The Palestine activists face up to six months in prison [Courtesy: Palestine Action]
A group of Palestinian activists in the UK could be imprisoned after a protest outside a factory owned by a subsidiary of Israeli drone manufacturer, Elbit Systems.
Five protesters were arrested in July after the demonstration in the West Midlands town of Shenstone and later charged with a breach of the Trade Union and Labour Relations.
Operations at the UAV Engines Ltd plant were shutdown for two days starting July 6 with protesters laying out mock coffins outside the factory and laying on the ground outside its gates.
The specific offence the activists are accused of carries a sentence of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 5,000 British pounds ($6,410).
A court hearing on Friday was adjourned pending a review of the charge by prosecutors with the possibility that the current charge may be dropped and a new one added.
Not guilty plea
The Birmingham and Manchester branches of Palestine Action, which helped organise the protest said those accused would be pleading not guilty.
“They [protesters] believe that the factory is complicit in illegal activity and that they were preventing a crime,” the group said in a statement.
Defence lawyer Mike Schwarz said: “An issue at trial is likely to be the lawfulness of [Elbit and UAV Engine’s] activity in its factory.”
A spokesperson for Elbit said the company will not comment on the issue.
Based in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, Elbit produces military and civilian-use equipment, including drones, aircraft, weapon control systems, and artillery.
The company’s customers include the Israeli army, US Air Force, and the British Royal Air Force.
PM Haider al-Abadi announces ground operation to retake the northern city, telling ISIL fighters ‘surrender, or die’.
Iraqi forces have launched a ground offensive to retake a key ISIL-held area in the northern part of the country, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said.
“You either surrender, or die”, Abadi said in a televised speech announcing the operation early on Sunday.
He was addressing Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters, who have been in control of the city since 2014.
Tal Afar and the surrounding area are among the last pockets of ISIL-held territory in Iraq, after victory was declared in Mosul, the country’s second-largest city.
Iraqi officials believe there are between 1,400 and 1,600 ISIL fighters in the Tal Afar area, including many foreign fighters, according to Iraqi Brigadier Generai Yahia Rasool who spoke through an interpreter on Saturday.
“I don’t think it will be tougher than the battle of Mosul,” he told reporters.
A US-led coalition is providing air support to the Iraqi troops. In recent days, it has been carrying out dozens of air strikes on Tal Afar, targeting weapons depots and command centres.
Tal Afar is west of Mosul and about 150km east of the Syrian border, sitting along a major road that was a key ISIL supply route.
The town had a population of about 200,000 before it fell to ISIL in 2014. The UN estimates that between 10,000 to 40,000 people are left in Tal Afar and surrounding villages.
‘Prepare yourself’
Hours before Abadi’s announcement, the Iraqi air force dropped leaflets over the city, telling the population to take precautions.
“Prepare yourself, the battle is imminent and the victory is coming,” they read.
Matthew Glanville, a military analyst who had formerly advised the Iraqi government, said ISIL has “no hope of winning this battle”.
“Their aim will be to draw out the battle as long as possible and inflict maximum casualties on the Iraqi government,” he said, adding that fighters may use improvised bombs and use civilians as hostages to slow the battle.
Retired US General Mark Kimmitt said that while retaking Tal Afar would be an “important milestone”, it would not mean final days for ISIL.
“We’re not looking at the final days of ISIS, either in Iraq or in Syria, or outside of those countries,” Kimmitt told Al Jazeera. “It still remains a very, very potent force, not only in the self-proclaimed caliphate, but we continue to see ISIS-inspired attacks in places such as Barcelona and elsewhere.”
Thousands of Iraqis have fled to Iraq’s Kurdish region as preparations of the offensive continued.
The Norwegian Refugee Council said on Saturday that refugees near the northern city of Tal Afar were faced with harsh conditions, and were stopped by authorities in east of Mosul and Kurdish areas as they tried to flee the fighting.
“It’s very hard for them to move through,” Melany Markham, a spokesman of the humanitarian group, told Al Jazeera, adding that one transit site was already at full capacity, and could not take more refugees.
