Friday 29 December 2023

The world's double standards towards Gaza are utterly repulsive!

The world's double standards towards Gaza are utterly repulsive! - An Israeli child is killed, and the world uproars, yet over 10,000 Palestinian children are killed, and there's deafening silence! - Israel mistakenly executes three of its soldiers, and the world demands an immediate investigation. Meanwhile, the same army executes dozens of Palestinians daily without a word from this unjust world! - Hamas has dozens of captives, mostly soldiers, and the world everyday demands their release. Yet thousands of Palestinians have been imprisoned for years, and there are no calls. - The world supplies Israel with hundreds of weapon trucks while denying entry for water and milk to Gaza, letting two million Palestinians suffer in silence! - Israel kills two Palestinian Christian women in a church, and call for investigations pour in from Washington and Europe. Conversely, Israel destroys dozens of mosques with worshippers inside and burns hospitals, and Europe remains silent! This is a brutal, unjust world devoid of values and principles. I am ashamed to speak of the illusion of human rights!

 @RamAbdu on X 

Thursday 28 December 2023

What's TRUE About Israel's 10/7 Sexual Assault Claims? (w/ Heidi Matthews)

 


Osgoode Hall Law School Assistant Professor Heidi Matthews set off a Twitter firestorm when she weighed in on accusations of sexual violence on October 7th which resurfaced over the course of last week. Drawing on her expertise in International criminal law, the global legal regulation of political violence & gender, she cautioned against the weaponization of sexual violence in defense of an ongoing genocide. Supporters of Israel's siege were not happy -- to put it mildly. Matthews joins Bad Faith to elaborate on the evidence there is (and isn't) with respect to sexual violence on October 7th, and why it matters.

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Hamas ‘mass rape’ claim lacks evidence. But it’s being used to justify genocide

 


The veracity of this claim is now treated as axiomatic by western media and politicians, even though there appears to be no meaningful evidence for it.

Remember the argument being made by those justifying the genocidal bombing campaign in Gaza is not that isolated instances of rape or sexual assault occurred.

Given that Palestinians flooded out of Gaza that day after Hamas fighters broke through the prison fence, only a fool would argue with certainty that no rapes or sexual assaults occurred.

But it should not be incumbent on those questioning the Israeli narrative – the one contending that there was planned, systematic, mass rape on October 7 – to prove that no sexual violence occurred.

Rather, it is the responsibilty of those making the accusation – Israel, western politicians, the western media – to back up their claim with solid evidence. Otherwise they are simply rationalising the far graver and greater crimes now being committed in Gaza against Palestinians.

Producing a few photos that may, or may not, show evidence of sexual violence is not evidence that Hamas ordered, and its fighters carried out, mass rape.

Relaying testimony that a witness saw a gang rape is not evidence that Hamas ordered, and its fighters carried out, mass rape.

And the claims of the highly ideological and unreliable leaders of Zaka’s first responders unit do not count as evidence either – unless they can be substantiated with other kinds of evidence.

The evidential bar in international law is high for a reason: because the charge is so grave.

But in this case, the bar needs to be high for an additional reason: because Israel’s response – the mass slaughter of civilians in Gaza premised on the supposed savagery of Hamas’ crimes – is graver still by an order of magnitude.

 Two long articles in the respected Haaretz newspaper – Israel’s version of the New York Times – purportedly providing the evidence for mass rape are worth picking apart because they form the backbone of claims being recycled by western politicians and the western media.

The first is a kind of evidential overview. The other is a profile of Cochav Elkayam-Levy, who founded the “Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children” which has been at the forefront of making allegations of mass rape by Hamas.

The profile article concludes: “The aggregation of the evidence presents a horrifying picture that leaves no room for doubt: Under cover of the massacre, Hamas carried out a campaign of rape and sexual abuse.”

Having made this bold assertion, however, the article and its companion piece then spend a great deal of time setting out the many and varied reasons why there is little evidence that Hamas carried out systematic, mass rape.

Doubtless, as these articles state, the Israeli military and police were too busy fighting Hamas to record and collect evidence. Doubtless, some bodies were too burned – most likely by Israeli shelling and missile strikes, as my previous article highlighted – for forensic examination to be possible. Doubtless, many potential witnesses were killed that day.

But the absence of evidence cannot be treated as evidence, as it is by Haaretz and the western media. Only those reading these two articles through an entirely ideological lens – one seeking to play on a racist trope of the primitive, savage, predatory Arab male so as to rationalise the mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza – can fail to notice that lack of meaningful evidence.

