Syrian Situation and Updates of Shaykh Yaqubi's Statements

Discussion in 'General Topics' started by Wadood, Sep 25, 2015.

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  1. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

  2. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    If the Syrian people get their way Manaf Tlass will not be allowed anywhere near any post Assad role. His defection was welcomed but his family were involved in decades of Assad family rule.

    Anyway. Tlass finally speaks. The truth is gradually coming out exposing the regime's false narrative.

    Manaf Tlass breaks his silence on Syria
    August 30, 2012

    [Selected quote]

    Tlass, 49, spoke movingly about his break from Assad, who, he said, has so bloodied his name that he will never be able to rule Syria effectively again. It began in the spring of 2011, when protests were spreading and Tlass offered to meet with demonstrators. He told Assad about an April 2011 meeting in Darayya with young rebels, whose fathers were silent but obviously proud. “This is the revolution of the fathers through their children,” Tlass warned, noting that such a conflict would be impossible to win by force.

    Read more:

    http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Columnist/2012/Aug-30/186093-manaf-tlass-breaks-his-silence-on-syria.ashx#axzz251ipf1Qy
     
  3. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    I am appreciative and thankful to this site for allowing a platform to share information. SP threads get a lot of views and I know users from at least 2 other forums frequent this forum. JazakAllah Khair.

    I came across an article that I feel deals with quite a few misconceptions regarding the Syrian situation. It also deals with the position of leftists like Tariq Ali.

    'Hands Off Syria' and Other Slogans of Assad’s Fans

    By Pham Binh
    August 16, 2012

    [Selected quote]

    Peaceful protests in Syria broke out in spring of 2011 just as they did in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, and everywhere else in the Middle East and North Africa where hungry people were tired of being beaten by cops, cajoled for bribes by government officials, and forced to silently endure every indignity imaginable out of fear, sheer terror, that you or your loved ones could disappear without a trace and end up in a ditch or a river somewhere without a face, I.D. card, or teeth for identification purposes.

    The millions of grievances silently accumulated by millions of people over decades under the watchful eyes of murderous police states exploded in 2011 in an outpouring of festivity, celebration, and unrelenting bravery that did not line up nicely and neatly with the pro/anti-U.S. dichotomy that divides Middle Eastern and North African governments from one another. The Arab Spring’s failure to conform to this divide divided the international left into three camps:

    http://www.indypendent.org/2012/08/16/hands-syria-and-other-slogans-assad%E2%80%99s-fans
     
  4. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    It seems Jamil Hassan, head of the feared and brutal Airforce Intelligence (AI) has been killed.

    I can write more about the Airforce Intelligence but I'll keep it brief.

    - It is probably the most powerful intelligence service in Syria. Hafez Assad came through the Airforce.

    - Amongst it's brutal role in the uprising, the AI agents would be stationed (in balaclava) behind regular troops to ensure they carried out orders. AI agents were ready to execute any who refused orders.

    Robert Fisk mentioned Jamil Hassan recently (29th Jun) :


    http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/26/234269.html
     
  5. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    Just want to bring a conversation to the forums attention.

    In the comment section of Shaykh Yaqoubi's facebook post sharing brother Abu Hasan's translation, a user called 'Damascene Loover' has questioned the Shaykh's comments regarding Sheikh Buti. The user named 'Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi', who I think is admin of the site and probably a student of the Shaykh, is conversing with him.

    The subject matter may also be relevant to the Alawite thread on this forum.

    http://www.facebook.com/shaykhabulhuda/posts/10151104941542580
     
  6. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

  7. Hamoudeh

    Hamoudeh New Member

    Assalamu `Alaykum

    Many thanks to Abu Hasan for the translation, I put it on my blog http://www.freehalab.wordpress.com and linked it to the above post. I've collected as much as I could from the scholars of Syria such as Shaykh al-Qurra' Krayyim Rajeh, Shaykh Usama & Shaykh Sariya Rifa`i, Shaykh `Adnan Saqqa, Shaykh As`ad Kahil and many others.

    http://freehalab.wordpress.com/category/scholars-respond/shaykh-yaqoubi/
    http://freehalab.wordpress.com/category/scholars-respond/shaykh-rajeh/
    http://freehalab.wordpress.com/category/scholars-respond/shaykhs-rifai/
    http://freehalab.wordpress.com/category/scholars-respond/other-scholars/
     
  8. AbdalQadir

    AbdalQadir time to move along! will check pm's.

    i too know the hadith about the cat as you do.
     