She said that temperatures in the height of summer of between 45 and 50 degrees Celcius make journeys even more challenging.
Markham said that while their transit site in Hammam al-Alil is full, other camps such as in Khazar, west of the Kurdish city of Erbil, could accommodate up to 40,000 refugees.
An estimated 50,000 people have fled the areas surrounding Tal Afar since April, and at least 50,000 more could flee in the coming days and weeks, according to aid groups.
That number is in addition to the estimated one million refugees who have fled Mosul.
We wake up each day to the sound of the birds
But theirs is to the sound of bomb raising over their heads
Watching their loved ones dying
There is nothing they can do than crying
Crying and praying to Allah
Hear their plea Oh Allah
Oh Allah, Ya Allah
Save Palestine from their trials
That live in life where the father can’t save his children
The cry out loud seeing their loved ones gone without being able to
To render any help
Father wishes to see their kids grow up but the dream is yet to come
We pray for a better life
Oh Allah, yah Kareem
Save Palestine from their trials
But their prayer is just to have a life
Feeding is hard for them as there is no food
Likewise shelter is difficult for them too
A peaceful life is to them a dream
On their behalf we beseech you Ya Kareem
Despite their suffering
They never stopped calling your name ya rahman
Oh Allah, Ya Allah
Save Palestine from this trials
I can feel the pain of the children of Palestine
Because it’s not their fault
To be born a citizen of Palestine
Is something that has been predestined
Even before it’s conceived in the thought
They are tortured just for being who they are
And there is nothing wrong in believing in Allah
Just hold on to your iman and soon you’ll realise
That there is no other reward for you except jannah which is paradise
It is on you we place our hope
Oh Allah, Ya Allah
Save Palestine from their trials
1. The word Allah has been repeated 2698 times in the Quran.
2. The total number of verses in the Quran is 6236.
3. Zaid bin Haritha (RA) is the only Sahabi whose name is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Ahzaab).
4. If all Qur’ans in the world today were destroyed, the original Arabic would still exist. The reason is millions of Muslims have memorized the whole of the Quran letter for letter from beginning to end.
5. The Quran says that the heavens are created in seven layers. The term “seven heavens” is used seven times in the Quran.
6. The names of 25 prophets are mentioned in the Quran, 6 of which are title of a surah: Muhammad (PBUH), Joseph, Abraham, Jonah, Noah, Hud (AS).
7. Some verses in the Quran refer to man being equal to woman. Mathematically, the number of times the word “man” appears in the Quran is 24. The number of times the word “woman” appears in the Quran is also 24.
8. The Holy Quran was not authored by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was authored by Allah, revealed to Muhammad (PBUH), and written into physical form by his companions (RA).
9. The Quran will complain of people who did recite it, on Judgment Day.
10. Muslims as well as non-Muslims agree that Quran is the best Arabic literature on the face of the earth.
11. Do you know if we recite Surah Al-Ikhlas we get reward of reciting 1/3 of the Quran?
12. Ayat-ul-Kursee (the Verse of the Throne) is the greatest verse in the Quran.
13. The Surah no. 2 of the Quran is names “The Cow” because of the story of cow in it.
14. Quran was revealed over 23 years: 13 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah!
15. Surah “Al Naml, No. 27” has “Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem” in its body.
Pythagoras summarized the risk of speaking one’s mind in such a circumstance:
“To tell of God among men of prejudicial opinion is not safe.” Unitarians throughout
history noted that Jesus himself predicted, “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these
things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me” (John 16:23).
The establishment of Trinitarian doctrine by the inquisitor’s chamber, fire, sword
and the headman’s axe does not threaten us today. Instead of the horrors of the past, we are now faced with a variety of emotionally provocative justifications, coupled with a systematic avoidance of relevant issues.
Disarmed as they now are, much of the modern Christian world follows the example of Myser of Nicholas, a bishop at the Council of Nicaea who boxed his own ears whenever Arius spoke. Some would suggest the response of Trinitarians to Unitarian challenges is not much different today. Clergy tend to avoid debate and cloak their theology in a mantle of emotionally charged, manipulative oratory, embroidered with the glitter of selfrighteousness.