Regarding the claim that the Hamas leadership ordered its fighters to carry out rape, the main overview article cites David Katz, an Israeli police commander investigating the October 7 attack. According to Haaretz, he says “it’s premature to determine whether Hamas terrorists received specific instructions to commit rape”.

In other words, there is no evidence for such an order.

The actual evidence that mass rape was carried out cited in the two articles essentially amounts to this:

“According to a police source, so far, they have one witness account of a rape. The witness’ account was recently revealed in the media. She attested to seeing a woman being gang raped, mutilated and murdered…

“Senior security officials say that some of the terrorists from Hamas’ elite Nukhba Force unit and other Gazans held by the Shin Bet security service and the police have accused their comrades of sexual violence…

“The police also have dozens of accounts from Zaka volunteers and soldiers about women’s bodies being found inside homes without underwear. Those accounts also describe physical signs of sexual abuse on bodies at the crime scenes.”

Fabricated claims
That this amounts to the sum of evidence for the claim that Hamas carried out systematic, mass rape should be shocking to anyone other than the most fanatical Israel defenders.

The idea that the testimonies of Hamas fighters – or of anyone else in Israeli detention – can be treated as credible evidence is patently absurd. As has been well documented, torture is standard practice in interrogations of Palestinians, and is even used against children.

No one can seriously argue that Hamas fighters interrogated by Israel following the October 7 atrocities were not subjected to the most extreme “pressure” techniques. Is it likely that none were willing to falsely “confess” to witnessing rapes to ease that pressure?

Such “testimonies” would be worthless in any court of law outside Israel.

As for the allegations from male Zaka volunteers, a hardline religious organisation best known for collecting Jewish remains for burial, they are best treated with the utmost scepticism.

These are the same male volunteers already caught inventing or relaying the most lurid, fabricated claims against Hamas, such as that it beheaded 40 babies, put a baby in an oven, hung other babies from a clothes line, and ripped a foetus from its mother’s womb.

According to Israel’s own figures, two infants were killed that day.

The Zaka volunteers appear to have an ideological agenda: to fuel as much hatred against Palestinians as possible to justify the kind of genocidal response we have been witnessing over the past two months.

Fearful witnesses
That leaves an anonymous witness testimony, that may or may not be credible, and a handful of photos whose contents are ripe for interpretation and dispute.

Assuming that all of this evidence can be taken definitively at face value, that would still not show that Hamas ordered rape or that Hamas fighters carried out systematic rapes, or even conclusively that Hamas fighters carried out any rapes.

Full article

Tuesday 26 December 2023

A Conversation on the Horrors in Gaza with Jeremy Scahill and Sharif Abdel Kouddous

 

Everything we know about Joe Biden’s 50-year history of supporting and facilitating Israel’s worst crimes leads to one conclusion: He wants Israel’s destruction of Gaza — with more than 7,000 children dead — to unfold as it has. When will it stop?

Intercept co-founder Jeremy Scahill and journalist Sharif Abdel Kouddous discuss the U.S. role in Israel’s scorched-earth campaign to annihilate Gaza.

Monday 25 December 2023

KAHANISTAN: How the Jewish far-right remade the mainstream

 


KAHANISTAN: How the Jewish far-right remade the mainstream – a lecture by investigative journalist David Sheen davidsheen.com

Saturday 23 December 2023

Friday 22 December 2023

The Value of Just One Righteous Life | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman

The Prophet ﷺ spoke about the value of saving one life, but taught us how to especially make du’a for Allah to preserve a righteous life. As we see the amazing people of Gaza and Palestine, use these Prophetic du’as to pray for these pious people and advocate for saving every single one of them.

Thursday 21 December 2023

'Israelis Are Indoctrinated to See Palestinians as Enemies' - Prof Ilan Pappe

 


Challenging perspectives: Israeli Historian, Professor Ilan Pappe sheds light on the impact of indoctrination, stating, 'Israelis Are Indoctrinated to See Palestinians as Enemies.' 

Wednesday 20 December 2023

Saul Williams & Abby Martin: Israel's High-Tech Barbarism

Legendary artist Saul Williams joins Empire Files to discuss the overlap of high technology with medieval barbarism in Israel's genocide. 

