JHGJH

O you who believe, respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which
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JUMADA
I 1433 -
JUMADA
II 1433
APRIL
2012
ISSUE:
20
Will the Islamic Parties Deliver on Their Promises?

PRINCIPLES AND POLITICS CAN MIX - UNDERSTANDING DAR AL-KUFR & DAR ALISLAM - WOMEN OF HIZB UT-TAHRIR ORGANISE HISTORIC INTERNATIONAL WOMENS CONFERENCE (TUNISIA) - THE ILLUSION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH THE REALITY OF AN ISRAELI ATTACK ON IRAN - REPLACE SHEIKH HASINA'S BANKRUPT REGIME WITH THE ISLAMIC KHILAFAH STATE - DECIPHERING THE TURKISH MODEL OF GOVERNMENT
NEWSBITES
needed by those people who feel excluded in society; and unemployment amongst young people has reached historic levels. BOSNIA 20 YEARS ON Media outlets highlighted the 20-year anniversary of the war in Bosnia breaking out this April. What wasnt highlighted was the shameful embargo NATO forces imposed on the Bosnian Muslims (Serbs were provided weapons from Russia), the appalling siege of Sarajevo which western governments allowed to continue 3 times longer than the siege of Stalingrad, or perhaps most troubling the capitulation of the UN protection forces which effectively left the population of Srebrenica to be slaughtered at the hands of the Serb marauders of Ratko Mladic (more than 8,000 men and boys were executed in cold blood). The targeted rape of thousands of Muslim women and young girls, even toddlers have left an entire population traumatised. And all within a Europe that had said never again after Hitler. Bosnia gave us the media term of ethnic cleansing and it was predominantly the Muslims that were cleansed. The Dayton Accord perhaps epitomised all that happened best. Western interventions were late (after 100,000 died), were one sided (giving half the land to the aggressor Serbs), and succeeded in dividing the populations on nationalist grounds, creating further problems which will rumble on for decades. BRITAINS RIOTS IN 2011: CAUSED BY POOR PARENTING? An independent government-appointed panel, set up to study the causes of last summer's riots calls in the UK, has identified the causes for last years riots as poor parenting, a failure of the justice system to rehabilitate offenders, materialism and suspicion of the police. In 2011, another report by the Guardian Newspaper and the London School of Economics (LSE) interviewed 270 of the rioters and found a complex mix of grievances including distrust and antipathy toward police as key driving forces. Sadly, most of these factors which are systemic - are unlikely to disappear in a hurry. The economic situation in Britain and austerity measures to control the budget deficit are likely to cut the social programs
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Furthermore, the secular nature of society, excluding religion from lifes affairs is such that it gives no fixed standards of rights and wrongs that means almost two generations of parents find it very hard to guide their children with a stronger set of values than the materialistic and individualistic ones propagated in the media. Finally, mistrust of the police particularly amongst minority ethnic communities is endemic. The riots started when Mark Duggan, a black man, was shot and the police escaped fundamental scrutiny on their actions. In addition, this week the British media has been filled with stories about racism in the Londons police force. Unsurprisingly, no one as yet seems to be brave or honest enough to examine the causes that seem endemic to capitalism, secularism and national identity.
Commenting on Ahmads BBC interview in April 2012, former US prosecutor David Raskin told journalists that the US constitution was generous to those defending themselves against prosecution! Maybe if youre a US soldier who murders Muslims in Kandahar or Haditha. But try telling that to Dr Aafia Siddiqui and others who have tasted the bitter reality of socalled US justice.
BRITAIN INVITES BUTCHER OF BAHRAIN TO JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, AFTER THEIR DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS THE MONSTER OF UZBEKISTAN Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrains ruler, has been invited to attend the British Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations, rendering meaningless the Foreign Offices protestations about the murderous actions of Middle East tyrants. Over the past year, the Bahrain regime has not only massacred protestors demonstrating against the regime, they locked up doctors and nurses who treated the injured protestors. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is, apparently, also set to attend a champagne dinner hosted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. None of this should surprise anyone and certainly, no one should trust any British government statements opposing the brutality of Assad, Gaddafi or anyone else. In February 2012, British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond met with Uzbek President, Islam Karimov, one of the worlds most ruthless dictators and architect of the Andijan massacre of 2005, in Tashkent to discuss closer military co-operation. He and the LibDem Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey visited all five Central Asian republics. It is reported that Mr Hammond made no public mention of widespread human rights abuses during his trip, but if he had, such visits and invites would render these mere hollow words.
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MUSLIM SETS A NEW RECORD IN THE UK! A Muslim has set a landmark record in the UK. Sadly, it is not an achievement anyone would welcome. Babar Ahmad has spent over 7 years in a maximum-security prison without being charged, put on trial or even seeing the evidence against him. This is the longest time in British history anyone has been imprisoned without being put on trial. The reason is that the United States government asked for his extradition to the USA. The crime he is alleged to have committed is that he ran a website from the UK, that sits on a server in the USA. The website, it is said, was campaigning to support the Chechen mujahedeen a struggle that was considered legitimate by the UK and USA until their extreme labeling of jihad struggles as terrorism.
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DR. ABDUL WAHID
Editorial
Will the Islamic Parties Deliver on Their Promises?
Election fever is in the air. There are Presidential elections scheduled for May 2012 in Egypt; French Presidential elections are scheduled for April & May 2012; and London is in the midst of a bitter electoral contest. The elections in the mature democracies of Britain and France give some flavour of how the systems work in the capitalist system. The two main candidates of Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson in London have accused each other of being liars and barely say a civil word to each other. The victims of this election are truth and civility.
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Nicholas Sarkosy is forced to be even more right-wing than his usual hawkish self, to out manoeuvre the fascist Marine Le-Pen. The victims of this election will be minorities generally and Muslims specifically, who will be scape-goated by all politicians to play to the basest instincts of the masses. Sadly, Egypt appears to be entering election mode accepting the capitalist democratic system and nation state model that Britain and France have. And the politics may well get as unethical. In a striking U-turn, the Muslim Brotherhood who vowed not to stand in presidential elections have put forward not one, but two candidates. Moreover, one of these received a pardon from the ruling military authority [SCAF] to pave the way for his standing, leaving some people feeling that they had colluded with SCAF in order to secure a position for themselves and, in so doing, undermined the revolution. Our article by Sajjad Khan [Principles and Politics Can Mix] highlights the similar inconsistencies of the Ennahda Party in Tunisia, in their placing of power over their former principled position that won them so much respect in the hearts of the people during the Ben-Ali years. Similarly, Adnan Khans critique of the western-endorsed Turkish model, that some seem so keen to emulate, highlights the failings and
inconsistencies of this model. But by contrast, Dr Nasreen Nawazs coverage of the International Womens Khilafah Conference offers the people of the region a different vision, based on Islam. Similarly Mohamad Arifs presentation of Islamic economic solutions is a step forward to presenting the ideas that are needed to introduce a new thinking into the Muslim world. However, the real hope of real change is in the hearts, minds, chants and blood of the beautiful people of Syria. They have maintained their pure Islamic call, despite massacres by the regime and international conspiracies. They are sacrificing, inshallah, like the Prophet and his companions sacrificed before Allah brought them from the hardships and fear of insecurity to the security of the Islamic State in Medina. Al Tabarani narrated that the Messenger of Allah once said: Do you know what Allah says about al-Sham? Allah Taala says Al-Sham you are safwati min bilaadi (the best of My lands) and I shall inhabit you with the chosen ones among My slaves. May Allah make those brave people His chosen ones. May He protect them and reward them with His Victory. Ameen
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Khilafah Magazine :: April 2012 :: 3
SAJJAD KHAN
PRINCIPLES AND POLITICS CAN MIX
the ones we see in the West, are deeply flawed. Power is distributed amongst different politicians or institutions, not to have checks and balances, but to encourage division and to stop strong leadership. Indeed elections are a necessary smokescreen to allow the illusion of societal participation to cover the real reality that power is exercised by an unelected elite. Having multiple institutions such as lower or upper houses or constitutional restrictions ensures nothing can get done which is too radical. 2. Secondly the IPINOs should realise that they are not indispensable. The people who elected them in their millions want Islam, what they dont want is a diluted Islam, or a diet Islam or some kind of Islam Zero. If the people wanted western secularism, they would have voted for candidates from Liberal parties. If the IPINOs dont deliver what they promised, they will face a serious revolt. If they think this wont happen, they should consult Hosni Mubarak. 3. Thirdly their political calculations are rooted in myths. First they believe that an Islamic system can only be implemented gradually, why? Do liberal politicians ever talk about implementing their values gradually? No they dont, everyone knows theres a distinction between determining a policy and when it can be executed. Implementing an Islamic System can be a Day 1 decision even if it takes weeks, months or even years for all the benefits to be fully seen. Secondly the idea that Islamic solutions arent ready to solve Day 1 problems such as poverty, unemployment or education are simply not correct. Islams economic vision on creating a strong industrial base, focussing on land reform and taxing wealth not incomes, are practical solutions that would benefit our economies today. 4. By avoiding the tough decisions, IPINOs end up implementing the same failed capitalist solutions that have not just bankrupted our countries but brought the western world to the brink of economic collapse. Indeed it is patronising to the tens of millions of the citizens that voted for Islamic solutions that they arent somehow ready to face the consequences of the very solutions they voted for.
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n Tunisia, in Morocco, in Egypt, voters in their millions have clearly expressed their opposition to secular liberal values and their strong desire for Islamic government. Yet the same parties that went to great lengths to demonstrate their Islamic credentials to the masses in the election campaign, are now going to great lengths to demonstrate their moderation to the West now. Indeed in their rush to placate so called international opinion, they have abandoned all pretence to Islamic politics, Islam is now the word that dare not be mentioned. In doing so, they think they are being pragmatic, smart and politically savvy. Yet all they have shown is their opportunism, their double standards and that when it comes to sticking to principles, they are no better than their secular counterparts. When it comes to applying Islamic politics they cite constitutional barriers and the need to keep minorities onside.