  9. abu Hasan

    abu Hasan Administrator

    the hadith as i know is: that a woman restrained a cat; neither fed it nor let it go in the open to feed itself on rodents. the cat died and because of this cruelty the woman will go to hell.

    another person saw a thirsty dog at a well and gave water to the dog, and because of this act of kindness, the person will go to heaven.

    ---
    the companions asked: 'ya RasulAllah, do we receive reward for kindness to animals?' and he sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam replied: 'kindness to every living thing'.

    Allah ta'ala knows best.

    ---
    mr.sufi, alack, lacks the common sense to understand the situation.
     
  10. AbdalQadir

    AbdalQadir time to move along! will check pm's.

    The King & The Lion

    http://www.shaykhabdalqadir.com/content/articles/THE_KING_AND_THE_LION.php

    Disclaimer: I am not of his murids/fanboys. I just happen to be on his mailing list. But that said, I don't know much about him other than his gaffe on the niqab, and that is a lesser evil than the evil of other people like nuh keller, mark hanson, etc. who have taken it upon themselves to breed pure heresy and riddah.
     
  11. abu Hasan

    abu Hasan Administrator


    Is Dr.Buti a mujtahid in his opinion [of supporting the Syrian regime] and therefore deserve reward [in the hereafter, ajr]?


    Question:
    Dear Shaykh Muĥammad Abu’l Hudā al-Yáqūbī,
    Which of the following two categories does Shaykh [Būţī] belong, on account of his stand concerning the regime:
    a) Scholar who has exercised ijtihād [independent analysis and reasoning] and formed an opinion, which in his view is in the best interest of Muslims. But he has erred in this opinion and still merits reward. However, it is necessary for other scholars to promulgate the truth and the righteous view; and at the same time, those who disparage him are sinning against him.

    b) Or is he a scholar who has reneged – may it never happen and may Allāh táālā vouchsafe him – who has become an agent of the Nusayris and an enemy of Islām and its adherents? And therefore is it necessary for every scholar to expose him and warn against him in unequivocal words and put an end to the conflict between those who support him and those who oppose him?
    Or if it is a dilemma between these two positions, then is it not better to keep silent [concerning Shaykh Buti] and have a good opinion [ĥusn al-žann] of a Muslim? And is it not a sin to disparage him [in this case]?

    We request you to give a comprehensive answer – may you be rewarded for it until Judgement day
    as people are anxious for a cogent answer from a righteous scholar like yourself. May Allāh táālā vouchsafe you and elevate the ranks of your forebears in the highest paradise.

    --------------------------
    Answer:

    Praise be to Allāh táālā and salutations and blessings be upon the Best of Creation, our Master Muĥammad and upon his family and companions.

    There are conditions, rules and regulations governing ijtihad and there is huge difference between what is considered as admissible ijtihad and patent antithesis; a difference between acceptable ijtihad and an eccentric opinion. Ijtihad of those people who are capable of it, is accepted and they shall be rewarded even if they have erred in their judgement, but only on the condition that their error can be satisfactorily explained as an error of interpretation [ta’wīl].

    Thus, everyone who exercises independent reasoning [ijtihad] will not be rewarded for his action; in fact, [at times] he may become a sinner for doing so. For example, in the case of an illiterate or a commoner who does not have the [requisite] tools, skills and knowledge for ijtihād, and does ijtihād in religious matters, he shall be censured and disciplined. So also, a mufti who gives fatwā based on abberrant or uncommon opinions will be rebuked and reprimanded; if he does not desist, he shall be proscribed from issuing fatāwā. Therefore, scholars have said:
    Not every contention is worthy of consideration,
    Except such a difference which merits examination.

    As for ĥadīth – that is in the context of people in authority and rulers – that is, if the Qāđī [Judge] arrives at an opinion after examination; even here, it is not a carte blanche [for all who do ijtihād]. Rather, it is for such a person who has the requisite skills and knowledge and is capable of deriving a ruling in the issue at hand. In our times, we speak of limited ijtihād, not absolute ijtihād. Here, ‘limited’ means exercising ijtihād in a specific issue which has no precedent or found in fundamental texts; the ijtihād is thus restricted to this aspect, not about the madh’hab itself.

    To derive a ruling for a specific issue or a crisis, it is necessary for the person [doing ijtihad] to be well-versed with the conditions of ijtihād, like the sources of legislation [adillah,] knowledge of various opinions and competence in examination and analysis of principles and regulations [qawāyid, uşūl]. We do not dispute that Dr.Buti has these qualities – and if these are not found in him, then it will not be found anywhere else.

