My people listen carefully. Who is it that did all the prosperity for the nation? Who is that vow to end poverty and corruptions? Who is that claim to dictate the advancement of the country?
I did all that for you. Yes for you. I came to rule over you for many reasons. I don’t like to waste time, I am a doer! Before in this country, God’s curse was on everyone. Those people who were ruling and dictating the affairs of the government are bad. They don’t love you like i do. They think they owned this country. Look now. Who own this land and its people heee.
Listen to me you lot. All the accusations against me are true. Yes, i am a man. Men don’t mind killing, men don’t mind locking up stupid and traitors, men don’t mind spinning the news and blame others for their faults.
If you think, I am on my way out, think again. Which king have you ever seen abdicate himself? now think. They say all those bad things that i use force and the underworld to control you the people. Yes i do. Which successful king doesn’t?
I have managed to develop my father’s house with no serious qualifications. I have managed to use and abuse the so-called educated professionals for years. They think they are cleaver when i appoint them. They are stupid. Think about it. How can a step-aside school leaver with poor results, like men and women with masters and degrees and even dear I say PhD’s? How can I like such kind of people? They are mad and selfish like me. If they cannot figure out all I want them for is use them and discard them like condoms. Or no. I did i say condom. You didn’t hear that.
My people will stand for me. Yes, they will. And come rain or shine they will defend me. And what can you do about it? Oh yeah coalitions. Hah. Haah. Coalitions. I heard that before.
The secret in my success is divide and rule. Many of you want to be just like me. Powerful, dress nice, beautiful wife, all the songs composed about me. Point me one citizen of this land who is different from me? Oh not Hudenfa or Sankanda? Them, they also want to be powerful and cerebrated just like me.
They may not enjoy the killings though. You know that is very difficult, although i don’t witness the events. I instruct the low of the low of this land to commit the evil acts. They love it. Do you know why, good and bad people of Water-follow land. They think that committing evil for me will put them in my good books. I have a yellow and blue book. But what they the ‘murder squad’ fail to know, no King like his killers. The killers at the end become bloodthirsty. If the king fails to provide them with targets to eliminate, they start pointing at the King’s own trusted allies. They just want to kill, simple.
The only way the King can get rid of addict torturers and killers, is to let them turn against each other. Now you know am smart. Don’t you?
Can you remember the men who use to be close to me last year, how many of them are with me now? Do the maths, count back to two year ago, three years ago, four years ago, seven years ago etc.
I change them like cloths. Yeah i love fine cloths. Chopoti is my favourite costume. When I wear it, the critics go mad. I wind them up big time. They know i don’t pray. I false them all. If you became a King like me, God himself give you added powers and might. You don’t need to pray. That’s why I hold the beads with my left hand. I know those Muslims say you do dikr with your rights hand and all cleaning with your left hand. I do the opposite. I am a king remember, the laws of God change for us. He chose us himself to rule, for that he elevated his Kings, including I Manke RR Wuyaha.
Oh my people
Many have tried, but the lord banishes them to damnation. In-fact, that is well before the holy powers of herbal warrior was unveil to I King Manke. Imagine what I will do with the evil critics and traitors. I will feed them to the gods, he my god lives of blood and tears. The unpatriotic citizens claim that, we should introduce democracy. That is a foreign doctrine and it’s against our culture and values. But to silence them, we use that idea the way it best serves our purpose.
The River-follow land’s democracy is attained in the following ways:
One, i gather the entire motor mouths, backward son’s of the land. They shout and praise I the King.
Two, I also gather all the big women of the land who would hardly listen to their men. They clap and dance
Three, I use the musicians, they love money. I know some of them can’t sing or dance but at least they make the crowd misunderstand me more.
Four, I gather all the poor village and town elders. Yeah elders, this people will do anything I want. Even if I instruct them to sacrifice their first born, they will. This people praise me also. They advice all the bad people to vote for me.
Five, few of my handpicked educated servants make remarkable speech for me. I know they are double standard people. They say good things, but they know I no good.
Six, the religious leaders speak and solidify my goodness. Hah hah. My people, I know many of you citizens are not God fearing. You rush to God but never spend a second there. God will not listen to you to remove me. The only fear I have is the curse of the blood of my victims. Yeah, I have bad dreams of all those that died at my instruction.
The seventh steps is, I myself will rise to make a speech. I will speak and make many many promises. So much, so that, I the King even muddle up and end up repeating myself again. This shows that I am also a human.
Then, I dish out some money and we sleep in hostel. One big trick i use is to mix married men and married women. This works. They left their partners behind and sleep in big halls. Whatever happens at night is part of democracy.