Tuesday 19 December 2023

This Is Not a War Against Hamas

 

 
From Jeremy Scahill, probably one of my most admired, most repected journalists:
 

THE EVENTS OF the past week should obliterate any doubt that the war against the Palestinians of Gaza is a joint U.S.–Israeli operation. On Friday, as the Biden administration stood alone among the nations of the world in vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was busy circumventing congressional review to ram through approval of an “emergency” sale of 13,000 tank rounds to Israel. For weeks, Blinken has been zipping across the Middle East and appearing on scores of television networks in a PR tour aimed at selling the world the notion that the White House is deeply concerned about the fate of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. “Far too many Palestinians have been killed; far too many have suffered these past weeks, and we want to do everything possible to prevent harm to them,” Blinken declared on November 10. A month later, with the death toll skyrocketing and calls for a ceasefire mounting, Blinken assured the world Israel was implementing new measures to protect civilians and that the U.S. was doing everything it could to encourage Israel to employ a tiny bit more moderation in its widespread killing campaign. Friday’s events decisively flushed those platitudes into a swirling pool of blood.

Over the past two months, Benjamin Netanyahu has argued, including on U.S. news channels, “Our war is your war.” In retrospect, this wasn’t a plea to the White House. Netanyahu was stating a fact. From the moment President Joe Biden spoke to his “great, great friend” Netanyahu on October 7, in the immediate aftermath of the deadly Hamas-led raids into Israel, the U.S. has not just supplied Israel with additional weapons and intelligence support, it has also offered crucial political cover for the scorched-earth campaign to annihilate Gaza as a Palestinian territory. It is irrelevant what words of concern and caution have flowed from the mouths of administration officials when all of their actions have been aimed at increasing the death and destruction.

The propaganda from the Biden administration has been so extreme at times that even the Israeli military has suggested they tone it down a notch or two. Biden falsely claimed to see images of “terrorists beheading children” and then knowingly relayed that unverified allegation as fact — including over the objections of his advisers — and publicly questioned the death toll of Palestinian civilians. None of this is by accident, nor can it be attributed to the president’s propensity to exaggerate or stumble into gaffes.

Everything we know about Biden’s 50-year history of supporting and facilitating Israel’s worst crimes and abuses leads to one conclusion: Biden wants Israel’s destruction of Gaza — with more than 7,000 children dead — to unfold as it has.

It has become indisputably clear over these past two months that there are not actually two sides to this horror show. Without question, the perpetrators who meted out the horrors against Israeli civilians on October 7 should be held accountable. But that is not what this collective killing operation is about. And journalists should stop pretending it is.

Any analysis of the Israeli state’s terror campaign against the people of Gaza cannot begin with the events of October 7. An honest examination of the current situation must view October 7 in the context of Israel’s 75-year war against the Palestinians and the past two decades of transforming Gaza first into an open-air prison and now into a killing cage. Under threat of being labeled antisemitic, Israel and its defenders demand acceptance of Israel’s official rationale for its irrational actions as legitimate, even if they are demonstrably false or they seek to justify war crimes. “You look at Israel today. It’s a state that has reached such a degree of irrational, rabid lunacy that its government routinely accuses its closest allies of supporting terrorism,” the Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani recently told Intercepted. “It is a state that has become thoroughly incapable of any form of inhibition.”

Israel has imposed, by lethal force, a rule that Palestinians have no legitimate rights of any form of resistance. When they have organized nonviolent demonstrations, they have been attacked and killed. That was the case in 2018-2019 when Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed protesters during the Great March of Return, killing 223 and wounding more than 8,000 others. Israeli snipers later boasted about shooting dozens of protesters in the knee during the weekly Friday demonstrations. When Palestinians fight back against apartheid soldiers, they are killed or sent into military tribunals. Children who throw rocks at tanks or soldiers are labeled terrorists and subjected to abuse and violations of basic rights — that is, if they are not summarily shot dead. Palestinians live their lives stripped of any context or any recourse to address the grave injustices imposed on them.

You cannot discuss the crimes of Hamas or Islamic jihad or any other armed resistance factions without first addressing the question of why these groups exist and have support. One aspect of this should certainly probe Netanyahu’s own role — extending back to at least 2012 — in propping up Hamas and facilitating the flow of money to the group. “Anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas,” Netanyahu told his Likud comrades in 2019.

