IslamNewcastle

Gaza

Gaza – The Reality

Due to the overwhelming amount of information about the current crisis in Palestine and in particular Gaza, all of it will be presented in this page as an attempt to collate all the information and facts.

To start with is the official fatawa from the scholars of Islam and related information for duas etc.

“Israel acting like Nazis” Gerald Kaufman speaks of the Palestinian Massacre in Gaza

“My grandmother was ill in bed when the Nazis came to her home town a German soldier shot her dead in her bed. My grandmother did not die to provide cover for Israeli soldiers murdering Palestinian grandmothers in Gaza. The present Israeli government ruthlessly and cynically exploits the continuing guilt from gentiles over the slaughter of Jews in the Holocaust as justification for their murder of Palestinians.” (-Gerald Kaufman)

A Comprehensive Video on the Israeli/Palestinian Issue

Who Broke the Ceasefire – Hamas or Israel?

History of Gaza & Gazans

Ironically Palestinians living in Gaza are the original, legal owners of the Israeli land on which Hamas rockets are detonating. 80% of Gaza’s 1.5 million population only exists because the Palestinians who lived in Ashkelon and the surrounding areas were ethnically cleansed from there in 1948 by Jewish militia (later the IDF) when Israel was created and ended up refugees on the beach strip of Gaza (1). After pushing the indigenous Palestinians into tiny Gaza (1948), like the West Bank, the Gaza Strip has been illegally (1) occupied by Israel since 1967. Despite the withdrawal of troops three years ago, Israel maintained complete control by sea, air and land. (1) Then, after Hamas legitimately won the Palestinian elections in 2006 (in both Gaza & the West Bank), Israel punished Gaza’s people with an inhumane blockade & siege of essential food, medicine, and supplies, leaving them for the last six months living in sewage blocked from being processing, hungry with no food, and in the darkness with electricity now cut off by Israel too (1). American Professor Edward Said has said regarding Gaza “It’s the most terrifying place I’ve ever been in; it’s a horrifyingly sad place because of the desperation and misery of the way people live. I was unprepared for camps that are much worse than anything I saw in South Africa.“(1)

History of Hamas

EU election observers stated Hamas fairly won the Palestinian elections in the West Bank & Gaza despite the attempts by Israel & the US to undermine them. Without the resources of its rival Fatah, it set up clinics, schools, hospitals, vocational training and welfare programmes for poor women and men.(2) Its armed wing’s (Qassam Brigade’s) attacks on Israel, were no different than those of Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Israeli attacks far more deadly than any of the actions Hamas has ever undertaken. The asymmetry was starkly exposed during Hamas’s Qassam Brigade’s unilateral ceasefire, begun in June 2003, and maintained throughout the summer, despite some 300 Hamas (political wing) members seized from the West Bank by Israeli forces.(2) On August 19 2003, a self-proclaimed, unrecognised splinter cell of “Qassam Brigade” from Hebron, disowned and denounced by the official leadership of Hamas & Qassam Brigades, blew up a bus, upon which Israel promptly assassinated Hamas’s ceasefire negotiator, Ismail Abu Shanab. In September 2003, the EU declared the whole Hamas movement a terrorist organization, not just the military wing – a longstanding demand of Israel met (2). Regarding the false claim that Hamas wishes for another holocaust of the Jews, what they actually said is that they want to “destroy the ‘state’ of Israel”, not the Jewish people within it. In an analogous way, the ANC and Nelson Mandela wished to destroy the apartheid state of South Africa, not white South Africans. Hamas call for a one-state solution, where resources to be divided equitably, in proportion to the two populations – not 80% to Jews and 20% to all non-Jews. The two state solution favoured by Israel was a dispossession of such iniquity that no self-respecting people would ever submit to it in the long run. A single state for Jews and Palestinians alike, to live among each other as equals, not a state (Israel) which is brutally rigged to maintain Jewish political, demographic, economic, and military supremacy over the natives is what Hamas wants despite some fiery rhetoric.