The defenders of our land also play a big part in making me win. They put on their mix colour cloths and big leather foot wear. They frown and look straight at people. They smile only to ladies though. But on the whole, they do a good job for me. They cast fear in people’s heart, they bit up good people, so that bad people can be afraid. You see the logic.
Finally, my people, Say what you want about me, it makes me big. But remember, I have the power lock you up and kill if so wish. How many of you dare criticise me? Out the number of you, how many say my bad things? Not many. This shows that you are all selfish and cowards. I am the only true man in this land. See you in 15 years time again.
(This write up is a tribute to all the victim of violence in our country. The spirit of the bereaved families and those whose family members are currently in prison on political charges).
May God fight the battles of the weak and voiceless. Never under estimate the power of God.
SUNTOU.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Saturday, 7 February 2009
ARROGANCE AND PRIDE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=669zkvL5y34&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div
Brothers ans sisters, i encourage you to listen to this short lecture by Sheik Abu Usama on the definition of arrogance and pride. Pride is explain in Islam as only suitable for God the Almighty. We as humans should avoid belittling each other and be available to every human being who seeks our association. To be frank, the effect of our status and wealth are things that can easily make us proud and be inaccessible. Whatever one has, you are just one mortal among the over six billion people.
We shouldn't hate base of race, tribe or language. Or on any mundane basis. We hate because that is more appropriate. Example when someone is oppressing other human beings. we hate that person's actions not his humanity. Our brotherhood should be base of love and unity in our believe in God the most High. Many of us one way or the other may have made a mistake of thinking you are above a certain person because you have something, he/she doesn't or because you are from a certain family or tribe and someone else is not. These are baseless reason to be arrogant. To love one's language and tribe doesn't mean one is proud, but when it pushes you to go overboard and start hating others, then you are arrogant. This means you reject the facts of God's creation and try to promote falsehood. The lecture is short but eye opening. Lets bow down to only God the creator, cherisher and sustainer. He is the one who bless us with whatever we have, in terms of successes and hardship. May Allah make us humble and loving people.
Brothers ans sisters, i encourage you to listen to this short lecture by Sheik Abu Usama on the definition of arrogance and pride. Pride is explain in Islam as only suitable for God the Almighty. We as humans should avoid belittling each other and be available to every human being who seeks our association. To be frank, the effect of our status and wealth are things that can easily make us proud and be inaccessible. Whatever one has, you are just one mortal among the over six billion people.
We shouldn't hate base of race, tribe or language. Or on any mundane basis. We hate because that is more appropriate. Example when someone is oppressing other human beings. we hate that person's actions not his humanity. Our brotherhood should be base of love and unity in our believe in God the most High. Many of us one way or the other may have made a mistake of thinking you are above a certain person because you have something, he/she doesn't or because you are from a certain family or tribe and someone else is not. These are baseless reason to be arrogant. To love one's language and tribe doesn't mean one is proud, but when it pushes you to go overboard and start hating others, then you are arrogant. This means you reject the facts of God's creation and try to promote falsehood. The lecture is short but eye opening. Lets bow down to only God the creator, cherisher and sustainer. He is the one who bless us with whatever we have, in terms of successes and hardship. May Allah make us humble and loving people.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
THE SNOW FUSS
I try ignoring the snow effect in the Middle England and the whole of the U.K. On the first of February whilst driving to spend the Night in Leicestershire high fields, The snow started affecting traffic and the road conditions.
I decided it will be wise to spend the night with a friend than wait for the unprepared English county councils to grit the roads, since i had an exam to sit the next day. I drive carefully up to two miles before reaching the area of Corby and Markfields. There was an under pass full with snow and slippery flakes. Before i know anything, my car swerve violently to the opposite direction. I literally face where i was driving from. Lucky me, there was no car following. I blasted the horn and quickly turn back to were i was heading to. Suddenly a car emerge from the other direction joining the main road. I blasted the horn again, because i was not in full speed then, he could easily ram into into me easily.
I said nothing to anyone , snow fall is a rear occurrence, so no need to make a fuss about it when fall once in hile heavily. The following morning after our exams, some Friends of mine decided to indulge in old folk snow fights. I couldn't believe it, I am seriously a 32 year old adult. My knees are going and embarking on a midday snow fight! huh. I said not for me.
I decided to head home slowly through the over 35 miles journey.
Then today, i woke up to find the midlands covered in snow every where. Well, i thought it will be business as usual. Guess what? the schools were closed, my wife had already left, so it's me who has to stay home. Haa, now i have to make a fuss about this now. All my engagement cancelled due to snow. Now then, is this how the Scottish manage their every day snow? Is this how the Finish, Germans or Icelandic manage the snow? Or even the Polish.
