-dhimma (People of Covenant) Allah (swt) revealed the Islamic system (Shari'ah) to the Messenger (saw) as a mercy to all of mankind regardless of their colour, religion, race etc. The Qur'an clearly states: "We have sent you as a mercy to all mankind" [TMQ Al-Anbiya: 107]. If we study the Shari'ah we see that it has given detailed solutions on how to look after the affairs of the Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, who live under the Khilafah. Its implementation on the non-Muslims is the practical method Islam has laid down for carrying da'wa to non-Muslims. What better way for a nonMuslim to see the truth of Islam than to live under its system, and experience the tranquillity and justice that only Allah (swt) could bring? The non-Muslims citizens living under the Khilafah are referred to, in Shari'ah, as dhimmi. The term "dhimmi" is derived from the word "dhimma," which means "obligation to fulfil a covenant." Islam considers all people living under the Khilafah as citizens of the Islamic State and treats them with equal status. Discrimination between Muslims and dhimmi is not allowed. The state must secure and protect their beliefs, honour, mind, property and life.

The status given to the dhimmi was clarified by the Messenger of Allah (saw) who said: "The one who kills a Mu'ahid without right he will not smell the fragrance of Jannah even if its smell was forty years travelling distance" [Ahmed]. Imam Qarafi also summed up the responsibility of the State to the dhimmi when he said: "It is the responsibility of the Muslims to the People of the Dhimma to care for their weak, fulfil the needs of the poor, feed the hungry, provide clothes, address them politely, and even tolerate their harm even if it was from a neighbour, even though the Muslim would have an upper hand. The Muslims must also advise them sincerely on their affairs and protect them against anyone who tries to hurt them or their family, steal their wealth, or violates their rights." T. W. Arnold, in his book "The Preaching of Islam," wrote about the treatment of nonMuslims who lived under the Uthmani Khilafah. He states, "...though the Greeks were numerically superior to the Turks in all the European provinces of the empire, the religious toleration thus granted them, and the protection of life and property they enjoyed, soon reconciled them to prefer the domination of the Sultan to that of any Christian power." Arnold goes on to explain: "...the treatment of their Christian subjects by the Ottoman emperors-at least for two centuries after their conquest of Greece-exhibits a toleration such as was at that time quite unknown in the rest of Europe. The Calvinists of Hungary and Transylvania, and the Unitarians of the latter country, long preferred to submit to the Turks rather than fall into the hands of the fanatical house of Hapsburg; and the Protestants of Silesia looked with longing eyes towards Turkey, and would gladly have purchased free-

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April 2001 Khilafah

M a ga z i n e

dom at the price of submission to the Muslim rule...the Cossacks who belonged to the sect of the Old Believers and were persecuted by the Russian State Church, found in the dominions of the Sultan the toleration which their Christian brethren denied them."

could decide all matters of faith and dogma without any interference of the State. This was never the case under the Byzantine emperors.

Categories of non-Muslims

In matters of food and clothing, the NonMuslims are allowed to follow their religions within the framework of public order.

The Islamic Shari'ah applies to all dhimmi. This includes the Mu'aahid (people with whom the State has treaties) and the Mustaemen (any individual entering the State via permit), yet it excludes diplomats who will be treated based upon mutual agreements with their respective states. There are 2 categories of dhimmi. First there are the People of the book (ahl e kitab), and the second category is made up of all other religions. The People of the Book refers to the Jews and the Christians. The Shari'ah has stated that it is halal for the Muslims to eat their slaughtered meat and for the Muslim men to marry their women. As for all of the other religions, they are treated in the same way as the People of the Book except that the Muslims cannot eat their slaughtered meat or marry their women. The evidence for this is: Yahya related to me from Malik from Jafar ibn Muhammad ibn Ali from his father that Umar ibn al-Khattab mentioned the Magians (fire worshippers) and said, "I do not know what to do about them." Abd ar-Rahman ibn Awf said, "I bear witness that I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, 'Follow the same sunnah with them that you follow with the people of the Book'" [Muwatta]. In addition to this, Al-Hassan Ibn Muhammad lbn Ali Ibn Abi Talib reported that the Prophet (saw) wrote to the Magians of Hajan calling upon them to enter Islam or pay Jizyah. If they did not accept Islam, then the Muslims were forbidden to eat the flesh of their animals and forbidden to marry their women.

Non-Muslims are left to follow their own beliefs

Non-Muslims follow their religions regarding Food and Clothing

Imam Abu Hanifah's madhab says: "It is agreed upon in Islam that the People of Dhimma, could drink liquor, eat pork and do what their religion allows for them within the scope of the Shari'ah." So as long as these matters are kept private and do not enter the society, the Islamic State will not interfere in these personal matters. If, for example, a dhimmi opened a shop to sell alcohol then he would be punished according to the Shari'ah. Marital affairs and divorce among Non-Muslims are settled according to their religions. The non-Muslims are allowed to marry each other according to their own religions. They can get married to each other in a Church or a Synagogue by a Priest or Rabbi. They can also get divorced according to their own religions. It is allowed from Shari'ah for a Muslim man to marry from the People of the Book. The Qur'an verifies: "This day are all things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. Lawful unto you in marriage are not only chaste women who are believers but chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time when you give them their due dowers and desire chastity not lewdness nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith fruitless is his work and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost all spiritual good" [TMQ Al-Ma'idah: 5]. Since this is the case, marriage, divorce and all family matters including the children, must be referred to the Islamic Shari'ah.

Allah (swt) says: "Let there be no compulsion in religion" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 256]. The above ayah makes it clear that the Islamic State is not allowed to force any non-Muslim to abandon their belief. Rather the non-Muslims should accept Islam after being intellectually convinced of the Islamic Aqeedah. This is proven by the fact that, to this day, there are still communities of Jews and Christians living throughout the Middle East even though the Islamic State ruled that area for over 1300 years. We can see this rule in practice during the time of the Uthmani Khilafah. T. W. Arnold, in his book "The Preaching of Islam," points out that the Christian Patriarch and the Grand Synod

Non-Muslims must follow the Islamic Shari'ah regarding societal relationships All of the remaining Shari'ah matters and rules, such as punishments, the judiciary system, the ruling system, economics and foreign policy are implemented by the State upon everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Punishment System Muslims and non-Muslims are punished for crimes they have committed according to the Shari'ah. Again, there is no bias in the implementation of the punishments. The following examples clearly indicate this.

Muhammad (saw) said: "By Allah, if Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut her hand." Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), when he was Khaleefah, punished his own son. Ibn Umar (ra) narrated: "Two Jews committed adultery and were brought to the Prophet (saw), and he ordered them stoned." Anas narrated: "A Jew killed a girl with a rock, so the Messenger (saw) killed him." Imam Abu Hanifah's madhab says: "If a Muslim kills anyone from the People of the Dhimma, then the killer deserves the same punishment, regardless of being male or female."

Judicial System "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealing and let not the hatred of others to you, make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah for Allah is well acquainted with all that you do" [TMQ AlMaida: 8]. In the eyes of the judiciary there can be no bias against the non-Muslims in favour of Muslims. The judge (Qadi) is concerned with evidence permitted by Shari'ah and nothing else. There are many examples of cases where the nonMuslim was ruled in favour over a Muslim. During the rule of Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), certain Muslims had stolen a piece of land belong ing to a Jew and then constructed a mosque upon it. This clearly violated the rights of the Jew who was a dhimmi. Umar (ra) ordered the demolition of the mosque and the restoration of the land to the Jew. In another case, during the rule of Imam Ali (ra), a Jew stole a shield from the Khaleefah. Ali (ra) took the matter to court and brought his son as a witness. The judge ruled against Khaleefah and stated that a son cannot be a witness for a father in court. When the Jew witnessed such fairness, he voluntarily confessed that he stole the shield and embraced Islam.