The current crisis

We are told that Israel is simply responding to Hamas rocket fire, and Hamas is responsible for not renewing the six-month ceasefire last month. It was in fact sunk by Israel’s assassination of six Hamas members in Gaza on 5 November long before it expired, and its refusal to lift its siege of Gaza as expected under the ceasefire deal. (3) 45 Palestinians have died in the West Bank at Israel’s hands this year alone, why, no rockets were fired from there. This attack was planned 6 Months ago, not a response: Israel’s own mainstream newspapers report that “Defence Minister Ehud Barak instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for the operation over six months ago, even as Israel was beginning to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.” (4) To further conceal their liability in this crisis, as of the 29th December Israel barred all international media from entering or reporting from within or even near the borders of Gaza. This unprecedented censorship is forcing journalists to rely on largely Israeli sources. As expected the communications infrastructure of Gaza is partially destroyed or severely under strain not allowing journalists from reporting from inside what is happening. To describe the situation we would like to quote a Fulbright scholar and professor of American literature at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), who said on said on 29 December:

“I learned that Israel had bombed my university with American-made F-16s,..and falsely claim that IUG is a Hamas stronghold… as an independent professor…I can say that IUG is an academic institution which embraces a wide spectrum of political affinities. I see it as prestigious university which encourages liberalism and free thought. This personal point view might seem to be biased; therefore I would invite anyone who would doubt my assertions to browse IUG’s website and research its history. They would learn about its membership in various international academic institutions, the active role its professors play in scholarly research as well as prizes and research grants they have received. Why would Israel bomb a university? Israel did not only target my university last night. It also bombed mosques, pharmacies and homes“

Who wants peace and who wants war?

The Jerusalem Post interviewed Hamas Leader when this crisis began and printed a piece headlined “Hamas: “We still want cease-fire”, on one simply condition, “that Israel lift its siege on Gaza and open all crossings in and out of the Strip” for the desperately needed medical, fuel and food supplies which are largely administrated by the UN (6). Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak responded in a U.S. television interview that Israel “cannot really accept” a ceasefire with Hamas, rejecting calls by the United Nations and the European Union for a truce. (7) Both Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres said back in the 1990s that they wished Gaza would just go away and drop into the sea (2), how hypocritical that they falsely accuse Hamas of wishing that same thing for the Jewish people. The existence of Gaza is a permanent reminder to people’s consciences, of Palestinians who lost their homes to create a superimposed Israeli state on Palestine (2). Israel’s decision to attack Gaza was a “stroke of brilliance”; the country’s biggest selling paper Yediot Aharonot crowed: “the element of surprise increased the number of people who were killed”. (3) Lest we say more? Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that “sometimes also civilians pay the price” (2) an argument she would not make, if more than 500 Israelis had been killed – against 2 dead Palestinians.

To Proceed

Hamas’s appeal among Palestinians doesn’t derive solely from its ideology, but its resistance to decades of injustice. So long as it remains standing in the face of this onslaught, its influence will only be strengthened. Our fear is that the double standards expressed by our government in forthrightly condemning Hamas & blocking UN resolutions, while only asking for restraint from Israel, will drive many young people further into alienation. We kindly request that you do everything in your power to take a righteous stance in this whole affair; ask our government to make a full and strong condemnation of Israel’s vastly disproportionate use of violence against the stateless and armless Palestinians.

Lastly we leave you with a few notable quotes:

“Israel is committing a shocking series of atrocities by using modern weaponry against a defenceless population – attacking a population that has been enduring a severe blockade for many months.”

The UN Human Rights Council

“Nobody can reject or condemn the revolt of a people that has been suffering under military occupation for 45 years against occupation force,”

General Shlomo Gazit, former chief of Israeli military intelligence, in 1993. (2)

“If I were an Arab leader, I would never sign an agreement with Israel. It is normal; we have taken their country. It is true God promised it to us, but how could that interest them? Our God is not theirs. There has been Anti – Semitism, the Nazis, Hitler, Auschwitz, but was that their fault? They see but one thing: we have come and we have stolen their country. Why would they accept that?”