But, i decided to spend even more quality time with the children, making an in fact snow man and snow fighting instead. Enjoy it folks, i am. United Kingdom, don't let the snow bring the whole country to a hault.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Gambian Women Film by a pervert Nigerian whilst Cohabiting
Gambians caught in secret video scandal
By Suntou Touray
This is not a message for the faint hearted. Our country Gambia is small but has passionate historical past. The Gambia many will say has strong cultural and moral values entrenched in her inhabitants. Human beings are equal in the eyes of God. No single human is better than the other, either by virtue of race, colour, tribe, culture, country or any other basis for that matter.
As a nation, Gambians like reminding other nationals that we are a tolerant, spiritual and kind hearted people. Our open door policy in absorbing different cultures made us such that, what we tend to value most are slipping away from the tips of our fingers.
You may be wondering what on earth this blabber talking about.
Well intelligent folks, the Gambia is said to be a secular state, with a secular constitution and civil society. But culturally, we are a religious nation. This is manifested in both our private and communal behaviours. The negative action of one Gambian can easily tarnish the reputation or image of the nation we all love and cherish.
This is no sermon folks. I am not a religious scholar to preach either. I am a fellow Gambian educated in the same schools like the many out there who are more qualified and better articulate to convey this sad and abhorrent message. What is the message?
It has come to the attention of some people that some Gambians have been caught up over a sex scandal in U.K. The parties involved are women. Their involvement relates to a Nigerian man who used to live in Gambia . This man is said to have married a Gambian woman. The man is well respected by the People of the town he married the young lady from. After living in the Gambia for sometime, the Nigerian man immigrated to England. He arranged for his wife to join him in the U.K.
What was not known is that the man has a secret life. His friendliness and outwardly respectful behaviour was to mask his promiscuous life. The man is said have bedded string of Gambian women whilst still married with his Gambian wife. Going to bed with Gambian women may not sound like crime per say. Those women have personal liberty to sleep with whoever they so desired. What is of concern regards the fact that this man secretly filmed all his targets and held the copies in his house. Some of the women involved are married women who are today fighting to save their respective marriages.
The pornographic video is said to be uploaded on the Internet and some are even suggesting that, the films might be the man’s normal business for living. His friends and acquaintance are saying the man stopped working for long time thus arousing suspicion that he sells or uploads the films of innocent women on the net to gain money.
You may wonder how much this becomes your business or mine. Good to question though. As a Gambian Muslim, it is a religious duty and a nationalistic duty for us to do our best in promoting and preserving the good name of our country. On my part, the intention here is to caution fellow Gambians that we are from noble people and good backgrounds. The freedom modern societies avail us shouldn’t be a license to waste our lives and along the way tarnish our collective images. This case is said to be under police investigation as there were some young girls involved in the scandal. What is it that makes a married Gambian woman abandon her marital house for fooling around with another married Nigerian man? Our society is seriously in need of repairs. This shameful act is not limited to women alone. Men are also into questionable acts as well. What happens to the Wollof doctrine of ‘self-respect’, the Fulla philosopher of ‘shame’, the Mandinka principle of ‘shunning disgrace’, the sarahuleh conduct of ‘hard work and upholding religious ethics’? What has gone wrong with all those golden Gambian values?
Each and every one of us has in us an in-built ‘fitrah’ (in born faculty of reason.) This confers in us the ability to distinguish what is morally right and what is wrong. Having sexual intercourse with a Nigerian man may not be seen by some as crime. However when the man films you unaware and then sell it is illegal and morally bankrupt that is something to worry about. For the sake of our faith we are miles better to control our behaviours and watch what we do. Life is too short to waste.
At this crucial time, the matter is bigger than being judgemental of each other. The underlying reason for this act might be many folds. The man could have induced these women with money or other material seduction. Sadly the outcome of this moral corrupt behaviour is separation of married couples and incurring on the parties involves untold shame and guilt. The wider ramification here is not about the nationality of the man. He could have been a Gambian or Senegalese for that matter. The saga has exposed the failing of some parents who never utter a word of advice to siblings in Europe or America . All that some parents ever enquire about is when will they receive their allowance in monetary benefits.
The culprit who film is conquest is said to also film other non-Gambian women he had intercourse with. Some concerns Gambians are said to have watch the video in a police station to subside the rumour of some innocent women suspected of being part of the collection.