Economic System "Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day and who forbid not what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, who do not practice the religion of truth, being of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya out of hand and are humbled." [TMQ AtTaubah: 29]. Non-Muslims are required to pay a yearly tax called Jizya to the Islamic State as ordered in the ayah above. In return the State promises to protect them. Ali (ra) said, "Surely, by giving the Jizya, their wealth becomes as valuable as ours and their

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

blood like ours." The Jizya is taken from the men who are sane and mature. It is not taken from the youth, the insane or the women. The level of Jizya is not fixed but the amount is left to the opinion and Ijtihad of the Khaleefah. The Khaleefah takes in to consideration the aspect of prosperity and poverty, in a way that does not overburden the dhimmi. It was related from the Messenger of Allah (saw) that he appointed Abdullah b. Arqam over the Jizya of the people of Zimmah and when he was leaving, he (saw) called him back and said: "Surely, whoever oppresses a person under covenant (Mu'ahid) or imposes upon him more than he can afford and humiliates him or takes anything from him without his consent I will challenge him (i.e. the oppressor) on the day of judgement." [Abu Dawud] An example of the Jizya in the time of Umar bin al-Khattab was: 4 dinars for the rich £108.00 2 dinars for the middle class £54.00 1 dinar for the poor £27.00 (approximate value in pounds today) This tax is not an oppressive tax, as compared to the taxes people pay in the West today. Financially, the dhimmi prospered under the Islamic State and set up many businesses and engaged in much trade. Cecil Roth, in his book "The House of Nasi: Dona Gracia," mentions that the treatment of the Jews at the hands of the Ottoman state attracted Jews from all over western Europe. The land of Islam became the land of opportu nity. Jewish physicians from the school of Salanca were employed in the service of the Sultan and the Viziers (ministers). In many places glass making and metalworking were Jewish monopolies, and with their knowledge of foreign languages, they were the greatest competitors of the Venetian traders. The Hukm Shari' states: "Non-Muslims from the People of the Book deserve whatever the Muslims deserve from the Bait ul Mal." Consequently, the poor dhimmi would get help from the Bait ul Mal (State Treasury). This is most unlike in the West where immigrants are seen as economic burdens and face racism and harsh measures to prevent them from entering. The Islamic State does not share this view. Anyone who agrees to be a citizen of the Islamic State has the same rights and privileges of all other citizens. The Sultan, Bajazet II, is reported to have said with reference to the expulsion of the Jews by Ferdinand, the Catholic King of Spain, "How can you call this Ferdinand 'wise' - he who has impoverished his dominions in order to enrich mine?" The Sultan welcomed the Jewish refugees with open arms. Likewise, the Jews had been welcomed in

Turkey as soon as Muhammad The Opener opened Constantinople to Islam. Non-Muslims are forbidden from holding positions of authority. "And Allah will never give the unbelievers any way (of authority) against the believers" [TMQ An-Nisa: 141]. This ayah expresses the categorical prohibition of the non-Muslims (Kafir) from taking a post of authority over the Muslims. Furthermore, the non-Muslim does not have the right to participate in the election of the Khaleefah.

Council of the Ummah

at the time of the incident, and Finhaas was a dhimmi. The Prophet (saw) listened to Finhaas' complaint against Abu Bakr (ra), even though he was wrong. Also, if the complaint is from a person with whom the State has a treaty, then it is all the more reason for the complaint to be heard from the dhimmi, for he holds the covenant of Dhimmah. Despite this, non-Muslims would not be allowed to voice their opinion in matters related to legislation, because the Islamic legislation emanates from the Islamic Aqeedah. The nonMuslim embraces a doctrine that is alien and contradictory to the Islamic Aqeedah, and his viewpoint. For this reason, his opinion is not sought in matters of legislation.

Any person who holds citizenship in the State, if he is mature and sane, has the right to be a member of the Council of the Ummah. There, he possesses the right to elect the members of the Council, whether the person was a man or a woman, a Muslim or non-Muslim.

The non-Muslim members of the Council do not have the right to look into what the Khaleefah wants to adopt of rules and canons because of their disbelief in Islam. Their right is in voicing their opinion of the injustice of the rulers towards them, not in expressing of their opinion over the divine rules and canons.

It is permitted for non-Muslim citizens to be members of the Council, in order to file complaints against any injustice perpetrated against them by the rulers or against any error in the implementation of Islam upon them. It is narrated that Abu Bakr (ra) was talking to a Jew named Finhaas who he was calling to Islam. Finhaas replied, "By Allah Abu Bakr we are in no need for Allah as He is for us, and we do not request His help as He does to us. We need Him not, and He needs us. If He were truly rich, He would not ask to borrow our wealth as your friend claims. He (swt) forbids you from usury, but gives it to us, and if He were truly rich, He would not have given it to us." Here, Finhaas was referring to Allah's (saw) saying:

T. W. Arnold, in his book "The Preaching of Islam," states: "When Constantinople was finally opened to the justice of Islam in 1453 Sultan Muhammad II proclaimed himself the protector of the Greek church. Persecution of the Christians was forbidden and a decree issued securing for the newly elected patriarch, Gennadios, and his bishops and successors after him, all the privileges previously enjoyed under the former rule. Gennadios was given the pastoral staff by the Sultan himself. The patriarch was also empowered to bring to the attention of the government and Sultan acts of unjust governors."

"Who would lend Allah a loan, so that Allah would multiply it for him." [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 245]. Abu Bakr (ra) could not accept such an insult, so he beat Finhaas' face very severely and said, "By Allah, had it not been for the covenant that is between you and us, I would have killed you, you enemy of Allah." Finhaas went and complained to the Prophet (saw) about Abu Bakr's (ra) action. The Prophet (saw) listened to his complaint and then asked Abu Bakr about the incident. Abu Bakr (ra) told the Prophet (saw) what happened, but Finhaas denied the incident. Soon after, Allah (swt) revealed His saying: "Allah has heard the saying of the people when they said Allah is poor and we are rich. We will write what they said and their killing of the Prophets with no right, and We will say taste the punishment of the Hellfire." [TMQ Ale-Imran: 181]. Abu Bakr (ra) was the Prophet's (saw) assistant

The Army The protection of the dhimmi is the responsibility of the Muslims. The dhimmi are not obliged to join the army and fight to defend the Islamic State. Ibn Hazm said, "That one of the rights of the People of Covenant is that if Dar ul Islam is attacked and the People of the Covenant reside in that part of the land then Muslims have to die to defend them. Any leniency in this regard would be leniency in the rights of the People of Dhimma." If they choose to, non-Muslims can be part of the Islamic army and be paid a wage for this. But they are not allowed to hold positions of authority within the army. It was narrated in the Seerah of Ibn Hisham "There was amongst us a strange man, nobody knew who he was, it is said that he was Kuzman. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, when his name was mentioned to him, 'indeed he is of the people of fire.' He said 'at the day of Uhud, Kuzman fought so ferociously that he alone killed seven to eight of the Mushrikeen…'"

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April 2001 Khilafah

M a ga z i n e

Civil Servants Anyone who holds citizenship and is compe tent, man or woman, Muslim or non-Muslim is eligible to be appointed as a director or employee of any administrative department. This is taken from the rules of hiring (Ijara), where it is permitted to hire any person despite religion. This is because the evidences for hiring do not omit any specific groups: "And if they suckled for you, do give them their wage" [TMQ At-Talaq: 6]. The Messenger of Allah (saw) himself once hired a man from Banu Ad-Deel who was a nonMuslim. This indicates that it is permitted to hire a non-Muslim just as it is to hire a Muslim.

Foreign Policy The foreign policy of the Islamic State is to carry the Islamic da'wa to the world. The method for this is the State performing Jihad against other nations. The objective is the removal of the obstacles that stand in the way of Islam being implemented and the message of Islam being shown to the people. The motivation for the conquering of other nations therefore is driven purely by seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt). It is not motivated by any material acquisitions. This is why when the Islamic State conquered other nations it did not oppress the people it had just conquered by stealing all their wealth. Rather the State implemented the Shari'ah upon the people and treated them with justice. Abu Dawud mentioned that the Prophet (saw) said in the hadith of the peace treaty with the people of Najran, "No houses of worship should be destroyed, nor should a priest be forced out, nor should they be compelled to abandon their deen." The following is the text of the treaty with the people of Aelia (Al-Quds, now referred to as Jerusalem). In it, the Khaleefah Umar ibn alKhattab (ra) made a pledge to the Christians of Al-Quds after its opening: In the name of Allah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem This is what the servant of Allah, Umar, the Amir of the believers has granted to the people of Aelia (Al-Quds) for safety: He has granted them security for themselves, their belongings, their churches and crosses, their sick and healthy and all their co-religionists. Their churches shall not be taken for residence and shall not be demolished, nothing shall be damaged from them or from their surroundings, nor shall their crosses be removed or anything taken from their property. They shall not be harassed because of their religion, and none of them shall be harmed. No Jew will be allowed to live

with them in Aelia.

Peninsula" [Muwatta].

The people of Aelia will have to pay Jizyah (tax) as the dwellers of cities pay. They have to eject from Aelia the Romans and thieves. Those of them who leave shall have safety for themselves and their belongings until they reach a safe destination, anyone from them who wants to stay in Aelia shall be safe provided they pay the Jizyah like the people of Aelia.