When it comes to applying Islamic economics, they cite the need to avoid scaring international investors and tourists. When it comes to applying the Islamic foreign policy, they cite the need to show a moderate image and to appease the west. Indeed such is their caution, weakness and desire to please, they have now become Islamic Politicians in Name Only (IPINO). The inferiority complex of the IPINOs has no bounds, having been in opposition so long, they almost cannot believe the opportunity they now have. Yet they are now in danger of wasting the huge mandate that they have been given. The IPINOs have thus made at least six strategic mistakes in their politics thus far: 1. Firstly the IPINOs have locked themselves into a straitjacket by participating within flawed elections in a flawed system under a flawed framework. Elections are a critical part of any political system (including the Khilafahs), the elections we saw in the Muslim world like
SAJJAD KHAN
5. The idea that implementing an Islamic system will scare minorities, scare investors and scare international opinion is true and false. False in the sense that the Islamic system has a fantastic track record in dealing justly with those who dont share the Islamic faith. But true in the sense that the current international system needs a jolt. When the current world is dominated by billions in poverty, where wars are fought over oil and where the powerful states exploit the weak, then such a system needs to be challenged. The idea that by implementing Islam somehow would be an act of naivety because one must be cognisant of the international situation is itself an act of naivety. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was not naive when he challenged the Romans and the Persians, but he fully understood that international politics was
treaties. By doing so they have shown that naked opportunism is not confined to secular parties. How can these people after being put in jails by the previous tyrants now seek to implement the very same policies of the very same tyrants. How can they say they oppose US foreign policy, yet meekly accept US aid and hegemony. How can they say they stand with the Muslims of Palestine when they are not prepared to even rescind the Camp David Agreement. PRINCIPLES AND POLITICS CAN MIX What is required from sincere politicians is a new politics, a new outlook and a new vision. A vision that focuses on increasing
Those who pursue the right path, will bring in not just a new system, not just a new era, but a new politics which will inspire the whole world. Over the last year, thousands of protesters took to the streets, then tens of thousands, then millions. And in the face of tear gas, batons and bullets, they refused to go home. Hour after hour, day after day, week after week, until dictators who ruled for decades were forced from power. So let us be clear that though some of the tyrants have gone, their corrupt systems remain. And while this remains the case, there will be no let up. So during these dark days, the hope carries on, the dream of a more just system still lives, the obligation endures and the work to reestablish the Khilafah will never stop. The people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya sacrificed their sweat, their blood and some made the ultimate sacrifice. These people deserve better, than to be let down again by new politicians implementing the old politics. Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers. [TMQ 5:44]
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Those who pursue the right path, will bring in not just a new system, not just a new era, but a new politics which will inspire the whole world.
about projecting ideological power. If you as a nation dont project your values, principles and policies than other nations will. This is why the West not only implements its values at home but spends tens of billions to spread its message abroad. 6. Lastly the IPINOs are walking into a strategic trap. By abandoning Islam at home, they effectively will implement a liberal secular agenda which will exclusively benefit a westernised elite. In the future their inability to present a coherent Islamic agenda will be used by their political opponents and western elites as evidence of the failure of Islamic politics to solve problems in the Muslim world. Indeed the main danger that the IPINOs risk is not to themselves, but to the cause they purport to care about. Their reluctance to implement Islam in its entirety risks giving the impression that the Islamic system cant solve the problems of the day Indeed some IPINOs are now even ready to turn a blind eye to blatantly Un-Islamic industries, accept US hegemony and sit down with Israel to validate peace
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prosperity, jobs and helping the poor. One where people are the priority not western multinationals. A vision that looks to bring land reform, tax reform and to ensure critical resources are owned by the state to benefit the many not the few. A vision that has a leadership accountable to public opinion not to international opinion. All this is possible if the political will is present. As the life of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) showed us, the challenges will not be easy, achieving real political change never is. There is no easy path to progress, no shortcuts to real change and hardship always accompanies the task. Our Ummahs history has shown us time after time that what seemed impossible became reality with the help of Allah (swt). The Khilafah showed it could rise up to the challenges in the past, we believe it can rise up to the challenges today.
ABU ISMAEL AL-BEIRAWI
Understanding Dar al-Kufr & Dar al-Islam

(leader of the believers). The election wins of EnNahda in Tunisia and the Muslim Brotherhood in the form of the Freedom and Justice party in Egypt has also sparked the debate of what makes a state Islamic. Electoral Parties in Egypt have argued over the semantics of the proposed constitution as to whether to include Islam as the main source of law ignoring the Quranic obligation of making the Shariah the only source of law. We are also seeing a trend of modernist thinkers attempting to argue away the Islamic paradigm altogether, interestingly their narrative fits into the western campaign against political Islam. An oft quoted bastion of this new heretical polemic, Tariq Ramadan states: The concepts of Dar al-Islam, Dar al-harb, and Dar al-ahd were not described in the Quran or in the Sunna. In fact they constituted a human attempt, at a moment in history, to describe the world and to provide the Muslim community with a geopolitical scheme that is appropriate to the reality of the time. This reality has completely changed. [1] Furthermore, we also find some amongst the Islamic movements who claim to be working for the re-establishment of Khilafah not having a clear idea of the definition and scriptural proofs for an Islamic state. Dar al-Islam and Khilafah should not just be slogans but rather a serious objective which we are practically working to achieve. We cannot pray Salah properly without knowing its pillars (arkan) and conditions (shuroot) so how can we work for an Islamic state without
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t is unfortunate that the Islamic concepts, definitions and terminologies which were well known by Muslims and codified by Islamic scholarship for centuries have in more recent times become vague, distorted or in some cases totally absent. One such issue is the subject of Dar alKufr (land of disbelief) and Dar al-Islam (land of Islam).
Understanding the distinction between the two is vital when it comes to evaluating present regimes in the Muslim world and in the aftermath of the Arab spring is essential in order to determine what changes to a constitution and state are necessary to make it more than just Islamic in name.
Sadly, some attempt to classify countries as Islamic or not utilising criterion other than those established by the Shariah evidences. So Mahmoud Ahmadinejads condemnation of Israel and overt stance against America lead some to argue that Iran has been Dar al-Islam, a legitimate Islamic state since the Iranian revolution by Ayatollah Khomeni in 1979. They point to the implementation of some Islamic laws to back this claim. The Saudi Arabian regime together with many of its clerics continue to postulate that it is an Islamic state and thus working to remove the corrupt regime is bughat or an Islamically illegitimate rebellion. King Abdullah has even reported to have declared himself as Ameer al-Mumineen
knowing the same? Thus it is important for the definition, meaning and evidences for Dar al-Islam and its distinction from Dar al-Kufr to be clarified. DEFINITION In Arabic terms may have a linguistic (laghawi) usage and a technical (istilaahi) usage. Islamic scholarship has traditionally focused discussion on technical definitions of terms. These comprise terms that are discussed and defined by the Shariah texts such as salat, zakat, hajj, siyam; terms that are descriptive like mutawatir, ahad, sanad, qati, zanni and terms that are necessitated through textual injunctions in order to understand and apply Shariah rules for example aqeedah (belief), ijma (consensus) and Dar al-Islam. The dar (pl. diyaar) in the Arabic language has numerous meaning such as the halting place, the house, abode, residence and the land. It is true like most technically defined terms in the Islamic sciences the terms Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Kufr do not appear in the source texts i.e. the Quran and Sunnah in their technical form. This doesnt mean that the whole subject is indecisive. To conclude that would be like saying the term aqeedah is not to be found in any verse of Quran or Hadith so it is indecisive, a matter which is
to the Hanafi linguist Jurjani in his book on technical definitions is, revelation to the Messenger compiled in the Musaahif and transmitted through tawatur means without doubt. [2] Others have different definitions such as Imam Suyuti and Al-Aamidi. If the definitions are compared, it is apparent there are a number of differences, including the inclusion or negation in the definition of the following elements: speech of God, in the Arabic language and worship when recited. If the logic of the modernists was followed we would conclude that there are massive differences in the definition of Quran being the speech of God or in Arabic - as these points are disputed
necessitate their recognition in order for their implementation. For example, the texts relating to war and peace in Islam recognise relations between states and attempt to regulate them. Whether technical terms appear in texts or not is irrelevant, rather it is required that the definitions of such terms should embody, reflect and concur with divine texts. According to Shariah terminology, Dar alIslam is defined as the land which is governed by the laws of Islam and whose security (Aman) is maintained by the security of Islam, i.e. by the authority and protection of Muslims inside and outside the land, even if the majority of its inhabitants are non-Muslims. Dar al-Kufr is the land which is governed by the laws of Kufr, and whose security is not maintained by the security (Aman) of Islam, i.e. by other than the authority and security of Muslims, even if the majority of its inhabitants are Muslims. So what matters in determining whether the land is Dar al-Islam or Dar al-Kufr is neither the land itself nor its inhabitants, rather it is the laws and the security. EVIDENCES The word Dar has been used in the sayings of the Prophet (saw) and by his companions to mean the domain, or the
...Dar al-Islam is defined as the land which is governed by the laws of Islam and whose security (Aman) is maintained by the security of ...
