(Victoria Hazou/AP Photo)
Assalamu `alaykum,
Jamaal (my husband) just spoke to our neighbor, who is the Shaykh on our street in Egypt. Subhan’Allah, he said this Friday was the first time in his life he was able to say whatever he wanted in his khutbah. Two million people were at Tahrir Square and the thugs were more brutal than ever. They killed seven people and some were killed while they were chanting “la ilaaha illa Allah – there is no God but Allah” but they simply refused to give up their position while being shot at.
The selflessness of people with their food and belongings is amazing, he said. People have stopped panic buying and just buy what they need for the day. The streets are safer today than they ever were – people are saying for once, the bad guys are actually getting caught and ‘arrested’ – and this by a team of neighborhood watch guards. Another amazing thing he said is how, despite the intimidation and use of force against them, despite the 30 years of oppression which also took innocent life, the protesters have remained peaceful. He said the religious people are not calling for khilafah (caliphate) or some sort of Islamic State, but just the freedom of self-determination and democracy.
He said we used to think that the youth were lost, but they are not lost. They are filling the masajid and stepping up, and have a lot of potential and desire to do good. The shuyukh and old people are supporting and encouraging them. He mentioned they have their own make-shift hospital in Tahrir, and the spirit of helping one another is stronger than its ever been.
After 30 years of oppression, they know “al jaza min jins al-a`mal – the reward one receives always matches the deeds one does.” The Oppressors will certainly get what is coming to them. The way that people stayed out during the cold nights and had thabat (steadfastness), and the way that the people are searching the police is very powerful. Their fear is over.
Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
Mashallah, Allah (swt) continue to protect the Egyptian people and give them strength and patience with Salat.
“al jaza min jins al-a`mal – the reward one receives always matches the deeds one does.”
Is that from a hadeeth? Just curious.
Shiekh Suhaib had me in tears today with his moving stories about Misr. Insha’ Allah all sacrifices made will lead to true freedom of choice to all of Egypt.
“He said we used to think that the youth were lost, but they are not lost. They are filling the masajid and stepping up, and have a lot of potential and desire to do good. The shuyukh and old people are supporting and encouraging them. He mentioned they have their own make-shift hospital in Tahrir, and the spirit of helping one another is stronger than its ever been.”
This is one of the main things that make me SO happy with the affects of the protests. Yes, some things are bad, but seeing the people, especially the youth the way they are, how they have more taqwa and truly care for each other (Muslim and Christian) and how this has changed their outlook in life makes me have so much hope for the future insha’Allah. when visiting Egypt i thought so much was at loss, but now i’m so proud of them and wish them the best! truly the people of Egypt have changed for the better insha’Allah wa alhamdulillah.
Allahu Akbar.Subahanallah.
Thank you for the update. Barakallahu feek.
One question I have – and forgive me if it’s a naive and silly concern – should Muslims really be asking for democracy? I was under the impression that democracy gives man the ultimate right to legislate whereas this right should belong only to Allah.
This was mainly informed by a lecture I have watched by Abdur-Raheem Green which can be found on YouTube
im in egypt and the way i understand it is that the ppl here dont really know what its like to live under shariah law. i dont think they want the strictness or the sytem of saudi and thats hte closest thing they probably know of shariah law being applied.
so all they know is democracy adn to them that means freedom from the oppression they’ve been living under. they want justice, a system that works. thats what islam provides. they just dont know that. they know ‘democracy’ so thats what they’re asking for.
there’s ppl out there who mock how egyptians are asking for democracy and not islam and i find it funny how we can be so removed from reality sometimes. These are real ppl who have been oppressed and lived in fear for so long. they are asking for what they know.
Jazak’Allahu Khairan for the update Sr. Muslema. It’s good to hear from you. 🙂 I am just so in awe of the stories of the brave people who are standing up and as we have seen, giving their lives. The images of so many performing salah among the chaos is so very moving and touching. Hope you, Br. Jamal and your loved ones stay safe in the coming days and weeks.
Br. Ahmed