Also, the Jews are forbidden from living in al-Quds because of the Ijma as-Sahaba over Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) signing the treaty with the Christians of Aelia (al-Quds) where he said: "No Jew will be allowed to live with them in Aelia."

If any of the people of Aelia want to leave with the Romans and take their belongings with them they and their churches and crosses shall be safe until they reach a place of safety. Any of the people of the land who were in Aelia before the slaying of its last leader shall have the option of either staying provided they pay the tax like the people of Aelia or if they so wish, they shall be allowed to leave with the Romans or go back to their original homes. No tax shall be collected from them until they are able to pay it. The promise of Allah, His Messenger, the Khalifah, and the believers is therefore given to abide by the contents of this treaty as long as the people pay their due tax. Witnessed by: Khalid ibn al-Walid, Amr ibn al'As, Abdur Rahman ibn 'Auf, Mu'awiah ibn Abi Sufyan. Written in the year 15 AH. ( Tarikh al-Tabari, v3 609) In his book, "Kitab Al-Kharaj," Abu Yusuf gives the following reports: "After getting on peaceful terms with the people of Syria and collecting the dues of the Jizya and the Kharaj, news reached Abu 'Ubeida that the Byzantines had amassed their troops to attack him. The effect of this was great on Abu 'Ubeida and the Muslims. He sent messages to the rulers of cities with whose citizens he had made peace, asking them to return to their subjects the paid dues of the Jizya and Kharaj, with an instruction to tell them: 'We hereby return to you the money you have paid us, because of the news of the enemy troops amassed to attack us, but, if God grants us victory against the enemy, we will keep up to the promise and covenant between us.' When this was delivered to the dhimmis and their money returned to them, they told the Muslims: 'May God bring you back to us and grant you victory over them!'"

Integration of non-Muslims in to the Khilafah After this discussion it is apparent that the nonMuslims integrated successfully in to the Islamic society. The religions of the Jews, Christians and other religions only have rulings covering the relationship between man and his Creator, and man with himself. The Shari'ah, in these two relationships, allows the non-Muslims to follow their own rulings on these matters; therefore, there is no conflict with the nonMuslims. Regarding the relationship of man with others i.e. the societal relationships, nonMuslims have no rulings on these matters. Because of this, they must adopt a system to live by in society. The Islamic system, when implemented, was by far the most successful system in integrating the non-Muslims in to the Islamic society. The rebellion and disunity caused by the non-Muslims living under the Islamic State in the past, like the Greeks and the Christians in Lebanon, only came about due to Britain and France encouraging and supporting rebellion in an effort to destroy the Khilafah.

Conclusion By examining how the Shari'ah deals with the non-Muslims, we can see that the Khilafah, far from being something for non-Muslims to fear living under, is a State that will bring them out of the darkness and oppression of the Capitalist system and into the light and justice of Islam. It is this treatment of the non-Muslims by the Khilafah, which led numerous people to become Muslim. The extent of conversion was so great whole tribes came to embrace Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Rulers of countries have actually been known to write to the Khaleefah requesting that Islam be implemented upon them. This is also the reason the Christians of Ash-sham fought alongside the Muslims against the Christian Crusaders who attacked the State. In India, in the 1920's, there were even Hindus who were part of the Khilafah movement trying to revive this State!

Areas where Non-Muslims cannot live

The glorious Qur'an states:

Non-Muslims are not allowed to live in the Arabian Peninsula because Umar (ra) heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: "I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslims" [Muslim].

"When the Help of Allah and Victory comes. And you see the people enter Allah's deen in crowds. Celebrate the praises of your Lord and pray for His Forgiveness: for He is Oft-Returning in Grace and Mercy" [TMQ An-Nasr: 1-3].

Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "Two deens shall not co-exist in the Arabian

Abdul-Kareem Newell

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

Nasr

"Allah has decreed: 'Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be victorious'. Verily, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty" [TMQ AlMujadilat: 21]. Ibn Kathir, with regards to this ayah, understands this to mean that Allah (swt) has ruled that the Nasr is for Him, His book, His Messengers and to His slaves (the believers).

[Victory] The escalation in the intellectual, political, economic, social and military onslaught against the noble Islamic Ummah is a painful reminder of how exposed and vulnerable we are in the absence of the Khilafah. During this time, it is only natural that feelings of despair may begin to penetrate into the hearts of the Ummah with regards to its liberation. Even da'wa carriers are not immune to such feelings, despite the gaining momentum of the Islamic revival. These situations also confronted Muhammad (saw), the Sahaba (ra) and the previous Prophets (as). They were denied, attacked and beaten. They had sanctions placed against them and their families deserted them; yet, they remained steadfast. Either Allah (swt) destroyed their people or He (swt) guided them. In such trying circumstances, the da'wa carrier begins to ask, "When will the Victory (Nasr) of Allah come?" and "When will the Khilafah return?" The Ummah questions the absence of the Khilafah by asking, "Is it because these groups are insincere?" "Is it because they have no taqwa?" or "Is it because Allah (swt) has delayed it, as a test for the Muslims?" If these pressing questions were left unanswered, we would find the Ummah and her dedicated da'wa carriers, yielding to frustration and doubts concerning their struggle for revival. This article seeks to clarify the subject of Nasr'Allah and strengthen the resolve of the Ummah and the da'wa carrier to work to gain Allah's (swt) pleasure and victory. Firstly, we have no knowledge of when we will be blessed with the victory of Allah (swt), just as we are not capable of knowing the secret of the 'Ruh.' This is because Allah (swt) has named a specific time for victory. It is crucial that the da'wa carriers and the members of the Ummah understand the conditions for gaining Allah's (swt) victory are not the same as the causes for the victory.

Understanding this differentiation is impor tant, since when the conditions are met, this does not ensure victory. So when glorious Qur'an states: "If you support Allah, Allah will support you" [TMQ Muhammad: 7]. We must understand that this is simply a con dition. Although Allah (swt) promised victory to those who support Him (swt), Allah (swt) did not specify the time or type of victory. For example, Nuh (as) gave da'wa to his peo ple for 950 years, and they rejected him. No one can say that Nuh (as) neglected the con ditions for victory. Victory came when Allah (swt) drowned the people. No one can accuse the carriers of the Islamic da'wa of neglect in satisfying the conditions just because the Nasr is delayed for them. Rather, we would blame them if we see that they are not abiding by the Shariah and neglecting the duties that Allah (swt) gave them. We must also recognise that victory is some thing we cannot achieve by our hands alone. Rather the victory lies in the hands of the One who is the provider of success, Allah (swt). The Qur'an states: "And indeed we did send messengers before you, Oh Muhammad (saw) to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then, We took vengeance on those who commit crimes and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)" [TMQ Ar-Rum: 47]. Al-Aloosi's tafsir of this ayah puts the believers in a very noble position, since this implies that the believers have a right from Allah (swt) to give them Nasr. This verse is about the Nasr in the Dunya and it is 'Amm' (general). This means the verse applies to victory in this life and it includes all the believers throughout the ages. The Qur'an explains:

Only Allah (swt) gives the victory. It must be emphasized that victory might be delayed because Allah (swt) may want them to get the greatest victory and most complete victory in life, though they may meet the conditions for it. The Nasr of Muhammad (saw) and the Sahaba (ra) is an example of this. Their victory was delayed and hard won. Muhammad (saw) did not become victorious over the Quraysh until the 8th year after Hijri, two years before his (saw) death. It was as a result of this victory, that great numbers of people embraced Islam and Surah Al-Nasr was revealed. We must also understand that before the victory is achieved there might be immense hardship. It is a test of steadfastness for the Haq (truth) to acquire Sabr (patience) to become strong in the Deen. In the Qur'an, we read: "(They were reprieved) Until, when the mes sengers gave up hope (in their people), and thought that they were treated as liars, then came to them Our help" [TMQ Yusuf: 110]. The Qur'an then questions: "Or do you think that you shall enter the gardens of Bliss (al-Jannah) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity and they were shaken, that even the messenger and those who believed with him cried, When will come the help of Allah! And verily, the help of Allah is near!" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 214]. In addition, Allah (swt) explicitly warns the believers to guard against feelings of impatience, anger, heartlessness and grief in many ayat and hadith. An example of this can be found in the following surah: "Messengers before you were rejected, so they showed patience and constancy towards their rejection and their persecution until our help reached them. And there is none that can alter the words (and decrees) of Allah" [TMQ Al-An'am: 34]. The Qur'an states: "So wait with patience for the command of

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April 20 01 Khilafah

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your Lord, and be not like the companions of the fish" [TMQ Al-Qalam: 48]. While Allah (swt) has kept the knowledge of victory to Himself, He (swt) has stipulated several conditions which believers must be able to be characterized by. These conditions are as follows:

1. True and complete belief The Qur'an points out: "And indeed we did send messengers before you (Oh Muhammad (saw)) to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then, We took vengeance on those who committed crimes and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)" [TMQ Ar-Rum: 47]. This verse is explicit in connecting Nasr with Iman; therefore, it is addressed to believers. The Qur'an explains:

that the angels' assistance to the believers was because of their taqwa and patience. Ibn Taymiyah said, "Taqwa is doing all the orders of Allah and leaving all the prohibited." It is also narrated that Umar ibn Al-Khattb (ra) said to Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas and his army prior to battle: "I order you and the army to have taqwa in every situation; taqwa is the best preparation against the enemy and is the strongest plan of war. And I order you and those who are with you to be extremely careful from committing disobedient actions, more than you are careful in meeting your enemyâ&#x20AC;Ś" The Qur'an explains: "But for those who fear their Lord, are gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); therein are they to dwell (for ever), an entertainment from Allah; and that which is with Allah is the Best for Al-Abrar (those who are obedient to Allah and follow strictly His orders)" [TMQ Al-Imran: 198].