preposterous. These terms were defined by the scholars in the early centuries of Islam for a purpose, their core meanings are decisively rooted in the texts and their branches at times disputed. Scholars often differ over the details of terminologies, this in no way negates the subject matter as true. For example, the definition of the term, Quran, according
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hence the Quran must be zanni (speculative). However, the jurists as well as all Muslims did not dispute these matters and agreed that they are decisive (qati) due to the incontestable evidence, difference in selection of the words for defining the Quran is irrelevant. The terms Dar al-Islam/Kufr have not been explicitly defined by the Sharia texts, however the Sharia texts
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Islamic State when used in relation to the Muslims, and the domain where the Kuffar have the authority when used for the disbelievers. It is reported on the authority of Sulayman bin Buraydah, Whenever the Messenger of Allah appointed anyone as leader of an army...He would say...When you meet your enemies from the polytheists, invite them to three courses of action. If they respond to any one of these, accept it and restrain yourself from doing them harm. Invite them to Islam; if they respond, accept it and desist from fighting. Then invite them to migrate from their Dar to the Dar of the Muhajireen (emigrants) and inform them if they do so, they shall have all the privileges and obligations of the Muhajireen. If they refuse, tell them they will have the status of the Bedouin Muslims and will be subjected to the Commands of Allah like other Muslims... [3] What does this Hadith indicate? It is that if they did not move from their land to the land of the Muhajireen they would not enjoy the rights of the emigrants who are living in the land of Islam. So this Hadith clearly shows the difference between those who move to the land of the Muhajireen and those who do not. Dar al-Muhajireen was the land of Islam at the time of the Prophet (saw), and all other lands outside were Dar al-Kufr. In other narrations the Prophet (saw) said: Medina is the Dar of hijra (migration) and Sunnah. [4] Peace be upon you Dar (land) of the Mumineen (believers). [5] There are various other evidences that the scholars rely on in order to extract the definition, such as the definitive verses of the Quran that conclusively establish that the only source of law must be the law of Allah, the Shariah: "The Rule is for none but Allah: He declares the truth and He is the best of Judges." [TMQ 6:57]
Have you seen those who claim that they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which has been sent down before you, and they wish to go for judgement (in their disputes) to the Taghut (false judges) while they have been ordered to reject them? [TMQ: 4: 60] Judge between them by that which Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires and beware of them lest they seduce you from some part of that which Allah has revealed to you. [TMQ 5:49] We also find the usage of the Dar terminology amongst the Sahaba. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari on the authority of Ibn Abbas that once when Abdul Rahman bin Awf was speaking with Omar Bin Al-Khattab (ra) who was the Khaleefah at the time, he said, Do not be harsh on them (speaking about some of the Hujaaj) until they return to Madinah, which is Dar al-Hijrah, Dar al-Sunnah and Dar ul-Salaama. [6] It is recorded that Khalid Bin Waleed (ra) wrote a letter to the people of Hirah (a place close to Bahrain) and he said, I write this to you: if any of you become old, poor or ill or his people have to donate to maintain his livelihood I will never ask Jizya (tax) of him. He will also receive a grant from the Bait ul-Maal (treasury of the Islamic state). He and his children will be entitled to this as long as he resides in Dar ul-Hijrah and Dar alIslam. If they go out (from this jurisdiction) then the Muslims are no longer obliged to provide anything for them. [7] DAR AL-ISLAM AND DAR AL-KUFR ACCORDING TO THE ULEMA The terms Dar al-Kufr and Dar al-Islam have been derived from Quran and Sunnah, with all classical jurists agreeing to their core meanings, namely Islam must be applied and the security of that land cannot be in the hands of the Kuffar, with only some ancillary aspects
being disputed. A similar discussion ensued amongst the jurists regarding the question of what constitutes a Muslim (one who has submitted to Allah) and a Kafir (disbeliever). This necessitated a criterion to be extracted from the texts that deal with this topic directly or indirectly. Detailed discussions exploring all aspects of this criterion and its implications resulted in a consensus amongst the jurists of core criteria of what it means to be a Muslim and what constitutes apostasy that would make them a disbeliever. Likewise, the question of what constitutes a land or society which has submitted to Allah was discussed in detail and a core criterion agreed upon along with when this transitions to a non-Islamic land. The jurists considered texts that centred around the concepts: authority and ruling; security and safety; war and peace; practice of Islam (outside the state); migration and ownership of land. The famous Hanafi jurist Imaam AlKasaani (died 587 AH) said, There is no disagreement among the ahnaaf (scholars of the Hanafi Madhab), that Dar al-Kufr becomes Dar al-Islam, when the rules of Islam becomes dominant. Our brothers only dispute on how Dar alIslam transfers to become Dar al-Kufr. Our Imam (Abu Haneefah) said, Dar alIslam becomes Dar al-Kufr in three (situations); when the law and order becomes Kufr, when the state has a border with a Kufr (state) without treaty or when there is no longer any security for the Muslim or the Dhimmi (citizens). [8] Qadi Abu Yala (died 458 AH) said, Any country where the law is Kufr (disbelief) instead of Islam is Dar al-Kufr. [9] Ibn Qayyim (died 751 AH) said, The Jumhour (majority) of the Ulema say, Dar al-Islam is where the Muslims go and reside and the Islamic rules are dominant. If people (the Muslims) reside in one place and Islam becomes dominant, that is Dar al-Islam If however,
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Islam does not become dominant it is not (considered) Dar al-Islam even if it is in close proximity to the state. Taaif was so close to Makkah (at the time when Makkah was Dar al-Islam) but it did not become part of Dar al-Islam until it was conquered. [10] Ibn Muflih (died 884 AH) said, There are only two, Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Kufr. Any Dar (domain) where Islamic law is dominant is Dar al-Islam, and any domain where Kufr law is dominant is Dar alKufr, there are only these two camps. [11] He makes this point as all other categories such as Dar al-Harb (land of war), Dar al-Ahd (land of covenant), Dar al-Aman (land of security), Dar al-Baghi
We should also bear in mind that terms can be used in different contexts, this is normal and common practice, for example the term Sunnah has several technical usages across the different Islamic sciences, even multiple usages within a given science. It is used to refer to Masdar al-Shariah (source of law), Seerah (biography), Hadith (narrations), Mandub (recommended), Nafl (supererogatory) etc. These multiple usages of a term were accepted throughout Islamic history and importantly never contradicted Shariah rules. Likewise, some jurists also contextually utilised the terms Dar al-Islam with a
There are only two, Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Kufr. Any Dar (domain) where Islamic law is dominant is Dar al-Islam, and any domain where Kufr law is dominant is Dar al-Kufr, there are only these two camps. [Ibn Muflih (died 884 AH)
(rebellious land) etc are subsets of the two. It is interesting to note that the parliamentary party of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt ignores this consensus as espoused by one of their greatest thinkers in the past, the martyr Sayyid Qutb said, The whole world in the eyes of Islam is divided into two, the first is Dar al-Islam, and the second is Dar al-Harb. Dar al-Islam is where the Shariah of Islam alone is implemented, regardless of whether the inhabitants are all Muslims or Muslims mixed with Dhimmi (Jews and Christians) or if all of the citizens are Dhimmi with only some Muslims in power. Dar al-Harb is any land where the Kufr law is dominant even if everybody in the land is Muslim.
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different meaning therefore the attempt by some modernist collaborators to find a quote from a classical scholar that mentions a different meaning to Dar al Islam is disingenuous. As an example the Shafi'i jurist al-Rafi'i included in his definition that Dar al-Islam once named as such remains Dar al-Islam until the Day of Judgement. [13] So here he used it as Dar al-Muslimeen i.e. that it is Muslim land. These considerations never conflicted with divine texts and the rules thereof. Jurists did not attempt to justify the rule of non-Islamic laws or creeds which the modernists do. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FISQ OF A RULER AND OPEN KUFR There is a clear difference between fisq (transgression/open sin) and ruling by Kufr just as there is between a fasiq and a Kafir. The Messenger of Allah (saw) has informed us in numerous ahadith that the leaders within an Islamic state including the Khalifah or the Wulah (governors) may make mistakes, sin and oppress citizens. This occurred in the
past when some of the Khulafah raised taxes unjustly, appointed their children to rule after them, imprisoned scholars like Imam Ahmad and Imam Malik for accounting them etc. In multiple ahadith the Prophet (saw) ordered us to continue to obey them in this situation unless they commit open Kufr. Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Junada b. abi Umayyah who said: We went to Ubadah b. as-Samit when he was sick and we said: May Allah (swt) guide you. Inform us of a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (saw) so Allah may benefit you from it. He said, The Messenger of Allah (saw) called upon us and we gave him the Baiah, and he said, of that which he had taken from us, that we should give him the pledge to listen and obey, in what we like and dislike, in our hardship and ease, and that we should not dispute the authority of its people unless we saw Kufr buwah (open disbelief) upon which we had a proof (burhan) from Allah. To simplify the topic its useful to first look at an individual and not a state so if a Muslim commits zina (unlawful fornication) he is a fasiq however if he believes zina is permissible then he becomes a Kafir if done so with knowledge. Now lets look at a state if the Khalifah or state officials under him
As can be seen, there is no dispute on the core understanding of what is meant by Dar al-Islam and the division of the world into two fundamental spheres. Differences were discussed in relation to political realities outside of this domain, some extending this definition, and others seeking to limit it.
