Madina Archives

Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board

Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
Arsalan
10/11/01 at 13:00:56
MSA National Immediate Release Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop, War on Terrorism Should Continue Washington D.C. (10/9/01) The Executive Committee of the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada strongly urges the Bush Administration to call for a cease-fire in the U.S. led attacks on Afghanistan. Our stance against continued military action as a means of bringing to justice the co-perpetrators of the attacks on the U.S. is neither unpatriotic nor does it in any way negate our unequivocal condemnation of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the attackers. Now that attacks on Afghanistan have been initiated, we stand united in calling upon the Bush administration to exercise restraint. We must realize that the loss of civilian life in Afghanistan is not morally justified nor would it avenge the devastating loss of civilian life on September 11, 2001. A majority of Muslim students are citizens of the United States and Canada, and therefore, we feel no less patriotic in questioning our government’s foreign policies. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks Muslim students have been at the forefront of efforts to condemn the loss of innocent lives in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania and to foster a spirit of tolerance in our respective campus communities. In light of President’s assurances that the war on terrorism is not a war on Islam or the people of Afghanistan, we believe these military attacks are a setback. The majority of the people in Afghanistan are in fact Muslim and the already war-torn infrastructure of Afghanistan that is now being destroyed will in fact have severe consequences for the daily lives of Afghan people. A disproportionate number of the Afghan people are women, children and the elderly and are being forced to flee Afghanistan towards borders which have already been closed by Iran and Pakistan. MSA National does appreciate the humanitarian gestures of the Bush administration although the dropping of food and bombs could not have been a more ironic combination. We strongly support the war on terrorism but we cannot in good conscience support the recent attacks on Afghanistan. Our war against terrorism must be limited in its scope to target only the terrorists, their networks, and their infrastructure. Our war against terrorism cannot however be re-directed towards an entire nation. Based on recent comments by high-ranking officials, we also believe that the war against terrorism should not be extended to include attacks against other nations, namely Iraq. If we are to bring to justice the suspected co-perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, we must consider the use of agreed upon instruments such as setting up an International Criminal Tribunal for the Victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Nations around the world, many of whom have joined the coalition against terrorism could be called upon to lend their full support to the apprehension and extradition of those suspected of co-conspiring in the attacks which claimed over 6,000 civilian lives. Muslim students stand united in supporting the war on terrorism but we do not support the use of military attacks without sufficient efforts to use alternative means of bringing the suspected co-perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks to justice.

Re: Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
amal
10/11/01 at 13:45:17
A first step in the right direction,Alhamdulillah. But can we do as individuals to help alleviate suffering on the afghan people? i know donating is to to relief organizations is one thing and we should all do that but what other suggestions you guys have?