David Ben Gurion – First Israeli Prime Minister,

Quoted by Nahum Goldmann in Le Paraddoxe Juif (The Jewish Paradox), pp121. & “David Ben-Gurion”, May 1948, to the General Staff. From Ben-Gurion, A Biography, by Michael Ben-Zohar, Delacorte, New York 1978.

Kindest Regards, and Wishes for Peace

_______________________________

(1) Independent, Tuesday, 30 December 2008, Robert Fisk: Why bombing Ashkelon is the most tragic irony

(2) The Guardian, Tuesday 30 December 2008, “From the ashes of Gaza, In the face of Israel’s latest onslaught, the only option for Palestinian nationalism is to embrace a one-state solution” http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/30/gaza-hamas-palestinians-israel1

(3) The Guardian, Tuesday 30 December 2008, “Israel’s onslaught on Gaza is a crime that cannot succeed” Seumas Milne

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/30/israel-and-the-palestinians-middle-east

(4) Israel’s Main English Newpaper Haaretz: “Disinformation, secrecy and lies: How the Gaza offensive came about” By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent 30/12/2008

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1050426.html

(5) Fulbright Scholar Dr. Habeeb writing from the occupied Gaza Strip, Live from Palestine, 29 December 2008, http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10069.shtml

(6) Hamas: “We still want cease-fire”: From Israeli Newspaper Jerusalem Post: Dec 27, 2008,

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111720996&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

(7) Israelis: “Israel ‘cannot accept’ ceasefire with Hamas”: December 28, 2008, Herald Sun (AU)

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24849650-5005961,00.html

	Mufti Advises the Muslims Concerning Gaza
	- Shaykh Abdul-Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh
Reference:	Khutbah delivered by the Shaykh on Friday 9 January, 2008
Category:	Scholars Advice
	Second part of the Khutbah…after the opening of the Khutbah: O Muslim; from the wisdom of Allaah in the life of this world, is the struggle between truth and falsehood, and the overpowering of the people of disbelief and misguidance over the people of faith and piety. It is a perfect wisdom, and Allaah has wisdom over what he decrees and brings to pass. However, the true believer believes in Devine Decree, he believes in the good of it and the bad of it, the sweet of it and the sour of it. He has firm faith due to his knowledge that Allaah is all Wise in what He Decrees, no matter how great the calamity and severe the catastrophe. The believer thinks well of his Lord, and knows that whatever Allaah decrees due to His wisdom, then the consequences thereof, their knowledge is with Allaah. You may hate something and Allaah decrees a lot of good in it, how much do people hate calamities and how much good happens due to them in the future. Allaah the Elevated knows and you know not: {…and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.} There is no doubt that what our brothers in Gaza are going through is a tremendous trial, hearts are strained in pain and sorrow when witnessing such extreme images, which indicate immense spite and a wide-spreading evil. But Allaah is all Wise over them, and Allaah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child. So it is upon the Muslims to be steadfast and patient, and hold fast to this religion, to be patient in the face of calamities and not break down. They must be fully attached to and have trust in Allaah, seeking victory from the Lord of the worlds. It is upon the Muslims to rush, all of them, in provide aid to the wounded, and the great good that this country has given in aid, there is no doubt that this is evidence that there is mercy and compassion in the hearts of the rulers for the Muslims, may Allaah grant them success in practicing what Allaah loves and is pleased with. However, these efforts must be multiplied, and we must supplicate to Allaah during the last part of the nights and during the day, that Allaah alleviates the calamities from them, and to turn His wrath upon the humiliated enemy, which is not prevented from a criminal people. We ask Allaah to rectify the affairs of the Muslims, and to unify their hearts upon goodness and piety. Know that what is important, is that we think good of our Lord, and we do not say `why is this happening?` This is Devine Decree, and Allaah is the all Wise over them, a servant does not know of the consequences of events. Allaah the Elevated said to His Messenger during the battle of Uhud, when he and his companions were afflicted with calamities, such as the death of his companions and other issues, Allaah revealed: {When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: “From where does this come to us?” Say (to them), “It is from yourselves.” And Allaah has power over all things.} And Allaah says: {And don`t be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allaah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not; and Allaah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.} So it is upon the Muslims to be steadfast and patient: {O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allaah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful. And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allaah is with the patient. And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the path of Allaah; and Allaah is encircling and thoroughly comprehending all that they do.} And know, may Allaah have mercy over you, that the best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance, is the guidance of Muhammad – صلى الله عليه وسلم – and the worst of affairs are the innovated matters…conclusion of Khutbah with Du`aa.
Translator:	Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid
Date Published:	Monday, 12 January 2009
Date Printed:	Tuesday, 13 January 2009 at 09:36:13
Printed From:	http://www.madeenah.com/article.cfm?id=1265