I hope that our moral ethics and religious faith lead the way for us wherever we are. May God guide our actions. Amen
By Suntou Touray
This is not a message for the faint hearted. Our country Gambia is small but has passionate historical past. The Gambia many will say has strong cultural and moral values entrenched in her inhabitants. Human beings are equal in the eyes of God. No single human is better than the other, either by virtue of race, colour, tribe, culture, country or any other basis for that matter.
As a nation, Gambians like reminding other nationals that we are a tolerant, spiritual and kind hearted people. Our open door policy in absorbing different cultures made us such that, what we tend to value most are slipping away from the tips of our fingers.
You may be wondering what on earth this blabber talking about.
Well intelligent folks, the Gambia is said to be a secular state, with a secular constitution and civil society. But culturally, we are a religious nation. This is manifested in both our private and communal behaviours. The negative action of one Gambian can easily tarnish the reputation or image of the nation we all love and cherish.
This is no sermon folks. I am not a religious scholar to preach either. I am a fellow Gambian educated in the same schools like the many out there who are more qualified and better articulate to convey this sad and abhorrent message. What is the message?
It has come to the attention of some people that some Gambians have been caught up over a sex scandal in U.K. The parties involved are women. Their involvement relates to a Nigerian man who used to live in Gambia . This man is said to have married a Gambian woman. The man is well respected by the People of the town he married the young lady from. After living in the Gambia for sometime, the Nigerian man immigrated to England. He arranged for his wife to join him in the U.K.
What was not known is that the man has a secret life. His friendliness and outwardly respectful behaviour was to mask his promiscuous life. The man is said have bedded string of Gambian women whilst still married with his Gambian wife. Going to bed with Gambian women may not sound like crime per say. Those women have personal liberty to sleep with whoever they so desired. What is of concern regards the fact that this man secretly filmed all his targets and held the copies in his house. Some of the women involved are married women who are today fighting to save their respective marriages.
The pornographic video is said to be uploaded on the Internet and some are even suggesting that, the films might be the man’s normal business for living. His friends and acquaintance are saying the man stopped working for long time thus arousing suspicion that he sells or uploads the films of innocent women on the net to gain money.
You may wonder how much this becomes your business or mine. Good to question though. As a Gambian Muslim, it is a religious duty and a nationalistic duty for us to do our best in promoting and preserving the good name of our country. On my part, the intention here is to caution fellow Gambians that we are from noble people and good backgrounds. The freedom modern societies avail us shouldn’t be a license to waste our lives and along the way tarnish our collective images. This case is said to be under police investigation as there were some young girls involved in the scandal. What is it that makes a married Gambian woman abandon her marital house for fooling around with another married Nigerian man? Our society is seriously in need of repairs. This shameful act is not limited to women alone. Men are also into questionable acts as well. What happens to the Wollof doctrine of ‘self-respect’, the Fulla philosopher of ‘shame’, the Mandinka principle of ‘shunning disgrace’, the sarahuleh conduct of ‘hard work and upholding religious ethics’? What has gone wrong with all those golden Gambian values?
Each and every one of us has in us an in-built ‘fitrah’ (in born faculty of reason.) This confers in us the ability to distinguish what is morally right and what is wrong. Having sexual intercourse with a Nigerian man may not be seen by some as crime. However when the man films you unaware and then sell it is illegal and morally bankrupt that is something to worry about. For the sake of our faith we are miles better to control our behaviours and watch what we do. Life is too short to waste.
At this crucial time, the matter is bigger than being judgemental of each other. The underlying reason for this act might be many folds. The man could have induced these women with money or other material seduction. Sadly the outcome of this moral corrupt behaviour is separation of married couples and incurring on the parties involves untold shame and guilt. The wider ramification here is not about the nationality of the man. He could have been a Gambian or Senegalese for that matter. The saga has exposed the failing of some parents who never utter a word of advice to siblings in Europe or America . All that some parents ever enquire about is when will they receive their allowance in monetary benefits.
The culprit who film is conquest is said to also film other non-Gambian women he had intercourse with. Some concerns Gambians are said to have watch the video in a police station to subside the rumour of some innocent women suspected of being part of the collection.
I hope that our moral ethics and religious faith lead the way for us wherever we are. May God guide our actions. Amen
THE TRUTH ABOUT VALANTINES CELEBRATIONS
VALENTINE, THE PAGAN CELEBRATION… BY SHEIK BADRU JAFFAR
Several years ago I was listening to a brother castigating Muslim brethren who celebrate Valentine's Day and I thought to myself how many of us are caught up in the cultural web. Later the brother was seen carrying flowers on the 14th of February and this cemented the idea that our lives have been heavily influenced by western cultures.