"(O disbelievers) if you ask for a judge ment, now has the judgement come unto you and if you cease (to do wrong), it will be better for you, and if you return (to the attack), so shall We return, and your forces will be of no avail to you, however numerous it be, and verily, Allah is with the believers" [TMQ Al-Anfal: 19].

3. Desire to make Allah's (swt) Deen the highest

Al-Qurtubi explained this ayah as:

In the tafseer of this ayah, Al-Zamakshari said, "If you give support to the Deen of Allah and His messenger, Allah (swt) will give you victory over your enemy and will give you the opening and make you steadfast during the war." This support is manifest in the complete submission in both the heart and the actions of the believer. It also controls actions of the Muslims to establish the Shariah on earth by making this Deen dominant and the basis of all relationships between people.

"The one supported by Allah will always win, even if the enemy's number is greater than that of the believers. This support of Allah to the believers is specific to them and it is because of their Iman. This support is according to the degree of their Iman and its depth." No doubt the noble Sahaba whom this verse addressed, received a great deal of support from Allah (swt), even though their numbers were fewer than the enemy at the Prophet's (saw) time and after his death.

The glorious Qur'an states: "Oh you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm" [TMQ Muhammad: 7].

4. Zikr'Allah The Qur'an explains:

2. Taqwa The Qur'an says: "(Remember) when you (Muhammad) said to the believers, 'Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down?' 'Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)" [TMQ Al-Imran: 124-125]. In the tafseer of this ayat, it was mentioned

"O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful" [TMQ Al-Anfal: 45]. Al-Zamakshari and Al-Alousi said: "Increase in the Zikr'Allah before and during the fighting. Do zikr to Him (swt) in your hearts by remembering His (swt) power and promise of victory to the messengers and the believers and the special support to the

patient believers and to remember when he prohibited you from feeling despair no matter how hard the hardship you face. And that victory is in the hands of Allah (swt). He grants it to whomever He (swt) wishes. Allah is Al-Qawi, Al-Aziz." The order to remember Allah (swt) helps to ensure that we are not distracted from remembering Allah (swt). Imam Ahmad, AlTirmidhi and Imam Malik in Al-Muwatta nar rated that Muhammad (saw) said: "'Shall I tell you about the best of actions, it is the most pure and loved by your Creator and its value is the highest and it is better to you than when you meet the enemy and you cut their necks.' They said, 'O yes, RasoolAllah'. He (saw) replied, 'Zikr Ullah.'"

5. Preparing the Power The Qur'an states: "O Prophet (Muhammad)! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast persons amongst you, they will overcome two hundred, and if there be a hundred steadfast persons they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are people who do not understand" [TMQ Al-Anfal: 65-66]. It is not sufficient to rely on Iman alone without the material preparation (such as the number of fighters and the amount of weaponry) if we are seeking victory. These then are the conditions that Allah (swt) has placed before those who seek victory. It is clear that the da'wa today has responded to the deteriorating situation. But this call and work for the Khilafah is a duty upon all the Muslims today. Hence, we all must prepare accordingly. We ask Allah (swt) to send his peace and blessings upon Rasoolallah (saw) and his family. We ask Allah (swt) to give us the success, to meet these conditions and remain steadfast and patient for His (swt) Victory. We ask Allah (swt) to make this victory a crushing defeat for Kufr. We pray for sincere leadership under the Khilafah. We pray for light to overcome the darkness. We pray to worship Allah (swt). Burhan Hanif

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

What is new in the world order? In the early 90's George W. Bush Sr. spoke of the birth of a new world order due to the fall of Communism and the end of the second Gulf War with the defeat of Iraq. The media, according to its various views and allegiances, injected this subject into everything related to international politics and relations. This fuss deceived the international public opinion with illusions. It led the public to believe that the 'new world order' was a phenomenon that the world would have to adjust to. Is there truly something new in the world order? What is this new development that is causing such a stir? First of all, the original foundations upon which the current world order was built have not changed since the Westphalia Conference in 1648. It was during this conference that the solid and unchanging foundations that regulate the relations between the Christian European countries was established. The construction of the community of Christian countries was completed. Within this community were two factions: Protestant and Catholic. The conference established traditional foundations for 'International law.' It was not truly international, however. Rather it was limited to the European Christian states. After the Ottoman state weakened, and her threat was eliminated from Europe, she was finally permitted to join after much persistence. Entrance, however, was not without its conditions. The greatest of these compromises was her abandonment of the Islamic approach to international relations. This is how they allowed the rest of the world to enter into the international community. Japan and the Communist countries were soon to join, as well as many others, however none of these countries had any effect on the foundations that the international community was established upon. Rather they submitted to the world order set by Europe. This world order was accordance to the Capitalist ideology and its culture. Each country that entered into this international European group raised the status and importance of the group, which had now taken on an international image, especially after she had established Capitalism as the basis for the group and for its international systems. Furthermore, the acceptance of these countries into the international community played a major role in allowing Western Capitalism to succeed as an ideology. After the main principles and laws were estab-

lished for the group, this world order proceeded and resolved two main issues: the concept of international balance and the concept of international conferences. The influential world powers appoint ed themselves as guardians of the system. Security of the international community was based on these concepts, as well as what branched off from them from different organisations. As for the changes and developments that have affected the world order since its establishment, the basis of this system was never altered. Changes affected only the formalities. For example, the United Nations Organisation, which was established after World War II, did not differ much from its predecessor, the League of Nations, in the fundamentals. Rather they differed in appearance and in the outermost extremities. What brought this difference about was the change that affected the international situation and the balance of power in the world; as for the thoughts, upon which the international system and international law were established, they remained unaffected. The world order is the set of international principles and laws which organise the relations between countries. These principles and laws are derived from the Capitalist ideology and from the creed of this ideology, which is secularism, or separating Deen from life. These principles and laws, in reality, become Capitalist principles and laws which are then transformed into international principles and laws. Hence, its origin is Capitalism, and its foundations and principles are from Capitalism. It developed and flourished in Western Europe. Therefore it is of Capitalist origin, of European nativity and with Western characteristics. It is obvious then, that this world order contradicts Islam from its very core, as Islam does not submit to the systems of Kufr. Anything which is not derived from the evidences from the Qur'an and Sunnah are rejected. Islam does not even permit the mere existence of a world order, as this would mean the existence of an authority other than Islam that would impose its non-Islamic laws upon the world, including the Islamic State. The Qur'an informs us: "And never will Allah grant to the disbelievers a way to triumph over the believers" [TMQ Al-Nisa: 141]. Furthermore, the Qur'an makes it clear: "And whosoever does not rule by what Allah has revealed, those are the disbelievers" [TMQ AlMa'idah: 44].

