Sheikh Raed bin Solah - Sheikh Al Aqsa

"I pledge allegiance in me after I swear allegiance to Allah to give away my age, my time, and all I have for Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque." - Sheikh Raed Solah

He is known to be the founder of the tunnels made by the Israelis under the Al-Aqsa mosque, which is part of their excavation work in order to ruin the Al- Aqsa mosque. He is the leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel. In view of that, he was forced to serve a two-year sentence (2003 - 2005) as he was convicted by the Israel for funding Hamas and of having contact with an Iranian intelligence agent .

I still remember the last time when I saw his picture during my student days in UIA (few years back) on Palestine talks and video - young middle aged man with black hair. But now, he appeared much older than his present age. This shows how much troublesome and uneasiness he suffered as long as the Al-Aqsa is not freed from the Israel's occupation.

It was an honor for Malaysian to have him as our Palestinian guest though it was quite difficult for us to bring him inside our country as he held Israel passport. He was born in Umm al- Fahm (an Israeli-Arab city). Nevertheless, he is part of the remaining Palestinian who resist to fled away from their land even after being seized by the Israel. 

The main purpose of Sheikh Raed Solah coming to Malaysia is to turn fuel the sense of the unity of Malaysia on the issue of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestine issue is not an Arab issue but it is the obligation for the whole ummah to unite and strive together for the revival of  a free Palestine country. By seeing and hear ourselves from this prominent figure of Palestine heroic, the spirit of Palestine will be enlightened and further elevate this issue until it is ingrained in our daily lives.

The current danger situation of al-Aqsa mosque may not be highlighted by the media, hence created unawareness among the Muslims on this issue. Looking back to his tireless effort in defending the Al-Aqsa Syarif, it was disheartening to notice some of the attitude of Muslims in our country who choose to be ignorant and not interested in meeting this inspiring and great person...

Though he speak in Arabic in all his talks during the roadshow, but his 'aura' and motivation showed from his words and kind-hearted look. I still remember his last few words in his speech during one of the talk given in Putrajaya, he advised the Muslims particularly the youngsters for never giving up or feel dismay in striving for Palestine. His words are full of wisdom and optimistic:

Surely we will win,

Never look back again...

Photo sources: google images and aman palestin website

IS THERE STILL PALESTINE SPIRIT IN US?

It’s been almost 2 months since Gaza being attacked by the indescribable cruel Israel. It was estimated that almost 1,000 people died and further 1,200 people severely injured. I was so depressed when heard about the news and calamities faced by my brothers and sisters there. It was told that the damage is 10x more severe than an earthquake. I couldn’t imagine that really… my heart is more heartbroken when knowing and seeing yet still many Muslims acting as if they are blind and deaf to the Palestinian suffering by buying and eating products contributing to the Israel like McD, KFC and Starbucks.

However, there are still some unity shows by the Malaysian. As for example, during the mega assembly held at International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan Campus. I’m proud with the students, lecturers and staffs who give their full support in this issue, and I felt like to tear down when I saw the students gathering under the rain, attentively hearing the speeches. I hope this spirit of brotherhood will never die… Together we stand and divided we fall…

Mega Demonstration IIUM Kuantan 4 resolutions:

1. Boycott Israel Product
2. We will help the Palestinians with money and donation
3. We are willing to provide humanitarian aids for the Palestinians
4. We will always pray do’a for our their victory and well being – Qunut Nazilah
5. What can we do to help the Palestinian? Only crying and utter sympathetic words each time we watch the news? Or should we left our studies, works, families and countries so that we can fight the Israel army? ??

Each one of us has our own capabilities and professionalism. We should provide our help at the best of our capabilities instead… Examples:

1. Organizing Mass ‘Solat Hajat’ 2. Organizing and activating Palestine donation (to the correct channel) e.g. 3. Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia –Maybank 562209608847 4. Tabung Amal Palestin 5. Give out handouts and pamphlets 6. Organizing ‘khutbah’ 7. Awareness campaign, participitated by the new generations through performance etc 8. Voice out our opinions

• http://untukmupalestin.blogspot.com/
• http://www.kembara-esq.blogspot.com/
• http://maszleemalik.blogspot.com/
• http://www.amanpalestin.org/
• http://hancurzionis.blogspot.com/

9. Utilize the Palestine package e.g. as provided by AMAN Palestine 10. Wearing Palestine shirts e.g. Freedom for Palestine shirt from JKPA executive officer (Md. Nasir Bin Tampol, 014-311 0628) 11. Able to be the speaker for Palestine talks 12. Attending every peace demonstration, media conference 13. Being part of the humanitarian volunteers (NGOs) to the Middle East 14. Boycott Israel products:

• http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israel.html
• http://www.muslimconsumer.org.my/

15. Sell products for donation to Palestine e.g. Jumble sale and second hand props 16. Signing petition:

• http://www.petitiononline.com/1500000/
• http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/

17. Make a prayer: do’a

It’s funny…when we do some small good things like taking occasional vitamin, we hope that the effect will be big to our health. But when we do some small bad things like taking high cholesterol food for once in a while, we hope that the effect to our health will be only minimal. How sure are we that the small things won’t give out big impact in our lives? How sure are we that 5 ringgit lunch in McD won’t support the supply of bullets and rockets used to attack the Palestinian people? Maybe with 1 ringgit we won’t able to buy a rocket but it is possible if more than 100,000 people give out their 1 ringgit note in products supporting Israel.