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Monetary Fund. The hypocrisy of these regimes is plain for everyone to see. Saudis overt alliance with America and Irans warm relations with the Kafir Alawite, Bashar al-Assad of Syria who has the blood of thousands on his hands are glaring examples of this. Therefore it is clear that currently the whole world is Dar al-Kufr as no country matches the criterion for an Islamic state. Thus we see the laws of Allah (swt) abandoned as if they were worth nothing, the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) betrayed and the example of the Sahaba ignored by the rulers of our countries. It is as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said, "The Fitna (mischief and tribulations) occurs when there is no Imam established over the affairs of the people". Contrary to wishes of the enemies of Islam and their modernist defenders it is paramount for us to work to re-establish Dar al-Islam, the Islamic Khilafah state. Let us take heed in the warning of our Messenger (saw). Al-Tabarani narrated in Al-Kabeer walBazaar, by the istinad (chains) of the men of Sahih, from 'Awf bin Maalik from the Prophet (saw), who said: "My Ummah will be divided into seventy-something divisions, of them, the greatest Fitna (trial) upon my Ummah are a people who measure matters with their opinion, so they make the forbidden permissible and the permissible forbidden." [16]
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committed zina then that is fisq, this is different to if he legalised zina and made it permissible under the law it would then clearly be a law of Kufr and not just a fisq. Every accepted scholar in history would agree that if the ruler permitted zina that it would be Kufr buwah (open disbelief). The matter which the scholars differ on is whether by doing so they automatically become Kuffar or not, there is no disagreement that it would be a Kufr law. There are two main views in this area: first is the opinion of Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, Al-Shawkani, Ibn Taymiyyah and many of the literalist (Zahiri) scholars who state that whoever rules by Kufr automatically becomes a Kafir. The second view is that of the companion of the Prophet (saw), Ibn Abbas as well as others such as Ibn al-Qayyim and Ibn al-Jawzi who held that it can be Kufr akbar (major Kufr apostasy) or Kufr asghar (minor Kufr) depending upon the situation. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "The correct view is that ruling according to something other than that which Allah has revealed includes both major and minor Kufr, depending on the position of the judge. If he believes that it is obligatory to rule according to what Allah has revealed in this case, but he turns away from that out of disobedience, whilst acknowledging that he is deserving of punishment, then this is lesser Kufr. But if he believes that it is not obligatory and that the choice is his even though he is certain that this is the ruling of Allah, then this is major Kufr." [14]
When we apply this to modern states that claim to be Dar al-Islam, Saudi Arabia and Iran we can see multiple examples of not just issues of sin but clear Kufr laws. They contradict Qati (definitive) matters in Islam, accepting and ruling by Kufr laws in many areas such as: Being members of the United Nations Organisation, every member of which has to agree with international law set by human beings above the laws of Allah (swt). Instead of being ashamed of this the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proudly highlights this relationship on the website of its Permanent Mission to the UN. [15] In fact it was among the first 50 nations to sign the UN charter in 1945 in San Francisco. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia cannot argue that they only say they accept international law as some form of deception as they are both modern nonexpansionist nation states which means the abandonment of the definitive obligation of Jihad (an obligation stipulated in multiple verses of the Quran). Both have legalised Riba (usury) based banking. The Arab Monetary Fund, based in Abu Dhabi, is a huge Riba institution that was established by an agreement on 4/7/76 in Morocco. Saudi is the biggest share holder in it; it receives, as everyone else in the fund, riba on its shares. Iran and Saudi are also part of the riba based International
[1] Ramadan, T, "Western Muslims and the Future of Islam", Oxford University Press, 2004, pg.69 [2] Ali bin Mohammed al-Sharif Al-Jurjani, Kitab al-Tarifat (Book of definitions), 1969, Maktaba Lubnaan, Arabic Edition, pg. 181 [3] Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 4294 [4] Musnad Ahmad 1:372 [5] Sahih Muslim 2:53 [6] Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 3713 [7] Abu Ubaid, Kitaab al-Amwaal, pg. 98 & Abu Yusuf, Kitaab alKharaaj, pgs. 155-156 [8] Bada us-Sanaai, Vol. 7 pg. 131 [9] al-Muatamad fil Usul ad-Deen, pg. 276 [10] Ibn Qayyim, Kitaab Ahkaam ahl al-Dhimmah, Vol. 1 pg. 366 [11] Al-Adaab al-Shariah, Vol. 1 pg. 190 [12] Sayyid Qutb, In the Shade of the Quran, Vol. 2 pg. 874 [13] "Nihayat al-Muhtaj" Vol. 8 pg. 82 [14] Madaarij as-Saaliheen, 1/336-337 [15] http://www.saudimission.org [16] Also narrated by Al-Haithami in Majma' Al-Zawaa'id, Part 1/ the Book of Knowledge in the section of Al-Taqleed wal-Qiyas
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DR. NAZREEN NAWAZ
Women of Hizb ut-Tahrir Organise Historic International Womens Conference (Tunisia), The Khilafah: A Shining Model of Womens Rights and Political Role
s we touched down at Tunis Carthage International Airport, Tunisia on the 6th March 2012, the excitement amongst the UK delegation of sisters attending the International Womens Khilafah Conference hosted by the women of Hizb ut-Tahrir was clearly palpable. Standing at the birthplace of the Arab uprisings, we could hardly believe that just over a year ago, an event such as this would be unthinkable under the Western-backed secular tyrant ruler Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali or previous secular dictatorships who persecuted, imprisoned, and tortured thousands of members of Hizb ut-Tahrir and other Muslims calling for Islamic rule. However, it was a clear reminder that when this Ummah stands up for truth and justice and have Allah (swt) as their support, anything is possible.
ground-breaking event gathered hundreds of women from across the world including leading female journalists, political activists, writers, politicians, university professors, lawyers, doctors, community leaders, and representatives of organisations to demonstrate how the Khilafah offers practical and sound solutions to the multitude of political, economic, educational, legal, and social problems afflicting women across the region. It was the first time that so many Muslim women from across the world had come together to express their devoted support for Islamic governance for the Muslim world and unequivocal rejection of all man-made forms of governance. The conference was hosted in Le Palace, a beautiful five-star hotel. In itself, the choice of such a breath-taking location was a significant matter for it reflected the elevated, esteemed and unrivalled status that Islam affords women and its prescription of respect and prestige by which they should be treated. It was a packed venue and an electric atmosphere, with delegates from Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Lebanon, Somalia, UK, Canada,
Australia, France, Belgium, and the US in attendance. Journalists from across the globe swarmed the venue with much media coverage both before the event and following it. The conference was livestreamed internationally and the professionalism by which the whole event was organised led to one delegate commenting that the party that organised this conference represented a government in waiting. Speakers included female members and supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir from Tunisia, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Indonesia, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Europe united in their message that the time for man-made systems is over; the time to establish the Khilafah is NOW! There was such history in that room a sister from Libya whose brother was executed by Gaddafi in the 80s for his membership of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a sister from Turkey whose grandfather had been one of the earliest members of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Turkey, a sister who had been imprisoned under the Ben Ali regime for her membership of Hizb ut-Tahrir, women whose husbands had been incarcerated for carrying the dawa for the Khilafah, women from Yemen involved in their countrys
On the 10th March 2012, this truly historic global conference was held, aimed at presenting the Khilafah system based purely upon Islamic laws as a model of governance that can truly secure the dignity and rights of women in the Muslim world and stand as a beacon for the liberation of women from oppression and injustice globally. This unprecedented,
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DR. NAZREEN NAWAZ
uprisings to mention only a few. Women of Hizb ut-Tahrir from Palestine, Jordan, and Syria delivered video messages to the audience having been prevented entry to the country by the Tunisian embassies in their states. The idea of innocent Muslim women wishing simply to join an Islamic conference on womens rights being barred entry into the country, illustrates clearly that the real revolution in Tunisia is yet to materialise - and will only do so through the Khilafah. The conference highlighted how over the past 8 decades since the destruction of the Khilafah, all models of governance based upon laws from human beings, whether monarchies, theocracies, tribal systems, secular democracies and dictatorships have failed dismally to secure the dignity and rights that all women deserve. Speakers and delegates unequivocally rejected the claim that a better future for women could be secured through adopting the tried, tested and failed capitalist, secular, liberal democratic system, explaining how this system had been sold as the saviour of women in the Muslim world and yet had failed to solve widespread poverty, illiteracy, poor public services, violence, sexual exploitation, and rape facing millions of women within democratic, secular, liberal states in the West and East. The link between liberalization, secularization, gender equality and the progress of women that is often promoted by Western governments and institutions is a lie for there is nothing modern, progressive, or liberating about the devaluing of women and destruction of the family unit caused by these detrimental values. Furthermore, Muslim women in Tunisia, Turkey, Central Asia, France, Belgium, and Germany have tasted at first hand the authoritarian nature of secular rule that hounded them out of schools, universities, and employment simply for wearing the Islamic dress. There are no lessons in womens rights the Muslim world can ever learn from the secular democratic system! Nor can such a system ever herald a brighter future for the women of the Muslim world! The second section of the conference explained the unique Islamic laws and policies that ensure that womens dignity is preserved always, as well as protecting the harmony of the family unit and establishing healthy cooperation between men and women within society. Presentations also highlighted the sound nature of the Islamic
political and economic systems based upon principles such as accountability and transparency in governance, rule of law, an elected ruler, an independent media and judiciary, the fair distribution of wealth, free education and healthcare, and the obligation of the state to ensure that every citizen has their basic needs met. It is this that will ensure that womens political, economic, and educational rights enshrined within law have real meaning in the lives of ordinary women rather than being empty rhetoric in constitutions. As speakers described how the Khilafah offered a new political vision for the regions women and how it was through the implementation of Allah (swt)s laws and system alone that true liberation from oppression and man-made slavery could be achieved, Takbeers erupted from across the audience followed by loud chants in support of the Khilafah that reverberated across the hall, including, Al Ummah ureedh, Khilafah Islamiyah. Indeed, an Egyptian journalist who had attended to cover the conference in the media, put down her pen and joined the takbeers. The passion, and overwhelming desire of women of the Muslim world to live under Islamic rule was tangible, crushing the ageold lies peddled by Western governments and politicians that Muslim women view Islam as their oppressor, that they reject Islamic governance, and that they seek liberation through the secular liberal democratic system. Such unsubstantiated claims are no longer acceptable. Nor is it acceptable to use the template of dictatorships such as Saudi Arabia and Iran as examples of the injustices meted out against women under Islamic governance when it is clear that such states pursue a charade of implementing Shariah while in reality rule according to the whims of Kings and despots. These lies deserve the same fate as dictators to be thrown into the dustbin of history. Viewing such a moving scene of hundreds of Muslim women from across the Muslim world raising their voices with such passion for the Khilafah, it was so evident that these were women whose desire for Islamic rule had been suppressed for so long by their dictatorial regimes a desire though that had never been extinguished from their hearts and now in light of the developing political situations in the region they were adamant to express zealously with a vigour that was captivating. Standing
