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Islamonline Editing Desk
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Can you tell us the latest developments in the Iraqi crisis now?
Answer
As-Salamu `Alaykum Br. Ahmed,
The last thing I heard was that US troops had entered Bagdhad and met little resistance there.
Name
Khadija
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Profession
Question
As a Muslim woman, what is my role in the war on our brothers and sisters in Iraq? I can’t stand seeing my sisters losing their children and everything and doing nothing?
Answer
In my opinion, women and children should have been evacuated from these towns and villages and should have been provided safety in temporary shelters. I cannot imagine what they are experiencing and I am sorry that no one cared to provide safety for them. During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the men used to go to the battlefield, and only women who volunteered to help with providing water, dressing the wounded, et. where exposed to fighting and danger. The women and children should have been evacuated.
Name
Fahd
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
Question
Who is the real dictator now? Bush or Saddam?
Answer
I don't know what you mean by dictator. If you are asking who is presently ruling Iraq? I don't think anyone is ruling Iraq at this time. From the photos we see here people are taking measures based upon their own assessments of what is best for them and their families. I understand that there is a debate taking place about post Saddam Iraq. It will be interesting to see what an interim government will look like. Most have assumed already that Hussein will not remain in power. Only Allah knows.
Name
Abdulla
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Profession
student
Question
As-Salamu `Alykum,
Do the Arab leaders have the right to be obeyed or not? For example if they make some agreement with Americans or British, should people respect this agreement? I hope to get clear answer.
Answer
In my opinion the Muslim is obliged to obey their leaders so far as their leaders are men who are seeking God's guidance, through the Qur'an, and who observe the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). That means, in my opinion, that they are men who have demonstrated to their people that they are seeking God's guidance through Shura (consultation) with respected Islamic scholars, and proceeding in their affairs seeking what is pleasing to God. In any other instances, I think the people are obliged to obey unless they are ordered to do something that is haram.
Name
Nafisa
- Canada
Profession
Question
Do you think that the latest show of Saddam going in the streets of Baghdad and encouraging the people is real or is it just a way to upset the aggressor? Is he a live or dead?
Answer
Only Allah knows, and at this point I don't think that it matters. He is obliged to do whatever he can to maintain power simply because he chose to remain and to fight. Strategy is an aspect of war, and so even if it is or not him, it is a part of his strategy. I think that perhaps he is still alive since there has been no proof provided saying that he is not alive, only speculation.
Name
hicham
- United States
Profession
student
Question
As-Salamu`alaykum,
Do you think this war will bring the Muslims together and wake them up finally from there long sleep? Or this war will just make them followers of the west and weaken them forever?
Answer
It is my prayer that first of all God will forgive His ummah. We have been terrible, but perhaps we will wake up and come back to God and back to the true teachings of Islam, which, in my opinion, dictate that we will be successful and prosperous people on every level. The shame that we have been experiencing for so many years, in my opinion, is the result of failure to be sincere and true to our faith. I don't think the West is the issue, or that the West is our enemy. The Qur'an says that God is the God of East and West. What is important is that we start to focus on our own insufficiencies and begin from now to repent and reform, and change things, insha'Allah.
Name
Zanariah
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Profession
Undergraduate
Question
As-Salamu`alaykum,
I would like to know exactly what steps/ activities that (any) Muslim organization in the states has taken/done in contribution for peace and preventing war in Iraq. How can a Muslim in the States be a part of peace efforts?
Answer
Many Muslims here have participated in demonstrations, and others lobbied the President and Congress through letters, e-mails, etc. Scholars submitted analysis of events, potential problems associated with war etc. Muslims in the US have been very active, in my view, but there are limits to what one can do in such an instance. Muslims in the US also asked for Iraq to cooperate fully and to do everything to avoid war, so we see that there may have been failures in diplomacy that none of us could anticipate or control.
Name
Idhil
- Indonesia
Profession
Student
Question
How do you see Saudi position in this conflict, and do you think Saudi Arabia has taken a right position?