I still remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim when he was burnt with fire by his people. A small birds then came over and repeatedly fill some water inside its beak and pour to the fire. Its action was observed by other creature and they asked, ‘Why you waste your energy by repeatedly came pouring that small amount of water, instead the fire won’t put out by that’. It replied, ‘Sure the fire won’t put out but I am more afraid to Allah because He will questioned me in the hereafter on what have I done for his religion and He won’t asked me whether I successfully put out the fire or not.’

Therefore, we should be like the small bird, providing help at our best capabilities. Not being like the flying lizard, who blew out the fire in hope of blazing it furthermore (though in reality it won’t).

In facing examination for example, we may need to have a good preparation like the Jew, fully equipped with all the technology arm weapons. But yet we also need to have the spirit of the Palestinians… the spirit that will never die!

Remembrance of Al-Quds

Tribute to the Palestinian Children...

Since the start of the Intifada in September 2000, not one Palestinian child has been left untouched by Israel’s continued brutal occupation: children too young to walk or speak have been shot dead by Israeli forces, others have seen friends and family members killed or injured, watched as their homes have been destroyed and parents humiliated, been beaten and tortured and thrown into prison without charges or trial. Physically and psychologically, socially and educationally their young lives are systematically being destroyed.

Such is the extent of the children’s suffering that concepts which are usually key for child rights organisations, such as the right to play, seem like unattainable luxuries. It is impossible to begin discussing these entitlements when Palestinian children are methodically denied even their most basic right: the right to life and personal security.

Over the course of 2003, a total of 130 children were killed by Israeli troops in the occupied territories, and a further 21 Palestinian children have been killed in the first three months of this year alone. The youngest of these, six-year old Khaled Maher Walwil from Nablus, died less than a fortnight ago. He was shot in the back as he turned away from the window on the second floor of his house. Khaled had stayed at home that day, too frightened to go to school because there were Israeli soldiers in the area.

The impact of the occupation permeates every level of children’s lives and has a direct impact on their fundamental rights. A short journey to school is fraught with danger; obtaining a permit to travel to hospital can take weeks, and for the Palestinian children of East Jerusalem, even the right to be cared for by their parents is under threat. The Israeli stranglehold on the OPT is squeezing the life out of the Palestinian economy. Already half the Palestinian workforce is unemployed, leaving 70 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. With the UN halting food deliveries to Gaza due to new Israeli restrictions, cases of malnutrition there are bound to increase, compounding the threat to the physical and mental development of Palestinian children. The protection of child rights, even in their most basic form, is absolutely necessary and vital in this worsening situation when the number and impact of violations are increasing daily. The international community has a responsibility to uphold and protect the rights of children and enforce these standards when states transgress. It is imperative that the world acts today to force Israel to abide by its explicit responsibilities to all children in the Occupied Territories as set down in the CRC and consequently, cease immediately the deliberate violation of their rights.

Defence for Children International / Palestine Section

A video to ponder;April 5, 2004

Don't Give Up on PALESTINE!

It’s been a quite long time for me to start on typing on this issue. Previously, I just collecting all the articles, pictures and informations that I got from the internet. But I think there must be something I can do for FALASTHEEN (Palestine), even if it’s small, but at least it’s something…

I was attracted by a headline of an article in a newspaper that I read few months back. It said (translated in Enflish): Don’t Give up on Palestine Issues. Everyday when we read the International sections, there must be news on killing of the Palestinians by the Jews, the never ending discussions and agreements… Muslim nowadays when were asked on their weakness, lists of things they could give. But when it comes to their strength, they became silence and indecisive…

When we look for the strength in ourselves, we will be very weak.

When we look for strength in Allah, we will be invincible…

When I was on holiday, last 2 months, Alhamdulillah, I was given a chance to attend a talk by a Palestinian, Isa al-Imad. He is a PhD holder in human resource and family. Although he spoke in Arabic, I didn’t even sleep for the 2 hours talk coz the courage that he showed throughout the talk and there was a translator furthermore. He mentioned on something that really awakening the audience.

He asked a lady (mother of 7) from the audience: “How far can you run?” “Hm, maybe around 2 km”, said the lady. “What if I give RM100 for each 100m that you run?” he asked again. “Alright then, I can run another 2km,” replied the lady. “Can you go further than that?” he asked again.” I don’t think so coz that will be my limit, I suppose,” said the lady. “Well, I can make you run further, “he said confidently. “How?” asked the lady. “By giving you a dog to catch you…” haha, do you got what he means?

