ARAB REACTIONS TO THE LONDON BOMBINGS
IN JULY 2005
"Praise be to Allah, blessings and prayers upon His Prophet. I'm going to keep this short and to the point because it's all been said before by far more eloquent people than me, and our words have no impact upon you, therefore I'm going to talk to you in a language that you understand. Our words are dead until we give them life with our blood.
"I'm sure by now the media has painted a suitable picture of me. This predictable propaganda machine naturally will try to put a spin on things to suit the government and to scare the masses into conforming to their power and worth-obsessed agendas.
"I, and thousands like me, have forsaken everything for what we believe. Our driving motivation doesn't come from tangible commodities that this world has to offer. Our religion is Islam - obedience to the one true God, Allah, and following in the footsteps of the final Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad, Allah's blessings and prayers upon him. This is how our ethical stances are dictated.
"Your democratically elected governments continuously perpetuate atrocities against my people all over the world, and your support of them makes you directly responsible, just as I am directly responsible for protecting and avenging my Muslim brothers and sisters. Until we feel security, you will be our targets, and until you stop the bombing, gassing, imprisonment, and torture of my people, we will not stop this fight.
"We are at war, and I am a soldier. Now you too will taste the reality of this situation. I myself, I make du'ah to Allah, to raise me amongst those whom I love, like the Prophets, the Messengers, and the martyrs, and today's heroes, like our beloved Sheikh Osama bin Laden, Dr. Ayman Al-Zawahiri, and Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, and all the other brothers and sisters who are fighting in Allah's cause.
"With this I leave you to make up your own minds, and ask you to make du'ah to Allah Almighty to accept the work from me and my brothers and to enter us into the gardens of Paradise."
Excerpts from a videotaped message, in English, from suicide bomber Mohammed Sadiq, who participated in the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks in London. Al-Jazeera TV aired this message on September 1, 2005.
http://www.memritv.org
Ayman Al-Zawahiri's Latest Warning
Al-Zawahiri: "I speak to you today about the blessed London raid, which came as a slap in the face to the conceited crusader British arrogance, and made it drink from the same cup from which it had long made the Muslims drink. This blessed raid, like its glorious predecessors in New York, Washington, and Madrid, brought the battle to the enemy's soil after long centuries in which the enemy brought the battle to our lands and after its legions and forces have occupied our lands in Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Palestine, and after centuries in which it occupied our lands, while being secure in its home.
"Rejoice, oh peoples of the crusader coalition, in the calamities brought upon you and which, Allah willing, will be brought upon you by the policies of Bush, Blair, and those who follow them. Oh peoples of the crusader coalition, we have warned you, but it appears that you want us to make you taste the horrors of death. So taste some of what you made us taste.
"Didn't the Lion of Islam, the mujaheed Sheikh Osama bin Laden, may Allah protect him, offer you a truce, so you would leave the lands of Islam? But you were obstinate and your arrogance has led you to crime, and your Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that these proposals should be treated 'with the contempt which they deserve.' So taste the consequence of your governments' arrogance. Blair brought calamities upon his people in the heart of their capital, and he will bring more, Allah willing, because he continues to exploit his people's heedlessness, and stubbornly insists on treating them like uncomprehending idiots. He keeps reiterating to them that what happened in London has nothing to do with the crimes he perpetrated in Palestine, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
"Oh people of the crusader coalition, not only does Blair think nothing of the blood of Muslims in Iraq, Palestine, Chechnya, and Afghanistan, but he also thinks nothing of your blood, because he sends you off to the crematorium in Iraq, and exposes you to death in your own home, because of his crusader war against Islam. Bush, Blair, and all those who march behind their crusader-Zionist banner should know that the mighty mujahideen of Islam have pledged before their God to fight them until either victory or martyrdom.
"As for the beggar-scholars who gathered outside the British parliament to demonstrate their support for Blair, and to attack the martyrdom-seeking mujahideen, I say to them: Why did you not gather outside the British parliament when the embargo killed a million children in Iraq? Why did you not gather outside the British parliament when the mosques in Afghanistan were bombed with worshippers inside? Why did you not gather outside the British parliament when the Zionist missiles killed Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Allah's mercy upon him. Why did you not gather outside the British parliament when the crusaders' bombers pulverized women and children in Falluja? Why did you not gather outside the British parliament when America desecrated the holy Koran? The beggar-scholars who issue fatwas in line with the head of the Anglican Church say that the response to the crimes of Bush and Blair cannot be to attack civilians. Our answer to them is that treatment in kind is just.
"We say to them that these civilians are the ones who pay taxes to Bush and Blair, so they can equip their armies and give aid to Israel, and they are the ones who serve in their armies and security services. They are the ones who elected them, and even those who did not vote for them consider them legitimate rulers who have the right to give them orders and must be obeyed, and who also have the right to order strikes against us, killing our sons and daughters, and to wage war in their name, and to kill Muslims on their behalf. Moreover, they consider disobeying their orders a crime punishable by law.
"We have warned time and again, and we warn once again, that anyone who participated in the aggression against Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine - we will repay him in kind. Just as they have made rivers of blood flow in our countries, we will blow up volcanoes of rage, with Allah's help, in their countries. The lands and interests of the countries that participated in the aggression against Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan are targets for us, and whoever wants to be safe stay away from them. The one who warns bears no guilt."
****
"There is no doubt that Tony Blair, the prime minister of Britain, got a good slap from these explosions. Tony Blair was at the height of glory up to the last moments before these explosions. When I say the height of glory, I mean that he succeeded in ensuring that London, the capital of Britain, would host the Olympics, and likewise he was reclining in his seat as the head of the G8 summit. In addition, he had begun his term as leader of the European Union. Through these achievements, the man wanted to cover up the big failure incurred by the British and American policy in Iraq.