Praise be to Allah, in His infinite mercy He has blessed us with Islam as our religion and He will not accept any other religion from anyone, as He says:
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”[Al-Imraan 85]
Prophet Muhamad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that groups of his Ummah would follow the enemies of Allah in some of their rituals and customs, as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?!” Bukhary
Imam Bukhary placed this hadeeth under the topic "Fortification (of one's self) with the Kitaab and Sunnah". In his fiqh the Imam is admonishing us to stick to the ways, culture and customs of the Quran and Sunnah. If we choose to follow alien cultures and religions we are bound to adversely affect our iman and akhlaq … after all isn’t celebrating a day such as Valentine's Day celebrating zinaa (adulter and fornication)!
What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke of has indeed come to pass and has become widespread in recent times, Many of us follow un-Islamic customs, and more so when we imitate the West by celebrating their rituals and holidays. Many Muslim countries are grappling with the idea of changing the weekend from Saturday and Sunday as this is a western custom.
The matter has been compounded by the media whereby the rituals and customs of the non-Muslims are now transmitted with the glamorous adornment of sound and image. Many Muslims have been hoodwinked by this deception.
This article seeks to address this phenomenon in terms of its negative effects on the youth and Muslims in general.
The Story of the Festival of Love (Valentine’s Day)
The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the Romans, when paganism was the prevalent practice in Rome, more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, Valentine's Day was an expression of “spiritual love”. When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the day, but changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of lovers. The Pope designated the day of the death of Saint Valentine, February 14, 270 CE, as a festival of love.
Some of the activities that mark celebrating this day are:-
1 – Expressing joy and happiness on this occasion, preparing special meals, candle lit dinners and romantic events.
2 – Exchanging red roses, which are an expression of love, the “spiritual love” of the pagans or the “martyr of love” of the Christians. Hence it is known to them as the Feast of Lovers.
3 – The sending of greetings cards, sms messages, love letters. On some of these cards and messages have pictures of “Cupid”, who appears as a child with two wings, carrying a bow and arrows. This was the god of love of the pagan Romans – exalted be Allah far above their fabrications and their association of others with Him.
4 – Exchange of words of love and desire in the greeting cards and sms messages, in verse, prose and short phrases. Some of the cards contain the phrase “Be my Valentine”. This represents the Christian concept of this festival after it was adopted from the pagan concept.
5 – In many societies, parties are held during the day and in the evening, where there is mixing of men and women, and dancing. Many of them send gifts such as roses and boxes of chocolates to their wives, friends and those whom they love or whom they lust for.
6- Dressing up in red.
Anyone who looks at what is said above about the myths surrounding this pagan festival will clearly understand the following:
Firstly: That the origins of Valentine's Day lie in the pagan beliefs of the Romans, where it was an expression of the spiritual love of the idols which they used to worship instead of Allah. Whoever celebrates Valentine's Day is celebrating an occasion of shirk on which the idols are venerated. Allah says:
“Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the dhaalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers” [Al-Maa’idah 72]
Imam Ibn Qayyim RA says:
"…as for congratulating the kuffaar on their celebrations, it is haram by consensus, e.g. congratulating them on their fast by saying blessed fast or we congratulate you on this occasion, if the one congratulating them escapes from kufr (disbelief), it still remains a prohibited act. It is of the same ruling as congratulating a non Muslim on prostrating to an idol, but it is more sinful in Allah's eyes, and more blameworthy than congratulating one on drinking alcohol, murder or committing adultery" Ahkaam Ahl-Dhimmah pg 205
It is therefore clearly not allowed to celebrate Valentine's Day, even for married couples.
Secondly: The connection between Saint Valentine and this festival has been questioned by many sources, and it is considered to be far from definite. Therefore, it is purely a pagan form of worship.
Thirdly: This festival was denounced by the Christian clergy in Italy, the bastion of Catholicism, because it was spreading bad attitudes and having an adverse effect on the minds of young men and women. Muslim youth alike should shun this festival as it promotes zinaa (sex outside marriage).
In Islam, the festivals that are to be celebrated by Muslims are clearly defined and well established. They are an essential part of our worship and culture. Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Festivals are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which Allah says:
‘To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way.’[Al-Maa’idah 48]
‘For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow.’[Al-Hajj 67]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) referred to the fact that every nation has its own festivals when he said:
‘Every nation has its own Eid and this is our Eid.’ Bukhary & Muslim.
Valentine’s Day is surely a pagan celebration and Muslims have no share and no part in it. – “Every nation has its Eid,” – then each nation should be distinguished by its festivals. If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should join in with them, just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer.
