The anti-Government protests are not going away any time soon, but I wonder if the protesters realise what they need to do if they are successful in ousting the regime - President and his men.
The President has said he will draw up a new constitution, but the problems with that are that firstly, there isn't a problem with the current constitution, just to tweek a few of the un-Islamic aspects, secondly, why would anyone what a constitution drawn up by the current president and thirdly again there is no real problem with the current constitution except the lack of implementation! The Yemeni constitution is the best of all the Arab states.
The situation here could end similarly to what happened in Romania in 1989 when the people ousted and assassinated the President and his wife. After their victory the people thought it was the biggest party ever and they'd never have to work again. Then their lack of future planning and structure lead to what we have seen in that country ever since. The bubble of optimism burst with the continued corruption and lack of opportunities for the youth, with a brain drain of its citizens to neighbouring European countries. But at least the secret police stopped disappearing people.
The protests in Sana'a have been very well organised and the people are very united in their mission, but after than, their views range from marxism to democracy to Islamic Khalifate and the west is very afraid of the third option.
While sitting in the demonstrations to listen to some speeches, most of which were encouraging the demonstrators not to give up until they have victory, one woman spoke out and was angry about the absence of the voice of the Ulama' (Islamic Clerics). The Clerics are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Some clerics have been speaking, and one of them being Abdul-Majid Zindani, who besides being rector of al-Eman University is also the head of the organisation of Clerics in Yemen. When he speaks, his words represent all the ulema in the organisation. And he is quite clear in is words these days. He encourages peaceful resistance, condemns the use of force by the government against unarmed peaceful protestors and calls for the establishment of an Islamic state.
A Yemeni brother spoke about Amna Siyasi (political security forces) and Amnul-Qaum (bad guy security forces). He highlighted the fact that these security forces are headed by immediate relatives of the President and particularly Amnul-Qaum (which means security of the people) is a misnoma and is in fact Amnul-Kursi (security of the throne). Only the most oppressive of regimes need such a force.
More than 30 have been killed since the demonstrations started and hundreds have been injured many seriously. When security forces in Tunisia and Egypt started using live ammunition on its people the media showed the world and people were horrified, then Libya went an extra step by using air force jets to bomb areas of its people. The Yemeni Government, or Saleh and Co. have been bombing its people for a long time now and have been able to brush it off with the fighting al-Qaeda and the War on Terror claim. And with that there is no complaint from anyone, well at least not anyone who is listened to.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Allah Loves the Yemeni People
Bismillahi Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem,
Have you ever read this ayah of Qur'an and wondered about whom it spoke?
"O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion, ALlah will bring a people whom he will love and they love Him; humble towards the believers, fighting in the Way of Allah and never fear the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." Al-Ma'ida:54
I used to wonder about such people and made plenty of dua in my sujood, on Friday's and in Qiyam Al-Lail that Allah let me live with these people and make me be like them.
I had no idea that it was referring to the people of Yemen when I first read this ayah, but it seems Allah answered my dua on the first account. The tafsir of the hadith says that when asked about this ayah, Rasool Allah (sas) gestured towards Musa Bashi' who was with him and said, "They are these people." In the opinion of al-Tabari, they are the people of Yemen.
Not part of the tafsir of this ayah but a sahih hadith related from Abu Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (sas) gestured with his hands towards Yemen and said: “Belief (iman) is there” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no: 4126 & Sahih Muslim, no: 81)
In these times of great fitnah it is comforting to remember the blessings of Allah on the people and the land of Yemen. Insha Allah I will be posting a series of hadiths related to Yemen and its people throughout the coming months.
Have you ever read this ayah of Qur'an and wondered about whom it spoke?
"O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion, ALlah will bring a people whom he will love and they love Him; humble towards the believers, fighting in the Way of Allah and never fear the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." Al-Ma'ida:54
I used to wonder about such people and made plenty of dua in my sujood, on Friday's and in Qiyam Al-Lail that Allah let me live with these people and make me be like them.
I had no idea that it was referring to the people of Yemen when I first read this ayah, but it seems Allah answered my dua on the first account. The tafsir of the hadith says that when asked about this ayah, Rasool Allah (sas) gestured towards Musa Bashi' who was with him and said, "They are these people." In the opinion of al-Tabari, they are the people of Yemen.
Not part of the tafsir of this ayah but a sahih hadith related from Abu Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (sas) gestured with his hands towards Yemen and said: “Belief (iman) is there” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no: 4126 & Sahih Muslim, no: 81)
In these times of great fitnah it is comforting to remember the blessings of Allah on the people and the land of Yemen. Insha Allah I will be posting a series of hadiths related to Yemen and its people throughout the coming months.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Anti-Government Demonstrations - Sana'a Yemen
Post by al-Ghariba
I was on my way to the Science and Technology University thinking it will be ok because the roads there are only blocked off until the intersection, but as I walked up Cairo Street I saw the demonstration had expanded down to Eagle Tourist Hotel and up past the Science and Tech Uni Girls Section. And the University was locked up.