"These explosions came and blew up everything. They prove that the war Blair and Bush waged against terrorism, on which they have spent about $250 billion, in addition to the killing of some 2,000 British soldiers and 100,000 Iraqi citizens – this war up till now has not been successful. If the Al-Qa'ida organization is really behind these explosions, this proves that it has reorganized its ranks, succeeded in recruiting new expertise, and reached the heart of the European capitals – Britain following Madrid, and maybe in the future – Washington or New York."
Abd Al-Bari Atwan, editor-in-chief of Al-Quds Al-Arabi, (London) July 7, 2005.
"In the current circumstances, it's logical to say that the only ones to have an interest in doing something like this are those who are furious because of British policy. By the way, when all this had just begun, people talked about it as if there were no context to it. The political context is Britain's entanglement in an oppressive and unjust war against the Afghan and Iraqi peoples. The context is Britain's involvement, along with the U.S., in the arrest and persecution of a large group of Muslims. I believe that this context will be taken into consideration starting tomorrow, Allah willing."
The head of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought in London, Azzam Al-Tamimi July 7, 2005.
"The London attack is not the work of a small group of people. It is the bitter fruit of a religion that has been hijacked by a minority of extremists, while the majority looks on in concern and amazement. Until we hear the voices of the Muslims condemning attacks of this kind with no words [of qualification] such as 'but' and 'if,' the suicide bombers and the murderers will have an excuse to think that they enjoy the support of all Muslims. The real battle against the enemy of mankind will begin when the 'silent majority' in the Islamic world makes its voice heard against the murderers, and against those who brainwash them, believe them, and fund them.
Columnist Amir Taheri Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), June 8, 2005.
“The Arabs and Muslims, from amongst whom has emerged most of the terrorism since September 11, must head the counter-terrorism efforts. We are responsible for this terrorism before the others, and thus we are responsible for resisting it, and the effort required [on our part] begins by not denying our responsibility for it…
"More than once I have written [this], and today too I write that the Arabs and Muslims must help the U.S. and leave the running of the war on terror to it… There is no point in accusing the American administration of responsibility for the spread of terror. What is important is that this terrorism exists, and is killing innocents, and everyone must cooperate to defeat it… The first thing required from the Arab and Islamic countries is to launch a campaign [to increase] awareness amongst the societies that will strip terrorism of its well-known justifications and will emphasize that it constitutes a departure from the religion
Jihad Al-Khazen, Al-Hayat (London), July 8, 2005.
"We are not justifying [the attack]; rather, we are interpreting and analyzing it. British Prime Minister Tony Blair must, as an experienced politician, realize that just as he wants to bring the battle to the strongholds of terror in the Middle East, he must expect that they, or groups belonging to them, think the same way, and will bring the terror to London, New York, Washington, and Rome. War is war, and terror is one of its means, whether it is by means of missiles and bombers, or by means of planting bombs in a train or a public bus carrying innocent passengers on their way to work.
"We live in an era in which fear and terror rule us, [terror] which was enforced on us by the stupid American policy that recognizes no dialogue except war and destruction.
"We completely identify with the victims of the explosions in London, just as we identify with the family of Egyptian Ambassador [to Baghdad] Ihab Al-Sharif, who was assassinated by a group belonging to the Al-Qa'ida organization. But – and there is no escape from this 'but' – wasn't the U.S. the one who forced the Egyptian regime to normalize relations with the illegitimate government in Iraq, and open an embassy there?
"The Egyptian ambassador was killed by his government before the Al-Qa'ida organization killed him, because [the Egyptian government] did not protect his life, and threw him to perdition and sent him to a country that goes to sleep and wakes up to car bombs, abductions, and murders…”
Abd Al-Bari 'Atwan, editor-in-chief, Al-Quds Al-Arabi (London), July 8, 2005.
"…We remind everyone that Egypt was the first to oppose the occupation of Iraq and to condemn it. We were the first to predict that the occupation would cause an increase of the phenomena and acts of violence – not only in Iraq and the region, but across the world.
"It is only fitting that today we remind the whole world that what Egypt predicted has come to pass. We [also] remind the superpowers who refused to listen to Egypt's counsel and to its just vision that what we warned of has come to pass.
"The strongest proof of Egypt's just vision are the atrocious attacks that took place yesterday in London, which caused dozens of killed and hundreds of wounded. [This happened] at the same time as the increase in the violence in Iraq and the assassination of the Egyptian ambassador to Iraq.
"We hope that the terrorist crimes that are taking place in Iraq every day, and the terrorist crimes that took place in London and threaten everywhere in the world, will be a kind of warning bell to remind everyone that they must listen to the voice of reason and wisdom and decide to deal with the real causes of terrorism, so that peace and security will embrace every place in the world, particularly the occupied lands in Palestine and Iraq.
Muhammad Barakat, the new editor-in-chief, Al-Akhbar (Egypt), July 8, 2005.
"The explosions in the [British] capital were stunning and coordinated in time. They reminded us greatly of the March 11, 2004 explosions in Madrid that struck trains in the Spanish capital. To the same extent that these explosions [in Madrid] created an evil image of Islam from the European point of view, so the explosions yesterday in London will deepen this opinion anew, and the Arab and Muslim population, not only in Britain but in every European country, will be subject to monitoring and will have to give an account [of itself]…
"London and the other capital cities of the countries that participated in the war in Afghanistan and in the war in Iraq will continue to be a target for these groups..."
Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia), July 8, 2005
"It is no wonder that the terror has struck London… When the terror drowned Madrid in destruction and blood, London could only wait its turn… The scene of the event is the capital of the superpower considered the closest to the path of President George Bush, in addition to its weight on the European scene and its role as a financial center…
"This is not a declaration of war; it is a chapter in World War Three, a long, all-out war whose first chapter was the September 11 attacks… Yesterday’s attacks remind the world that it still is in the whirlpool of war, and that it is captive in its hands…
"This is a war that cannot be won by a knockout. The dismantling of a single small cell does not prevent the emergence of another cell, particularly since the exchange of blows in war – and the Iraq arena is a clear example of this – is likely to engender a new generation of terrorists… Accordingly, the U.S. and the countries participating in the war on terror must relearn the different nature of this war, in order to adapt better to its processes, particularly since it has become clear that in order to win, different policy approaches are required, and not only collecting data and striking blows."