Answer
Arabs have been suffering politically for a long time. The countries have not been very effective in anyway that we can see. The Palestine/Israel conflict is one example. This war is another. I agree with the Amir who said that if sacrifice was required in this instance, why should the people be the ones asked to sacrifice? I wondered if anyone noticed in the pictures of the villages that they streets were not even paved. Iraq with all of its wealth. Saudi Arabia will find its self, I think, and bid to play a more significant role in world affairs, as will Iran and in so doing, if they do it properly they will restore Arab and Muslim prestige, insha'Allah.
Name
Hj Azhar Aziz
- Malaysia
Profession
Manager
Question
It is sad to see that majority of the Muslim leaders in the Arab world is not sensitive on the suffering of the Iraqis (except for Syria & Iran). Why are they behaving in this manner? Are they Muslims or Muslims by name only? I would suggest that the top religious leader in the respective country advise their number 1 leader to start supporting Iraq and force the American to stop butchering the Iraqis.
Answer
I think Muslims everywhere support and love the Iraqi people. The Arab leaders have been very vocal in their demands for an end to the war. In response to your saying that the US is "butchering" Iraqi people, I understand that this image is being portrayed by many media outlets in the Arab and Muslim world, but this is not the case. In fact the "shock and awe" campaign that many of those who hoped to see Iraq destroyed had wanted was scrapped by the US. Only those who have not understood the true capacity for destruction have thought that the US has carried out an all out and aggressive campaign against the Iraqi people.
Name
andrew dyson
- United States
Profession
computer programmer
Question
If the Arab world is concerned about the fate of the Iraqi people, then why have they stood back while hundreds of thousands were slaughtered by Saddam?
Answer
Good question. I think that what most of us are responding to is not the end of the Hussein regime per se. Many of our hearts are broken by the fact that our Muslim lands have been ravaged over and over again by hypocrites and non-Muslims, and we have not had the power to do anything; Bosnia, Kosovo, etc. all all examples of our weakness. As Muslims, this puzzles us because our religion causes us to have great expectations, since we believe that God rewards, and does not so severely punish the righteous. It is painful to look in the mirror and to have to ask ourselves where we have failed in our duty to God. For most of us it will be an easy answer. That we did not oppose the enemies of God who took over Muslims lands and made them secular, and corrupted the people's faith, and the laws, etc. That we feared men as we should have only feared God, and we worshipped them as we should have only worshipped and loved God.
Name
Syed Ali
- Malaysia
Profession
Question
What is current situation for Muslims in America? Is there any action taken to stop this war or they are still waiting?
Answer
Muslims have been active within the context of what is reasonable. They have demonstrated publicly, released statements calling for no war, etc. If all of the UN could not stop the war, do you think Muslims in the US could stop the war?
Name
Greg
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Profession
Student
Question
Will there be a way to create a situation where safety is assured for both sides?
Answer
Yes, I believe so. As more sober, and less passionate minds undertake such questions we will find ways to resolve our issues, East and West that does not endanger innocent life, and create hatreds to the extent that they have in the past.
Name
Shelh
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Profession
Question
What we are witnessing in this war is Israel inside US uniforms on its way to make the dream come true in controlling the wealth of the region and to establish a powerful military to support its expansion of borders. What do you think?
Answer
I think that Israel thought that it would be the plan, and I agree with you that perhaps they had some desire to see Iraq destroyed, the people broken and decimated, and to have control and access to Iraqi resources and wealth. I also feel confident that even though Muslims and Arabs don't give American people must credit, that we are not ignorant and recognize many times that we are being exploited, and we are pretty smart. I think that anyone who underestimates the American people will be disappointed. The images of sincere concern and compassion for the Iraqi people demonstrated by US soldiers, and the nature of debates on post-Saddam Iraq taking place here in the US, make it appear that Israel will be disappointed if that was their plan.