    However, these are not the only things that are requisite to issue a fatwā; rather, one should also be accomplished in legislation and issuing edicts [futya] which includes knowledge of the times and surroundings in which one lives, an understanding of the actual objective of the question and its repercussions. Because, one who does not understand the age he lives in, is not a scholar and it is not permissible for him to issue edicts. Warzāzātī [also Warzāzī, d.1166 AH] said in his commentary on the Lāmiyah [narrative poem] of Zaqqāq: “Judgement is also a craft, a profession similar to Jurisprudence. That is, adjudication and legislation [qađā, fatwā] are professions that require training – mere knowledge of jurisprudence [fiqh] is not sufficient. Because, understanding qađā and fatwā is a specialisation that goes beyond mere knowledge of juridical opinions, because it requires a characteristic ability to investigate and inquire. Ibn Árafah has said that it is an ability to minutely examine the constituents and a comprehensive understanding of all those attributes, which, by their presence or absence, have a bearing on the legal outcome”.

    I do not consider the opinion of Dr.Sayid [Buti] – may Allāh táālā protect him – as an error of judgement that merits a reward. Because, he is not a person qualified to have an educated opinion in this matter [of the Syrian regime,] because he has fallen short in the past to demonstrate an understanding of our times and the situations in which we live. The shaykh has made such [mistakes] in the past and it is not a new thing. A most recent example is the fatwā that he issued about ten years ago and which appeared in the medical magazine, Your Doctor [tabībak] wherein he permitted viewing pornographic videos for husbands with the intention to improve conjugal relations with their wives. This fatwā received a lot of flak and it shows the shaykh’s lack of knowledge of current affairs and his obliviousness of legal regulations and etiquette required of a mufti.

    ------------------------
    Concerning this issue [of the regime] there are a number of reasons for the shaykh’s stand and probably the following two are the most disastrous.

    The first: is an immense lack of knowledge of the situation, except one-sided information which he receives from the regime and he trusts them and believes everything they tell him; as if, he is the person described by Ibn Tathriyah:
    The desire for her came to me; of desire I was unaware,
    It chanced upon a vacant heart and gained a foothold there.

    Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawānī says in his Epistle – and it was originally said by Sayyidunā Álī (may Allāh táālā ennoble his blessed face) – “the heart that readily accepts virtue and goodness is that, upon which evil has not crossed before”.

    It is therefore that Dr.Sayid [Buti] does not accept any report about the Revolution from other sources after he has ratified and accepted the propaganda of the regime. This is because of his closeness with a number of senior officials [of the regime] and this proximity has influenced his decisions and thus, he views everything from the prism of the regime and repeats their propaganda innocently. Sometimes, a truthful person thinks that everybody is as truthful as himself. And the reason for his stand is this [blind acceptance of regime propaganda,] which is the result of years of friendship and cordial relations with officers and administrators of the regime.

    The second: is his animosity with the Salafis and Muslim Brotherhood to the point that he has chosen to side with the enemies of Allāh in his opposition to them! He believes in the propaganda of the regime that all these revolutionaries are Wahabis, who will burn and demolish mausoleums of Awliyā’a, as they did in Libya. Indeed, the Salafis and Brotherhood were the foremost in the uprising that seeks to bring down the regime, because of the revolutionary ideology which is widespread and common in their discourse, and what is prevalent among the [sect] in the name of jihād. Yet, this revolution is mainly a revolution of common people who are religious Sunni Muslims, who are protesting against a brutal dictatorship, and seeking to abolish tyrannical repression and torture.

    Even though we oppose the Salafis for many of their opinions and ideas; and we differ with the Brotherhood in their political views, that which brings us together is Islām. And similarly, that which binds us [in this conflict] is the standard of jihad against repression and cruelty and to establish righteousness and truth. We cannot imagine ourselves standing in the ranks of the enemies of Allāh against them [the Salafis and Brotherhood fighting in Syria] and the revolution is not THEIR revolution, even if they were the foremost in the uprising. And from the beginning itself many joined the revolution, a great number of imams [of the mosques, ] preachers, teachers, [people from] universities and followers of Sufi traditions and an overwhelming majority of common folk.

    Sufi Brigades have been formed [to fight in this revolution;] alongside a brigade that bears the name of Taqiyuddin Ibn Taymiyyah, there is a brigade in the name of Muhiyuddin Ibn Arabi. This is the diversity of the revolution which is a fact, whether we like it or not.

    It is necessary for Dr.Sayid to desist from such speech denouncing the people’s revolution, whether a group or a brigade [fighting in the revolution] because there is not a city or a village in Syria, which has not sent brave men and heroic soldiers to fight this criminal, tyrannical and ruthless regime. No city or village has been spared the merciless killing and destruction of this regime or escaped the flames of oppression.