But in the broader sense, a sincere examination of why a group such as Hamas gained popularity among Palestinians or why people in Gaza turn to armed struggle must focus on how the oppressed, when stripped of all forms of legitimate resistance, respond to the oppressor. It should be focused on the rights of people living under occupation to assert and defend their self-determination. It should allow Palestinians to have their struggle placed in the context of other historical battles for liberation and independence and not relegated to racist polemics about how all Palestinian acts of resistance constitute terrorism and there are not really any innocents in Gaza. Israel’s president said as much on October 13. “It is an entire nation out there that is responsible,” Isaac Herzog declared. “It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not being aware, not involved. It’s absolutely not true. They could have risen up. They could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup d’etat.”

The notion that the Palestinians of Gaza could end all of their suffering by overthrowing Hamas is just as ahistorical and false as the oft-repeated claims that the war against Gaza would end if Hamas surrendered and released all Israeli hostages. “Look, this could be over tomorrow,” Blinken said December 10. “If Hamas got out of the way of civilians instead of hiding behind them, if it put down its weapons, if it surrendered.” That, of course, is a crass lie. With or without Hamas, Israel’s war against the Palestinians would endure precisely because of Blinken and his ilk in elite bipartisan U.S. foreign policy circles.

Throughout the years of U.S. support for Israel’s apartheid regime, it has consistently facilitated Israel’s “mowing the grass” in Gaza. This is not a series of periodic assaults on Hamas — it is a cyclical campaign of terror bombings largely aimed at civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Biden administration is not — and Biden personally has never been — an outside observer or a friend encouraging moderation during an otherwise righteous crusade. None of this slaughter would be occurring if Biden valued Palestinian lives over Israel’s false narratives and its bloody ethnonationalist wars of annihilation repackaged as self-defense. We should end the charade that this is an Israeli war against Hamas. We should call it what it is: a joint U.S.–Israeli war against the people of Gaza.

Full article

Monday 18 December 2023

From the River To The Sea, Palestine Will Be Free

 

Katherine Bogen is a 4th year PhD student in clinical psychology and a reconstructionist Jewish woman. She works at the intersections of violence prevention and human sexuality research, focusing on the development and robust evaluation of interventions to support sexual trauma survivors in living joyful, consensual, and fully-embodied intimate lives.

Raised in an American Jewish household by the son of a Holocaust survivor, Katherine was taught of the promise of Israel from early childhood. She studied Israel's Apartheid system and Jewish marginalization experiences in college, where she received her BA in Political Science and developed her pro-Palestine liberatory politic. She applies the insights from her doctoral program to the intergenerational trauma of Palestinians who have been systematically displaced, brutalized, and violated. As an activist and academic, she is dedicated to full safety and political enfranchisement for Palestinians and Jews, from the river to the sea.

Friday 15 December 2023

When the Lie's So Big

Max Blumenthal and Aaron Mate cover the latest from the Gaza war as Israel embarks on one of history's most expensive and cynical propaganda campaigns to justify its similarly unprecedented slaughter of innocent civilians. 

Thursday 14 December 2023

Wednesday 13 December 2023

LEAKED: Israel's War Machine Exposed

 


This is extraordinary: members of Israel's intelligence community have exposed the workings of Israel's war machine. The truth is more shocking than you may realise. 

Monday 11 December 2023

Israel's Propaganda is Getting INSANE (w/ Abby Martin)

 


Independent journalist Abby Martin has spent much of her career reporting on Israel's oppression of Palestinians, and was personally affected by anti-BDS legislation when she was disinvited from speaking at Georgia Southern University because she refused to sign an anti BDS pledge. Today, she joins Bad Faith to discuss the new wave of "hasbsra," or Israeli media manipulation, that has quickly shifted the focus from 40 imaginary beheaded babies, to a non-existant "command center" under Al-Shifa hospital, to "new" allegations of sexual assault on October 7th. Meanwhile, the media ignores dead Palestinian babies left to decompose in the NICU by Israeli soldiers, Palestinian children shot in cold blood in the West Bank, and the authoritarian bent of congress deeming anti-zionism anti-semitism. How do they get away with it all, and what's the current state of things on the ground in Gaza?

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Friday 8 December 2023

Gabor Maté and Cornel West on Gaza and the Human Soul

 


Presidential candidate Cornel West and author Gabor Maté met for the first time this week to discuss the horrors of Israel’s war on Gaza. 