Ghassan Sharbal, editor-in-chief Al-Hayat (London), July 8, 2005.
"Today we are a nation [that is sitting] on the defendant's bench, and thus there is a little oppression and injustice, and a small amount of truth… Even if we officially have no part in the explosions in London up until this moment, the world, by means of its media and its politicians, looks at us as those with a past [of explosions], and as guilty until proven innocent of the crime… I can almost smell the scent of conspiracy in the affair.
"A number of years ago, I was in London when it hosted the G-8 summit at the Lancaster Hotel. The entire capital was one police security region, and they even supervised the soft drink that I threw into the trash can. Today, dozens of tons of explosives have infiltrated into this same city, as the G-8 summit began in the nearby city of London. Here I can almost smell the scent [of conspiracy].
Columnist Ali Sa'd Al-Moussa Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia), July 8, 2005.
*
In the name of Allah the Merciful and the Compassionate, prayer and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad, who smiles [upon the believers] and slaughters [the unbelievers].
Rejoice O Islamic nation. Rejoice O Pan-Arab nation. Rejoice, for the time of revenge on the British Zionist Crusading government has come.
In response to the massacres committed by Britain in Iraq and Afghanistan, the heroic mujahideen carried out a blessed attack in London, and here, Britain is now burning with fear, fright, and panic, in the North, South, East, and West. We had warned the British government and people repeatedly, and now we have kept our word and carried out a blessed military attack in Britain following very difficult efforts made by the heroic mujahideen, who took a long time so as to guarantee the success of the attack. We continue to warn each one of the following: the government of Denmark, the government of Italy, and all the crusading governments, that they will eventually receive the same punishment if they do not withdraw their forces from Iraq and Afghanistan. He who warns is absolved of responsibility.
Allah said [Koran 47:7]: If you help God, God will help you and make you stand fast. Thursday, 30th day of the 5th month, 1426 A.H., corresponding to July 7, 2005. The Group of the Secret Organization – The Organization of Qaidat Al-Jihad in Europe.
" For over 10 years now, I myself and other Arab writers have warned against the dangers of the reckless handling of the extremism that is now spreading like a plague within the British community.
"It was never understood why British authorities gave refuge to suspicious characters previously involved in terrorist activities. Why would Britain grant asylum to Arabs who have been convicted of political crimes or religious extremism, or even sentenced to death? Not only were they admitted to this country, but they were also provided with accommodation, a monthly salary, and free legal advice for those who want to prosecute the British government.
"The answer, I believe, is what... I call 'blind generosity.' This bizarre reasoning stuns individuals such as students who wish to establish careers abroad and whose [applications for British] citizenship are rejected. These people do not have criminal records like the others [to grant them entry].
"Like many other diseases, extremism is a contagious one. A small dose of carriers can spread the infection like wildfire, establishing a community full of destructive thoughts and practices such as the horrific [bombing] in London.
"The reason behind this [British] practice is the recklessness of internal British policies since the 1990s. This irresponsibility has been demonstrated by allowing extremists to enter the country – with the result being Thursday's attacks. [These attacks] were a crime that the majority of us anticipated, since leniency like this, and hatred like this, were bound to converge at some point.
"The British authority's leniency regarding fundamentalist fascism has allowed many, including Arab and Muslim intellectuals and journalists, to adopt ideologies that promote extremism and defend criminals such as bin Laden and Al-Zarqawi. The situation has escalated to the extent that Arab and Muslim intellects fear the repercussions of condemning extremists.
"The battle we face is against the ideology, as opposed to against the terrorists themselves. The terrorist groups make the most of the concept of freedom of speech, as well as of the ability to promote such ideas to gain support. Such tolerance on behalf of the British government has allowed Arab and Muslim extremists to seek refuge in Britain, away from their own countries...
"Within a decade, they have established organizations, promoted their beliefs all over the world, and denounced others as infidels in mosques, schools, and the media, and have publicly called to enjoin battle. They have spread into the city of London, reaching communities that had no previous record or practice of extremism. The results were illustrated last Thursday.
"So why has this happened?
"Until recently, London held the delusion that extremists would not target Britain, but only use it as a base, protecting their freedom as they worked against Arab and Islamic governments. For this reason, Britain was full of convicted [extremists] known for propagating their extremist ideologies.
"The time has come for British authorities to deal harshly with extremism, before complete chaos is unleashed onto British society. In the past, we talked about stopping them. Now, it is time to expel."
Al-Arabiya TV Director-General Abd Al-Rahman Al-Rashed, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), July 9, 2005.
"...There is no escape from telling the British authorities that they are not completely innocent of creating the appropriate atmosphere for the bombings in London – because Britain is nearly the only country that treats terrorists and extremists with exaggerated humanity, even when their crimes are proven…
"Britain has shut its ears [to hearing] the words of people who stood out as extremists; [it has shut its eyes to seeing] that every day they take in more activists, collect large donations, and expose their goals via the media; [and it has avoided seeing how] the papers and the media defend their terrorism. So it was unavoidable that London would, one day, fall victim to this leniency – because these base wild beasts do not differentiate between those who protect them and those who persecute them."
Columnist Hamoud Abu Taleb, Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia), July 10, 2004.
"Bin Laden and those who act under his patronage are in caves far from Britain, but his supporters who answer to his authority live in the bosom and patronage of the British, and find media via which they talk freely and never cease to support Al-Qa'ida's terrorist program… The Qatari channel Al-Jazeera is not the first of these, and the [London] newspaper Al-Quds [Al-Arabi] is not the last of these.
"Those [who attacked] Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, and others have now risen against the country that hosts them and provides them with work and a livelihood. Among them are: [Muhammad] Al-Musa'ari, [Sa'ad] Al-Faqiha, Abu Qatada, Abu Al-Muntazar, [Hani] Al-Siba'i, and [Abd Al-Bari] 'Atwan. They deceive millions when they appear with their robes and tarbooshes, and sometimes with [Islamic] decorations, claiming to possess knowledge in the etiquette and ethics of Islam…"
Columnist Hamad bin Hamad Al-Salami, Al-Jazeerah (Saudi Arabia), July 10, 2005.