Re: Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
destined
10/11/01 at 18:29:40
[slm] I found this on the soundvision website 5 Things You Can Do For Afghanistan http://www.soundvision.com/peace/5thingsafghan.shtml There are a number of ways you can help the Afghans. Here are some ideas: 1. Ask Pakistan to open its border to Afghans seeking refuge Pakistan recently closed its borders to Afghans. While Pakistan should be applauded for being the host to the largest refugee population in the world, it cannot refuse the poor and hungry on its border. You can help by contacting the Pakistani embassy here in the US, as well as government officials in Pakistan to emphasize the importance of reopening the Pakistani border to the starving Afghan refugees. This can become a sustained campaign that includes letter-writing, protests in front of Pakistani embassies and other peaceful actions to give the message that Pakistan cannot turn its back on a neighbor that is so desperate and has already suffered so much. E-mail Pakistan's prime minister, General Pervez Musharraf at CE@pak.gov.pk. Also contact the Pakistani embassy in Washington, DC at 202-939-6200 or e-mail them at parepwashington@erols.com. 2. Ask charities to establish an Afghan relief fund According to the United Nations, at least four million women and children are at risk of hunger and starvation in Afghanistan. A severe winter is fast approaching. This is why it is crucial that all of us establish funds for Afghan refugees. Contact your charity, Masjid and church to establish a fund for Afghan refugees. If you don't find one start up your own fund, advertise it heavily and arrange for sending the money collected. Or if you know any Afghans in your community or Pakistanis who live in the area bordering Afghanistan, ask them if they know a charity who is helping refugees. Muslim charities in America are coming under media fire. However, these charities must play a crucial role at this time when the UN offices for refugees are being attacked in Pakistan. Maybe our charities will be spared. So call Muslim charities, ask them to establish a fund, volunteer to support them. 3. Honestly express your opinion A vast number of Muslims, while in favor of bringing the criminals responsible for the terror attacks of September 11 to justice, oppose war. In America, it is your right to express your opinions. While 71 percent of Americans recently surveyed by the Pew foundation believe it is the right of people to oppose war, 94 percent support the current military action in Afghanistan. This sense of fair hearing and rights of free speech are what makes America great. However, do remember that we are all still hurting in disbelief of what has happened on Sept. 11. Remember no cause can justify terrorism. Those who kill innocents have no belief. So if you do speak against war, carefully listen to your own words. Don't sound as though you are justifying terrorism. Be extremely careful of the timing, occasion and words you choose to express your opinion. Word can heal and words can hurt. All of us must try to save lives. We must try to win people's hearts and build bridges, not destroy them. In the US, military planners are thinking about how to exact retribution. To many people in the world, according to the Christian Science Monitor, the carnage of Sept. 11 was retribution. The war, therefore, risks creating even greater animosity and may breed more terrorists. We need to wage a war of winning people's hearts, a crusade of understanding, and a jihad of working together to isolate terrorists from the masses of people. In America today, the peace movement has never been so isolated. With the government's emphasis on retaliation, most people have bought into the military onslaught. That's why peace groups who want other solutions than war are today the 'salt of the earth'. 