My Comments on the Anti Islamic Film

I don’t know how many of you have seen the offensive film clip about Islam and our beloved Prophet (SAW) but I have. I have to say, its extremely low quality acting and even lower quality production makes it clear that the people who made this are amateurs. Even these amateur actors have condemned the film. It is clear that the aim was to deliberately provoke Muslims to react and create instability. The language, the implications and the message of the film is not only vile but a crude attempt to ridicule Islam and Muslims.

 

But, we have seen that happen time and time again. The best way to deal with such bigots is to ignore them with total silence. They want us to react, retaliate and by doing so, we are simply playing in their hands. We Muslims are so foolish in this tactical warfare and why do we always fall for their trap by reacting angrily through violence to something so pathetically ridiculous !! Have we forgotten the level of insult and bigotry committed by kuffar against the Prophet (SAW) and his calm response ? By showing violent reaction, are we not violating the fundamental principle of Islam of patience and wisdom (hikmah) ?

 

Yes, I felt angry after watching this. It was simply revolting. Did I feel like attacking the makers of the film ? No I didn't. Actually, I felt pitty for them as they will face the full force of Allah's wrath, not only in the here after but in this world as well inshallah. I have left them for Allah to deal with as is the teaching of Islam.

 

Also, this bigotry was committed by some anti Islamic fanatics based in the USA. But, to blame the US govt and all American and American establishment and then to attack these around the world is way out of order and is totally and fundamentally a violation of core Islamic ethos. All it will do is create more anti Muslim feelings in the non Muslim world, which is exactly what these zealots wanted.

 

I condemn the publication of such vile film and the deliberate attack on the core principles of Islam and its beloved Prophet in the strongest possible terms and urge You Tube and Google to remove it from their site.

 

At the same time, I urge all Muslims to practice calm and follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet (SAW) and deal with it with patience and wisdom. May Allah help Muslims to practice more tactics and wisdom and be patient in this war against Islam and Muslims and May Allah defeat all evil plans of these anti Islamic forces, ameen.

Remembering Rafique Bin Sayeede Bulbul

Like millions of people in Bangladesh and around the world, I am deeply saddened and utterly shocked by the unexpected and sudden demise of our dear brother Rafique Bin Sayeede Bulbul. I am still finding it difficult to comprehend that he is no longer with us.

Bulbul was a true heir to his father, the world renowned Islamic scholar Allama Sayeede. Few people have managed to be in a position to become the true heir to their father. Bulbul had the charisma, talent, skill and the melodious voice his father is so famous for and inherited the quality of mesmerising his audience with his style of delivery, backed up with knowledge and conviction. It is really amazing how much he sounded like his father. Its like a young Allama Sayeede speaking. No wonder he became known as the 'Second Sayeede'.

 

Bulbul not only became extremely popular and well known in Bangladesh but also amongst the Bangladeshi diaspora around the world. Only last month, he toured Europe and America to deliver his speech at various mahfils. He was the rock of his family, the one who gave strength to his family during the difficult period his family has been enduring over the last 2 years. With his passing, there is no one to fill that gap now.

I know Bulbul for over 30 years since his teen years. He had a gentle approach, always similing and always welcoming. I don't remember a time when I didn't see him smiling. A man of such versatile quality, he was not only a great orator, but also a great TV personality. His programme 'Shorol Poth' in Diganta TV is a testament of that. In addition, he was also an entrepreneur, setting up number of businesses. At the same time, he was the Chairman of Allama Sayeede Foundation and was involved with number of other social organisations as well. Therefore, it is very clear what a great person he was.

His untimely demise is not only a great loss for his family but also to the BDIM and the Muslim ummah. His absence will be felt by everyone who have benefited from his wisdom and wit. Although he was younger than me, I came to respect him for what he became - a true Dayee Ilallah. He dedicated his life to promote Islam and the Islamic way of life within people through his powerful and engaging lectures.

I spoke to his younger brother Shameem Sayeede on Wednesday. Shameem was so shocked by his brother's death that he could barely speak as his voice was choking with emotion. Shameem told me that his mother has been affected the most, which is very natural. With her beloved husband in jail on false allegations, having to witness her dear son's untimely death is very difficult to bear for any mother. Shameem told me that his mother was loosing consciosness every so often out of shock and trauma.

Also, we now know that a great man like Allam Sayeede has also been affected by this, as is natural for any father who had to see his own son's death. Allam Sayeede is currently in intensive care at BIRDEM hospital. I join everyone in prayers to Allah to give this great family of Allama Sayeede the ability and the patience to bear this difficult time and to give them rahmah and barakah and provide peace and tranquillity in their heart, ameen. I also pray to Allah for Allama Sayeede's speedy recovery.

Finally, I join everyone in prayers for the immediate release of all our leaders who are wrongfully in jail and are suffering, especially my beloved father Prof. Ghulam Azam, who is the only person not have been given division and is kept in solitary confinemet with not even a quran to read. May Allah shower them with His blessings and bring them back to us as soon as possible, ameen.

Support Dr Bari to raise fund

Dr. Abdul Bari, (Chairman of East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, the hub of Muslim activity in London; former Secretary General of Muslim Council of Britain the largest umbrella organisation of all muslim organisations in the UK; former President of Islamic Forum Europe, the Islamic movement for the expatriot Bangladeshis in Europe and Founder Secretary General, Islami Chatra Shibir) will be running 5k on Sun 27th May to raise fund for the Maryam Centre, the specialist women's centre based at East London Mosque.

He has set up a donation page on Just Giving to enable people to donate money for this cause. His target is £1000 and so far, he has raised approx. £800. I think he should be able to raise several thousand. A veteran Islamic movement leader of around 60 years of age, a well known Muslim leader in the UK, listed in British Muslim and British Bangladeshi Power 100,  he is taking up this challenge for a very worthy cause.

So, the least we could do is to support him in his effort. My appeal to you all is, please visit his Just Giving page (http://www.justgiving.com/Dr-Abdul-Bari) and make online donations. Minimum amount is £10 and I am sure most of us can afford this, but do give more if you are able to. Also, please circulate this to all your freinds, family and contacts to donate as well. It is such a great cause. May Allah help us all to help our beloved Bari bhai to raise as much as possible for such a worthy cause, ameen.