in that room at that time, there was an overwhelming sense that the establishment of the Khilafah and the Victory of Allah (swt) is so near Insha Allah. The final talk of the day presented Hizb utTahrir as a party that embodies the qualities required to deliver real change to the Muslim world. It discussed how the organisation carries the detailed principles, policies and laws of how it will practically address problems affecting the region and a clear vision of how the Khilafah will function with respect to its ruling, economic, social, education, and judicial systems as well as its foreign policy. This is all detailed comprehensively in its extensive literature and embodied in a draft constitution for the state that has been published and is ready for implementation now. The extensive global political activism of the women of Hizb ut-Tahrir was also presented. The conference ended with a call to Muslim women to join and support the work of the party in establishing the Khilafah, and fulfil with urgency this important Islamic obligation returning a noble system that will herald a new dawn of justice and dignity for the daughters of this Ummah. For too long, many have spoken on behalf of the women of the Muslim world, sidelining the views of the masses, and ignoring the ever growing call for Islamic governance amongst the regions women. Now with this historical conference, the voices and opinions of the women of the Muslim world is clear. They have spoken, and spoken with a united voice - it is manmade law and not Islam that has been the source of their subjugation; it is in Islam that they see their salvation from oppression; and it is the Khilafah that they embrace as their guardian and look forward to with longing eyes and desire with all their hearts - for this is the only system that will bring real change in improving the lives of women. Allah (swt) commands: Whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. But whoever turns away from My Reminder (That is, neither believes in the Quran nor acts on its orders) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [TMQ Ta-Ha: 123-124]
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MUHAMMAD ARIF
The Illusion of Economic Growth

INTRODUCTION Economic growth is regarded as the panacea for all societal ills. According to capitalism with economic growth comes happiness. This is seen as all the more pertinent as western economies enter their third year of benign economic growth. However has economic growth delivered happiness? What is Islams view on economic growth and how does Islam seek to achieve a vibrant economy whilst seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT)? WHATS GDP? Economic growth is the rate of change in a countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or the total value of the goods and services produced from one year to the next. A growing economy with increasing production of goods and services is said to be a healthy economy. This is because, for capitalists, peoples wants are unlimited so with ever increasing production more people are more able to access goods and services to satisfy those wants and therefore to be happy. Thats the theory. In reality, in spite of long periods of economic growth during the last decade income inequality actually rose in the US and Europe. Not only did the divide between the richest and the poorest in western society widen to new levels (something which is well documented) but the living standards of the middle class those on average incomes - fell. Between 2000 and 2010 the US economy grew by over 16% in real terms yet the US Census Bureau reported average household incomes fell by 7% after adjusting for inflation over the same 10 year period (1). The US economy is the largest in the world, generating over $14 trillion worth
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of goods and services per annum yet 46 million US citizens live in poverty (15% of the countrys population) and 50 million people live without adequate health care. Thus economic growth does not guarantee income equality let alone the eradication of poverty. Why then a fixation with economic growth in the west? THE POLITICAL ECONOMY Economic growth statistics or GDP figures serve more as political tools than robust metrics evaluating the economic wellbeing of the nation. Politicians parade economic growth trends and forecasts to serve their political agenda while national statistical agencies manipulate, adjust and revise highly variable estimates to an unquantifiable one decimal place to confound a statistically untrained public and to placate their political masters. Also, economic growth provides a false sense of wellbeing without necessarily removing poverty, providing livelihoods or increasing productivity. Thus much of the economic growth in the west in the last 3 decades has been illusionary with: Property booms in the 80s and 90s The financial bull market in the 1990s Consumer booms in the 80s, 90s and 2000s Asset bubbles like the dot.com craze Colossal debt expansion since 1990s It is thus unsurprising that each of these periods of strong (but largely illusory) economic growth was followed by major economic recessions in the early 1980s and 1990s and the latest in 2008 from which the western world is still to recover. The chart of UK economic growth exemplifies this trend of quite volatile
periods of economic growth followed by severe periods of contraction. Thus while periods of economic expansion do not guarantee livelihoods or the removal of poverty, in times of economic contraction business bankruptcies rise and unemployment increases. Heightened economic insecurity means businesses do not invest or expand and consequently wealth and job creation comes to a halt. Capitalists may well argue that periods of growth still outnumber periods of decline. In fact before the start of the current downturn in 2008 the UK is reported to have experienced 16 years of growth in which GDP expanded by 50%. In contrast in the downturn of 2008-2009 GDP fell by 7% over 6 quarters. That growth was debt fuelled, however, the burden of which will be paid by many generations. Also many millions did not share in the so-called boom years except for having to pay higher prices for housing, goods and services. Now 2.7 million people are unemployed in the UK and an additional 1m at least are underemployed and working only part-time or casually, but would like to work full time. Across the western world tens of millions are unemployed. Moreover, the heavy costs of bailouts with trillions going in to the defunct financial system and the legacy of debt this leaves for future generations also needs to be considered when comparing the economic costs and benefits of the capitalist model of growth. However, economic growth or recession is a false choice. Fundamentally the capitalist
MUHAMMAD ARIF
implemented via the Islamic courts. Thus for example wives and children have a right to, at least, food, clothing and shelter and it is the responsibility of the husband/father to provide these. A failure to do so allows wives to seek redress in the courts from the property of the father. This chain of responsibility and accountability stretches across Islamic society to parents, grandparents, sons and grandsons. Only when individuals are not able to be supported by their wider household does the state step in to secure individual basic needs. This ensures that all citizens of the Islamic state have at least their basic needs catered for, after which they have the capacity and ability to engage in acquiring their lawful luxuries. In Islam property is not theft as in communism. At the same time property is not the sole meaning of life as under capitalism. Property is a means to an end which is seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT). All economic benefits are allowed to be sought unless Shariah Law forbids them like gambling and interest. All citizens of the Islamic state have the right to engage in all lawful commercial activity without interference from the state in setting prices and wages which is expressly forbidden. The states role is to ensure property rights and guarantee the rule of law based on Shariah Law. Derived from The Shariah below are ten points that stimulate the economy creating a vibrant business environment which is in accordance with seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT): 1. Borrowing is allowed and interest free which does not increase the debt burden 2. Businesses invest based on equity finance that encourages risk sharing and rewards profits 3. Taxation is designated and defined so the government cannot increase and create new taxes 4. There are no income taxes so work is incentivised and disposal income is higher boosting spending 5. There are no expenditure taxes which
lowers prices and increases affordability 6. Taxes are on wealth so the poor dont pay 7. Money supply is based on the volume of gold and silver which keeps a lid on prices and creates a stable economic environment for business investment 8. There is active redistribution of income via paying Zakat (wealth tax) so the poor and needy are lifted out of poverty 9. There is active circulation of money through the prohibition of hoarding gold and silver, no interest and a wealth tax of 2.5% which encourages equity finance 10.The state is prohibited from fixing prices of goods and services or wages allowing prices and wages to fall as well as rise and thereby stimulating the economy even when overall demand is low. CONCLUSION In summary, the capitalist drive for growth creates an inherently unstable economic environment. Severe busts follow debt fuelled booms. The debt burden rises, millions remain in poverty while wealth and income inequalities grow. The wealthy few get richer and fewer after each downturn while the many poor get poorer and increase in number. In contrast, in Islam the imperative is to remove poverty and ensure the circulation of wealth which enables all citizens to engage in all lawful business activity. There are no taxes on income so work is incentivised and spending is boosted creating demand for a variety of lawful goods and services providing jobs and livelihoods. Meanwhile the gold and silver standard ensures price stability encouraging business investment and boosting jobs. The role of the state is clearly defined with prohibitions on price and wage fixing which promotes entrepreneurship.
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Footnote http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/21/news/economy/middle_class_incom e/index.htm
model of growth is inherently unstable as with growth followed by decline. It does not provide economic stability, end poverty, or even remove economic inequality. This is the criterion on which to evaluate the capitalist growth model against alternatives namely Islam. ISLAM AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Islam recognises human needs and wants, and their requirement for satisfaction. Needs such as food, clothing and shelter are very different from wants i.e. luxuries, because without the former a person will not survive. Thus in contrast to the capitalists fixation with economic growth to satisfy human collective wants [which is in fact impossible] Islams economic policy actively works to ensure households do not go without food, clothing and shelter. This is according to a hadith reported in Tirmidhi: "The Son of Adam has no better right than that he would have a house wherein he may live, a piece of clothing whereby he may hide his nakedness and a piece of bread and some water." [Tirmidhi] With respect to households want for luxuries this is left to individuals to satisfy. The focus of Islams economic policy of fulfilling human needs ensures that at least poverty is eliminated in society and avoids a scenario in the capitalist growth model where millions do not adequately have the basics of food, clothing and shelter in spite of the wealth in society. This does not mean that the Islamic (Khilafah) state hands out food, clothing and shelter to all households or that all industries that provide these basic needs are state owned. ISLAMS ECONOMIC MODEL The economic model in Islam is integrated with individual and household Islamic rights and responsibilities which are
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HONAIN SIDDIQUI
The reality of an Israeli attack on Iran

DIPLOMATIC STANDOFF The recent AIPAC 2012 conference, accompanied by Netanyahus trip to Washington, has simply compounded what has been an increasing rise in tensions between the United States, the EU and the Iranian regime. IAEA reports aside, it is evident that Israel is now seeking the green light from the US to mount a unilateral strike against Iran. The fact is however that the US favours the sanctions game, and is in reality looking to get Netanyahu to commit to military action with US approval. To that effect Obama and Leon Panetta (US Secretary of Defence) were both forced to justify their positions in front of AIPAC. Obama stated; Irans leaders should understand that I do not have a policy of containment. I will not hesitate to use force when it is necessary to defend the United States and its interests. Panetta in similar vein cited examples of US Warships passing through the straits of Hormuz, in an attempt to indulge the pro-Israeli crowd as to the depth of the administrations political devotion to Israel. Nonetheless, the Israelis want to act unilaterally as Netanyahu stated; We have waited for diplomacy to work, we have waited for sanctions to work, none of us can afford to wait much longer. Israel must always have the ability to defend itself by itself. In making false comparisons as to how the current standoff with Iran is like the refusal of the US government to bomb Auschwitz in 1944, Netanyahu clearly highlighted that there is a disconnect between the US and Israel in handling Iran. The EUs latest acceptance of negotiations from the
he clearly unavoidable media hype surrounding a possible Israeli strike at Irans nuclear facilities has become a key defining point around regional relations in the Middle East. For the Muslims, this makes for very sad reading as we could well see the possibility of yet another Muslim country attacked by the US and her surrogates, in their attempts to wipe out any semblance of regional opposition. However, this does beg the question as to whether such an attack is an inevitability. To answer, the words of Benyamin Netanyahu point to a subtle yes : I am not going to talk to you about what Israel will do or not do, I never talk about that.
Whilst addressing the 2012 AIPAC conference in March, Netanyahu was clearly alluding to the possibility that a strike against Irans nuclear capability was now on the political horizon, without indulging the applauding pro-Israeli audience in the details of military tactics familiar to his war cabinet. However, for the astute political observer who is able to distinguish between rhetoric and reality, fundamental questions arise as to how likely such an attack would be, what any such attack will involve, and what are the political consequences of a display of arms capability on the scale expected, which at the present time are being unilaterally considered.