Name
Mohamed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Accountant
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
I am surprised by your answers between Bush and Saddam, both are dictators and we have no Islamic leaders in our Muslim countries. They are all agents of the West. I request you to give the truth and fear no one but Allah.
Answer
Brother, forgive me if I don't agree with you, and allow me the right. Perhaps we define "dictator" differently. Please share your definition with me.
Name
Ihab
- Egypt
Profession
Question
Do you think there is a real danger for Syria now especially after the latest threat? If so, why Syria?
Answer
Secretary of State Colin Powell has said that these rumors, that Syria, and then Iran have been targeted for regime change by the US are not true. They are unsubstantiated rumors. Who is circulating these rumors? I think that Muslims in the US recognize that much of what is said in the media about the US is not true to the extent that there are people who would like to instigate hatred, and create tension that would lead to confrontations between the US and Arab/Muslim countries.
Name
Fahd
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Profession
Question
No, I mean who proved to be the dictator now: Saddam or Bush? They have said they were going to liberate Iraq from the dictatorship govt, but it did not happen. Who is now the real dictator?
Answer
The campaign is ongoing. I don't think that either will be dictators. It is my prayer that the Iraqi people will find their voices and power, and refuse to ever have a dictator again.
Name
Muslimah
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Profession
Doctor
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
Almost all of the Iraq's neighboring countries are ruled by dictators and they have actively helped U.S.A. in this current war. It's time for the Muslims to rise against such dictators and work for democracy in their respective countries. What is your view?
Answer
I agree, but I don't believe that there has to be violent revolt. Revolution begins in hearts. The Muslim must resolve to return to God, and I guarantee you, insha'Allah, that there will be a revolution, and no blood need be shed. The Qur'an says that God will change a people's condition when they change their hearts. If the heart compels action, our renewed commitment to Islam will cause us to change things. Perhaps the revolution has already begun, and this is the tension many of us feel. We know that there is major change in the making. We must decide what kind of change it will be.
Name
Abdulahikm
- Kuwait
Profession
Question
Are the Muslims in America responding positvely to what is going on to their brothers and sisters in Iraq? Or the events of 9/11 still have impact on their actions? What about fundraising and donations? You know that Muslims in America constitute a real power in this war, are they up to the responsibility so far?
Answer
I don't know what impression Muslims overseas have of Muslims in the US. I agree with you that potentially we can make big differences in US/Arab/Muslim relations. Our problems have been that we are not well organized, and our leadership has been representative in my view. In the future, insha'Allah, things will get better. I would also like to suggest that perhaps Muslims are having some impact that is not so obvious. Perhaps our government's decision to avoid an occupation, to not use "shock and awe" and to allow the military to adjust to accommodate humanitarian needs, was a result of Muslim pleadings.
Name
Hassan
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Profession
Question
When I looked at the latest TV showing Saddam touring the streets of Bagdad it reminded me of a picture I saw during Gulf War 1....I think personally he left the country...but one thing he did well if he did leave is that he wanted people to fight the enemy. What do you think?
Answer
Many analysts have suggested that the reason Hussein would not publicly go into exile is because he wanted to go down in history as an Arab leader who was not afraid of the US and who would fight against all odds. I don't know if he accomplished that. His choices may have been good in the sense that he sought to convey to people that they should not fear. Who exactly the enemy of the Iraqi people is, in my view, is debatable.
Name
Jamal
- Sweden
Profession
Consultant IT
Question
What is the position of the Muslim world that is so passive while the Muslims in Iraq are being killed by kufars? I mean the people of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan who are so passive while their respective governments are helping the kufars to humiliate our Muslim brothers in Iraq?
Answer
The Qur'an describes kufar as those who have left the teachings of their prophets, and who have rejected God and His prophets. So who are the "kufars?" I don't hold the opinion that "kufar" necessarily means only those who are not Muslims. What is the rule when "kufar" fights "kufar"? Or when one who should know better how to conduct state affairs by Qur'an and Sunnah, and one who does not know comes into disagreement who do you think God will judge more harshly...the one who should know, or who knows yet rejects. Or the one who has had no chance of knowing?