    Our speech is not aimed at criticising the dissociation of the shaykh from the revolution and his choice to remain aloof and keep silent. If he had stopped at that we would have accepted it as an error of judgement and would have ruled that he shall merit a reward, because his actions could then be interpreted favourably. But he went beyond this and actively abetted and aided monsters, murderers and criminals by praising them and speaking in their favour and such things which shall be counted as abetting crime. By doing so, he has breached the boundaries of acceptable ijtihād in which error of judgement is viewed benignly and reward is nevertheless expected.

    Similarly our speech does not seek to question his intention or his disposition; indeed, we have no doubt that he is a man of good intention. We know the shaykh and his worship and austerity, withdrawal from the world and his efforts to seek the Pleasure of Allāh táālā; his love for righteous people and his sincerity to serve the religion. [As explained earlier,] these are some of the qualities that are required in a mujtahid, but not the only ones. The most important thing required for a mujtahid is incisive intelligence, sincere intention, wisdom and praiseworthy objectives.

    It is because of our knowledge of the shaykh’s good intentions and his sincerity in his duty to Islām, that we only fault him, not castigate him as an apostate. It is also because of this, we have presented our views mindful of his respect and do not applaud those who disparage him, nor condone such insults. But being mindful of respect due to him does not mean that we should keep quiet about his blunders. This is well-known among scholars and nobody can suppress it.

    We ask Allāh táālā to forgive us and forgive him and accept our good deeds.

    All praise is to Allāh táālā, Sustainer of the worlds.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2012
  12. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    A couple of things.

    - An article in the New Statesman regarding the role of Scholars in the Syrian situation.

    - What appears to be a couple of responses to Shaykh Buti by Shaykh Yaqoubi. They are in arabic and google translation isn't very clear. I'll share anyway as I know some brothers on here will understand arabic.

    +++++++++++++

    The vital role of the “ulama” in post-Assad Syria

    The influence of these religious scholars transcends borders and their opinions carry weight that cannot be underestimated.

    09 August 2012

    [Selected quote]

    Moreover, as Thomas Pierret, in The Role of the Mosque in the Syrian Revolution observes, the Sunni ulama appear divided. However, this overlooks the historical context of how Syrian ulama have interacted with power. Traditionally, some take a Burkean position and co-operate with the government because the prospect of civil instability is worse and unconducive to spiritual growth. This is the rationale for the attitude of Sheikh Ramadan Buti and others who have been slow in condemning the government’s actions. The second is the gradualist approach represented by the Rifa’i brothers in Kafer Souseh, Damascus, who remain aloof from authority and hope to achieve political change bottom up. Then there is the position of scholars from Homs and Deraa like Sayasne or the jurisprudent Rizq Abazayd and others like Sheikh Muhammad a-Yaqoubi who see themselves as representatives of the people. They believe they must critique and if necessary, prevent the authorities from abuses of power.

    http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/vital-role-ulama-post-assad-syria


    +++++++++++++++++++++++

    Shaykh Yaqoubi statements:

    From Saturday:

    https://www.facebook.com/shaykhabulhuda/posts/10151082083057580

    From Sunday:

    https://www.facebook.com/ShaykhMuhammadAbulhudaAlYaqoubi/posts/194880663976024
     
  13. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    There was a recent video in which various groups united and announced the formation of the Tawheed Brigade in Aleppo. They have been involved in the recent action in and around Aleppo and are likely involved in the current Aleppo stand-off. Somebody elsewhere mentioned how this Brigade was emerging as a potent force in the opposition, highly motivated and ideologically driven. Going by their recent activities they do seem a tough bunch. I share this as I feel we may be hearing more about them in the news.

    Other prominent Brigades/Battalions are the Homs based 'Farouq Battalion' and the 'Sham Falcons'.

    Here is the video of the Tawheed Brigade announcement. Some highlights:

    - At the start they say who they are.
    - From 45 sec they describe their objectives.
    - At 1.56 they warn Russia.
    - From 1.40 & 6.55 they chant: 'Our Leader forever is our Master Mohammad! {Sallalahu Alaihi Wa Salam}'
    - NOTE: From 2.14 till 4.21 the names of the various groups uniting are read out. You can skip this.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIBshAFBDi8
     
  14. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    Recently the rebels took the fight to the heart of the regime, Damascus, and then to Aleppo. Now everyone is waiting for the showdown in Aleppo in which it is said 20,000 regime troops are about to assault rebel held areas.

    Here is something I wrote elsewhere which seems consistent with what the user (see previous post) on Syria Comment described later:

     
  15. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    The unravelling continues.