Comments by notable scholars about Gaza

Before I give you the details and comments about what some notable scholars have said on the issue of Palestine, i thought i would share with you all a message a sister sent.

‘As all the world prepares to celebrate the coming of a New Year, the Muslims in Gaza will be preparing to take shelter from missiles from state of the art fighter jets for another night. these are not your little rocket propelled grenades or minor launchers. These are multi million dollar or in some cases multi billion dollar death machines. So before, we the Muslims, get ready to countdown the Kuffar new year with the enemies of Islam. Remember your mothers, sisters, daughters will be quivering with fear, hunger and thirst. Before you go out tonight with your nice new slick hair cuts, new designer clothes & buff rides, please please don’t forget your Muslims in Gaza who have no shelter, no medicine, little food & water and only Tawakkul [reliance on Allah. Make dua's brothers and sisters for "none f you truly believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself." Saheeh Bukhari'

Don't forget your Muslim brothers and sisters around the world suffering at the hands of their oppressors; remember them all in your supplications, especially in the night prayer - in the last third of the night - when you stand before your Lord.

Abu Hurayrah reported Allaah's Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) as saying:

((Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the latter part of the night is left, and says: Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give to him? Who asks Me forgiveness so that I may forgive him?)), [Saheeh Muslim, No.1656]

…

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020221.htm

Shaykh ‘Abdul-’Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh:

“Indeed waging war against the weak Muslims in Palestine is (Israeli) terrorism and oppression.

…today the Muslim Ummah was passing through a severe phase which requires it to take a close look (at itself) so that it can become a single Ummah defending and protecting it’s ‘aqeedah”.

…

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020414.htm

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan:

“It is obligatory upon the Muslims to make supplication for their Muslim brothers and to assist them with wealth. To assist them with wealth and supplication, this is what is obligatory, and this is what will benefit them.”

…

http://www.fatwa-online.com/fataawa/worship/jihaad/jih003/0020406_1.htm

Shaykh Ibn Baaz:

“It has been confirmed to us by trustworthy and reliable witnesses that the Palestinian intifaadhah (uprising) and those who have stood forth in this are from the most dedicated Muslims there, and that their jihaad is (an) Islaamic (one). This is because they are oppressed by the Jews, and that which is obligatory upon them is to protect their religion and themselves and their families and children and to drive out their enemy from their land with all they are able to of strength.”

…

http://www.fatwa-online.com/fataawa/worship/jihaad/jih003/0020404_1.htm

Shaykh Ibn Baaz:

“Certainly, the Muslim(s) feel much pain and great sadness at the deteriorating situation in Palestine, with matters going from bad to worse, escalating in complexity as the days pass, such that it has reached where it has (today).