The glorious Qur'an explains: "So judge between them by what Allah has revealed" [TMQ Al-Ma'idah: 49]. We must acknowledge that: "Whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)" [TMQ Al-Hashr: 7]. These evidences, which are Qat'i Al-Dalalah (carry only one possible interpretation) and Qat'i AlThuboot (carry no doubt whatsoever in the accuracy of transmission), clearly forbid Muslims from referring to the 'world order' for solutions and from participating in their implementation or abiding by their laws. Sadly, many Muslims seek to implement laws based international law, which is Kufr law, despite the fact that Islam has clearly for bidden us from referring to them in any matter of legislation whatsoever. Islam permits the existence of international rou tines that are agreed upon by the people, nations and countries. Islam does not take on the form of laws set by an authority. This, however, was the method from the beginning until the Westphalia agreement in 1648. The existence of a world order or international law that controls the relations between the existing countries in the world, translates into the control of one country, or a small group of countries, over the rest of the world. This threatens international stability and sovereignty of the weaker states. This may result in wars over the most trivial of matters. In addition, this world order gives the powerful countries an excuse to shamelessly interfere with the most private of issues and the highest of values of other countries, establishing colonialism, insolence, tyranny and imposing influence, as well as enslavement of nations; all in the name of international law and 'the world order.' The West has claimed that through its world order, it has achieved new heights for humanity, and more are yet to come. Have they really achieved these socalled heights? Let us examine the accomplishments of this system since its birth until today. In terms of international peace and security, we find that the West has fallen into bitter, destructive wars and struggles with itself, some of which have lasted one hundred years like the war between France and England. These wars have brought the death of tens of millions of people. In addition the lives, the wars caused general devastation to tillage and offspring. This kind of devastation remains par alleled throughout history. As for those countries other than the West, we find thousands of devastating wars that continue to burn. As soon as one is put out, another one is lit elsewhere. This confirms, with the most damning of proofs, that this world has enjoyed neither peace nor security under this miserable world order. This is a world that has seen nothing but calamity upon

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calamity of never ending death, killing, exile and disasters from every direction. In terms of human rights, which the world order so proudly claims to protect, we find the West carrying two different scales of rights. One is used to measure the West's rights. The second one is to measure the rights of others. The difference between the two in measurement is similar to the difference between black and white. Human rights, in the first scale, favour the wealthy and powerful. These are individualistic rights that promise the oppression of those with little or no money. The principle they carry here is, the more wealth an individual has, the more rights he receives. Let us examine the issues of poverty, starvation, illit eracy, health and education standards in the world by considering several examples. Let us consider Bill Gates, the owner of Microsoft, whose income exceeds the national income of 48 developing countries. Next, let us consider the amounts that Westerners spent on pets and perfumes. This amounts to $37 billion a year. According to a report issued by the U.N. regarding human development in 1998, this would be enough to provide food, healthcare, clean running water and clean toilet facilities for millions of poverty stricken people all over the world. This imbalance is apparent even in America. Statistics prove that 60% of the income received by the U.S. between the years 1980 to 1990 went to 1% of the American people. As for the income of the poor, destitute individuals who make up 25% of the American population, their income has remained unchanged over the past 30 years. Where is the justice in this system? Could there be a more oppressive system than this? How do these hungry, homeless people view their system, while what is spent on cats and dogs exceeds what is spent on them? Could they possibly see this as justice? This is only a small sample of the defects of this world order; yet it displays its incompetence at providing the most basic of needs for man. Let us consider another point. If this world order has not changed since the Westphalia conference in 1648, then what is all this talk of the 'new' world order? The fact of the matter is that America, similar to the European capitalist countries, lacks what all the other European countries lack in terms of thought. As a Capitalist state to the very core, there is noth ing truly new that America could possibly offer, since the pillars of Capitalism have remained unchanged for more than three and a half centuries. What has changed in the world order is the interests and the powers, not the thoughts and the basis. American interests have added new symptoms, even new diseases and adjustments. These adjustments that America has inserted into the world, which work as poison spreading through the bodies of all nations, include: globalisation, market policies, opening (Sooq Al-Maal) money markets, propagating democracy, pluralism, human rights and advertising their concept of terrorism and their concept of fundamentalism. Clearly,

America's motive behind all these adjustments and additions are for nothing but furthering her interests. By using free market policies, the American economy was able to break into most closed or partially closed markets. With pluralism, democracy and human rights, they were able to impair ruling regimes unwanted by America. By using the excuses of terrorism and fundamentalism, America practised her own form of terrorism on many nations by imposing sanctions and depriving them of water and medicine. This is the only 'new' in the new world order. America's success is the reason behind her arrogance. Her disrespect is obvious by the manner in which she tried to impose her domestic laws on other nations, such as the Helms-Burton law, as well as the law regarding liberation from religious oppression. These additions have left the already rotting world order in a state of complete international chaos. The most obvious law being enacted, however, is similar to the law of the jungle, where only the strong survive. Despite the downfall of this world order, despite it being a ludicrous system from the moment it was established, and despite the fact that it totally con tradicts the nature of life in other countries, it is only natural for this system to fall early on. It is selfevident that this system could never have lasted for centuries, had it not been for the recession in the clash between ideologies and civilisations, and not due to the strength of the system itself. It has lasted because of the absence of anything to fight it, namely the Islamic State. With this, the manifestation of greed, oppression and the fierce struggle over which superpower can loot the most from the world's nations, has created a negative public opinion against the world order. Not to mention that the chasm between the rich and the poor, the north and the south and the first world and the developing world, continues to grow deeper and wider. This is an announcement of the order's eminent collapse, giving glad tidings of the end of its life. The desire for change have grown stronger amongst all nations, and will take no more than one powerful tremor to bring about the explosion that will bring the ultimate fall of this miserable, corrupted system. Is it possible that political banter regarding the battle of thoughts, with its promotion of the clash of civilisations and their inflammatory claims of the triumph of Capitalism over all other ideologies, will aid in the return of the missing element in the ring of battle? Is it clear only to us that this missing element is no other than the Khilafah State? Islam is the only cultural alternative capable of filling the void that will be caused by the absence of the current world order, which is pending collapse. Occurrences within the economies of Asia, South America, Russia and others, combined with the confusion and dismay amongst the intellectuals in the West as they try in vain to save what they can, is a clear sign that they are lacking the guidance

necessary to solve the problem. Their dismay has taken a great deal out of them. This is confirmed by a statement by a World Bank official, who said: "For the world to continue in this state of uncertainty, lingering between the impossibility of the return of Socialism and the dangers of Globalisation and liberalism, which is associated with waste and corruption, is the most dangerous thing that could happen to the current world order." This is also confirmed by the research made by the Western political parties to find alternative solutions to save them from their deteriorated condition. They have yet to come to the conclusion that there is no way out of this chaos except by returning to Islam. Their confusion, dismay and inability to come to a resolution are due to their disbelief in Islam, which increases our tranquillity of the correctness of our path, the path of Islam, the path to being rescued, the finest of paths. The Qur'an discusses this path in the following verse: "I shall turn away from My Ayat those who behave arrogantly on the earth without a right, and (even) if they see all the Signs, they will not believe in them. And if they see the way of right eousness, they will not adopt it as the Way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt that way, that is because they have rejected Our Ayat and failed to take warning from them" [TMQ AlA'raaf: 146]. The Qur'an also states: "And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path" [TMQ Al-An'aam: 153]. The consequences of straying from the path are clear: "But whosoever turns away from My message, verily for him is a life of hardship" [TMQ Ta-Ha: 124]. This is clarified even further in the following verse: "Those who disbelieve in Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah; He will render their deeds vain" [TMQ Muhammad: 1]. Therefore every system, every path and every method other Islam, is a hopeless path. We ask Allah (swt), the Most High, the Supreme, to rid the world of the evils of this world order, with all its miseries. We ask Him (swt) to bless humanity with the cultural alternative of Islam. Only through it will we attain contentment and be rescued from this international nightmare that has bound us for so many centuries, we ask that He (swt) sends peace and blessings upon Muhammad (saw) the last Messenger; He (swt) is the All-Hearing, the One who answers prayers. Translated from Al-Waie Magazine

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Khilafah

Magazine

April 2001

[Part 2]

Sirdan Abdur Rab Nishter signs the document creating the Muslim republic of Pakistan.

Legalising Corruption/ Attempting Accountability The issue of accountability has occupied the minds of Pakistani political commentators like no other. This slogan is constantly being slung from one party to another. But despite the repeated attempts at trying to root out corruption and actually bring the corrupt to account, it has failed. From being a convenient weapon in the hands of the current ruling party, its death knell finally came when a convicted Prime Minister was allowed to go free despite a court having found him guilty and having passed sentence. However, when the issue is examined further and linked to the laws of the state as embodied in the constitution, this behaviour of the individual and the subsequent action of the Chief Executive is entirely understandable. As their constitution states under the General Provisions Article 248 - Protection to President, Governor, Minister etc.: "The President, a Governor, the Prime Minister, a Federal Minister, a Minister of State, the Chief Minister and a Provincial Minister shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise of powers and performance of functions of their respective offices or for any act done or purported to be done in the exercise of those powers and performance of those functions (and) no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor in any court during his term in office." So the system is responsible for absolving the responsible from their responsibility. It categorically forbids the undertaking of any kind of proceeding, let alone accountability. With this understanding in mind, should we be surprised at the mindset of the rulers who feel themselves to be above the law? For in actuality, they really are above the law. Corruption is indeed justified in the

Necessary Changes to the Pakistani Constitution constitution by its provision of giving the rulers immunity from prosecution; effectively making them what would be termed in Islam, Ma'soom (infallible). The President, in fact, occupies just such a position. Under the Eighth Amendment and President's Powers, "The President may grant pardon, reprieve or suspend the sentence awarded by any court of law." The Khaleefah, however, possesses no such right of exemption. The institution in Islam designed for deciding the grievances and issues arising between the people and the Khaleefah are known as the Court of Madhalim. The Judge of the Madhalim would hear any complaints brought against the Khaleefah and would issue his verdict regarding whether the Khaleefah was inno cent of the charges or whether he must be removed, thereby allowing the Ummah to elect another Khaleefah. The present pressure group based political system, which legitimises favours and dona tions from large businesses to legislating politicians to ensure government benefits, would cease. Its replacement by an aware Ummah exercising her right to account through the Madhalim, would be the means to remove this entrenched feature of democracy.