"Neither the 9/11 terrorists nor the July 7 terrorists gave any thought to the fate of the Arabs and Muslims in the U.S. and Britain... Nor did they consider the situation of the Muslims in Spain [after the March 11, 2004 bombing] and the suffering of the other Muslims in their countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia.
"In effect, these [terrorists] have abandoned all religions and faiths, and it does not matter that they decorate their writings with Koranic verses and with quotes from the traditions of the Prophet and from commentary by the great [Koran commentators]. Their religion has become [a religion] of murder, and their belief has become [a belief] of hatred for the West, particularly for the U.S. [They have] monopolized Islam to cover for their terrorism and crimes."
Columnist Abd Al-Wahab Badrakhan, Al-Hayat (London), July 9, 2005.
"After the massacre in London, Black July 7, many Muslim tourists remained in their homes, and Muslim residents [of Western countries] denied their Arab ties in every conversation with a salesman or a waiter....The Arabs have lost their safe existence in Britain… The politicians' flattery and gentle words will not change this; the Muslim in Europe will become like [the Muslim] in America – undeserving of leniency, and never unobserved by the eyes of the security [apparatuses]."
Al-Riyadh (London), July 9, 2005.
"This week’s attacks have particularly harmed the Islamic presence throughout Europe – especially in Britain, where civil liberties protect supporters of terrorism, even turning a blind eye to celebrations of violence and the presence of Al-Qa'ida operatives. As a result, Tony Blair's government will find it difficult to resist calls by various Arab governments to hand over their citizens who are accused of promoting terrorism on British soil.
"Actually, the one person to benefit from the London attacks is Al-Qa'ida's arch-enemy, PM [Blair]. Tragic events have proven that he was not scaremongering when, during his election campaign, he warned of the threat of an imminent terrorist attack. In addition, terrorism is increasing U.S. President George W. Bush's popularity with the American people, at a time when his ratings were suffering due to mismanagement of the situation in Iraq."
Al-Sharq Al-Awsat columnist Ahmad Al-Ruba'i wrote: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), July 9, 2005.
"When the reporters ask me about Muslim involvement [in the attack], I ask them about the two governments, American and British, that in recent years have killed two million Muslims." He also blamed "the Zionist lobby, which learned from Nazi leader Adolf Hitler how to rake in support from the entire public by sowing fear among its ranks." According to Abu 'Abdallah, "[Even] if it is proven that the Muslims are involved in these attacks, the finger will continue to point towards the [British] government and the Zionist lobby
Abu 'Abdallah, who replaced "Supporters of Shari'a" leader Abu Hamza Al-Masri, Al-Hayat (London), July 10, 2005.
"Al-Qa'ida really had nothing to gain in carrying out this operation, particularly in timing it after the British Defense Ministry announced its plan to withdraw its forces from Iraq and Afghanistan – after all, they say that Al-Qa'ida's goal is the removal of the Americans and British from Arab lands.
"As a result of these events, the British will be forced to remain in Iraq to fight the international 'terrorism' that struck them in the heart of their country…
"With regard to Israeli involvement in the affair, there are conflicting reports regarding warnings received by Israeli Finance Minister and former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He received the news before he planned to leave the Israeli embassy in London; he then remained in the hotel and did not leave it. Afterwards he stated that Scotland Yard had warned him – without, of course, warning the residents of London – [a statement] that was vehemently denied by Scotland Yard."
Dr. Sami Sa'id Habib, chairman of the Saudi Association for Aviation and Space Sciences, Al-Madina (Saudi Arabia), July 7.
"The Islamic Republic and the [Iranian] Foreign Ministry have expressed their position and condemned [the bombings]. The entire Iranian people condemns this. Massacring women, children, old and young is entirely inappropriate for a human being, and cannot be accepted by anyone with a conscience. Iran has expressed its people's solidarity with the survivors of these incidents in London.
"You speak of terror and Al-Qa'ida. Have you forgotten who the mother and father of Al-Qa'ida are? America is its father, and Israel its mother. It is the illegitimate child of these powers. You yourselves have brought it into being..."
At this point the crowd responded by chanting: "Allah Akbar. Allah Akbar. Allah Akbar. Khamenei is the leader. Death to those who reject the rule of the jurisprudent. Death to America. Death to England. Death to the hypocrites (Mojahedin-e Khalq) and Saddam. Death to Israel."
Emami-Kashani then said: "You yourselves have brought it into being, and you have done so in the name of Islam. Thus, the child, whose father is the arrogance of the White House, and whose mother is the executioners of Israel, and who you have named 'Islam' – is known to all. The reason he was named this way is clear, as is your true nature. You brought [Al-Qa'ida] into being in order to bring calamity to our lives, but, thank God, it has brought calamity to yours."
"You created this group in order to remove the life in it… Aren't the explosions [in London] one of the results of the battle led by America?… America cultivates state terrorism, but if it hopes to succeed in its war against terrorism, it must first of all abandon its terrorist measures in occupied Palestine."
Tehran Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani Friday sermon in Tehran, July 8, 2005, http://memritv.org
"…There is no doubt that this group is the protégé of America. America uses Al-Qa'ida anytime, anywhere, for the sake of its goals – even for changing British public opinion in order to make [the British] stop opposing the British government's marching with America.
"It would appear that behind the scenes of the explosions in London stand the espionage services of America and the Zionist regime. They want to paint a more violent image of the terror, so that the British public will experience it for real and thus stop opposing Britain's military presence in Iraq.
"This is the secret policy that started on September 11, 2001, with the explosion of the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, and that continued to London's city buses and underground trains."
Jomhouri-ye Eslami (Iran), July 9, 2005.