Celebrating un-Islamic holidays and rituals erodes our iman. Our shariah intends to create a difference and distinction between believers and non believers which in turn creates influence and loyalty to Allah. This loyalty gives rise to an influential society. Allah says:
'Thus We have made you true Muslims - real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Mohamad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his Sunnah (legal ways)-, a just (and the best) nation that you be witnesses over mankind' Albaqara 143
Participating in un-Islamic celebrations breeds love for the non-Muslims and their way of life, this goes further to entrench their beliefs in the larger society and for the participants to unwittingly imbibe it themselves. How can Muslims be right and they covet our way of life, they would ask.
'Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him (Believers), when they said to their people (Non believers); Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah; we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allah alone'. Mumtahinah 4
Imitating non believers even in small ways like congratulating them on their celebrations or giving them gifts is a precursor for adopting and participating in bigger acts of kufr. It is evident some Muslims attend mass during Christmas while others decorate their houses with the cross – may Allah guide us – and these despicable acts started from seemingly innocent congratulations sent to them on their festivities.
How many youth engage in zinaa on Valentine's Day? How many lives are messed up? And how many abortions follow up? This occasion only provides the non Muslims with a wide open door to our hearts and lives to plant seeds of kufr.
May Allah guide us against all forms of idol worship, Amin.
Sh. Badru Jaffar
Patron, Ashabaab Newsletter
Several years ago I was listening to a brother castigating Muslim brethren who celebrate Valentine's Day and I thought to myself how many of us are caught up in the cultural web. Later the brother was seen carrying flowers on the 14th of February and this cemented the idea that our lives have been heavily influenced by western cultures.
Praise be to Allah, in His infinite mercy He has blessed us with Islam as our religion and He will not accept any other religion from anyone, as He says:
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”[Al-Imraan 85]
Prophet Muhamad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that groups of his Ummah would follow the enemies of Allah in some of their rituals and customs, as it says in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else?!” Bukhary
Imam Bukhary placed this hadeeth under the topic "Fortification (of one's self) with the Kitaab and Sunnah". In his fiqh the Imam is admonishing us to stick to the ways, culture and customs of the Quran and Sunnah. If we choose to follow alien cultures and religions we are bound to adversely affect our iman and akhlaq … after all isn’t celebrating a day such as Valentine's Day celebrating zinaa (adulter and fornication)!
What the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke of has indeed come to pass and has become widespread in recent times, Many of us follow un-Islamic customs, and more so when we imitate the West by celebrating their rituals and holidays. Many Muslim countries are grappling with the idea of changing the weekend from Saturday and Sunday as this is a western custom.
The matter has been compounded by the media whereby the rituals and customs of the non-Muslims are now transmitted with the glamorous adornment of sound and image. Many Muslims have been hoodwinked by this deception.
This article seeks to address this phenomenon in terms of its negative effects on the youth and Muslims in general.
The Story of the Festival of Love (Valentine’s Day)
The Festival of Love was one of the festivals of the Romans, when paganism was the prevalent practice in Rome, more than seventeen centuries ago. In the pagan Roman concept, Valentine's Day was an expression of “spiritual love”. When the Romans embraced Christianity, they continued to celebrate the day, but changed it from the pagan concept of “spiritual love” to another concept known as the “martyrs of love”, represented by Saint Valentine who had advocated love and peace, for which cause he was martyred, according to their claims. It was also called the Feast of Lovers, and Saint Valentine was considered to be the patron saint of lovers. The Pope designated the day of the death of Saint Valentine, February 14, 270 CE, as a festival of love.
Some of the activities that mark celebrating this day are:-
1 – Expressing joy and happiness on this occasion, preparing special meals, candle lit dinners and romantic events.
2 – Exchanging red roses, which are an expression of love, the “spiritual love” of the pagans or the “martyr of love” of the Christians. Hence it is known to them as the Feast of Lovers.
3 – The sending of greetings cards, sms messages, love letters. On some of these cards and messages have pictures of “Cupid”, who appears as a child with two wings, carrying a bow and arrows. This was the god of love of the pagan Romans – exalted be Allah far above their fabrications and their association of others with Him.
4 – Exchange of words of love and desire in the greeting cards and sms messages, in verse, prose and short phrases. Some of the cards contain the phrase “Be my Valentine”. This represents the Christian concept of this festival after it was adopted from the pagan concept.
5 – In many societies, parties are held during the day and in the evening, where there is mixing of men and women, and dancing. Many of them send gifts such as roses and boxes of chocolates to their wives, friends and those whom they love or whom they lust for.
6- Dressing up in red.