Some are swayed by the sanctimonious presentation and parroted sectarian lines;
others are not. More than a few Godfearing people tire of such psychological ploys, and seek to reexamine the unfounded tenets of the past in the light of modern knowledge and
openminded analysis.
To this end, let us now consider the relevant issues one by one.
Continueyour name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart
from me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
This passage clearly predicts a time when Jesus will disown seemingly pious
“followers,” despite their impressive prophecies, wonders, and exorcisms. Why?
Because, as Jesus said, they practiced “lawlessness.” These are the followers who, despite
their miracles of ministry, disregarded “the Law.” What law? God’s law, of course—the
Old Testament Law Jesus upheld. The same Old Testament Law Paul negated. The same
Paul from whom Trinitarian theology took root. The same Trinitarian theology founded
largely upon nonbiblical sources.
“Hey, wait a minute,” the reader may say. “Who did Jesus say he would disown,
and why?”
Let’s take a closer look.
Allah the Exalted said: “Say: Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the
worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.” (6:162,163)
Allah the Exalted also said: “Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)”. (108:2)
Muslim reports that Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) informed me about
four Judgments (of Allah):
(1) Allah’s curse is upon the one who slaughters (devoting his sacrifice) to anything other than Allah;
(2) Allah’s curse is upon the one who curses his own parents;
(3) Allah’s curse is upon the one who shelters an heretic (who has brought a Bid’ah in religion);
(4) Allah’s curse is upon the one who alters the landmarks (who changes boundary
lines).”
Ahmad reports that Tariq bin Shihab narrated that Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: “A man entered Paradise because of a fly, and a man entered Hell-fire because of a fly.” They (the Companions) asked, “How was that possible O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Two men passed by the people who had an idol by which they would not allow anyone to pass without
making sacrifice to it. They ordered one man to make a sacrifice. He said, ‘I have nothing to present as an offering.’ The people told him, ‘Sacrifice something, even if it be a fly.’ So he presented a fly (to their idol). They opened the way for him, and thus he entered the Hell-fire.
They said to the other man, ‘Sacrifice something.’ He said, ‘I will never sacrifice anything to any other than Allah, Most Majestic and Glorious.’ So they struck his throat and killed him; and he, therefore, entered Paradise.” (Ahmad)
Important Points
1) Explanation of the verse: “Verily my prayer, my sacrifice…” (6:162)
2) Explanation of the verse: “Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice to Him only.” (108:2)
3) The beginning of the principle of cursing from those who sacrifice to other than Allah.
4) Curse is upon those who curse their parents (by cursing other parents and, in turn, the latter curses his parents).
5) Cursed is the person who shelters the heretic (Muhdith) in religion that is, he innovates something that is necessarily only Allah’s right to do and he seeks shelter with someone who assists him in it.
6) Curse upon him who unjustly alters the landmark, i.e. the boundaries that differentiate one person’s land from his neighbour’s, and changes those borders to encroach upon that land or obstruct it.
7) The difference between a specific curse and a curse upon the disobedients and rebels in general.
8) The tremendous story of the fly.
9) The person who presented a fly to the idol went to Hell though not intending to do such an act (beforehand). Indeed, he did it to save himself from the threat of idolaters.
10) Knowing the extent of how hated Shirk is to the hearts of the believers seeing how the man was patient in facing execution and he did not give in to their demand in spite of the fact that they only demanded an external act from him.
11) The man who went to Hell-fire was a Muslim. If he would have been a disbeliever (Kafir), the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) a would not have said: “He went to Hell merely for a fly.”
12) This is a confirmation of the Hadith “Paradise is closer to you than the laces of your shoes and the Hell-fire is likewise”.
13) The action of the heart is aimed, even among the idol worshippers.
Over 500 people have been confirmed dead and millions affected by monsoon floods in South Asia, as relief and reduce operations continued, officials said Saturday.