…and that which is worth mentioning here, is that the Palestinian issue is an Islaamic issue from the beginning (right through) to the end.”

…

For further fataawa regarding Palestine

http://www.fatwa-online.com/worship/jihaad/jih003/index.htm

PLEASE NOTE: Terrorism is prohibited in Islaam, and these fataawa do not in any way or form imply it’s permissibility or acceptance. Rather, they provide qualified Islaamic legal rulings from the recognised Senior Scholars of Islaam to oppose those who have caused oppression by occupying Palestinian land.

At Times of Crisis

Ways you can make a difference, call for change and do things yourself in your own community by following the correct methodology of our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu alahi wa sallam, his Companions and the Scholars of Islam from the past and present;

1. Make a change in your way of life. If you are a Muslim that is not learning Islam and abiding by its laws, than do so. Educate yourself as it is obligatory to learn our religion and act upon it and advice one another with it…in particular our family members. Fear Allaah where ever you are, in private and in public. Stop committing sins, strive hard against Shaytaan and the temptations around us to obey Allaah and His Prophet sallallaahu alahi wa sallam. Do all that He has commanded and abstain from all that he has prohibited. Follow the obligatory Sunnah as well as the non-obligatory Sunnan in your daily life. Remain patient, thankful and steadfast in obeying Allaah in times of trials and in times of ease, until death.Allaah says; ‘Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of the people, until they change what is within themselves’ [Soorah Rad 13:11]
Rasool sallallaahu alahi wa sallam said in a long hadeeth collected by Imaam Aboo Dawoodh:

…..Allaah will permit your humiliation and will not remove it, until you return to your religion’

So this is the source and the fundamental of our solution to the problems we face as an individual, as a family and as an Ummah. Returning to the true, correct, pure Islam of Muhammad and his Companions.

2. Make Du’a to Allaah subhana wa ta’ala alone – especially at those times when Du’a is most likely to be accepted by Allaah, such as – the last third of the night (2 hours or so before Fajr starts), between the Adhan and Iqamah before a Fardh Salat, when its raining, when being oppressed (right now as Muslims are being oppressed all over the world) amongst others….

3. Donate Money – Our Muslim Palestinian brothers and sisters are in urgent need for your donations for food, medical aid etc. You can donate to charities such as: Islamic Relief www.islamic-relief.org.uk, Muslim Aid www.muslimaid.org, Muslim Hands www.muslimhands.org and Ummah Welfare Trust www.uwt.org - who are on the ground in that region.

4. Sign the following petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/gaza2812/petition.html

5. Get your community to write, call and meet your Member of Parliament. Our MPs have been elected to serve us and we should make sure that we contact them and pressurise them to do something against this Israeli brutality. Lobby your MP to sign or initiate an Early Day Motion that calls on our government to condemn the Israeli government for massacre of Palestinians or else where in the world. Be polite, to the point and make your request specific. You can find out who your MP is here: www.theyworkforyou.com

6. Call the Foreign & Commonwealth Office – Express your concern with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, please call 020 7008 1500.

7. Let others know. First know what you are talking about or going to talk about, use knowledge, wisdom and manners. Participate by writing letters to the editor and taking part in television, radio and online discussion forums. Remember to keep to the point.

8. You might wish to seek local coalitions and work with people around you, of all faiths, to highlight the plight of the Palestinians.

www.islamicknowledge.co.uk

FROM THE SCHOLARS

All perfect praise is for Allaah The Lord of All that exists, and may His blessings and good mention be upon the best of His Prophets and Messengers; our Prophet Muhammad, and also his family and his companions and those who follow them upon good; upto the Last Day.

To Proceed:

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has followed – with all sorrow and pain- what has occurred, and is still going on against our Muslim brethren in Palestine – and specifically in Gaza. That which is [actions] of oppression, and killing of children, and women and old people! And [it is] transgression on that which is sacred [innocent], and the destruction of infrastructure and institutions, and the terrorizing of innocent people. And there is no doubt that this is a crime and oppression on the rights of the Palestinian nation.