Economics & Taxation This subject represents one of the pillars of any state. Revenues and expenditure are of critical importance in managing the affairs of people. One would imagine that the con stitution would contain the sound economic principles from Islam. One would think that the laws of al-Raaziq would be valued as the ideal and perfect policies. But once again, the constitution disappoints us. In a series of articles, it is demonstrated that the entire body of economic thought of its authors has been taken from the Western Capitalist thought. Kharaj, Ushr and Jizya â&#x20AC;Ś these

ideas are absent. Under the Pakistani Constitution: "It shall be the duty of the National Finance Commission to make recommendations to the President on the following matters: (i) the distribution between the Federation and the Provinces of the net proceeds of taxes, such as taxes on income, corporation tax, sales tax, export duties on cotton and other export duties, excise duty, and any other taxes as may be specified by the President." The above article is a reflection of the Capitalist economic policy. Taxations on income and Capitalist based corporations and sales tax (another phrase for VAT) are borrowed directly from the West. They have no place in Islamic Economic thought. Its results are seen in Pakistan where the cycling of wealth in an economy is limited. The lower the income, the more burdened with the bulk of taxation, and investment is stifled. Islam puts down the collection of Zakat from the people and its subsequent distribution amongst the eight categories defined. This ensures the continued cycling of wealth within the economy and encourages the investment and utilisation of unused capital. One of the biggest potential sources of income in Pakistan, Kharaj, has remained untapped. Kharaj would be one of the main income generators for the Islamic State. Pakistan is blessed with an abundance of water and vast tracts of fertile land. This would be utilised for agricultural produc tion. Kharaj would provide vast funds for the State. Implementing Islam was always a problem for the rulers of Pakistan. The issue of Riba (interest) is a prime example. Despite the categorical prohibition from Allah (swt), they decided the following under the Enforcement of Shariah Act, 1991: 8.

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Islamisation of Economy: "The Commission (i.e. Commission to Islamise economy) shall oversee the process of the elimination of Riba from every sphere of economic activity in the shortest possible time and also recommend such measures to the Government as would ensure the total elimination of Riba from the economy." The overseeing of the process of elimination of Riba has been going on not only since the adoption 1991 article, but long before. Countless reports have been written and recommendations made. This process con tinues to this very day, and has resulted in a compromise. The Pakistani Government has finally announced that Riba based transac tions will be declared forbidden domestical ly but permitted externally. There should be no doubt that Riba will never be removed from Pakistan. There is neither the will nor desire among the legislators to do so. In fact, they made their intention clear within the same Shari'ah Bill under the Enforcement of Shariah Act, 1991:18 on International Financial Obligations: "Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any decision of any Court, till an alternative economic system is introduced, finan cial obligations incurred and contracts made between a National Institution and a Foreign Agency shall continue to remain, and be valid, binding and operative. Explanation - 'Foreign Agency' shall include a foreign government, a foreign financial institution, foreign capital market, including a bank and any foreign lending agency, including an individual and a supplier of goods, and services." Under the present system, Pakistan will remain bound by shackles of debts to the IMF, World Bank, Paris Club and the rest of the Riba-loving world. This bondage shall remain and continue to be strengthened by none other than the Pakistani constitution. The Khilafah would cease to pay any loan based on Riba and the current debt-servicing programme would be eliminated. This would free fifty percent of Pakistan's income. This fifty percent of the annual internal wealth could be utilised for the development of infrastructure, investment in health and education and establishment of heavy industry. Rather than being a dis ability, adoption of the hukm of Allah (swt) would lead to an economic renaissance.

Ultimate Exception Having covered the four areas of discussion, it should now be clear that the nature of the Pakistani constitution is quite a deviation from the public's perception of it. But even more shocking than this realisation is the

clause that allows the effective occupation of Muslim land. It permits the President to go to the extent of lifting the application of the constitution of Pakistan from its own sovereign territory. Under the General Provisions Article 252, 'Special Provisions in relation to major ports and aerodromes,' it states: "Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution or in any law, the President may, by public notification, direct that, for a period not exceeding three months from a specified date, a specified law, whether Federal law or provincial law, shall not apply to a specified major port or major aerodrome, or shall apply to a specified major port or major aerodrome subject to specified exceptions or modifications."

Unfinished Business - Putting the 'Islamic' into the 'State' It should now be clear that far from being an 'Islamic' constitution, the constitution of Pakistan contradicts the principles and policies of the Shari'ah. Though its cover may display Islam, we should know better than to judge a book by its cover. More than just pointing out the fallacies of the constitution, the intention of this article is to demonstrate how the principles provided by our Khaliq and Haakim- Allah (swt), are not only obligatory to implement, but the basis upon which the revival and rejuve nation of this whole Muslim Ummah will be built. The intention was to prove that under the authority of one Khaleefah, implement ing the rules of Allah (swt), and carrying the message of Haq to the rest of the world, Islam would again attain the status that has been reserved for it. The Qur'an explains: "We created you the best nation raised up for mankind, you command the good and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah" [TMQ Al-'Imran: 110]. A constitution on its own is not a State. It is a blueprint waiting to be brought to life. It can neither be forced upon the Ummah, nor hidden away from discussion. The alternatives proposed throughout this article are the practical ways to solve our present day problems. These solutions can only be applied by possessing a state, the Khilafah State. It is a State that will be established by us, the Muslim Ummah, as it was in the past, Inshallah. The Khilafah minhaj an-Nabuwwa (on the way of the Prophet (saw)) has been predicted in numerous hadith, but it needs work and effort. Work to raise its awareness among the Muslims so that they demand the Khilafah State, and effort to persevere in the face of all the false solutions and systems forced upon the Ummah.

achievable. The Ummah can provide the momentum and can produce the personali ties necessary for the re-establishment of the Khilafah, for the Prophet (saw) has said in a hadith, "al-Khair (the good) is in me and my Ummah until the Day of Judgement." The reward of working for this goal is immense. It is following in the footsteps of the Sahabah (ra) for they were the first to establish Dar al-Islam with Mohammad (saw), when prior to this; there was no rule of Islam. They were the first to appoint a Khaleefah after the death of the Prophet (saw) and thus fulfilled the commandment of our beloved Messenger (saw). We too live in an era when the rule of Islam is absent and Kufr dominates everywhere. We stand in the footsteps of the Sahabah and must estab lish the rule of Islam, when there is no rule of Islam. Allah (swt) states in Sura al-Waqia, that on the Day of Judgement, mankind will be divided into three groups. There will be those who receive their records in their right hand, and will be awarded Paradise. There will be those who receive their records in their left hand, and will be award ed Hellfire. Then there will be a third groupâ&#x20AC;Ś "And those Foremost (as-Saabiqoon), will be Foremost. These will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those will be from the first generations. And a few of those will be from the later generations" [TMQ Al-Waqia: 10-14]. O Muslims! Allah (swt) did indeed grant a special status and a greater honour to those who were the foremost in Islam, foremost in the obedience to Allah (swt), foremost in fol lowing his Messenger (saw), foremost in the da'wa and foremost in struggling and sacri ficing to establish the Deen of Allah (swt) on this Earth. They were the likes of the Sahabah, the tabe'in and the tabe tabe'in. The likes of these people were present in the first days of Islam and they will be present in the last generations. O Muslims! Would you not like to be in the company of these personalities? Would you not like to be in the gardens of delight with the Messenger of Allah (swt) and his Companions (ra)? Would you not like to be of the As-Saabiqoon? The opportunity presents itself to you today. Do not let it slip out of your hand. Grasp it firmly and perform the work necessary to raise the banner of 'La ilaaha illalah Muhammadur Rasoolallah" once again over the lands of this Ummah and indeed over the whole world. May Allah (swt) grant us the ability to reestablish the Khilafah and be in the company of the Saabiqoon, Ameen Hassan Mujtaba