“I don’t know about you,” Dr. Maté says to Dr. West, “but for me, what’s going on is one of the heaviest things, if not the heaviest thing, I’ve witnessed in my whole life. I don’t know how to compare tragedies, but there’s something about what’s going on right now that seems heavier and darker.” West responds: “When you watch precious human beings being literally killed, crushed, demeaned, degraded, day after day, it makes you think that this particular historical moment has a certain grimness and darkness that others don’t.” 

 The two men use their complex histories with tragedy and suffering to analyze the horror of the current moment. “I’ve always felt that no evil would surprise me and no despair would paralyze me,” West continues, “because you and I know the history of the species.” But the conversation that stems from this is a much more hopeful one, where the scholars’ vast study of philosophy and history intertwine to create a message not of helplessness but of possibility.

Wednesday 6 December 2023

Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem Episode 1

 


The story of Saladin Ayyubi, a prominent Muslim ruler of the 12th century.

The chronicles of Saladin Ayyubi, a 12th-century Muslim ruler who aimed to unite the Muslim lands of Syria, northern Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Egypt against the Crusades, and the story of his conquest of Jerusalem.

Tuesday 5 December 2023

How to cope with witnessing a genocide?



I asked ChatGPT: How to cope with witnessing a genocide?

I'm truly sorry to hear that you're going through such a traumatic experience. Witnessing a genocide can have severe emotional and psychological effects, and coping with such trauma is a complex process. Here are some suggestions, but it's important to seek professional help and support as well:

Reach out for immediate support:

Talk to someone you trust about what you've witnessed. Sharing your experiences with a friend, family member, or colleague can be an important first step.
Contact mental health professionals:

Seek the assistance of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or psychologists, who specialize in trauma. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Participate in group therapy:

Group therapy sessions with individuals who have experienced similar traumas can create a supportive environment. It allows you to share your feelings, gain insights, and realize that you're not alone in your experiences.
Practice self-care:

Focus on your physical and emotional well-being. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation.
Create a safe space:

Establish a safe and comfortable environment for yourself where you can retreat when the emotional burden becomes overwhelming.
Limit exposure to triggers:

Avoid exposing yourself to materials or situations that trigger traumatic memories. This may include news coverage, documentaries, or discussions related to the genocide.
Express your emotions:

Find healthy outlets for expressing your emotions, such as journaling, art, or music. This can help you process your feelings and make sense of the trauma.
Establish routines:

Creating and sticking to a daily routine can provide structure and stability during difficult times.
Consider spiritual or religious support:

If you have spiritual or religious beliefs, seeking guidance and support from your faith community may be beneficial.
Set boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries with others regarding discussions or questions about the genocide. It's okay to let people know what topics are off-limits for you.
Be patient with yourself:

Coping with trauma is a gradual process, and healing takes time. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that recovery is a journey.
Remember that professional help is crucial in dealing with the psychological impact of witnessing a genocide. If you're struggling, please reach out to mental health professionals or support organizations that specialize in trauma and post-traumatic stress. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.


Monday 4 December 2023

Hebron: The Reality of Israeli Settlement in Palestine // Behind The Wall

 

It’s widely known that there are Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory, but very few people know what the lives of people are actually like in these isolated districts.This vlogger traveled to Hebron, a Palestinian city that has Israeli settlements right in the middle of the city itself, and managed to enter a Jewish neighborhood surrounded by barbed wire fences and checkpoints.
he shares what he saw and experienced in this controversial section of Hebron.

Friday 1 December 2023

Israeli teen ”burned completely” by Israeli tank fire at kibbutz

 

An Israeli child completely incinerated at Kibbutz Be’eri was killed by two tank shells shot by Israeli forces at the end of an hours-long gun battle, a survivor of the same carnage told the Israeli state broadcaster Kan earlier this month.

Yasmin Porat, taken captive with at least a dozen other Israeli civilians on 7 October, told Kan radio that a fellow captive, 12-year-old Liel Hatsroni, survived to the end of the battle and only died when Israeli forces fired two tank shells at the house where they were held hostage by Hamas fighters.

Hatsroni’s obliteration by Israeli tank fire emerged this month after her family decided to mourn her with a public funeral, even though the government had not officially pronounced her dead.

Although Hatsroni’s 69-year-old grandfather Aviyah and twin brother Yanai were buried two weeks after their deaths on 7 October, her 73-year-old aunt and guardian Ayala was only buried on 15 November, the day after Israel officially declared her dead.

On that day the Hatsroni family also held funeral rites for Liel, though the state still listed her as missing because “to this day they have not found any of her remains,” Yasmin Porat told Kan on 15 November.