And at this sorrowful event; it is an obligation on the Muslims to be with their Palestinian brethren, and to help and aid them, and to make an effort to lift the oppression against them – through any means which is of their reach – so as to actualize the Islamic bond, and the ties of ‘Eeman.

Allaah The Exalted said: “The believers are indeed brothers [in Islâmic religion].” (Al-Hujuraat: 10)

And He The Most Mighty, The Most Majestic said: “The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another…” (At-Tawba : 71)

And The Prophet (sallahAllaahu alayhi wasallam) said : “The believer to another believer is like the structure [like a wall] ; each part strengthens the other,’ and then he co-enjoined his fingers.” (Agreed upon)

And he (may Allaah’s blessings and good mention be upon him) also said: “The example of the believers in their relationship, and their love, and their having mercy upon each other ; is like the example of one body part to the rest of the body; if one part is affected then the whole body complains of fever and pain.” (Agreed upon)

And he (may Allaah’s blessings and good mention be upon him) also said: “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not oppress him, nor does he deceive him, nor does he give him up to the enemy, nor does he look down on him.” (Narrated by Muslim)

And help comprises of many things –according to the ability, and depending on the situations – whether it is intellectually or physical [things], or whether it is from the general Muslims through wealth, and food, and medicine, and clothing, and other things. Or whether it is from the Islamic Arab nations through making it easy and possible that the aid reaches them, and by taking a sincere position in regards to their [the Palestinian Muslims] matter, and by supporting their case in the gatherings, and seminars, and the international conferences: And all of these are from the ways of co-operation upon good and piety – which is something that is ordered- in the statement of The Exalted :

“Help you one another in virtue, righteousness and piety…” (Al-Maaida : 2)

And also from those ways is: to direct sincere advice to them [the Muslims in Palestine], and to direct them to that which is of good and of benefit to them. And from the greatest of those is to make du’aa for them -at all times – so that their tribulation is lifted, and their affliction is raised, and that their situation is rectified, and that their statements and actions become good.

Upon this, we also advise our Muslim brethren in Palestine to have fear of Allaah – The Exalted- and to return to Him, just as we advise them to be united; upon the truth, and to leave off divisions and splitting up, and not to give a chance to the enemy – who has taken advantage of it – and will continue to use it in enmity and oppression.

And we also encourage and emphasize our brethren to take the causes which will lead to lifting the oppression directed at their land – while having complete sincerity to Allaah The Exalted – in [those and all other] actions, and to seek His pleasure, and to seek His assistance – through righteous actions, and prayers, and consulting the scholars and people of wisdom; in all their matters – indeed that is a way of being facilitated [to that which is good] and establishment.

Just as we call on to the intellectuals in the world and the international meetings; to have an open look at this catastrophe – with a look of insight, intellect, and equality – so that the Palestinian community can be given its rights. And so that the oppression be lifted from it: such that they live in a honourable life. And at the same time we thank all -the nations and individuals- who have initiated in aiding and helping them.

We ask Allaah by His Beautiful Names and His Lofty Attributes; that He lifts the despair on this Ummah, and that He strengthens its religion, and to raise its statement, and to aid His allies, and to disgrace His enemies -and to return back their plots against themselves- and to save the Muslims from their evil, Indeed He is the Patron, and the One who is Most Able of all that. And may His blessings and good mention be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and also his family and his companions and those who follow them upon good; up to the Last Day.

Translation by Abu Waheeda As-Salafi

5^th Muharram 1429.

http://www.al-madina.com/node/89303

Note : As you can see this call is of no way an announcement of violence or terrorism. Rather it is a sincere advise to all those involved – in their respective- categories.

And InshaAllaah it will be followed by our next article – in this series – of the Palestinian affair; by an article exposing the cause of the problem, and those who endorse it, and the solution.