As many as 33 out of 75 districts in the state are reeling from floods that have left 55 people dead.
Indian authorities sought military help in two districts of northern Uttar Pradesh state after heavy rains left hundreds of villages marooned.
“We have sought army’s help to reach out to the affected people,” T P Gupta, a senior official from the state’s disaster management authority, told AFP.
In India’s Bihar state the death toll reached 153.
Nearly 400,000 people have sought shelter in relief camps and an estimated 10 million have been affected by one of the state’s worst floods since 2008.
The State’s Top Disaster Management Agency Official, Anirudh Kumar, said more than 5,000 emergency workers including 2,000 soldiers were supporting relief and rescue operations.
“Nearly 1,300 shelters have been opened to accommodate the affected people,” Kumar told AFP.
Both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh border Nepal, which was hit by floods at the weekend and where the death toll is 123. At least 20 percent of the population is affected.
Further east, at least 60 people have died in floods that hit Assam state a second time in less than four months and nearly 425,000 remain in relief camps.
Authorities in West Bengal state said the flood waters were receding after a lull in the rains, with 52 deaths reported. More than a million people have been affected.
At least 100 people have died in neighbouring Bangladesh with close to six million affected by the floods.
Every year hundreds die in landslides and floods during the annual monsoon season that hits India’s southern tip in early June and sweeps across the South Asia region for four months.
A massive landslide in India’s Himachal Pradesh state swept two passenger buses off a hillside, killing 46 people on Sunday.
Eight others, including two soldiers, were killed in Uttarakhand state in landslides on Monday.
Examples can be taken from the life of Arius, but with the caution that, with rare
exception, few books about Arius remain, other than those written by his enemies.
Consequently, most authors’ opinions betray an unkind prejudice, and the only objective
course is to examine his pure teachings.
Perhaps one of the earliest Arian arguments is that if Jesus was the “son of God,”
then there must have been a time when he did not exist. If Jesus was created of the
Father, then there must have been a time when the Eternal Father preceded the later
created Jesus. Hence, the Creator and His creation are not the same, and Jesus cannot be
considered a partner in Godhead.
Arius held that if Jesus truly did say, “My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28),
then equating Jesus with God is to deny the Bible. Arius suggested that if anything is
evident from the teachings of Jesus, it is that he affirmed his own humanity and the
inviolability of divine unity. When Trinitarian clergy claimed Jesus was “of the essence of God,” Arius and
Trinitarian Christians alike objected, for “from the essence” and “of one essence” are
materialist expressions, Sabellian
in origin, not encountered in scripture, and are
contrary to church authority (since the expression originated at a council at Antioch in
269 CE).
When the Catholic Church subsequently asserted that Jesus was “of God,” the Arians responded that the Bible describes all people as being “of God” in the verse,
“Now all things are of God …” (2 Corinthians 5:18—see also 1 Corinthians 8:6).
Forced to correct themselves, the church then asserted that Jesus Christ “is not a creature,
but the power and eternal image of the Father and true God.”54 The Arian response that
the Bible describes all men as “the image and glory of God” (1 Corinthians 11:7) left the
Church confounded. 55 In the words of British theologian Henry Melvill Gwatkin, “The
longer the debate went on, the clearer it became that the meaning of Scripture could not
be defined without going outside Scripture for words to define it.”
To adopt such a
methodology is to propose that man can explain revelation better than The Source of
revelation Himself.
So the arguments started and so they have continued to the present day. After
failing to win through rational argument, the Trinitarian Church violently suppressed
dissension to the point where entire populations were terrorized into conformity. In the
process, the church failed to address the issues. As Castillo, one of the followers of the
sixteenthcentury theologian Servetus, commented, “To burn a man is not to prove a
doctrine.” The church can reduce a man to ashes but can only eliminate his arguments
through intelligent rebuttal. Typical of those who lack the ability to substantiate their
beliefs but who possess the power of oppression, violent response has been the historical
reflex against those who challenged Trinitarian creed. That this oppression existed in the
vacuum of reasonable justification weakens, rather than strengthens, the institution.