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Iranians is Europes attempt to plug the diplomatic gap and essentially aims to assert EU leadership on the issue. The offer of the so called P5+1 talks come as the European Oil Embargo in July is set to deprive the Iranians of 25% of government revenue. Whilst the Iranian government has maintained it will merely find other export markets, it remains to be seen as to how effective the sanctions will prove to be in undermining the Iranian economy. In the meantime we are likely to see the proxy war continue, between assassinations, sanctions and cyber-attacks. However, it should be noted, at this point a drift to unilateral military action, in the event of the P5+1 negotiations failing, seems increasingly likely. MILITARY DIMENSION OF ISRAELI ATTACK Whilst a recent poll conducted by The University of Maryland, showed that thirtyfour percent of Israelis oppose a strike no matter what and 42 percent would back a strike only if it had at least the support of the United States, it seems Netanyahu is determined to unilaterally act. In the event of an Israeli strike against Iran, it is worth considering the possibilities pertaining to such a strike. Such an attack is not without precedence. In June 1981, Israeli jets bombed the Osirak reactor near Baghdad. Furthermore, in September 2007, Israeli planes hit a facility in Syria that Israel and the US believed was a nuclear reactor under construction. However, a potential strike against Iran would be dissimilar to
the attacks in Iraq and Syria. The fact is that the Iranian Nuclear Facilities are multiple and (in the case of the facilities in Nantanz and Fordo) underground or buried. These alone are more than just the single targets in Syria and Iraq, which were both easier to target. Furthermore, the attacks on Syria and Iraq came without prior warning, and the logistical nature of such an operation was not as complex. Despite the Israeli Airforce having purchased 125 advanced F-15I and F-16I warplanes, equipped with Israeli avionics and additional fuel tanks, which are tactical aircraft designed precisely for such a mission, the desired targets are approximately 900-1300 miles from Israel.
cities of Natanz, near Tehran and Fordo, near Qom. However, reality is that facilities at Natanz are underground and the plant at Fordo is buried deeply into the side of a mountain. Other possible targets would be the heavy-water production plant and heavy-water reactor under construction at Arak and the uranium conversion plant at Isfahan. With the enrichment facilities being definite targets and being buried, this would entail the use of bunker buster bombs by the Israelis, which have potential for enormous collateral damage and loss of Muslim life, especially given the fact that they would be fighting in heavily guarded airspace and there is a chance of radiation leakage given the nature of the targets.
...for Israel to attack the multiple targets it wishes to in Iran, it will require either the action or inaction of the surrounding states.
What becomes increasingly clear from the above, is that for Israel to attack the multiple targets it wishes to in Iran, it will require either the action or inaction of the surrounding states. In particular, the London times published an article in 2011 detailing how Saudi Arabia would allow its airspace to be used for such an attack, whilst this claim has since been refuted by Saudi diplomats, such a violation of the Shariah rules is not alien to the Saudi or for that matter the Jordanian or Turkish regimes way of political thinking. Furthermore, Israel crossed Turkish airspace to attack the suspected Syrian Nuclear facility in 2007. Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the past have justified their stances over Iran with sectarian overtones and have painted a picture of a Shia Crescent developing in the Middle East, it would not surprise many to see them turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Ummah in Iran, as they have done in Syria. The Israeli operation is highly likely to target uranium enrichment sites at the Irans capabilities while not on par with, present a problem to the Israelis, any air to air combat with Irans Russian-supplied MiG-29 and small number of US F-14 Tomcat fighters, add difficulties with fuelling and potential targeting. Furthermore, surface to air missile capability is not something that the Israelis have time to destroy, as the mission is a specific seek and destroy type. Thus Israelis will be relying on the electronic element of radar blinding and false picture generation. The main weapon in Israel's arsenal is the US-supplied GBU-28laser-guided weapon with penetrating capabilities (penetration of up to 6m of concrete detonation of the warhead) , these would be carried by Israeli F-15I aircraft which would only be able to carry one per aircraft, meaning this would be an enormous aerial operation given the multiple targets. The fact is that, even with the most accurate of intelligence sharing between the US and Israel, the Israeli attack may
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well resort to destroying entrance tunnels and the power cabling structure as all of these structures have high energy requirements. This being accomplished will merely cause a delay to Irans nuclear ambitions and by no means cripple or destroy it. Politically the Israelis run a huge risk by not doing enough damage to Irans facilities and thus the shift in political momentum will go to Tehran, this especially in the context of American pressure on the Israeli government to avoid unilateral military action. The Israeli military capability to deal a crippling blow to Irans Nuclear capability will be drastically reduced without access to the US war machine, which has far greater firepower at its command. The effectiveness of such a strike has been questioned by both American and Israeli officials, US Joint Chiefs of staff, General Martin Dempsey claimed such a strike, "would be destabilising and would not achieve their long-term objectives". Furthermore Meir Dagan (former head of the Israeli spy agency, Mossad) claimed that the attack would lead to a regional war and that the Israeli government should focus on trying to change the regime in Tehran, by backing groups opposed to the status quo of Iranian governance and political persuasion. What seems to be preponderant is that an Israeli strike will project Israeli military strength, which has still not recovered since 2006, and at best slow the Iranian nuclear drive. POTENTIAL IRANIAN RESPONSE If any such attack did take place the Iranians would have multiple options open to them in terms of response considerations. Since Iran has not directly attacked Israel and the fact the UN Security Council would never pass a resolution allowing an Israeli pre-emptive strike, Israel would be in clear violation of international law. However, as many are aware international law has never really applied in the case of the US or her allies, in a sense making it a redundant figment of imagination serving only the super power states. This is especially true in the case of Israel, and as such the Iranians would be unlikely to respond purely diplomatically to such an attack, although they would have some diplomatic impetus behind them if they wished to do so. The closing of the Straits of Hormuz, whilst not
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sustainable given the disparity between US and Iranian naval strength, would drive up global prices of oil in the short term, but would not be considered by many as retaliation, especially not by those inside Iran. The use of the Iranian ballistic missiles, whilst not out of the realm of possibility, is difficult to envisage as only a very small number of Iranian missiles could actually reach Israel. The Sajjil-2 could reach Israel but is not yet operational and Iran only has six known launchers for Ghadr-1. The enlisting of Hezbollah on the Israeli Northern Border is a more probable scenario as Hezbollahs SCUD-D missiles can target the whole of Israel, and the shorter range Fajr and Zelzal missiles can also target key stations inside Israel. Pursuance of this course of action, would open a more regional dimension to this conflict, in that Israel would almost certainly pursue targets into Lebanon if any significant threat or damage was targeted at Israel by Hezbollah. It is arguable that for this reason, Hamas has stated it has no intention to involve itself in any such conflict. REGIONAL DIVIDE Whilst Hezbollah would add a militarised regional dimension to this conflict, there would certainly be a divide across the entire Middle East on the issue. Irans only reliable ally Syria, is not in a position to support any militarised moves against Israel in light of Assads deployment of the Syrian Army against the Muslims in Syria. Furthermore, Iraq whilst certainly possessing some pro-Iranian leanings in its own government, is again in no position to aid the Iranians. Turkeys zero conflict policy will prevent any intervention and as is known the GCC, Jordan, Saudi Arabia are either pro EU or US. Leaving only Egypt, which is unlikely to assist Iran militarily. This being said we can assume that there may well be the employment of gesture politics in the form of diplomatic condemnation of Israel by some regional actors. A view from the Kitab and Sunnah Predictably even before any such attack even takes place on Iran, there are those that would have us distance ourselves from our brothers and sisters in Iran, on the basis of an age old sectarian divide between Sunni and Shia. Whilst true that
there are differences between Sunnis and Shias, some of which are particularly emotive and fiercely debated, it should be remembered that the bond of brotherhood between one Muslim to another is something that Allah (swt) mandates in the Quran: And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. [Quran TMQ 9:71] Furthermore, Our beloved Messenger (SAW) said: A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he leave him at the mercy of others. [Sahih Muslim]. As the Prophets (saw) hadith teaches us it is not for any Muslim to apathetically leave our brothers and sisters in Iran at the mercy of Western backed Israeli aggression. Rather it is our duty to stand with our Ummah when they being oppressed, and make the realisation that the absence of the Islamic ruling system in the form of the Khilafah, breeds the chaos of foreign aggression, sectarianism and the sale of Muslim flesh and blood.