I was on my way to the Science and Technology University thinking it will be ok because the roads there are only blocked off until the intersection, but as I walked up Cairo Street I saw the demonstration had expanded down to Eagle Tourist Hotel and up past the Science and Tech Uni Girls Section. And the University was locked up. I sat for a while talking with one of the women checking women entering the area for contraban (weapons) and then after being told by her that there are plenty of women at the demonstration, decided to enter into the demonstration area.
The mood and tempo had moved on so much since I last entered the area a few days ago. It was very serious now, and as I walked the "first kilometre to freedom" I was passed by protesters covered in blood and some with head injuries. A way had been permanently cleared for ambulances which were still zooming in and out of the area taking out the injured.
Those guarding the entrances to the area had set up small middens of stones ready incase of confrontation with security forces. It was clear that many stones had been thrown before I had arrived as they lay scattered down the road. As I made my way to the Hikmah Yemenia Obelisk I was amazed at the good manners of the men in making sure they cleared a way for me as I walked through the crowd to the womens' area.
I stood in the womens' area for no more than a minute when the crowd errupted as an Army Colonel and a General were carried upon the shoulders of the demonstrators to the stage - They had defected to join the anti-government protesters. The General addressed the crowd, encouraging them to continue thet struggle, and exposing some of the sins of the army at the hands of the regime.
The atmosphere was indescribable. I was moved to tears. I wished I could have stayed but it is not a good idea for foreigners to participate in these types of political uprisings, especially when the government security forces are still so active. The most dangerous part of attending a political demonstration is leaving one, because that is when you are most likely to be followed and disappeared on your way home.
Allah barik ala al-Yemenieen wa yansoorahum ala al-qaum al-dhalimeen!
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Dear Brother
Post sent to LPoY by brother "Abu Rasheed"
Dear Brother Anwar,
I hope you and your family are in good health and iman.
It's been a long time since we quenched our thirsts listening to your lectures. You changed our lives as we progressed from ignorance to understanding of our religion and great love of our Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him. Whenever a new lecture was available there'd be a great buzz, "have you heard the latest Anwar Lecture?" And if we hadn't we'd hunt down a recording.
When you were first arrested in Yemen we were all saddened. I remember sitting with my friends at a Friday gathering, all of us downcast and silent until one of us mentioned this hadith reported by Anas bin Malik.
"After the death of Rasool Allah (sas) Abu Bakr (ra) said to Umar (ra), "Let's visit Umm Aiman (ra) as Rasool Allah used to visit her." As we came to her she wept. They (Abu Bakr and Umar) asked her, "What makes you weep? Do you not know that What Allah has in store for His Messenger is better?" She replied, "I don't weep because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for the Messenger of Allah is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come." This moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her.
(Muslim)
We cannot imagine what it would have been like to be alive at the time of the death of Rasool Allah, but losing our language link to understanding what Allah the Most Merciful gave us through his Messenger was a blow to us and Allah swt did not replace you in your absence.
When you were released and started releasing lectures again it was as if the sun rose after a night of one and a half years. We don't forget you in our du'a. We hope this turmoil in the Arab lands will unearth more brothers like you who are honest and on the truth, who care about the Ummah and serve it sincerely, who think about akhira before duniya.
We love you for the sake of Allah brother Anwar.
Your brothers and sisters in Islam
Dear Brother Anwar,
I hope you and your family are in good health and iman.
It's been a long time since we quenched our thirsts listening to your lectures. You changed our lives as we progressed from ignorance to understanding of our religion and great love of our Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him. Whenever a new lecture was available there'd be a great buzz, "have you heard the latest Anwar Lecture?" And if we hadn't we'd hunt down a recording.
When you were first arrested in Yemen we were all saddened. I remember sitting with my friends at a Friday gathering, all of us downcast and silent until one of us mentioned this hadith reported by Anas bin Malik.
"After the death of Rasool Allah (sas) Abu Bakr (ra) said to Umar (ra), "Let's visit Umm Aiman (ra) as Rasool Allah used to visit her." As we came to her she wept. They (Abu Bakr and Umar) asked her, "What makes you weep? Do you not know that What Allah has in store for His Messenger is better?" She replied, "I don't weep because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for the Messenger of Allah is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come." This moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her.
(Muslim)
We cannot imagine what it would have been like to be alive at the time of the death of Rasool Allah, but losing our language link to understanding what Allah the Most Merciful gave us through his Messenger was a blow to us and Allah swt did not replace you in your absence.
When you were released and started releasing lectures again it was as if the sun rose after a night of one and a half years. We don't forget you in our du'a. We hope this turmoil in the Arab lands will unearth more brothers like you who are honest and on the truth, who care about the Ummah and serve it sincerely, who think about akhira before duniya.
We love you for the sake of Allah brother Anwar.
Your brothers and sisters in Islam
Monday, 7 March 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Shaikh Zindani Changes his Mind - Alhamdulillah
This post written by Al-Ghariba
I mentioned once before that I doubted a full scale uprising was unlikely in Yemen due to a number of factors but one of them being that Islamic leaders, especially Shaikh Zindani, the rector of al-Eman University in Sana'a, said that uprising against the government is haram because the leader - Ali Abdullah Saleh - establishes the prayer.