As John Toland commented, “This conduct, on the contrary, will make them suspect all to be a cheat and imposture, because men will naturally cry out when they are touched in a
tender part … no man will be angry at a question who’s able to answer it.…”
In the words of H. G. Wells, “They were intolerant of questions or dissent, not because they
were sure of their faith, but because they were not. They wanted conformity for reasons
of policy. By the thirteenth century the church was evidently already morbidly anxious
about the gnawing doubts that might presently lay the whole structure of its pretensions
in ruins.”
Whoever seeks Blessing through a tree, a Stone, or the like
Allah the Most Exalted said: “Have you then considered AI-Lat and Al-‘Uzza (the two idols of the pagan Arabs).” And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third?
(53:19,20)
At- Tirmidhi reported and declared as Sahih (sound), that Abu Waqid Al-Laithi (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We went out with Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) on the campaign to Hunain while we had just left disbelief (Kufr) for Islam. The Mushrikin had a Sidra (lote-tree) that they would stay there and hang their arms on, called Dhat Anwat. When we passed a Sidra, we asked, “0 Messenger of Allah, won’t you make for us another Dhat Anwat just like their Dhat Anwat?” Allah’s Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, “Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Most Great)! By the One (Allah) Who holds my soul in His Hand, verily these are the ways of earlier nations, you have said exactly as Bani Israel said to
Musa (May Allah be pleased with him): ‘Make for us a god just as their gods.’ “He said: ” ‘Verily you are a people who know not.’ (7:138) Certainly you will follow the ways of those who went before you.”
Important issues of the Chapter
1) Explanation of the verse (Surah An-Najm 53:19,20).
2) The nature of the matter requested by the companions (May Allah be pleased with him) (regarding a tree similar to Dhat-Anwat).
3) In fact they (Companions (May Allah be pleased with him)) did not act upon it.
4) Their intention was to become closer to Allah by their act as they thought He would like it.
5) If the Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) were unaware of the nature of their intended act, it stands to reason that other than they (of much lesser status) are more likely to fall into ignorance.
6) For the Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) is the reward of good deeds and the promise of forgiveness that is not for others.
7) The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) did not excuse them but denied by saying: “Allahu Akbar, these are ways and you would follow those who came before you”- thereby expressing the weightiness of the matter by these three things.
8) This is a major issue which is intended, that the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) informed them that their request was like that of Banu Israel when they asked Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) “Make for us a god.”
9) The negation of this act is of the meanings of “There is no true God except Allah”, which being subtle and hidden, was not perceived by them.
10) Swearing made by the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) upon the ruling and he did not swear except for a beneficial purpose.
11) Shirk is of two types, i.e. major and minor because the Companions were not turned apostates due to their request.
12) Their submission that “we had just left disbelief,” tells us that other Companions (May Allah be pleased with him) were not unaware of the matter.
13) The saying of Allahu Akbar to express surprise. It contradicts those who consider it undesirable (Makruh).
14) To put an end to all possible ways leading to Shirk (polytheism).
15) Prohibition of any resemblance with the people of ignorance (disbelievers).
16) A teacher can become unhappy over his students (for the sake of any goodness) while educating.
17) The general tendency of mankind has been expressed by the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) by saying: “These are the ways”.
18) It is one of the signs of the Prophethood that the events occurred accordingly as he informed.
19) In every place where Allah has censured the Jews and Christians in the Qur’an, He has also warned us against those deeds.
20) The Companions (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) knew this principle that worships were based on direct commandment. It therefore, becomes a reminder concerning questions pertinent to the grave. The question (to be asked of the dead) “Who is your Lord”?
is clear. The second question “Who is your Prophet?” depends on the information of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) regarding unseen. But the third question “Which is your religion” is related to their (the Jews) request (from Musa (May Allah be pleased with him)). “Make for us a god”.
21) That the ways of the People of the Book are condemned as those of polytheists.
22) The one who has moved from falsehood (i.e. became Muslim) and get accustomed to certain beliefs or habits is not totally safe from having remnants of these habits as is evidenced in their (the Companions) words “and we had just left disbelief (Kufr).”