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Replace Sheikh Hasina's bankrupt regime with the Islamic Khilafah State
Bangladesh Army is not detached from the people, they have fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts etc. amongst the civilians. When their families get hurt they are hurt. When the nation bleeds, they bleed along with it. The Bangladesh Army is the only institution in the country, which is still highly regarded, and is considered to have some remnant of feeling and commitment left for the security of the nation and the people. It is also an institution, which has a strong feeling for Islam, as it draws its motivation for training and fighting from the ayaat of the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is an institution, which takes the likes of Ali (RA), Umar (RA) and Khalid Bin Walid (RA) as its role model. Sheikh Hasinas government, after taking control over the national politics, sees the army as the biggest obstacle to her, not just for returning to power for the next term, but even in order to continue with this term in the government. She knows that if the army is kept intact then she will not be able to continue with her oppressive rule and pursue her anti-state goals to turn Bangladesh into a slave nation to India and the US. Therefore, the government turns to the Bangladesh Army to remove any remnant of pro-Islamic and pro-state sentiments, replace it with subservient culture and agents of RAW and the CIA, so that it is not only silent over anti-state practices but that it can be actively used as a tool by the US and India to pursue their regional geopolitical objectives. It should be remembered that this would not be the first time for Sheikh Hasinas government to turn its evil eye to the Army. The BDR carnage stands as a living example of what she is capable of. Sheikh Hasina's government was put in power after a 2 year foreign controlled caretaker government. The foreign forces,
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heikh Hasinas government and the Bangladesh Army have claimed that they have foiled a coup attempt to topple her democratically elected government (19th Jan 2012). It is not possible to comment on whether this is true or not as Brig. Gen. Masud Razzak, the Army Spokesman, in his press conference, which is the first of its kind, clearly spoke like an Awami League party man, who was unable to clarify whether it was a coup attempt, a coup plan or just them being sensitive to the fact that there are some men who are not towing their party line. But one thing is certain, that Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government is pursuing a dangerous plan to subjugate the Bangladesh Army to US and Indian interests; and that this reported coup attempt will be used as a trump card to realise the goal, just as the US has used the 9/11 incident to carry out its war on Islam around the Muslim world. Sheikh Hasinas government claims to have been democratically elected. Yet ever since
her government assumed power, it has never failed to demonstrate its subservient relationship to India and the US, and have not left a single stone unturned to pursue policies and agreements that are against the interests of state, the people of Bangladesh and against Islam; whether those policies and agreements are to do with the economy, culture, energy, judiciary, or security. Since, the politics of Bangladesh are already polluted, and both ruling party and the opposition party are complicit, the people do not have any avenues or means to voice their opinion or demonstrate their resentments without risking being killed, abducted, detained without trial, or facing fabricated false accusations and labelling. This, coupled with the dire economic condition and law & order situation adds to the misery of the people, who are being kicked by Sheikh Hasinas government and then banned from screaming. The people generally feel helpless as Hasinas government rules with an iron fist. The
MUJIBUL ISLAM
namely US and India, who engineered the election to bring her to power was on the basis of a guarantee that Sheikh Hasina would serve their interests and not be an obstacle to implementing their regional plan. This was confirmed by Wikileaks reports and also, Sheikh Hasina herself, when in parliament she categorically stated that the reasons why her Awami League party was unable to get into power during the last term was simply because they were not ready to compromise with the foreign forces. So, it can be understood that in this term she was ready for compromise. Furthermore, The Assam Tribune reported on 11th September 2011: The Government of India has decided to extend as much help as
BDR Massacre. It was her first declaration of war against the army and the people of Bangladesh, to say that anyone who stands before her would not be tolerated. The whole structure and line of command of BDR was destroyed as a result of the massacre, leaving them leaderless, without a structure, and vulnerable to security threats from India. The BDR (Bangladesh Rifles), who protect the border against Indias continuous killing, smuggling and anti-state activities are virtually destroyed, and have been replaced with a new force, with the title of Bangladesh Border Guard. Now, the Indian BSF (Border Security Force) does not have any obstacle on the border to carrying out killings. The world has witnessed the photo of a 15 year old girl, Faluni who was shot 4 times and who remained dead, hanging for hours on the barbwire. Also, the recent video, which has been viewed many times on YouTube, where a Bangladesh cattle trader by the name of Habibur Rahman was taken by the BSF, as he refused to give them his possession of TK1000 (10 GBP) and a mobile phone. He was stripped naked and was kicked and beaten for over 5 hours by a large group of BSF thugs in the open. The irony was the response to this incident from Ashraful Islam, the LGRD (Local Government and Rural Development) Minister of Sheikh
been prosecuted for any of these killings, in spite of evidence in many cases that makes it clear the killings were in cold blood against unarmed and defenceless local residents. A single killing along the US-Mexican border makes headlines. However, the killing of a large numbers of villagers by Indian forces has been almost entirely ignored. Not just by the media at large, but also, by the government of Bangladesh. In September 2011 Sheikh Hasinas Awami League Government introduced a new censorship law to censor contents of private radio and TV programmes. It effectively bans any criticism of the government and its institutions. Therefore, even the media are forced to tow the governments line and are banned from reporting oppressive practices of the government. The Awami League governments other anti-state, anti-people and anti-Islamic activities include: Remaining silent over the creation of Tipaimukh Dam, which will turn many rivers in Bangladesh, which are vital to this agricultural society, into dry land. Giving open access to the US Navy to the Bay of Bengals waters and to the Bangladesh navy to carryout join exercises in the name of operation tiger shark. This not only creates security risks, but also, enables the US Navy to recruit agents within the Bangladesh navy and take supremacy over them. Giving transit rights to India, whereby, even during the test case, they left Bangladesh trucks, buses, and cars stranded for hours to enable Indian goods to pass through without receiving any significant tolls or tariffs. Agreeing to build a heavy machinery port at Ashuganj, which will give India access through the roads and waterways of Bangladesh to Chittagong port, but will
Therefore, it should be vividly clear that the so-called democratically elected government of Sheikh Hasina is nothing but a democratically elected dictatorship,
possible to Bangladesh to strengthen the hands of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League Government in the interest of having a friendly neighbour as the present Government in the neighbouring country already extended help to India in dealing with insurgency. Highly placed official sources in New Delhi told The Assam Tribune that though the fundamentalist groups are still active in Bangladesh, they are not allowed a free run as was the case in the past. The effort on the part of India is to extend help to Bangladesh so that the present regime stays in power, sources added. Less than two months into this term of government, Sheikh Hasinas regime bloodied their hand by colluding with India on 25th of February 2009 to carry out the cold-blooded murder of over 59 senior army officials along with their family members, including the DG of BDR, who is at the rank of Major General. This is marked in the history as the Pilkhana
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Hasinas government, who is also the General Secretary of the Awami League. He stated categorically that border killing, smuggling, and the other activities that go on are nothing new - it happens now as it happened in the past - and the Awami League Government has far bigger things to worry about than these incidents on the border with India. Effectively saying, the lives of its citizens are not a big issue for the Awami League government. Since 2009, over 207 reported killings have been carried out in the border. This has been reported in many daily journals and newspapers such as Daily Amar Desh in Bangladesh and the English The Guardian. Brad Adams stated in The Guardian that Indias Border Security Force (BSF), has carried out a shoot-to-kill policy even on unarmed local villagers. He goes on further to say Over the past 10 years Indian security forces have killed almost 1,000 people, mostly Bangladeshis, running the border area into a south Asian killing field. No one has
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League lawmakers and its student wing members. Awami League MP Sheikh Afil Uddin, Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shaon, Awami League MP of Dhaka-15 constituency Elias Uddin Mollah; Awami League activists Musa Mahmud, Asad and Kemal etc. are some of the few amongst many who have openly carried out killing, torture and even the beating of a Police Officer in-charge. All are allowed to move freely. wipe out many businesses, large and small as well as rendering many hundreds of thousands unemployed. Completely turning a blind eye to the ever-increasing price hikes of essentials, which has not just gone against their election promises, but at times have proven that it is the factions of scrupulous Awami League who are benefiting from this misery of the common people. Banning Islamic dress codes from educational institutions. Pursuing as a terrorising policy anyone who has a beard or wears jilbab or carries any Islamic books. The Awami Leagues student faction, the Jubo League and Chatro League have openly torn down the jilbab of Muslim girls in Eden College, Dhaka. Pursuing a policy similar to that of Kemal Ataturk of Turkey, whereby any Army officials, who have a beard, who pray, or have any Islamic practices, such as avoiding drinking alcohol, are reported and recorded. Creating a deteriorating law and order situation where a father and son are both killed, just for 10 lakh Taka (10,000 GBP); people (including members of the army) are abducted, kidnapped, detained without trial; arrested through false allegations and denied access to justice and brutally tortured in secret torture cells. Cancelling over 600 cases against many Awami League party members, including Ministers and MPs, in a single cabinet sitting; giving them free reign to continue with their terrorising and corrupt activities Secretly paving the way to allow India to exploit national natural resources such as gas and coal, by building transmission lines in the name of power trade. Carrying out a campaign of continuous Terror carried out by both the Awami
Continuous corruption of the Ministers including that of the Roads and Highway minister who has been highlighted even by the World Bank. Makes constitutional amendments to wipe out any Islamic values from the society and gives full immunity to Sheikh Hasina and her family; making them above the law. Therefore, it should be vividly clear that the so-called democratically elected government of Sheikh Hasina is nothing but a democratically elected dictatorship, which is towing the same path as that blazed by Mubarak of Egypt, Gaddafi of Libya, Ben Ali of Tunisia and Bashar Al Assad of Syria. Sheikh Hasinas government should not be allowed to play with the lives of the 150 million innocent people of Bangladesh. Her government should not be allowed to destroy such an honourable institution as that of Bangladesh Army, and subjugate them to the US and India. Her government should not be allowed to enable the foreign forces to steal the resources of the country and deprive the people of its benefits. In all sense of definition Sheikh Hasinas government qualifies as the enemy of the state, people and Islam, therefore it should be removed immediately. The accusations against Hizb ut-Tahrir come because this party has stood against the actions of Sheikh Hasinas government exposing their crimes, their betrayal of the country & Islam, and their collusion with India and the US. Hizb ut-Tahrir has worked in Bangladesh for many years, never resorting to violence as it contradicts the Islamic method for change, and remaining on a steadfast political programme; winning, amongst others, doctors, teachers, lawyers, university professors, businessmen, and politicians who are well respected in society and known for their honesty and integrity. They have become the biggest challenge and obstacle for the corrupt incompetent parties
that include the BNP and its alliance, AL and its alliance, who have shared power in the country for decades. Hizb-ut-Tahrir consists of honest people, who fear none but Allah, and who have real solutions to the problems of Bangladesh; who are willing to sacrifice their lives and property in this cause to bring real change to Bangladesh. They demonstrate real vision, commitment and sincerity unlike the current secular politicians who are willing to sell themselves for pennies. Unable to face the party intellectually, the Awami League has adopted the politics of fascism with the blessing of America and India in a campaign to attack Hizb ut-Tahrir fabricating allegations, denying people basic rights and using thugs to intimidate and abuse any opponents. These actions of the Awami League show their desperation and bankruptcy. Hizb ut-Tahrir has a draft constitution addressing all the political and economic problems facing the country and calls upon the educated and influential people within society in Bangladesh to reject the decades old politics of corruption and incompetence and support its work. The lessons from the Middle East are that decades of silence simply allow the oppression, brutality, corruption and decline to worsen. The sincere people at every level of society must do, all they can to work to remove this regime and support Hizb utTahrirs efforts to establish the Khilafah State in Bangladesh. We are reminded and motivated by the Hadith of our beloved Prophet (SAW) "The best Jihad is the word of truth to an unjust ruler" and the command of our Lord Allah (SWT): "And let there arise from amongst you a group, inviting to all that is good (ie Islam), enjoying the good (ma'ruf) and forbidding the evil (munkar); and those are the ones whom are successful [TMQ Al-Imran 104]