"How is it possible to convince the Arab and Muslim peoples of the justness of the war on terror while Israeli terror is categorized as 'self-defense?' And how is it possible for the situation to return to normal if the U.S. and Western governments turn a blind eye to Israeli terror, and even justify it? In addition to this, there is a general sense that Islam and the Arabs are [targeted] in the war on terror."
Syrian columnist 'Izz Al-Din Al-Darwish, Teshreen (Syria), July 10, 2005.
"Explosions and damage to the property and lives of peaceful people are forbidden by Islam… Islam is a religion of justice and reconciliation, which brought humanity from darkness to light… Islam brought [to humanity] the honoring of agreements and the prohibition on violating them… Islam brought just treatment [even] of an enemy… Esteemed Muslim clerics in this era have already condemned these abhorrent acts, and have repeatedly announced that the attacks have nothing to do with Islam." Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abd Al-'Aziz bin Abdallah bin Muhammad Aal Al-Sheikh issued a communiqué condemning the bombing:
https://www.islah400.org, July 8, 2005.
Excerpts from interviews with the director of the Al-Maqreze Centre for Historical Studies, Dr. Hani Al-Siba'i. The first aired on Al-Jazeera TV on July 8, 2005
Al-Siba'i: "I think that British Prime Minister Tony Blair made a grave error when he spoke before the investigation and claimed that the perpetrators of these acts were acting in the name of Islam. I think that he will pay the price for this grave error in the future. No possibility should be ruled out. We do not rule out the possibility that it was done by the intelligence agency of another Western country hostile to Britain. We do not rule out countries... or some Zionist Americans who wanted to overshadow the G-8 summit. But at the same time, we do not rule out the Al-Qa'ida organization. It's been claimed that Al-Qa'ida died in Afghanistan, and was buried in the caves there. And behold: it was resurrected after the American occupation of Iraq. Moreover, Al-Qa'ida controls the war agenda in Iraq. It is the Al-Qa'ida organization in the Land of the Two Rivers [Iraq], headed by Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, that imposes its policies, to the extent that the Egyptian government was forced to... It was forced to recall [its ambassador], and other countries are afraid to send ambassadors there."
Host: "He was not an ambassador, but rather a representative that was murdered, and then Egypt lowered its level of representation."
Al-Siba'i: "He previously worked in the so-called 'Israel.' What I want to ask is: can this organization do this? Is it conceivable that it did it? Yes, it is. Why? In the year... We must not forget that on April 15, 2004, Sheik Osama bin Laden released a taped message, in which he said... He gave... He reached out for reconciliation..."
Host: "Just to recall, you are referring to the Madrid incidents, in which some 190 people were killed."
Al-Siba'i: "After the Madrid incidents, he addressed the Western and European nations. Obviously, he didn't address the leaders whom he does not recognize. He talked to the Western nations about reconciliation..."
Host: "Excuse me. He gave them three or four months. But, forgive me, targeting civilians... You, as a Muslim and as the director of a center for Islamic history... Is targeting wretched civilians considered brave or manly?"
Al-Siba'i: "I think... The man [bin Laden] addressed these peoples so that they would pressure their governments. He told them: We did not attack you. You have been attacking us for more than two centuries, and your campaign continues. He said to them simply: Withdraw your soldiers from the Arabian Peninsula, withdraw from Afghanistan and Palestine..."
Host: "Excuse me, Is Sheik Osama bin Laden a religious scholar, who issues fatwas, or is he the head of Al-Qa'ida?"
Al-Siba'i: "First of all, he is one of this [Islamic] nation. Allah... We have no clergy, or a pope, or anything like this. Anyone can carry out his religious duty, even if he is by himself."
Host: "Mr. Hani, issuing fatwas is done by religious scholars."
Al-Siba'i: "He has a Shura council, he has religious scholars... He wanted to debate with other scholars, but they refused. He asked to discuss matters with them, but they refused."
Host: "The question, in short, is whether the religious scholars... Sir, the religious law assembly in Mecca at the end of last month issued a fatwa forbidding the killing of civilians. Should we follow it or Osama bin Laden?"
Al-Siba'i: "These assemblies resemble the assemblies of the Church. These assemblies forbid young people from going to Iraq to fight the Jihad. These assemblies... The Higher Religious Authority [in Saudi Arabia] are the ones who allowed the presence of Crusader forces in the Land of the Two Holy Places (Saudi Arabia). These assemblies..."
Host: "Mr. Hani, make no mistake. The same assembly ruled that Jihad in Iraq is allowed against soldiers. Even Sheik Osama [sic.] Al-Makdisi, Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi's mentor... Okay. Abu Hani, okay... He asked Al-Zarqawi not to kill civilians and to attack only the Americans... I mean, only soldiers..."
Al-Siba'i: "The term 'civilians' does not exist in Islamic religious law. Dr. Karmi is sitting here, and I am sitting here, and I'm familiar with religious law. There is no such term as 'civilians' in the modern Western sense. People are either of Dar Al-Harb or not.
"These institutes, like the Islamic Association [of Britain], represent white-collar people, the effendis, people with 'prestige.' They only represent their own interests and do not mix in society. They don't know... Ask other Muslims... People see them only on their TV screens. They don't participate in the demonstrations for the poor. They are not interested in people's problems. We invite them, and they don't show up."
Host: "The Muslim Association of Britain represents 400 Islamic organizations..."
Al-Siba'i: "These are all interest groups. With all due respect, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Sheik Moududi group do business with one another."
Host: "Are you claiming they are not Muslims?"
Al-Siba'i: "They are behind all these movements. They promote some people nobody has heard of. Then they promote some journalists."
Host: "Excuse me, who do you want to promote? Those who want the banner of 'There is no god but Allah' over the Queen of England and Buckingham Palace? Those who want to establish a caliphate and turn the Queen of England into a captive? Those who say [England] is Dar Al-Harb and property there can be plundered? Are those the kind of people you want?"