4. Feel for Afghans and study their tribal customs It may be difficult for some to feel for a country which is accused of harboring those who are responsible or at least joyful about the September 11 tragedies. But bridges of understanding must be built for world peace. Afghans have sacrificed 1.5 million of their sons' and daughters' lives to liberate their country from the former Soviet Union's occupation which launched the demise of the Communist empire, America's enemy. But when they won the war, the world just left them in ruins. No one was there to help them rebuild their shattered society now mired in poverty and littered with millions of mines, which kill about 500 Afghans everyday. Afghans are one of the poorest and hungriest people on the planet, yet they have pride and honor as great as the mountains of their land. They also have an unshaken faith in Islam and their tribal traditions. Understanding these aspects of the Afghan perspective are crucial at a time when Afghanistan is being demonized and its past heroic fight forgotten. This understanding may help all parties involved in dealing with Afghans properly. Afghanistan is not all Islam. It is a mixture of Islam and tribal traditions that go back centuries. Here are some questions to ask and study: a. What are Afghan tribal customs regarding "guest" "refuge" "hospitality" "revenge" and "honor"? b. Why did Afghans sacrifice 1.5 million of their people in order to rid their country of the former Soviet Union's occupation? c. How and why does their practice of Islam differ from other Muslims' although the basic beliefs are the same? Probably the Afghan tradition of hospitality and honor played a crucial role in the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden who was considered a guest who helped the Afghans against the Soviet invaders and sought refuge with them. In Afghan tribal culture you never betray a person who has sought refuge with you whether he practices Islam or not. The only way a guest can be forced to go is if he has committed a crime. This is probably why the Taliban have emphasized the need for proof before proceeding with any action against bin Laden. These traditions have existed in Afghan culture for centuries. Pakistani dissidents, terrorists, and sometimes criminals have always taken refuge in Afghanistan, even before the Taliban. During the reign of King Zahir Shah and later of President Dawud times, this practice forced the Pakistani government to get involved in complex tribal negotiations and provide proofs to get them back. These efforts sometimes succeeded but not always. The same process of giving refuge goes on between tribes as well. British scholars wrote tens of books on these aspects of Afghan culture about a century ago. We wish the current policy makers would read these books for insight since Afghan culture is more or less still the same. Although the Taliban are being described as students of Madrassas (Islamic seminaries), hardly any one of them is a graduate of these schools. They were attending these schools essentially for food and shelter. Being uneducated probably kept them closer to their traditional customs of "guest" "refuge" "hospitality" and "honor," despite all threats from America and negotiations with the Pakistan government. In the last twenty years in the absence of a civil society in Afghanistan, these tribal traditions have become stronger as the core values guiding society. It is worth noting that the first incident which gave rise to Mullah Omar, the present leader of the Taliban, is when he took some of his villagers in a group to rescue some women who were kidnapped by a group of criminals. His success against them started rallying other people who were sick and tired of lawlessness around them, rallying together under the banner of "honor." 5. Dua (supplication) There is no power or ability except with God. Make Dua (pray) for mercy on the Afghan people. May God give them peace which has eluded them in the past. May God guide us to be just and not support the unjust. May God bring peace, justice and forgiveness to this land ravaged by war, revenge and injustice for over two decades. May God save their children so they become better than their parents. May God put mercy in the heart of their Pakistani neighbors to help them. May God help them realize that forgiveness, not revenge can help them. May God unite them with truth so they can help each other build their lives.