    Yesterday we had the defection of the Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab.

    The regime should get rid of Assad! He's a jinx! :

    Assad declared Syria was in a real war and almost immediately his right hand man (Tlass) defected.

    Assad declared he would conquer space* and now the first Syrian astronaut defects (yesterday).

    Assad declares Parliamentary elections, after which he appointed a new government and prime minister and now his new prime minister defects after 2 months in the job.

    Some comments in response to this defection by a user (presumably a Damascene) on Syria Comment. I'm sure this is an old user who hasn't posted post for many months:


    And here:

    * “They may be stronger in space, but we are stronger on the ground. Still, we want to win on the ground and in space.”

    Bashar al-Assad 26/2/12

    http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2012/03/01/197898.html
     
  16. abu Hasan

    abu Hasan Administrator

    don't be provoked by that blathering idiot, simon tisdall's tripe on the guardian. international politics is not as easy as shooting off an opinion piece, munching on stale chips.

    going to war is not a simple or an easy decision, except for autocratic and ruthless regimes. it involves people like us who are sent to die for us; remember that.

    ---
    but i second your prayer for the destruction of that kalb-named-assad and his murderous regime (and the regimes of his backers - mainly putin and the assorted rawafiD - la'anatullahi `alayhim).

    ---
    we can do collective dua of hizbu'l baHr of sayyidi abu'l Hasan shadhili and hizbu'n naSr of sayyidi abdu'l Qadir jilani. in sha Allah, i will also try to do a khatm of HiSn al-HaSin of imam jazry tonight for the aid of our brothers and sisters in syria and muslims everywhere.

    i invite brothers/sisters to do the same tonight and tomorrow.

    [​IMG]
     
  17. may Allah destroy Assad and his regime!
    Wish Turkey would invade instead of acting like chichis.
     
  18. abu Hasan

    abu Hasan Administrator

  19. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    In response to the Trimseh Massacre
    Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi

    To the wounded people of Syria!

    Today a new massacre took place in Trimseh, Hama, in which hundreds were murdered and severly wounded including women, children and the young and elderly. They were mutilated, slaughtered, and executed by the mercenaries of the regime. 150 tanks and squadrons of bomber helicopters surrounded this smal town and assaulted it with an array of shells and bombs. Then the mobs of the regime broke into the city; the result was families being wiped out, men burnt alive, women raped and children slaughtered with knives. We do not find words which suffice to condemn such a level of savagery and wonder if these people are even humans. Is the regime taking revenge from the Syrian people who revolted against it?

    As we offer our condolences to the families of the victim, pray for the martyrs and promise that that people's tears, which shed in grief and sorrow at what they witnessed, shall soon turn into tears of joy and rapture at the regime’s fall, the country’s liberation and the trial of every criminal.

    O wounded people!

    In exchange for our silence, blood is being spilled and lives are being shattered. Today it is Trimseh, tomorrow it will be another town. Henceforth, we must act not merely condemn. This crime requires us to immediately take the following measures:

    First, Plant a smile in place of tears:

    We call upon every Syrian citizen to make it for Trimseh and the other affected areas and take as much aid as possible. We understand if some ppeople could not take up arms but we do not understand why every person is not moving, even if empty-handed. People in these areas witnessed a level animalistic brutality the likes of which no one in history has seen; soo what these people need now is to see a smile on a face of a noble man or a hug to comfort a child who have lost his entire family.

    Second, up to jihad:

    The right response to these massacres is not by statements but rather by arms; iron strikes iron. We do not intend to retaliate from innocent people; rather we intend to protect innocent people. We should defend towns, villages and neighbourhoods and the only means to do so is by volunteering into the Syrian Free Army and providing them with unlimitted support.

    Finally, One who keeps silent rather than say the truth is a silent Satan. We call for strikes in all cities for three consecutive days, blockades of major roads and to large scale protests. Do not be a devil; to keep silent now is a crime. We call the people to unite and sacrifice everything to bring down the regime with every possible means.

    http://www.facebook.com/shaykhabulhuda/posts/10151016630282580
     
  20. Abu Aleshba

    Abu Aleshba Active Member

    Well well well! This is interesting.

    Finally after 10 days Shaykh Yaqoubi has tweeted. The Shaykh is asking us to look out for signs. I wonder if this is based on spiritual insight? He knows something we don’t? Something about to happen? :

    When the Russians start evacuating their citizens from Syria, know that the deal is done and the regime has collapsed.

    10h


    http://twitter.com/Shaykhabulhuda/status/216376163164106753

    The Shaykh’s twitter:

    http://twitter.com/#!/Shaykhabulhuda
     

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