The work is an obligation, and the result is

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The Capitalist Catwalk

"Say: 'My life, my death and acts of worship are all for the Rabi-l alamin.'" [TMQ Al-An'am: 162]. "Obey Allah and Obey the Rasoolâ&#x20AC;Ś" [TMQ AnNur: 54]. "Thirst is everything, obey your (American commercial for Sprite).

thirst"

Get a Lifestyle We are told that the purpose for our entire existence is to worship Allah (swt). TV ads tell us otherwise. According to advertisements, our needs, wants and instincts are everything; we should obey them. The Western way of life relies on a continual cycle of want. The people must always desire to own something new, regardless of whether they need it. The people keep the cycle of consumption in constant motion. They work extra hard, in order to buy things they do not really need, in order to impress people that they do not really care for. The objective is to have the newest and the best; and therefore, in their eyes, to be the best. For this "cult of the worship of newness" to prevail, the high priests of the god of consumerism must work hard to preach their gospel. They are not just selling products, they are selling an ideology. They are promoting a value system that continuously bombards the public with messages of self-indulgence and instant gratification. One only needs to look at the catch phrases: 'me first', 'gotta-have-it' and 'gimme,' to understand the common ethic. This

mary cultural artefact of the Western world, replacing music, cinema, art and poetry as the all-encompassing symbol of both popular and high culture. Clothing is an integral part of human existence; yet, it is only a minute aspect of fashion. Other components are art, design, expression, risk and above all, marketing. The fashion industry has evolved symbiotic relationships with many sectors. These are primarily with the visual media industry (magazines especially), the chemical industry (through dyes, perfumes and cosmetics) and pharmaceutical industries.

The Fashion Industry

god of consumerism is the creator and sustainer of the Capitalist system. Fashion epitomises the Capitalist ethos of creating a desire for the inconsequential. Consumers from all walks of life spend hundreds of billions of dollars on fashion annually. On face value, fashion may appear to be a frivolous and insignificant obsession for the rich, dandy and infamous. In reality, it is an industrial giant that directly influences most of the world's inhabitants. Its task force includes Chinese silkworm farmers, Indian cotton pickers, Italian yarn spinners, Scottish weavers, German dyers, French seamstresses, teenaged Saturday shop assistants from Hackney, Harlesden and Hounslow, and South American, Portuguese, Greek, Turkish and Bengali sweatshop workers. Besides these, are a string of wholesalers, retailers, merchant traders, rip-off artists and street hustlers from Bangkok to Brixton. In global terms, it is an industry worth over $1.5 thousand billion. This astounding figure is actually more than the international expenditure for the arms industry. Fashion reached a new pinnacle during the 1980s. During this time, right wing parties controlled the main economies of the world. The Thatcher and Reagan administrations provided tough fiscal policies and reduced taxation for the rich and very rich. With this new climate, the rich no longer had to be ashamed about their wealth. Clothing became a means for the wealthy to display their means while inflating their egos. The demise of Reaganomics and Thatcherism had no effect on the escalation of fashion at large. Fashion now stands as the pri-

The fashion industry is constructed as a pyramid. At the top are the couturiers (Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and the like), below these are the imitators and competitors, and at the bottom lies 'high street' fashion. The clothes produced directly from the fashion houses are exclusive and very expensive. Haute couture, though it holds the most exclusive position in the fashion pyramid, does not provide the designers with a profit. This is because of the cost of materials and the small clientele. It is the piece of the pyramid beneath couture that has become the most lucrative. Though these can also be very expensive, they are mass marketed in a way that the first category is not; therefore, it is accessible to more people, while retaining prestige. Associated with design houses are a plethora of other products. These include everything from cosmetics, accessories, perfumes, jewellery, cars, sports equipment etc. Pierre Cardin endorses over 800 products, most of which Cardin himself has probably never seen. Designers' names (under licence) have gone on underwear, cigarettes, deodorants, chess-sets, teddy bears, stationary, bath-towels, neckties, cufflinks, ball point pens, watches, sunglasses and even tropical fruit (the Oscar La Renta papaya). The perfumes Dune and Coco were only conceived years after the deaths of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, although the Houses of Dior and Chanel make a handsome profit from them. The not so rich can buy into the Calvin Klein lifestyle by simply buying bottles of cK Be from department stores. Those who have even less can buy into the lifestyle from unofficial vendors on Oxford Street, London. The perfume industry is worth well over $10 billion a year. Few women can afford a Chanel suit for thousands of pounds, but millions are able to spare enough for a 7 ml bottle of liquid. Gram for gram Chanel's No. 5 costs about the same as 22 Karat gold. The main point here is that fashion is not about clothes, it is about lifestyles. This is true just as Coca-Cola is not about thirst, but lifestyle. Yet, with all the abundance, Westerners who can get clean water on tap for free, will proclaim that they have nothing to drink, or look through

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their bulging wardrobes, and proclaim, "I haven't a thing to wear." Do not think, however, that all this rampant indulgence comes without cost.

Beckham and Adidas. Once again, the disproportionate wages paid to the Indonesians that stitch them, compared to the one who endorses them, are quite apparent.

Exploitative Practices

Another company that has come under the international spotlight is the Gap. A series of protests were sparked off in America in 1995 when an 18 year old addressed a crowd outside a Gap store in Toronto. Holding up a Gap shirt, Viera told the crowd: 'In Canada, you pay $34 for this shirt. In El Salvador we were paid 27 cents to sew it.' The Gap does not own the factories or have to deal with the workers that make their products. Instead, they contract out production to free-trade zones in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and now Africa.

The exploitative practices of the fashion industry have been well publicised in recent years. This practice is not unique to Third World countries. Immigrant workers earn minimum wage in sweatshops on 7thAvenue in New York. They operate cheek by jowl with shoppers buying designer sweatshirts on 5th Avenue. The contradictions here are blatant. The combination of cheap labour combined with the artisans' skills, make fashion a paradigm of the workings of Capitalism. The contradictions in the less developed countries are even starker. Relatively poor regions, where jeans are not commonly worn, import large quantities of denim. For example, 48 million metres of denim were imported into Bangladesh and 85 million meters were imported into Turkey in 1996. The reason for this is simple; nearly all jeans are stitched together in hundreds of thousands of low wage sweatshops and private homes around the world, but they are worn in the West. The wages paid to these workers are far less than the wages paid to those in the developed countries. Mexican garment workers earn one-fifth to one-tenth of the hourly rate paid to the 200,000 garment workers across the border in Los Angeles. These practices are necessary for the jeans industry to maintain their massive profit margins. Between 1984 and 1997 Levi Strauss's market value increased 105 times - by almost as much as Microsoft. In the early 1990s annual sales of Levi Strauss were worth $7 billion, 71% of this was due to jeans or jeans-related items, with an annual publicity expenditure of $300 million in the US and $200 million outside. These disproportionate amounts spent on publicity can be contrasted with the wages paid to their workers. This issue of spending on advertising rather than labour is a common trait among many different companies. More is spent on convincing one person to wear one item than paying an employee to make thousands of that same item. Compare the millions of dollars paid to Michael Jordan by Nike over the years with the pittance paid to the South East Asians for producing these Nike goods. What is the cost of a pair of Air Jordans? The women and children of Nike sweatshops know them to be less than $2. After all, that is what they get paid to make the shoes on their 12-hour shifts for 6 days a week. Michael Jordan was at one stage the richest sportsman on the planet, even though basketball is not the most popular sport in any country except the US. His wealth is largely due to the generous salary provided by Nike. In the UK, parallels can be seen with the recent million pound agreements made between David

The Gap has conspicuously not allowed independent monitoring at any of its contract factories in over 50 countries around the world, nor did the company suffer much public criticism when Carmelita Alonzo died of exhaustion from overwork in 1997. Before she died, Carmelita had been working 14 hours a day at a factory in the Philippines producing garments for the Gap and other brand-name retailers.