Al-Siba'i: "These associations do not represent the Muslim public. They collaborate with the British police for certain interests. They want an 'English Islam,' and not the Islam that was sent to the Prophet Muhammad. If Al-Qa'ida indeed carried out this act, it is a great victory for it. It rubbed the noses of the world's eight most powerful countries in the mud. This victory is a blow to the economy..."
Interview on ANB TV
Al-Siba'i: "As for the slaughtering and the recordings used [by Al-Zarqawi] - we must consider these people's mentality. What is their source of authority? The problem is that our sheiks, our clerics, and the religious institutions - especially official ones - are constantly running away from the truth."
Host: "The truth? What is the truth?"
Al-Siba'i: "That is the question I'd like to answer. Do these people base themselves on Islamic law or not? They claim that they do, and to support it, they say that slaughtering appeared in a hadith by the Prophet, which was pronounced authentic by Sheik Ahmad Shaker. The Prophet told the Quraysh tribe: 'I have brought slaughter upon you,' making this gesture. But these are religious issues that may be disputed."
Al-Siba'i: "The Mujahideen say: 'This is the time for Jihad jurisprudence. Iraq is an occupied country, so we must study Jihad jurisprudence, which is exceptional law. In this case, there is no need to ask permission – a wife does not need to ask for her husband's permission to fight.'"
Host: "There is no consensus here. This is just one opinion."
Al-Siba'i: "This is the opinion of the greatest clerics."
Host: "But there are other clerics who criticize and condemn what is happening…"
Al-Siba'i: "The problem, Dr. Muhammad…"
Host: "Does the problem lie with Al-Zarqawi or with the religious scholars?"
Al-Siba'i: "The problem lies with the religious scholars. When they are asked to confront these [ Mujahideen ], to talk with them and respond to the evidence they present. [The Mujahideen ] tell the Prophet drove nails into and gouged out the eyes of people from the 'Urayna Tribe. They were merely a group of thieves who stole from sheep herders, and the Prophet drove nails into them and threw them into the Al-Hrara area, and left them there to die. He blinded them and cut off their opposite legs and arms. This is what the Prophet did on a trifling matter – let alone in war. What else could they do when a 1000 lb. bomb lands on a house or a shack belonging to poor people, and the world doesn't shed a tear, but cries only about the slaughtering? All they have is a knife… "
Host: "Dr. Al-Siba'i, do you personally condemn anything they do? Can you say that even though you support these groups' case, they use such means? Is there a single method you are willing to condemn?"
Al-Siba'i: "I, myself… I condemn the occupation, which is the cause of all these tragedies. The occupation caused all these disasters. The country was safe and peaceful, until the Americans came, and we are expected to blame those who fight in defense of their honor?! When people hear me say… I received a picture over the internet, and when I opened it I saw a woman being raped by seven men. An Iraqi woman in prison – this is on American websites now – and when I saw her, I couldn't sleep a wink. A woman being raped, completely naked, in prison."
Host: "This is a despicable picture, worthy of condemnation."
Al-Siba'i: "You expect me to criticize them for using a knife to slaughter some American?!"
Ali Al-Saraf, Iraqi Journalist: "Dr. Hani said the Prophet gouged out a man's eye, killed another, and threw…"
Al-Siba'i: "This is a true tradition in the collection of Al-Bukhari."
Al-Saraf: "Excuse me, the Prophet did not do this to innocent people, like this riffraff in Iraq. They kill people who have nothing to do with…"
Al-Siba'i: "Do you mean the Americans?"
Al-Saraf: "I mean the riffraff – American or not – who kill innocent people."
Al-Siba'i: "The only riffraff I know are the Americans."
Al-Saraf: "If the Americans kill innocent people, they are riffraff, and if your guys, the Islamists, kill innocent people they are riffraff too."
Al-Siba'i: "Excuse me, don't say 'your guys.'"
Al-Saraf: "There are innocent people who are being murdered for no reason. Margaret Hassan shouldn't have been slaughtered, nor Kenneth Bigley, who was about to retire. He was put in a cage smaller then a chicken coop. I don't know what human sentiment has the audacity to call despicable actions 'resistance.'"
Al-Siba'i: People believe lies and falsehoods. Allow me to disagree with Mr. Ali. Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi himself issued a communiqué – and I believe Mr. Kamil and people who follow the press know this – he issued a communiqué that appeared on all TV channels, in which he called upon the group that kidnapped Margaret Hassan to release her, and said she was innocent. She was slaughtered by [Iyad] Allawi's gang… They don't even acknowledge the term 'civilians.'"
Host: "Who decides what the term means?"
Al-Siba'i: "The religious legal authority. One reads in history… I have an historical religious source of authority. Islamic history has no term for 'civilian' in the Western sense. This is a Western term. In our Islamic rules of war, one can be a 'combatant', a 'non-combatant', or 'protected by an agreement.' A person can be a combatant even if he does not carry a weapon. In other words, a person who came to wash and cook for the American soldiers in order to free them to fight – like the Nepalese – such a person is considered a combatant."
Excerpts from interviews with the director of the Al-Maqreze Centre for Historical Studies, Dr. Hani Al-Siba'i. The first aired on Al-Jazeera TV on July 8, 2005
*
"With all the violence and bombings that today's world has suffered, and with all the terrorism and destruction which have robbed the world of sleep, which are considered by all intelligent and honorable people as criminal, which are prohibited by all esteemed Muslim scholars, and whose negative effects afflict the Islamic nation – one of the most dangerous wars to afflict the Islamic nation and to cause atrophy and decadence to nations and civilizations is the war against virtue and to promote vice.
"The noble Islamic law deals with all issues. One of the most important issues is protecting women's honor – indeed, defending families, and protecting societies and generations from the flames of vice, from the removal of the veil, from the volcanoes of debauchery, from the storms of evil, from the armies of harlotry, from the voracity of pleasure, and from bestial libertinism.
"The most dangerous weapon which the enemy has raised against us – with which he tore to pieces our established order, and with which he soiled our spiritual and social purity, is the terrible deluge of all manner of vice, which is considered a form of moral terrorism against the values, ideals, and virtues of the Islamic nation.