The Shaikh maintained this stance for years and anyone who spoke out too loudly against him in this stance may have had their house vandalised by thugs (every big character has a gang of thugs to do the dirty work) or banned from his university.
Now he has finally taken a more Islamic political stance by publically supporting the anti-government protests and calling for the establishment (I am not sure how loud he said that), of an Islamic state. That's great news but I would be hesitant to follow him in case he changed his mind again if he gets a bit scared of stronger characters.
Western media covering this are quick to remind us that the Shaikh is an al-Qaeda sympathiser (that's just one step down from being actual al-Qaeda) and that he is a specially designated terrorist (specially designated by America of course).
Since I am on the topic of a Shaikh speaking out against the government, I might now turn your attention to a speech televised on Yemen's Suhail channel of Shaikh Tareq al-Suwaidan from Kuwait. Summarising heavily, he said that the president of Yemen is a liar and the people of Yemen should not believe any of his words in regard to his intended actions and are within their rights to uprise against him.
I mentioned once before that I doubted a full scale uprising was unlikely in Yemen due to a number of factors but one of them being that Islamic leaders, especially Shaikh Zindani, the rector of al-Eman University in Sana'a, said that uprising against the government is haram because the leader - Ali Abdullah Saleh - establishes the prayer.
The Shaikh maintained this stance for years and anyone who spoke out too loudly against him in this stance may have had their house vandalised by thugs (every big character has a gang of thugs to do the dirty work) or banned from his university.
Now he has finally taken a more Islamic political stance by publically supporting the anti-government protests and calling for the establishment (I am not sure how loud he said that), of an Islamic state. That's great news but I would be hesitant to follow him in case he changed his mind again if he gets a bit scared of stronger characters.
Western media covering this are quick to remind us that the Shaikh is an al-Qaeda sympathiser (that's just one step down from being actual al-Qaeda) and that he is a specially designated terrorist (specially designated by America of course).
Since I am on the topic of a Shaikh speaking out against the government, I might now turn your attention to a speech televised on Yemen's Suhail channel of Shaikh Tareq al-Suwaidan from Kuwait. Summarising heavily, he said that the president of Yemen is a liar and the people of Yemen should not believe any of his words in regard to his intended actions and are within their rights to uprise against him.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Yemen Protests Continued
Today is billed to be a big day in the protest scene of Sana'a and this morning I could hear the distant chants emminating from the anti-government camp out the front of Sana'a University. I personally am taking the day off to avoid traffic and possible security problems.
As I walk around my area of Sana'a the traffic is noticeably sparse and a few trucks full of pro-government protesters with their President colour portraits zoom past, both sides emboldened, not just to speak out, but to hurl obcenities to pedestrians. Which leaves me to ask, what will happen with all those colour portraits if the President goes. What a waste of materials. I could never understand a dictators need to plaster his face on every spare surface. Smells of narcicism. But it gives anti-government protesters more to deface and destroy.
And what about all the sons of fallen and falling dictators, do you think they'd be pissed with daddy, "Hey dad, you've ruined my future! Now I will never have the opportunity to see my face plastered all over the nation and suck the money of the people."
The Yemeni President spoke to his cronies, and this was aired on local and international news channels, and he said to them, if I go, you all go, look what happened in Tunis and Egypt, the people got rid of the whole system, so think about it and be careful. True, if the pin is pulled on Saleh, it hopefully would be pulled on his associates, and similarly if Saleh pulls the pin on corruption he will be pulling the pin on himself. It's lose lose for now and the protesters are gaining momentum, and as I saw them, I was suprised by their organisation and management. Small scale I know, but nothing in Yemen bares much of the signs of fluid organisation.
I am not participating or observing protests actively but as it is the biggest news in Yemen right now I would hate to ignore it so I'd like to recommend this Yemen blog for protest commentary. Yemen Peace Project
As I walk around my area of Sana'a the traffic is noticeably sparse and a few trucks full of pro-government protesters with their President colour portraits zoom past, both sides emboldened, not just to speak out, but to hurl obcenities to pedestrians. Which leaves me to ask, what will happen with all those colour portraits if the President goes. What a waste of materials. I could never understand a dictators need to plaster his face on every spare surface. Smells of narcicism. But it gives anti-government protesters more to deface and destroy.
And what about all the sons of fallen and falling dictators, do you think they'd be pissed with daddy, "Hey dad, you've ruined my future! Now I will never have the opportunity to see my face plastered all over the nation and suck the money of the people."
The Yemeni President spoke to his cronies, and this was aired on local and international news channels, and he said to them, if I go, you all go, look what happened in Tunis and Egypt, the people got rid of the whole system, so think about it and be careful. True, if the pin is pulled on Saleh, it hopefully would be pulled on his associates, and similarly if Saleh pulls the pin on corruption he will be pulling the pin on himself. It's lose lose for now and the protesters are gaining momentum, and as I saw them, I was suprised by their organisation and management. Small scale I know, but nothing in Yemen bares much of the signs of fluid organisation.
I am not participating or observing protests actively but as it is the biggest news in Yemen right now I would hate to ignore it so I'd like to recommend this Yemen blog for protest commentary. Yemen Peace Project
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