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ADNAN KHAN
Deciphering the Turkish Model of Government
with secularism is something the West can work with, and would like to see across the Muslim lands. Interestingly within the Muslim world the only model Turkey is known for is the Caliphate which turned the Ottomans a band of fighters into the worlds superpower. However Western discourse is mixed, with praise and concern of an apparent Islamic revival termed the Turkish model. US officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, view Turkey as a model and an example for the states in the Middle East and North Africa. President Obama has made similar statements, in an Italian newspaper he said The fact that it [Turkey] is a democracy and a country that is mostly Islamic makes it a critically important model for other Muslim countries of the region. The New York Times recently said: More than any other figure, the new breeds standard-bearer is Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Pledging that conservative Islam is compatible with individual liberties, Erdogan holds the rise of his culturally conservative but economically liberal political party as a beacon for a new Middle East. This article will analyse The Turkish Model and assess its Islamic credentials and whether it represents a model for the wider Muslim world. THE JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT PARTY (AKP)
he Arab spring has brought to an end the post WW1 dictatorial architecture that long dominated the Arab landscape. The regimes of tyranny and dictatorship were established in the Middle East long before the likes of Mubarak and Ben Ali came to power. For most of the last hundred years the West has carefully engineered a political status quo established upon their own interests. With the failing of old colonial policies of direct intervention the likes of the British Empire shifted their attention to using proxy rulers and making contacts with elites in the region. The uprisings across the Muslim world have led to old notions of political apathy and lack of political ambition being proven baseless. The questions are no
longer about the Muslim world wanting change but what kind of change it is seeking. Questions like: What does the region want to live by? Does the region want Western Democracy and other Western values? As well as the role of the West. The Arab Spring has seen many marches under the banner of Islam and many in the West are preparing themselves for the prospect of the Middle East achieving decisive power. In amongst the search for answers the Turkish model of governance has gained much publicity and notoriety. This model of governance has been praised by many a Western politician and secularist who believe the fusion of some Islamic rules
The rise of the Turkish model of governance has been parallel to the rise of the AKP and its leader Recep Tayyip Erdoan. The AKP led by Erdogan came to power in 2002, after the Ecevit government lost credibility in its handling of the Turkish economic crisis in 2001 which led to a deep recession. This resulted in early elections and through the use of Islamic slogans the AKP party won a massive majority. Prior to the establishment of the AKP both Erdogan and Abdullah Gul were members of the Refah party. When the Refah True Path coalition was overthrown in 1997 they both left the Refah party and formed their own party the Justice and Development Party in
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2001. Erdogan is from a similar line of thinking as Turgat zal, Prime Minister of Turkey between 1983-1989. zal had some clear Islamic sentiments and followed the Naqshbandi order in the early 1990s. Erdoan was the Mayor of Istanbul from 1994. He was banned from office and sentenced to a prison term for reciting the text The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers. from a poem during a public address in the province of Siirt on 12 December 1997. After six months in prison, Erdoan established the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on August 14 2001. On assuming power Erdogan led numerous government instituted reforms. The most important included: Cementing ties with the US through the Shared Vision Document signed between the Turkish and American government. Abdulla Gul and Condoleezza Rice confirmed: The strategic vision document confirms Turkish-US consensus to translate our shared vision into common efforts through effective cooperation and structured dialogue. Cooperation included: Supporting international efforts towards a permanent settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a two-state solution. Supporting diplomatic efforts on Irans nuclear program, including the P5+1 initiative contributing to stability, democracy and prosperity in the Black Sea region, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Afghanistan. Enhancing energy security through diversification of routes and sources, including from the Caspian basin. Reforms also included expanding the governments penetration of the National Security Council. In the name of democratisation the ruling justice and development party (AKP) introduced reforms to weaken the armies hold on the country. One of Erdoans earliest actions was to curtail the jurisdiction of the National Security Council to interfere in government. Erdoan altered the composition of this council to include civilian members. The National Security
Council comprises the Chief of Staff, select members of the Council of Ministers and the President of the Republic who is also the Commanderin-chief. Like other National Security Councils it develops national security policy. The economy and foreign policy have been the most salient features of the AKP. Since Erdogan rose to power he aligned himself with the business elite and has turned Turkey into an export driven economy. Erdoan travelled to China, Brazil, India, Russia and the African continent with plane loads of businessmen and women in order to promote Turkish business interests. Turkey has a foreign policy premised on zero problems with neighbors which is a big departure for a country that had long endured conflict on its restive borders with Syria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Iraq and which had run a mostly statist, closed economy until the 1980s. Turkey began liberalising its economy and aggressively pushing trade with Central Asia and the Middle East under Erdoan.
the Middle East Turkey continues in its attempts to bring the various parties together with Israel on for a two state solution. Turkey played a central role in ensuring the US constructed architecture came together in Iraq through a policy of maintaining contact with all groups in Iraq. Many of the Shiah and Sunni factions traveled to Turkey in order to form the Iraqi government. The Semiautonomous Northern Iraq has seen over $5 billion in investment from Turkey. Turkish companies are the top investors in hotels, real estate, industry and energy in northern Iraq. As one analyst put it: Turkey has long facilitated the political stability in Iraq and hereafter Ankara would play a more critical role in Iraqs political process because Ankaras role in Iraqi politics balances the impact of Iran on Iraq. Turkey has also been attempting to extend its role in the Caucuses where it has long competed with Russia. Turkey under Erdogan has maintained close economic and military ties with Israel. Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel in March 1949. Cooperation includes Turkey being
Islam has played virtually no role in Turkeys foreign policy. The most obvious example of this is Erdogans continuation of Turkish relations with Israel which is something Islam expressly prohibits.
Europe remains the biggest market for Turkish products, accounting for 50% of the countrys exports. Most go to Germany, France, and Eastern Europe, where the Turks are among the leading producers of cars, televisions and home appliances. Erdoans export-focused approach has included billions of dollars of business for construction companies building universities, malls and hotels for the governments of the Middle East. Turkey is the worlds largest cement exporter and its construction sector is second only to that of China. The AKPs most visible policies have been on the foreign policy front. Many have termed Turkish manoeuvring in its neighbourhood as Neo-Ottomanism. In Israels largest trade partner in the region and its second-biggest in the world, behind only the US. In the first three months of 2011, Turkey exported products worth $579.3 million to Israel and imported goods worth $397.3 million. While Turkey purchases high-tech defence industry equipment from Israel, amongst the goods they export are military uniforms and footwear for the Israeli army. Whilst military ties have soured of late the underlying relationship remains. ISLAM The West has been impressed by the AKP who they view as Islamic/conservative who run a secular nation. The Turkish army being staunch secularists accuse
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Erdogan of having a secret Islamic agenda which will be brought to the forefront when the AKP has completed its grip on all aspects of ruling. In analysing the claim that the AKP represents an Islamic model of governance an examination of its key polices highlights that Islam has played no role in any of the AKPs policies other then the rhetoric fed to the masses. The economy and foreign policy have been the main symbols of the AKP, and both are driven by factors other than Islam. Turkeys economic growth, development and trade have had nothing to do with Islam but short term pragmatic polices to shore up the AKPs support. Whilst there is no doubt that under the AKP the Turkish economy has developed and there is more wealth today in Turkey then there was a decade ago, it has all been built on the same non-sustainable Interest based debt driven growth that is slowly choking the Western world today. Erdogan and the AKP have not used foreign trade to propagate Islam, neither has it used its relations with the likes of China, Russia, Brazil or India to propagate Islam. In order to shore up support for the AKP Erdogan developed economic polices to bring money into Turkey whilst enriching the business elite. Islam has played virtually no role in Turkeys foreign policy. The most obvious example of this is Erdogans continuation of Turkish relations with Israel which is something Islam expressly prohibits. Whilst AKP officials continue to cite the surrounding neighbours as Muslim brothers and its own region as former Ottoman territories this is where the role of Islam comes to an end. Since coming to power the AKP has grown very close to the US, the relations with the US have not been with the aim of weakening the US policies against the Muslim world or complicating them. In fact the AKP has worked to implement US global polices and played the role of willing agent. Turkey has played a central role in indirect negotiations in 2011 between the Palestinian factions and Israel to bring a settlement to the issues which requires the abandoning of large swathes of land
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to the Israelis. The AKP has not used Islam in any way in its foreign policy. Rather then rallying the Muslim rulers against Israel or even seeking to end the occupation of Al Quds itself which Turkey is capable of Erdogan has pursued a narrow set of pragmatic polices and littered them with a few Islamic slogans. The US continues to pursue a colonial agenda in the Muslim world but this has not stopped the AKP growing close to the US. The AKP has in Iraq and Palestine strengthened the hand of the US by constructing polices that aid them. Turkey has also sided with Obama and NATO against Syria and held a meeting for Syrian opposition groups in Anatolia. Much of the rhetoric of Islam has not come from the AKP but from those opposed to them and from the West. Erdogan in his recent trip to Egypt expressed hope for a secular state in Egypt, he went further and outlined that The Turkish state is in its core a state of freedoms and secularism. Erdogans domestic agenda has also been mainly to weaken the hand of the army in Turkish politics rather then creating a society based on Islam. Domestic reforms have centred on changing the composition and elections of judges and army personnel. Similarly the proposals for changes to the Turkish constitution are not for the Islamic sources to become sources of legislation but to empower the role of the president, which Erdogan has his eyes on. Domestically, rather than unifying with the Kurds who are mainly Muslims, Erdogan has carried out a combination of normalisation exercises whilst carrying out military action simultaneously. The killing of Muslims is something Islam expressly prohibits. THE WESTS FASCINATION WITH THE TURKISH MODEL The Turkish model of governance is in reality one driven by nationalism and is pragmatic in nature with some Islamic slogans. As the AKP has been successful with the economy this has given it an aura of strength, however the economy
has linked Turkey to the global economy and thus it is inevitable Turkey will go into recession as the global economy declines. The praise for the Turkish model is mostly from Western capitals and this is because it is something the West can work with. Turkey under Erdogan has manufactured a sense of importance by allowing itself to become yet another tool of Western foreign policy. This pragmatic and non-Islamic position is what gets much praise in Western capitals. The adoption of secularism allows one to choose which parts of Islam to implement. Erdogan has made some attempts in removing the hijab ban in Turkey, but for example has done nothing with regards to the legalisation of adultery or the removal of interest in banking. All of these factors are what the West can work with and for these reasons the West cannot stop singing the praises of Erdogan. This pragmatic model in reality dilutes Islam by making it fit with pragmatic, nationalist and interest driven polices. All of this shows that Islam plays a very small factor for the AKP, supposedly meeting Turkish interests is what has driven the AKP and this largely includes fulfilling US interests. CONCLUSIONS Turkey does not represent a new model of governance; it is in reality as secular and national interest driven as the nations of the West. As the Arab spring continues to take shape, what the region needs is not another Capitalist state with a few Islamic rules that cover its fundamentally secular nature. Secular states have a number of issues that are common to all of them, such as misdistribution of wealth, political corruption and social breakdown. Turkeys rulers are sadly continuing down this well-worn and discredited path, and may Allah (swt) protect us all from such contemptible behaviour.
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