Name
Amani
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Of course the Iraqi resistance has proved very strong since the beginning of the war, but America and its allies now are playing a psychological warfare in the region. What do you think we can do and the Iraqi people can do to confront this war?
Answer
I have no military opinion about the war, or about war strategies. I pray for the innocent people, Iraqi's and others who find themselves trapped in the middle of a situation that they neither created, or could avoid, and that to me is the real tragedy. Even the soldiers on either side in my view are merely carrying out their orders. They are not ideologues, they are soldiers. I think we do not ask ourselves why this war, and look at both sides fairly and objectively. As Muslims I don't see anything that prevents us from looking objectively at such situations and recognizing who the true victims are.
Name
Amazirh
-
Profession
Question
It upsets me to see Kuwaitis celebrating the US invasion to Iraq and it upsets me to see Kurds joining the battlefield side by side. Are these nations Muslims? Do they believe that they will live forever? Are they ignorant? Is money more important? Is a state of Kurdistan more important than Muslim dignity?
Answer
I think that as Muslims we should judge by the criteria that God revealed in the Qur'an. You sound very convinced that you are sure the people in Kuwait have no reason to be relived that Hussein is being challenged. Do you know their political or other views really? I don't believe that there is any sane person who is enjoying that people's lives are being put at risk by such ignorance...not Arab, Muslim, American, etc. Only sick people are enjoying war, and I don't believe that because people are Kurdish or Kuwaiti that they are enjoying war.
Name
abdallah
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
translator
Question
Why Americans are trying to export democracy to Iraq on missiles, fighting jets and warships?
Answer
As-Salaamu `Alaykum brother Abdullah,
I don't know how we have progressed as a people to the extent that we have made great technological advances, yet have not understood how to achieve our goals without violence. Sometimes, of course we know that war is justifiable, but in most instances I think that it is simply the method of choice because it is easier and takes less time than arriving at agreements diplomatically. I regret the war, and pray that since God has allowed it, there will be some positive effects from it.
Name
Hafiz
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
Where is the role of the United Nation and security council now? Where is democracy in the world?
Answer
That is the big question now. Considering that UN has adopted and articulated an agenda through its various conferences that call for the "removal of all barriers to women's empowerment" which was identified within their documents as religion and culture, I don't see that they should be allowed to play much of a role in Iraq until they denounce this agenda.
Name
Khidr
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
The Iraqi Prime Minister vowed unconventional action in Baghdad? Whad do you think he means by unconventional action?
Answer
Who knows? It perhaps means that he will do something, or that something will happen that is not expected, or that would not be categorized as "conventional."
Name
Wael
-
Profession
Question
What is your advice to those millions of Arabs who have been waiting for their borders to open in order to go defend their brothers and sisters in Iraq and Palestine, but they were met with great disappointment from their leaders? Do they have to revolt?
Answer
I guess that to answer this question we must understand what they are going to revolt against. I am very surprised that so many Muslims want to fight now. Where were the fighters when it was the innocent people being killed by governments, tortured and denied their human rights? Where were the fighters when the mosques were being closed and people disappeared because they wore beards and scarves and wanted to practice Islam? Where were the fighters when the Muslim lands were being desecrated by gambling casinos, prostitution, and drugs? Do they want to die for Saddam? Why didn't they fight for the people, and for Islam? When the Islamic movements would call on the people to protest they were called fanatics, etc. It's very confusing to me, so I have no answer.
Name
Amjad
-
Profession
Question
Do you think America and its allies will stand the street fight?
Answer
I have no idea. The brothers have informed me that the session has ended. I thank you all for your questions and pray that Allah will protect and guide us all. Wassalaamu `Alaykum wa rahmatu Allah.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
Answer
Editor:
We would like to apologize for our viewers for not being able to answer all the questions within the time allocated to this session. We request our viewers to join us in the upcoming sessions on Iraq.