Re: Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
ahmer
10/11/01 at 21:25:33
nice story for this thread!! Muslim students are wary of the war By Ralph Z. Hallow and Vaishali Honawar THE WASHINGTON TIMES     Many American Islamic leaders say they support the war on terrorism, but some younger Muslims here say they are not willing to fight that war against others of their faith. Top Stories     "We support President Bush in the war against terrorism," Islamic Institute President Khalid Saffuri says. "We support our troops and pray for their safe return."     But Altaf Husain, 31, a Howard University Ph.D. student, strikes a different note. "Most Muslim students hold widespread grievances about America's role in the Middle East conflict, its sanctions against Iraq and the stationing of troops in Saudi Arabia," he says.     Mr. Husain insists that this does not mean such students feel any less patriotic about being Americans, but he concedes he would not be willing to fight against other Muslims. "Not under these circumstances and not for this war," says Mr. Hussain, the U.S.-born son of Egyptian parents and president of the National Muslim Students Association. "It doesn't sit well to say Afghan people should suffer when they have not done anything."     He regards Saudi-born fugitive Osama bin Laden as merely a suspect in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, a belief shared by Ashraf Ali, 19. "Everything is in question until the evidence comes," says Mr. Ali, a member of the University of Maryland's Muslim Students' Association. "It all comes down to justice. That is the foundation of Islam."     Bilal Dogan, 22, a computer programming student at Prince George's Community College and vice president of the Muslim Students Association, concedes ambivalence in supporting the war against terrorism. "If the targets start becoming Muslims instead of terrorists, that's a different thing," says the American-born student. "Inasmuch as I could fight terrorism, I have no problem. If I'm asked to fight Muslims, I won't."     In the wake of the atrocities of Sept. 11, some Muslims say they can understand why they are viewed with suspicion. "Truly I can understand that some American Muslims would be accused of being a 'fifth column' in the United States because taking up arms against fellow Muslims has certain religious consequences," says Islamic Institute Political Director Asim Ghafoor. "It is our religious duty to try to have a dialogue with fellow Muslims even when they oppress other people, and war is a last resort." Mr. Ghafoor's parents were born in India and he was born in St. Louis.     "So a Muslim pulling the trigger rasulting in collateral damage — that is, the killing of innocent civilians in say, Afghanistan, would give pause to an American Muslim Marine or Air Force pilot in such a situation," he says. "We don't advocate conscientious objectors or burning draft cards but ask American Muslims who wear the uniform of the United States armed services to serve their country."     Other young Muslims look for solutions elsewhere. Asked if they would fight terrorism, Anwar Al-Awlaki, 30, and Fatima Asfari, 21, say they would call for peace instead.     "People were willing to kill themselves on Sept. 11, and a few missiles won't intimidate them," says Mr. Al-Awlaki, an imam of Dar Al Hijrah, a mosque in Falls Church.     "There are other ways we can do to stop this madness," says Miss Asfari, whose family comes from Saudi Arabia. "The U.S. just has to change its policy."     Some young Muslims condemn Osama bin Laden's terrorism, but say his grievances against the United States are legitimate. Rania Tarbush, 21, a graduate student of biology at American University, says her family "is back in Palestine, suffering attacks by Israel every day. The day after the Sept. 11 attacks, I was on the phone with them and I could hear the shelling in the background."     She condemns the terrorist attacks but thinks the American response would lead only to more people suffering. "They said [U.S. military forces in Aghanistan] were not going to hit civilians, but now they are."     Nasreen Seleem, 22, a student of business at American University and a native of Saudi Arabia, is "depressed" by the war.     "I understand [America´s] anger, but a lot of Muslims were killed in the [World Trade Center] attacks, too. We don't agree that more Muslims should be killed."     George Washington University student Faisal Matadar says U.S. policies are responsible for suffering the world over. "There is no justification for the [Sept. 11] attacks, but there is an explanation," says Mr. Matadar, 21, an American-born student whose parents are from India.     But bin Laden's speeches — broadcast by U.S. cable news networks — don't appear to be winning over American Muslims. Says Salam al-Marayati, executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council: "He tries to push the hot buttons in his speeches. But American Muslims, because of their knowledge of the Muslim world's political landscape, understand he is exploiting legitimate grievances that need to be addressed. But they feel he definitely is not the proper messenger."     Hussein Ibish, the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee's communications director, also rejects bin Laden's message. "The guy has hijacked issues near and dear to our hearts, like Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands on the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem," says Mr. Ibish, who describes himself as a "not very religious" Muslim.     "Muslims still see [bin Laden] as a person with extremely radical ideas," says Mr. Al-Awlaki, the Falls Church imam whose family lives in Yemen. "But he has been able to take advantage of the sentiment that is out there regarding U.S. foreign policy." The Sept. 11 attacks and the American military response have put the Islamic community here between "a rock and a hard place," he says.     "We're totally against what the terrorists had done. We want to bring those who had done this to justice," Mr. Al-Awlaki says. "But we're also against the killing of civilians in Afghanistan."     Miss Asfar says she and her Saudi family "don't agree with bin Laden one bit, but the U.S. should be fair to both Israelis and the Palestinians. The U.S. has thrown all of its support behind Israel. That's one of the things bin Laden has said and that's why he dislikes Americans."     Her friend, Mustafa Khatib, a 22-year-old Muslim-American from Alexandria, agrees. "There are some things that bin Laden says that make sense," he says. "He just shouldn't use violence to prove his points."     • Ellen Sorokin and Matthew Cella contributed to this report. http://www.washtimes.com/national/20011011-6594581.htm

Re: Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
bhaloo
10/11/01 at 23:33:19
slm Nice article Ahmer, I agree completely with brother Altaf in it. Some of the emails I have received today have been extremely disturbing and have left me upset, especially some so-called fatawas by people that are respected in the American Muslim community.

Re: Attacks on Afghanistan Must Stop - Statement from MSA National
ahmer
10/12/01 at 00:09:05
[quote]....Mr. Hussain, the U.S.-born son of Egyptian...[/quote] [color=blue]they mixed up something as ppl who know him can understand!! :) [/color]
Individual posts do not necessarily reflect the views of Jannah.org, Islam, or all Muslims. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. Comments are owned by the poster and may not be used without consent of the author. The rest © Jannah.Org