Fall into The Gap The followers of fashion are fooled into believing that spending thousands on an outfit gives them 'individuality'. The victim is often unaware of the financial oppression that they themselves are subjected to. Who better to sum-up the machinations of the industry than one of the main perpetrators of the fashion conspiracy, Karl Largerfeld. The head designer at Chanel, ChloĂŤ, Fendi, and KL. When asked about what makes the fashion industry run, he narrated the famous children's story, The Emperors New Clothes. This is a story of a couple of tricksters who convinced a vain emperor that they could tailor him an immaculate outfit. Only intelligent people could see the elegance of the clothes. The ignorant would not even see the outfit, and the wearer would appear naked. In actuality, the emperor really was naked! Largerfeld draws the similarity between himself, and the tricksters in the story. After all, it is only the 'intelligent' that can look at a handbag, and recognises that it is a Chanel crocodile original, with interlocking C-C hallmark, costing more than ÂŁ5,000. The ignorant will merely see a leather bag. Other designers are not as honest about their profession. Their egos delude them into believing that they are a special gift to humankind, bringing delight, beauty and pleasure to millions of people. Christian Lacroix, for example pontificates that the slave labour employed throughout the world helps to provide employment for the people of Third World countries and their economies. Ralph Lauren, on the other hand, considers his designs a reflection of emotional freedom, nostalgia and romanticism of the average American. The people caught up in fashion are superficial,

pretentious and naive, but what is so pathetic about them is that they are innocent victims. The trap (or the Gap) is an easy one to fall into. There are many inner desires within all of us. It is these desires that corporate power tap into. The fashion industry is far from a marginal or atypical Capitalist industry. It is not the norm for any Capitalist corporation to perceive a demand for a new product and then strive to meet it. It is far more common for Capitalists to produce commodities and then set out to create a 'need' for them. From Pokemon to Double Mints, or roller blades to Rolls-Royces, the product precedes demand. This explains why marketing is such a fundamental tenet of Capitalism. One only needs to consider the present dependence on cars in the US, which was brought about by the deliberate denial of choice to travellers. A 1974 report to a subcommittee of the US Senate documented the destruction of electric rail-transport systems in 45 US cities by General Motors (GM), assisted by Standard Oil of California and the Firestone Tire Company. GM bought electric transit systems, ripped up the tracks, substituted GM buses and then sold the transit company. Public transport by bus implied road construction and hence a huge hidden subsidy for the private car industry. Similar processes are now taking place in Eastern Europe. Citizens of the new Capitalist 'democracies' will have the choice between buying cars and immobility. Another example of the creation of a need can be seen in a more pernicious industry: the international arms industry. While it can be compared with the fashion industry in terms of its annual turn over, the parallels actually go much further. Developed countries produce arms and then work to create a need for their produce in other countries. They do this by convincing people that their neighbours, even fellow countrymen, are their potential enemies. These people are often of the same creed, colour, race and tongue. The believers of this myth proceed to squander the national wealth on useless military hardware, just in case their friends become their enemies. I use the term 'useless' because these packages always have strings attached. It is these 'strings' that render the packages unusable. These may be such that the arms cannot be deployed against a manifest enemy (often the salesman themselves). The result is that we see governments going on shopping sprees to the Bond Streets and 5th Avenues of the arms world. The glossy adverts and PR are more elaborate than in the fashion industry. Whole wars, and endless repeats or war footage are used, i.e. the stealth bomber and patriot missiles of the Gulf War. Wars are the arms industries equivalent of cat walks and Fashion Week, and Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell were the super models of the industry.

Marketing The power of advertising cannot be overstated

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and is indeed a whole topic in its own right. Advertisers are continually seeking to manipulate the minds of the public. They etch out new groups of consumers to target and continually think up new exploitative ways of getting people to part with their money in exchange for useless commodities. A 1999 article in kidScreen, an online industry newsletter, stated, "there have never been more ways in the culture to support marketing toward kids, and there have never been more outlets to study how to speak to them. That makes the competition for kids attention significantly greater, forcing advertisers to work harder to get inside kids heads." Advertisers consider children to represent great market potential. They are a sought-after demographic because, in addition to making their own purchases, they have a powerful and growing influence over their parents' buying decisions, and they hold great promise as future adult consumers. In the US in 1998 alone, children ages 4 to 12 spent approximately $27 billion of their own money and 12 to 19 year olds spent $94 billion. Children directly influenced about $200 billion in parental purchases. Advertisers and marketers are enjoying an unprecedented number of potent psychological tools to probe and exploit the minds and emotions of the consumers. There is simultaneously a strong and growing body of psychological evidence that indicates that people who watch a great deal of television, with its incessant stream of commercials, have more materialistic values. It is only now that psychologists are acknowledging that materialistic values are associated with increased depression, anxiety, substance abuse, interpersonal problems and antisocial behaviour. The American Psychological Association published a statement in 2000 stating, "studies on 'materialism' show that individuals highly focused on materialistic values also report less satisfaction with life...worse interpersonal relationships, more drug and alcohol abuse, and less contribution to community...[and this process contributes] to the formation of a shallow 'consumer identity' that is obsessed with instant gratification and material wealth." Western psychologists are finally recognising the obvious. Rasool-Allah (saw) said, "If the son of Adam had two valleys After Islam was established in Turkey, Sir Thomas Arnold, in his book The Preaching of Islam narrates the situation as: "Murad II distinguished himself by his attention to the administration of justice and his reforms of the abuses prevalent under the Greek emperors and punished without mercy those of his officials who oppressed any of his subjects." "In Persia peoples lives were mainly governed by Zoroastrian priests. They took advantage of their positions in the councils of the king and prosecuted all other religious bodies (and there were many) that dissented from them. This included adherents of older forms of the Persian religion, Christians, Jews,

of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to him" [Bukhari]. The fashion industry is a contrived industry based on creating a lust for something that does not really exist: a gold standard in style. The industry would not exist if this lust was not created in the first instance and then sustained. This blatant manipulation of basic human wants and needs could be contrasted with the Socialist philosophy. In the Communist Manifesto, Marx and Engel described the expansion of human needs as part of Capitalism's 'progressive' role. Having observed what was happening in the West they concluded that human desire was all a bourgeois plot. They completely denied the existence of any innate human wants, needs or instincts. A century and a half after Marx's observations, the new 'needs' created by Capitalism no longer has a character way beyond what Marx observed. Consider the US funeral industries promotion of coffins with a foam mattress for the deceased. Mattresses for the dead are the last word on consumerism. No doubt, one day these mattresses will be labelled, under licence, with Calvin Klein or the like. The 'needs' referred to are part of a malignant alienation that we know as 'consumerism'. Islam The Capitalists selfishly exploit and manipulate the wants and desires of humans. The Socialists deny the very existence of these thought and emotions. Both of these approaches would lead to misery.

hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to God is the best of the goals" [TMQ Ale-Imran: 14]. Umar (ra) once said, "Oh Allah! We cannot but be happy with those things which you have made fair in our eyes. O Allah! I request You to give me power to spend all those things in the right way" [Bukhari]. Islam acknowledges this basic instinct, but it has not assigned it as the basis of the whole economic system as Capitalism does. Islam's economic system is comprehensive and clearly defined. A tenet of this system upholds that "all property belongs to Allah, and we have delegated authority over that which Allah has allowed us to own". This system also must ensure all basic rights of food, water, shelter and clothing. In addition to these, Islam caters for the luxuries. Therefore, it is clear that the system of Islam is in accordance with our individual nature, the global community and the globe itself. The above examples demonstrate that the Capitalist system has allowed certain industries to dominate. In doing so, they have actually stripped the basic rights away from many individuals. The fat cats such as fashion, films and pharmaceuticals have bled the human resources within the Western World, not to mention the Third World and the Earth itself. Despite the power of these billion dollar industries, we cannot allow their foolishness to distract this Ummah from its goal: the Khilafah.

Islam acknowledges the fact that ownership and the desire to have money is part and parcel of human nature. Rasool-Allah (saw) said: "This wealth is (like) green and sweet (fruit), and whoever takes it without greed, Allah will bless it for him, but whoever takes it with greed, Allah will not bless it for him, and he will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied. And the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (taking) hand" [Bukhari].

Salim Fredericks

Also in the Qur'an: "Beautiful in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up

Please address your letters and questions to the Editorial Team, at the address given on page 4 of the magazine.

Sabeans, and the numerous sects in which the speculations of Gnostics, Manicheans and Buddhists found expression."

Events Diary

"The vast empire of Persia that for four centuries had withstood the might of Rome and Byzantium came under Islamic rule in the middle of the seventh century. Thereafter, the followers of all these varied forms of faith could breathe again under the rule that granted them religious freedom and exemption from military service, on payment of a light tribute. For the Islamic law granted toleration and the right of paying jizyah not only to the Christians and Jews but to Zoroastrians and Sabeans, to worshippers of idols, of fire and stone."

? LONDON Saturdays after dhuhr (Brothers in main hall) (Sisters upstairs) (Sundays after dhuhr in Arabic) Central Regents Park Masjid 146 Park Road, London There are many other events taking place around UK, Europe, Australia and America. Please contact circles@khilafah.com for details.

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