You can listen to Porat speak in that interview in this video, with English subtitles:

Wednesday 29 November 2023

The Flowers of our Ummah in #Gaza | Dr. Omar Suleiman & Dr. Haifaa Younis

 

In the midst of the ongoing stream of heartbreaking images and videos of our beloved Palestinian brothers and sisters, the unwavering resilience they display each passing day serves as a poignant source of inspiration, compelling us to fortify our own imaan. Join Dr. Haifaa Younis and Dr. Omar Suleiman, who, with heartfelt reflections and invaluable guidance, beckon us to contemplate and act upon the profound responsibilities we bear in these challenging times.

Monday 27 November 2023

Palestinian Scholar SLAMS Auschwitz Museum’s ‘Absolutely HORRIBLE’ Response To Gaza

 

 
Palestinian Human Rights lawyer Noura Erakat breaks down the problems with the Auschwitz Museum’s official statement on October 7th.


Friday 24 November 2023

Does Israel Have a Right to EXIST? (w/ Miko Peled)

 


The son of an Israeli general raised inculcated with the value of Zionism, Miko Peled's perspective shifted after the tragic loss of his niece to a terrorist attack. Driven by that tragedy to figure out what why a Palestinian suicide bomber would take his own life, along with the life of innocents, he began questioning Zionism. On today's episode, the author and activist engages important and provocative questions like does Israel have a right to exist, and should we refer to Hamas as a terrorist group? -- questions that someone with his life experiences is most qualified to answer.  A truly fascinating episode.

Tuesday 21 November 2023

Three Types of Fitnah - Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan

 Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan delivers the Friday Khutbah at the MyCentre Masjid in Melbourne, Australia on 17/11/23.

Friday 17 November 2023

My Life in Gaza with Amr Abdul Latif

 


The death toll in Gaza has reached above 10,000, yet the so-called international community, in reality, the Western nations, are deaf to the cries under the rubble. The Israeli war machine no longer worries about redlines as they act in complete impunity. If the hypocrisy of the West was not evident before this crisis, it is clear now that the Liberal World Order was never meant to safeguard the lives and honour of those it deems lesser people.

Amr Abdul Latif was, until recently, a resident and citizen of Gaza. He came to the UK to study for his postgraduate degree at St Andrews University and now works as a software developer. The Western press, even those that show little empathy, present the people of Gaza as lesser human beings who do not have dreams and aspirations. Who are either to be pitied or presented as subhuman. I want to understand what life has been like since 2007, when Israel announced its siege and what the average Gaza actually believes.

Wednesday 15 November 2023

“They Could Kill Me At Any Time”: Life Under Israeli Occupation

 

Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi captured international attention after she served eight months in an Israeli prison for slapping an Israeli soldier. Sine then, she and Dena Takruri have teamed up to write a book about this experience and growing up under military occupation. On the eve of the book’s publication, Dena catches up with the young activist, now 21, seen by many as an icon of Palestinian resistance.

Wednesday 1 November 2023

The Israelites and the Pharaoh | Khutbah by Nouman Ali Khan

 



Reflecting on current events, Ustadh Nouman draws comparisons from the verses that describe Firawn's 'media propaganda' strategy against Musa (as) and the Israelites.

Running the most powerful and influential military force at the time, Firawn made sure that he did what he could to break the spirit of the Israelites and turn everybody against them through manipulative fearmongering and lies. Afterall, they are a "lesser" people.

In these eye opening ayat, Allah is showing us not just the plan of Firawn at the time of Musa (as), but the plans of future tyrants to come and how the schemes of the disbelievers will always go to waste.

Wednesday 18 October 2023

A daughter’s love leads to danger in Pakistan

In Pakistani culture, arranged marriages are common.  So when the parents of Samia Shahid chose a husband for her, Samia agreed to the marriage. Despite being raised in England, Samia took her Pakistani heritage very seriously and would do anything to make her family proud.

But Samia’s arranged marriage to her first cousin, Choudhry Shakeel, was far from what she expected. Samia was determined to build a better life for herself, but at what cost?

Monday 16 October 2023

The Lies About Palestine | Dogma Disrupted w/ Imam Tom Facchine

 


With a mounting death toll of over 1500 lives, we are yet again witnessing the oppression of Palestinians unfold before our very eyes. While the the media buzzes with news articles, think pieces, and commentary, there is much being lost on the context and crux of the issue—primarily, the liberation of Palestinians from an apartheid regime that is committing genocide. Why is it so hard to explain this without being attacked?