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Islam is against all forms of racism and bigotry. Racism is the belief that one race is superior to another, or one color of skin is superior to another, or the people of one country are superior to another. Such beliefs are the characteristic of pre-Islamic ignorance (jahiliyyah). In Islam, we believe all races are equal to Allah and the only characteristic that makes someone superior to another is righteousness (taqwa).
Allah has dignified all of the children of Adam, all human beings and all races in the world.
We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with definite preference.
Surat Al-Isra 17:70
Allah created different races and tribes so that different peoples would recognize each other and learn from each other, not so that the races would fight each other.
O people, We have created you male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you to Allah is the most righteous of you. Verily, Allah is knowing and aware.
Surat Al-Hujurat 49:13
In fact, Allah created different skin colors and languages as a sign of His creative power.
Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Verily, in that are signs for people of knowledge.
Surat Ar-Rum 30:22
Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
Verily, Allah the Exalted created Adam from a handful which He took from the earth, so the children of Adam come in accordance with the earth. Some come with red skin, white skin, or black skin and whatever is in between: thin, thick, dirty, and clean.
Righteousness is the only quality that makes someone virtuous in the sight of Allah, not race or skin color or lineage or country. This teaching against racism was delivered by the Prophet during his farewell sermon, indicating how important he believed it was to the message of Islam.
Abu Nadrah reported: I heard the farewell sermon of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said:
O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no virtue of an Arab over a foreigner nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?
The Prophet would rebuke his companions if they ever denigrated people because of their race.
Abu Umamah reported: Abu Dharr reproached Bilal about his mother, saying, “O son of a black woman!” Bilal went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he told him what he said. The Prophet became angry and then Abu Dharr came, although he was unaware of what Bilal told him. The Prophet turned away from him and Abu Dharr asked, “O Messenger of Allah, have you turned away because of something you have been told?” The Prophet said:
Have you reproached Bilal about his mother?By the one who revealed the Book to Muhammad, none is more virtuous over another except by righteous deeds. You have none but an insignificant amount.
Boasting about lineage and ancestors is forbidden in Islam, since all people are descended from Adam and his wife. The only criterion of superiority is faith and righteous deeds.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
Verily, Allah has removed from you the pride of the time of ignorance with its boasting of ancestors. Verily, one is only a righteous believer or a miserable sinner. All of the people are the children of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.
O people, Allah has removed the slogans of ignorance from you and the exaltation of its forefathers. The people are only two kinds: either a righteous, Godfearing believer dignified to Allah, or a wicked, miserable sinner insignificant to Allah. The people are all the children of Adam and Adam was created from dust. Allah said: O people, We have created you male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble to Allah is the most righteous of you. (49:13)
Likewise, tribalism (al-asabiyyah) is forbidden in Islam, which is the fanatical adherence to ethnic loyalty even when it leads to oppression and injustice. The Prophet disavowed himself and Islam from anyone who acts according to the ideologies of tribalism.
Jubair ibn Mut’im reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
He is not one of us who calls to tribalism. He is not one of us who fights for the sake of tribalism. He is not one of us who dies following the way of tribalism.
Malcolm X, also known as Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was a famous African-American activist who struggled with the problem of race in America. At first, he embraced a path of extremism in his confrontation with white supremacy, but his heart changed when he performed his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In Mecca, he saw white, black, red, and all kinds of people joining the Hajj as one brotherhood. He wrote back to his friends in Harlem, saying:
America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white, but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.
During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug, while praying to the same God, with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.
We were truly all the same, because their belief in one God had removed the white from their minds, the white from their behavior, and the white from their attitude. I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man, and cease to measure and hinder and harm others in terms of their differences in color.
Muslims must spread the message of Islam to the peoples of the earth who still suffer from racism and tribal bigotry. Even among some Muslims, the scourge of racism exists and causes harm among communities. The only way to completely eradicate racism is to embrace the oneness of Allah (tawheed) and to accept its logical conclusion, the oneness of humanity.