Anyone who looks at what is said above about the myths surrounding this pagan festival will clearly understand the following:
Firstly: That the origins of Valentine's Day lie in the pagan beliefs of the Romans, where it was an expression of the spiritual love of the idols which they used to worship instead of Allah. Whoever celebrates Valentine's Day is celebrating an occasion of shirk on which the idols are venerated. Allah says:
“Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the dhaalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers” [Al-Maa’idah 72]
Imam Ibn Qayyim RA says:
"…as for congratulating the kuffaar on their celebrations, it is haram by consensus, e.g. congratulating them on their fast by saying blessed fast or we congratulate you on this occasion, if the one congratulating them escapes from kufr (disbelief), it still remains a prohibited act. It is of the same ruling as congratulating a non Muslim on prostrating to an idol, but it is more sinful in Allah's eyes, and more blameworthy than congratulating one on drinking alcohol, murder or committing adultery" Ahkaam Ahl-Dhimmah pg 205
It is therefore clearly not allowed to celebrate Valentine's Day, even for married couples.
Secondly: The connection between Saint Valentine and this festival has been questioned by many sources, and it is considered to be far from definite. Therefore, it is purely a pagan form of worship.
Thirdly: This festival was denounced by the Christian clergy in Italy, the bastion of Catholicism, because it was spreading bad attitudes and having an adverse effect on the minds of young men and women. Muslim youth alike should shun this festival as it promotes zinaa (sex outside marriage).
In Islam, the festivals that are to be celebrated by Muslims are clearly defined and well established. They are an essential part of our worship and culture. Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Festivals are part of the laws, clear way and religious ceremonies of which Allah says:
‘To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way.’[Al-Maa’idah 48]
‘For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow.’[Al-Hajj 67]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) referred to the fact that every nation has its own festivals when he said:
‘Every nation has its own Eid and this is our Eid.’ Bukhary & Muslim.
Valentine’s Day is surely a pagan celebration and Muslims have no share and no part in it. – “Every nation has its Eid,” – then each nation should be distinguished by its festivals. If the Christians have a festival and the Jews have a festival, which belongs exclusively to them, then no Muslim should join in with them, just as he does not share their religion or their direction of prayer.
Celebrating un-Islamic holidays and rituals erodes our iman. Our shariah intends to create a difference and distinction between believers and non believers which in turn creates influence and loyalty to Allah. This loyalty gives rise to an influential society. Allah says:
'Thus We have made you true Muslims - real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Mohamad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his Sunnah (legal ways)-, a just (and the best) nation that you be witnesses over mankind' Albaqara 143
Participating in un-Islamic celebrations breeds love for the non-Muslims and their way of life, this goes further to entrench their beliefs in the larger society and for the participants to unwittingly imbibe it themselves. How can Muslims be right and they covet our way of life, they would ask.
'Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him (Believers), when they said to their people (Non believers); Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah; we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allah alone'. Mumtahinah 4
Imitating non believers even in small ways like congratulating them on their celebrations or giving them gifts is a precursor for adopting and participating in bigger acts of kufr. It is evident some Muslims attend mass during Christmas while others decorate their houses with the cross – may Allah guide us – and these despicable acts started from seemingly innocent congratulations sent to them on their festivities.
How many youth engage in zinaa on Valentine's Day? How many lives are messed up? And how many abortions follow up? This occasion only provides the non Muslims with a wide open door to our hearts and lives to plant seeds of kufr.
May Allah guide us against all forms of idol worship, Amin.
Sh. Badru Jaffar
Patron, Ashabaab Newsletter
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Bush dance (nghan sin dance)
I came across this jaliba Kuyateh video about the circumcision dance for males. I don't remember dancing that way. It is a tradition for male Nghanshins to dance to a tune when their wounds healed. But we use to jump up and legs cross and down gently. Jaliba has indeed commercialise mandinka kewulo.
watch the video. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8RT6m4b8KCg&feature=related
If you have perform the circumcision dance tell me how your area perform it. Kingtanbas were well respected members of our society. They look after young people and made sure every body is looked after properly. They also inculcate in young people self-respect and moral ethiquites. That old tradition is now all but gone. The demarcation between men and women world is wide open. There were somethings ladies that men don't know and cannot enquire about, and vice verse for women.
Jaliba's dancers seems to confuse the whole dance routine.
watch the video. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8RT6m4b8KCg&feature=related
If you have perform the circumcision dance tell me how your area perform it. Kingtanbas were well respected members of our society. They look after young people and made sure every body is looked after properly. They also inculcate in young people self-respect and moral ethiquites. That old tradition is now all but gone. The demarcation between men and women world is wide open. There were somethings ladies that men don't know and cannot enquire about, and vice verse for women.