Friday 13 October 2023

OCD and Satan's Whispers, with Sr. Najwa Awad

 


In Surat Faatir, Chapter 35 verse 6, Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, Shaytan (Satan) is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.” One of the weapons at Satan’s disposal is his whispering. What does it mean for Satan to whisper to us? How do we draw the line between his whisperings and our own thoughts? What is the relationship between these whisperings and obsessive-compulsive disorder? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Najwa Awad, a fellow at Yaqeen Institute and author of the paper, “Clinicians, Imams, and the Whisperings of Satan.” 

Wednesday 11 October 2023

Feared no one: The life and death of Qandeel Baloch

 


Qandeel Baloch–who was dubbed the Kim Kardashian of Pakistan–was strangled to death in 2016 by her brother Muhammad Waseem. The case was considered the most high-profile "honor killing" of recent years, where women are murdered by male relatives for purportedly bringing "shame" to the reputation of a family. Baloch first received recognition from the media in 2013, when she auditioned for Pakistan Idol. Her audition became popular and she became an Internet celebrity. She was one of the top 10 most searched-for persons on the internet in Pakistan and was both celebrated and criticized for the content of her videos and posts. 

Three months after Qandeel Baloch's death, Pakistan lawmakers responded to the public outcry and passed legislation against the controversial practice–a landmark ruling welcomed by rights activists and lawyers. However, Waseem has been freed by a Pakistan appeals court, three years after he was convicted of killing her for "bringing dishonor" to the family. In her posts, Qandeel Baloch had spoken of trying to change "the typical orthodox mindset" of people in Pakistan. She faced frequent abuse and death threats but continued to post pictures and videos seen as provocative. Nearly 1,000 Pakistani women are murdered by close relatives each year, in so-called honor killings, for violating conservative norms on love and marriage.

Tuesday 10 October 2023

Finding Peace: How to Deal with Anxiety in Islam


Anxiety is a common human experience that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs. In Islam, there are profound teachings and practices that can help individuals cope with and overcome anxiety. This blog post will explore some of these methods and offer guidance on how to deal with anxiety in Islam.

Prayer (Salah):
One of the most powerful tools in dealing with anxiety in Islam is prayer, known as Salah. Performing your daily prayers not only strengthens your connection with Allah but also provides a sense of tranquility and inner peace. When you pray, you turn your worries over to Allah, knowing that He is the All-Knowing and the All-Powerful.

Dua (Supplication):
In Islam, dua is a form of personal communication with Allah. When you're feeling anxious, take a moment to make dua. Pour your heart out to Allah, express your concerns, and ask for His guidance and support. Remember, Allah is always listening, and He responds to sincere supplication.

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah):
Islam teaches us to trust in Allah's plan. Recognize that anxiety often stems from worrying about the future. While it's essential to plan and take practical steps, remember that ultimately, Allah is the best of planners. Have faith that whatever happens is according to His divine wisdom.

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah):
Engaging in dhikr, which involves the repetitive remembrance of Allah through phrases and supplications, can be soothing for the anxious mind. The act of dhikr redirects your thoughts away from worry and toward Allah's presence and mercy.

Community and Support:
Islam emphasizes the importance of community and seeking support from others. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a religious leader about your anxiety. Sharing your concerns can help relieve the burden and provide emotional support.

Self-Care and Health:
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential in Islam. Ensure you are eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. A healthy body and mind can better withstand stress and anxiety.

Seeking Professional Help:
If your anxiety is severe or persistent, it's perfectly acceptable in Islam to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and there is no shame in seeking assistance when needed.

Recitation of Quranic Verses:
Certain verses from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Surah Al-Isra (17:109), and Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6), are known for their calming and soothing effects. Recite these verses regularly to find comfort and strength. 

Practice Patience and Gratitude:
Anxiety often leads to impatience and negativity. Islam encourages patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) in the face of adversity. Reflect on the blessings you have, even in difficult times, and trust that Allah's plan is for your ultimate good.

Dealing with anxiety in Islam involves a holistic approach that combines spirituality, self-care, and seeking support when necessary. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle, and Allah is always there to guide and support you. By incorporating these Islamic teachings and practices into your life, you can find peace and resilience in the face of anxiety.