"[This war is waged] by means of the licentious satellite channels and the vile spiderwebs of the Internet, whose gloom fills the sky with darkness and spreads its stench in all directions, and by means of those hidden computer discs, which are the cauldron of sin, consumed by the old, young, and inexperienced, while fathers, mothers, and educators are heedless and negligent.
"Oh brethren in faith, morning has dawned upon all with eyes to see, without ambiguity or falsehood. It has become clear that the enemies of virtue, the marshals of licentiousness, and the heroes of sexual promiscuous pleasures have a most ill-fated hope and aspiration to export sexual diseases and vice in the form of a plague, which shall crush the fortresses of the Muslims, the fortresses of honor and virtue, and they hope that [Muslims] will abandon the castles of chastity, honor, and virtue, which have been effaced by time, and have become a matter of the past.
"Oh, Allah, heal our sick, have mercy on our dead, release our prisoners, and save our Al-Aqsa Mosque. Oh Allah, liberate our Al-Aqsa Mosque from the defilement of the occupying and brutal Zionists. Oh Allah, make it high and mighty until Judgment Day. Oh Allah, punish the occupying Zionists and their supporters from among the corrupt infidels. Oh Allah, scatter and disperse them, and make an example of them for those who take heed."
Excerpts from a Friday sermon by Dr. Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sudayyis, aired on Saudi Arabia's Channel 1 on July 15, 2005. See MEMRI TV Clip # 765 "Friday Sermon in Mecca's Al-Haram Mosque by Imam Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sudayis:
"The history of the [Jewish] people is written in black ink, and has included a series of murders of the prophets, the Mujaheedin, and righteous people. This, although the book [that] descended upon Moses is all mercy. Allah has said: 'And [it]is preceded by the Book of Moses, which was a guide and a mercy for people before him…' So where is this mercy in all this barbarity, devoid of moral and human values? But maybe it is the beginning of their end.
"Oh brothers in the land of missions and the cradle of valor, oh sons of brave Mujaheedin, oh descendents of conquering heroes…You have revived the hopes of this nation through your blessed Jihad. By Allah, be patient until, with Allah's help, one of two good things will be awarded you: either victory or martyrdom. Our hearts are with you; our prayers are dedicated to you. The Islamic nation will not spare money or effort in support of your cause, which is the supreme Muslim cause, until the promise made by Allah, who never breaks a promise, is fulfilled."
Excerpts from an April 2, 2004 Friday sermon by Sheikh Al-Sudayyis that was broadcast live on Saudi Arabia's Channel 1:
(See MEMRI TV Clip # 26 "Imam Sudayyis in a Friday Sermon at Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca: Either Victory or Martyrdom,")
"For over 10 years now, I myself and other Arab writers have warned against the dangers of the reckless handling of the extremism that is now spreading like a plague within the British community.
"It was never understood why British authorities gave refuge to suspicious characters previously involved in terrorist activities. Why would Britain grant asylum to Arabs who have been convicted of political crimes or religious extremism, or even sentenced to death? Not only were they admitted to this country, but they were also provided with accommodation, a monthly salary, and free legal advice for those who want to prosecute the British government.
"The answer, I believe, is what... I call 'blind generosity.' This bizarre reasoning stuns individuals such as students who wish to establish careers abroad and whose [applications for British] citizenship are rejected. These people do not have criminal records like the others [to grant them entry].
"Like many other diseases, extremism is a contagious one. A small dose of carriers can spread the infection like wildfire, establishing a community full of destructive thoughts and practices such as the horrific [bombing] in London.
"The reason behind this [British] practice is the recklessness of internal British policies since the 1990s. This irresponsibility has been demonstrated by allowing extremists to enter the country - with the result being Thursday's attacks. [These attacks] were a crime that the majority of us anticipated, since leniency like this, and hatred like this, were bound to converge at some point.
"The British authority's leniency regarding fundamentalist fascism has allowed many, including Arab and Muslim intellectuals and journalists, to adopt ideologies that promote extremism and defend criminals such as bin Laden and Al-Zarqawi. The situation has escalated to the extent that Arab and Muslim intellects fear the repercussions of condemning extremists.
"The battle we face is against the ideology, as opposed to against the terrorists themselves. The terrorist groups make the most of the concept of freedom of speech, as well as of the ability to promote such ideas to gain support. Such tolerance on behalf of the British government has allowed Arab and Muslim extremists to seek refuge in Britain, away from their own countries...
"Within a decade, they have established organizations, promoted their beliefs all over the world, and denounced others as infidels in mosques, schools, and the media, and have publicly called to enjoin battle. They have spread into the city of London, reaching communities that had no previous record or Under the title "Expel Extremism Today," Al-Arabiya TV Director-General Abd Al-Rahman Al-Rashed wrote: practice of extremism. The results were illustrated last Thursday.
"So why has this happened?
"Until recently, London held the delusion that extremists would not target Britain, but only use it as a base, protecting their freedom as they worked against Arab and Islamic governments. For this reason, Britain was full of convicted [extremists] known for propagating their extremist ideologies.
"The time has come for British authorities to deal harshly with extremism, before complete chaos is unleashed onto British society. In the past, we talked about stopping them. Now, it is time to expel."(1) (1) Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), July 9, 2005.
"...There is no escape from telling the British authorities that they are not completely innocent of creating the appropriate atmosphere for the bombings in London - because Britain is nearly the only country that treats terrorists and extremists with exaggerated humanity, even when their crimes are proven...
"Britain has shut its ears [to hearing] the words of people who stood out as extremists; [it has shut its eyes to seeing] that every day they take in more activists, collect large donations, and expose their goals via the media; [and it has avoided seeing how] the papers and the media defend their terrorism. So it was unavoidable that London would, one day, fall victim to this leniency - because these base wild beasts do not differentiate between those who protect them and those who persecute them."
Columnist Hamoud Abu Taleb, Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia), July 10, 2004.