Jaliba's dancers seems to confuse the whole dance routine.
Mai Fatty's personal Life coming to the foe
I posted a small welcome message for the new party in Gambia's political scheme. Some writers are of the opinion that, at this juncture in the Gambia's history, more parties are not wha is needed. But one person left this comment about Mai Fatty which i commented on.
Have a read:
Anonymous said...
"mr mai fatti,leader of this new party, will face a courtcase as soon he arrives in the gambia, this so said in justice believing person, buys goods without paying them, to be continued....31 January 2009 12:04"
My response to the above comments.
Thanks for your comment. I don't know Mai fatty and certainly cannot comment on his private dealings. I have the opinion that, any citizen of the Gambia who intends to assume public office should first be vetted and scrutinised by an independent authority for past frauds, crimes and moral conducts. But this is when the country has independent bodies that can act neutral and objective but in our case that is not so.I intend to write about the old forms of leader selection God-willing. But we live in a modern world, people can put themselves forward to be elected as future presidents and other lower public offices. This i believe is self-defeating. Mai Fatty is said to be a man of strong personality and a strong negotiator. Also he is said to stand up for the student members of Muslim high school during his head boys days and that he defended folks from rural areas who were intimidated by some city boys. Another news i heard of him was an encounter he had with his lecturer in Foray Bay college Sierra Leon. The story is that, Mai kept attending the court proceeding of his lecturer in law but the Lecturer warn him to stop attending his sitings, which Mai refuse to do. Later he had a problem with the university authorities. Do the Gambia needs a Strong headed leader at this juncture? This is debatable. There have been many sad and bad things that occurred in our tiny country. A charismatic and steady person who is intelligent and having a good foresight is thus a suitable person we need to put the country together again. If anyone argue that the Gambia is not divided today, then that person don't understand the underlying problems brewing under the surface. Yahya has thrive on dividing the population and using heavy handed methods in silencing and cowing the decent citizens of the Gambia. To bring peace and reconciliation, a united opposition is needed for the first five year after Yahya. This will bring us together and help set up several committees to investigate past crimes and deal with them professionally and dignifiable.The future of the Gambian union is in the hands of level headed Gambians. Mai seems to be a level headed person, but will his personal dealings haunt him? I don't know. God is the best judge. One thing politics do, is uncover people's personal lives. I hope Mai can handle all the issues that will now come to be associated with him. If indeed he has issues to sort of with people, then i advise him to do that now and move on.
Have a read:
Anonymous said...
"mr mai fatti,leader of this new party, will face a courtcase as soon he arrives in the gambia, this so said in justice believing person, buys goods without paying them, to be continued....31 January 2009 12:04"
My response to the above comments.
Thanks for your comment. I don't know Mai fatty and certainly cannot comment on his private dealings. I have the opinion that, any citizen of the Gambia who intends to assume public office should first be vetted and scrutinised by an independent authority for past frauds, crimes and moral conducts. But this is when the country has independent bodies that can act neutral and objective but in our case that is not so.I intend to write about the old forms of leader selection God-willing. But we live in a modern world, people can put themselves forward to be elected as future presidents and other lower public offices. This i believe is self-defeating. Mai Fatty is said to be a man of strong personality and a strong negotiator. Also he is said to stand up for the student members of Muslim high school during his head boys days and that he defended folks from rural areas who were intimidated by some city boys. Another news i heard of him was an encounter he had with his lecturer in Foray Bay college Sierra Leon. The story is that, Mai kept attending the court proceeding of his lecturer in law but the Lecturer warn him to stop attending his sitings, which Mai refuse to do. Later he had a problem with the university authorities. Do the Gambia needs a Strong headed leader at this juncture? This is debatable. There have been many sad and bad things that occurred in our tiny country. A charismatic and steady person who is intelligent and having a good foresight is thus a suitable person we need to put the country together again. If anyone argue that the Gambia is not divided today, then that person don't understand the underlying problems brewing under the surface. Yahya has thrive on dividing the population and using heavy handed methods in silencing and cowing the decent citizens of the Gambia. To bring peace and reconciliation, a united opposition is needed for the first five year after Yahya. This will bring us together and help set up several committees to investigate past crimes and deal with them professionally and dignifiable.The future of the Gambian union is in the hands of level headed Gambians. Mai seems to be a level headed person, but will his personal dealings haunt him? I don't know. God is the best judge. One thing politics do, is uncover people's personal lives. I hope Mai can handle all the issues that will now come to be associated with him. If indeed he has issues to sort of with people, then i advise him to do that now and move on.
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