A Big Flip - Better Late than Never

Post by Al-Ghariba

Alhamdulillah I had the opportunity to be present and listen to speeches made by the al-Eman University (womens' section) about the university's stance in the new political situation.

Before the opening dua, the Shaikha and head of the womens' section - Shaikha Aisha Zindani made it very clear that recording is FORBIDDEN. Then she started. "Indeed we are now in a time of great fitnah."

She justified her fathers previous stance and his appearance of being with the government as a matter of situation and justified his change in this stance as a matter of Islamic responsibility. She spoke candidly about the political situation, the government and the President. For once I was hearing an Islamic leader speak about politics without tap dancing. It was great, but the hall was filled at times with audible gasps of shock as students could not believe what they were hearing.

Many Yemenis really cannot imagine their country being ruled by anyone other than Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Shaikha asked the gathering upon being asked who will rule if Ali goes, that Ali Abdullah Saleh is corrupt and will not change, when he speaks he does not keep his word and is not to be trusted, he is the one who allowed the American forces to enter the country and allows them to kill Yemenis. Is there not anyone in Yemen better to rule than him? Are there not any pious men, men of Islamic understanding, men who fear Allah and act in a good way? Of course there are many good men in Yemen.

It is a sign of the final era (akhir zaman) that those least appropriate to take positions of authority will rule. Islam stipulates that someone who seeks power should not be given it. Basically, leaders are appointed without their asking and it is up to them to accept or decline.

The University is not with the protesters as such, except in wanting change. It was expressed often that now is the opportunity to work towards an Islamic state in Yemen as as students of al-Eman University, we were important in these steps. Advice was given, that if we speak against the system and propose other Islamic alternatives we must do it with good speech, no cursing or vulgar language.

The women of the university were reminded not to join demonstrations, not because demonstrations are haram for women, but because of the environment - mainly because of the squash of people it is not appropriate to be squashed up against a man in order to wave a flag and shout down the government. The university has in the past organised demonstrations for various issues for women so that women can have a voice but in an appropriate manner.

The ending statement was one of hope that a fair and just Islamic state could be established, and insha Allah if Yemen exited this current turmoil peacefully it will be much better than before the turmoil. Allah grant us a fair and free Islamic state free of fear from being bombed out of existance should we succeed in its establishment. Amin.