"Bin Laden and those who act under his patronage are in caves far from Britain, but his supporters who answer to his authority live in the bosom and patronage of the British, and find media via which they talk freely and never cease to support Al-Qa'ida's terrorist program... The Qatari channel Al-Jazeera is not the first of these, and the [London] newspaper Al-Quds [Al-Arabi] is not the last of these.
"Those [who attacked] Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, and others have now risen against the country that hosts them and provides them with work and a livelihood. Among them are: [Muhammad] Al-Musa'ari, [Sa'ad] Al-Faqiha, Abu Qatada, Abu Al-Muntazar, [Hani] Al-Siba'i, and [Abd Al-Bari] 'Atwan. They deceive millions when they appear with their robes and tarbooshes, and sometimes with [Islamic] decorations, claiming to possess knowledge in the etiquette and ethics of Islam..."
Columnist Hamad bin Hamad Al-Salami, Al-Jazeerah (Saudi Arabia), July 10, 2005.
"Neither the 9/11 terrorists nor the July 7 terrorists gave any thought to the fate of the Arabs and Muslims in the U.S. and Britain... Nor did they consider the situation of the Muslims in Spain [after the March 11, 2004 bombing] and the suffering of the other Muslims in their countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia.
"In effect, these [terrorists] have abandoned all religions and faiths, and it does not matter that they decorate their writings with Koranic verses and with quotes from the traditions of the Prophet and from commentary by the great [Koran commentators]. Their religion has become [a religion] of murder, and their belief has become [a belief] of hatred for the West, particularly for the U.S. [They have] monopolized Islam to cover for their terrorism and crimes."
Abd Al-Wahab Badrakhan, Al-Hayat (London), July 9, 2005.
"After the massacre in London, Black July 7, many Muslim tourists remained in their homes, and Muslim residents [of Western countries] denied their Arab ties in every conversation with a salesman or a waiter. ...The Arabs have lost their safe existence in Britain... The politicians' flattery and gentle words will not change this; the Muslim in Europe will become like [the Muslim] in America - undeserving of leniency, and never unobserved by the eyes of the security [apparatuses]."
Al-Riyadh (London), July 9, 2005.
"This week's attacks have particularly harmed the Islamic presence throughout Europe - especially in Britain, where civil liberties protect supporters of terrorism, even turning a blind eye to celebrations of violence and the presence of Al-Qa'ida operatives. As a result, Tony Blair's government will find it difficult to resist calls by various Arab governments to hand over their citizens who are accused of promoting terrorism on British soil.
"Actually, the one person to benefit from the London attacks is Al-Qa'ida's arch-enemy, PM [Blair]. Tragic events have proven that he was not scaremongering when, during his election campaign, he warned of the threat of an imminent terrorist attack. In addition, terrorism is increasing U.S. President George W. Bush's popularity with the American people, at a time when his ratings were suffering due to mismanagement of the situation in Iraq."
Ahmad Al-Ruba'I, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), July 9, 2005.
“The bombing…is a punishment from Allah... because of prostitution and homosexuality." Abu 'Abdallah, who replaced "Supporters of Shari'a" leader Abu Hamza Al-Masri, who is now standing trial in Britain, Al-Hayat (London), July 10, 2005.
"Al-Qa'ida really had nothing to gain in carrying out this operation, particularly in timing it after the British Defense Ministry announced its plan to withdraw its forces from Iraq and Afghanistan - after all, they say that Al-Qa'ida's goal is the removal of the Americans and British from Arab lands.
"As a result of these events, the British will be forced to remain in Iraq to fight the international 'terrorism' that struck them in the heart of their country...
"With regard to Israeli involvement in the affair, there are conflicting reports regarding warnings received by Israeli Finance Minister and former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He received the news before he planned to leave the Israeli embassy in London; he then remained in the hotel and did not leave it. Afterwards he stated that Scotland Yard had warned him - without, of course, warning the residents of London - [a statement] that was vehemently denied by Scotland Yard."
Al-Madina (Saudi Arabia), July 7.
"...There is no doubt that this group is the protégé of America. America uses Al-Qa'ida anytime, anywhere, for the sake of its goals - even for changing British public opinion in order to make [the British] stop opposing the British government's marching with America.
"It would appear that behind the scenes of the explosions in London stand the espionage services of America and the Zionist regime. They want to paint a more violent image of the terror, so that the British public will experience it for real and thus stop opposing Britain's military presence in Iraq.
"This is the secret policy that started on September 11, 2001, with the explosion of the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, and that continued to London's city buses and underground trains."
Jomhouri-ye Eslami (Iran), July 9, 2005.
"How is it possible to convince the Arab and Muslim peoples of the justness of the war on terror while Israeli terror is categorized as 'self-defense?' And how is it possible for the situation to return to normal if the U.S. and Western governments turn a blind eye to Israeli terror, and even justify it? In addition to this, there is a general sense that Islam and the Arabs are [targeted] in the war on terror."
Syrian columnist 'Izz Al-Din Al-Darwish, Teshreen (Syria), July 10, 2005.
"Explosions and damage to the property and lives of peaceful people are forbidden by Islam... Islam is a religion of justice and reconciliation, which brought humanity from darkness to light... Islam brought [to humanity] the honoring of agreements and the prohibition on violating them... Islam brought just treatment [even] of an enemy... Esteemed Muslim clerics in this era have already condemned these abhorrent acts, and have repeatedly announced that the attacks have nothing to do with Islam."
Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abd Al-'Aziz bin Abdallah bin Muhammad Aal Al-Sheikh
https://www.islah400.org , July 8, 2005.
MOSLEM REACTIONS TO THE ATTACKS ON AMERICA.
MOSLEM REACTIONS TO THE LONDON BOMBINGS.
ISLAM HAS PLANS FOR US ALL.
SOME VERY BRAVE ARABS.
ARAB HOME TRUTHS.
ISLAM AND CHRISTIAN ARABS.
A GERMAN TALKS ABOUT ISLAM
For further, more detailed information click on www.adespicabletruce.org.uk