In our lives, there are many driving force in order for us to do what we are doing, right? Interest, money, love and the most powerful driving force is: FEAR. For example, what can make us stayed up all night, sleepless and study to the last minute before the examination on the next day, it’s because of fear of failing…That same goes to the people in Plaestine. The fear of God The Almighty makes them stay and remain in their land, defencing not just for the country but for the the diin of Islam. This is not a matter of Nationalism but a matter of Religion. Sadly, yet many of the Nuslims in all over the world didn’t realize this importance of Palestine Issue. They just sympathy not empathy… The motivator said we’ve got to give our help according to our own capabilities, although not much, but persistent…At least, never forget the Palestinian in our daily prayer…

Therefore in order to succeed, we’ve got to have a decision (QARAR), proceed with what we’ve decided (ISRAR), and persistence in what we’re doing (ISTIMRAR). 10 keys in order to help al-Aqsa:

1) Willingness (Rughbah) 2) Knowledge (Ma'rifah) 3) Practice (Mumarosah) 4) Optimistic (Taghawul) 5) Imaginary (Taswur) 6) Iltizam (Iltizam) 7) Discipline (Inthibat) 8)Patient (Sobru) 9) Continue in effort (Mudawamah) 10)Flexible (Murunah)

Qunut Nazilah (calamity)

This is the kind of special prayer (supplications) recommended in time of calamities and tragedies. As Muslims, we should alwez remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering all around the world by praying to Allah to grant them victory and relief.

Here is a sample of Qunut An-Nazilah :

“O Allah, We seek Your help; we beseech Your forgiveness.
We affirm our faith in You; we praise You.
We reject and abandon everyone who forsakes You.
O Allah, You alone do we worship; unto You alone we pray, and before You alone we prostrate in worship.
Unto You alone we strive and implore.
We cherish hope in Your mercy; we fear Your chastisement.
Most certainly, Your stern punishment will overtake those who reject the truth.
O Allah, we ask Your help against the aggressive Zionists who have committed crimes (against the oppressed), who have violated the sanctities, and killed, and dispersed the oppressed in Palestine.
O Allah, they cannot overwhelm You.
O Allah, You who are the Lord of the oppressed,
Help the oppressed (against their oppressors).
O Allah, show us Your miraculous powers in dealing with them (i.e. the aggressors).
O Allah, make their plans a plan for their destruction.
Make their armies a source of their own defeat.
Make their prison a prison for them.
O Allah, help the oppressed against the oppressors in all parts of the world.
O Allah, have mercy on the Ummah of Muhammad.
O Allah, bring relief to the Ummah of Muhammad.
O Allah, You are the twister of hearts, make our feet steadfast on the path of truth.
O Allah, make us all guides unto truth and make us rightly guided.
O Allah, bless and send peace on Your Prophet and Messenger Muhammad and his entire family and Companions.


Transliteration:

“Allaahumma innaa nasta’eenubika wa nastaghfiruka
Wa nu’minu bika wa nuthnee alayka
Wa nakfuru wa naturuku man yafjuruka
Allaahumma iyyaaka na’budu walaka nusallee wa nasjudu
Wa ilayka nas’aa wa nahfidu
Narjoo rahmataka wa nakshaa ‘adhaabaka
Inna adhaabaka al-jidda bi al-kuffaari mulhiq
Allahumma alayka bi al-ssahaayinat al-mu’tadeena al-mujrimeena
Alladheena istabaahoo al-hurumaati wa qataloo wa sharradoo al-mustadh’afeen fee Filasteen,
Allaahuma innahum laa yu’jizoonaka
Allaahumma rabba al-mustadh’afeen
Unsur al-mustadh’afeen (three times)
Allaahumma arinaa feehim ajaa’iba qudratika
Allaahumma ij’al tadbeerahum tadmeeran alayhim
Wa ij’al jundahum jundan alayhim
Wa ij’al sijnahum sijnan alayhim
Allaahumma unsur al-mustadh’afeen fee kulli makaani
(three times)
Allaahumma unsurhum nasran mu’azzaran (three times)
Alllaahumm irham ummata Muhammad (three times)
Allaahumm farrij an ummati Muhammadin (three times)
Allaahumma yaa muqalliba al-qulooba thabbit quloobanaa alaa al-haqq
Allaahumma ij’alnaa hadeen muhtadeen
Allaahumma salli wa sallim ala nabiyyika wa rasoolika Muhammadin wa alaa aalihi wa sahbihee ajma’een.”

Donation to Aman Palestine can goes to these account numbers:

Bank Islam: 12029010047880
Bank Muamalat: 12070005133717
Maybank: 562263010787

Aman Palestin Berhad
No. 1, Jalan 3/3B, 43650, Bandar Baru Bangi
Tel: 03-89267019
Fax: 03-89259963