Monday 9 October 2023

Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais

 


In this video, we reveal to you 10 interesting facts about Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais. He is a renowned Quran reciter from Saudi Arabia, known for his emotional, heart-touching voice when reciting the holy Quran. He is better known as Al-Sudais, but his complete name is, Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz al-Sudais An-Najdi. 

Friday 6 October 2023

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (ra): The Jewel of Madinah | The Firsts | Sahaba Stories | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 


He was given the lofty title of the Mufti of Madinah for his rare combination of Hadith and Fiqh. He narrates over 1000 ahadith from the Prophet ﷺ, and lived a long life of devotion all in his home city of Madinah. 

Thursday 5 October 2023

Wednesday 4 October 2023

Resilient Souls: Stories of Spanish Muslims

 


Introducing a groundbreaking documentary exploring the lives of converted Spanish Muslims who, for the first time ever, are opening their doors to international media and sharing their inspiring stories with a global audience. The resilient community invited TRT World into their homes, offering a rare glimpse into their captivating lives. Discover their remarkable journeys — filled with both triumphs and challenges — as they navigate the intricate tapestry of being Muslim in the heart of Europe. Witness the joy, struggles and unique perspectives that shape their identity and contribute to the rich multicultural fabric of Spain. 

Tuesday 3 October 2023

Navigating Depression in Islam: A Path to Healing


Depression is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of their faith or background. In Islam, mental health is regarded as an essential component of overall well-being. This blog post aims to explore the topic of depression within the context of Islam, offering guidance on how to approach and cope with this challenging condition while staying true to your faith.

Understanding Depression

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. It is a medical condition that affects the mind, emotions, and physical well-being. In Islam, it is important to recognize that mental illnesses like depression are not seen as a punishment from Allah or a reflection of one's iman (faith).

Seeking Help

The first step in dealing with depression in Islam is to seek help. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment when necessary. There is no shame in consulting a mental health professional, therapist, or counselor. In fact, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.

Prayer and Faith

Maintaining a strong connection with your faith can be a source of comfort and strength during times of depression. Engage in regular prayers, recite Quranic verses, and make dua (supplication) for healing. Remember that Allah is the Most Merciful, and turning to Him can provide solace and guidance.

Community Support

Islam places great emphasis on community and the support of fellow believers. Reach out to your family, friends, or a support group within your mosque or community. Sharing your feelings with others can help alleviate the isolation often associated with depression.

Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental health is an essential part of Islam. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you get adequate sleep. These practices can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being.

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to combat depression. Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and express gratitude to Allah. This positive mindset shift can improve your outlook and bring peace to your heart.

Patience and Perseverance

Depression is a long and often challenging journey, but remember that Allah is with you every step of the way. Be patient with yourself and persevere through the difficult times. The Quran reminds us, "Indeed, with hardship comes ease" (Quran 94:6). Your suffering will not last forever.

Professional Help and Medication

In some cases, depression may require medication or other forms of medical intervention. Islam encourages seeking medical treatment when necessary, as it aligns with the principle of preserving life and health.

Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition that can affect anyone, including those who follow the Islamic faith. It is essential to approach depression with compassion, understanding, and a combination of spiritual and medical approaches. Remember that seeking help, maintaining faith, building a support network, practicing self-care, and staying patient are all important aspects of managing depression while remaining true to your Islamic beliefs. You are not alone in your struggle, and healing is possible with the right resources and support.


Monday 2 October 2023

Uncovering Iraq's religious front for child prostitution | Iraq's Secret Sex Trade

This powerful investigation into Shia clerics in some of Iraq's holiest shrines uncovers a network of exploitation of young women and girls, trapped into prostitution and pimped out by a religious elite. For the first time the clerics' secret sex trade has been captured on camera. Undercover filming and victim testimony reveal how they procure young women for male clients, and are prepared to conduct ‘pleasure marriages’ with children.

 

Friday 29 September 2023

Natural Disasters & The Day of Judgment | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman

 


Allah (swt) promises that the casualties in Libya and Morocco are martyrs, but with natural disasters come natural questions. What action does Allah (swt) want me to take in response to these events, and what do they tell us about ourselves

Thursday 28 September 2023

The Sinful Nature of Jealousy in Islam

 

Jealousy is a universal human emotion that everyone has experienced at some point in their lives. In Islam, jealousy, known as "Hasad," is considered a harmful and sinful emotion that can have negative consequences both in this world and in the Hereafter. This blog post will delve into the concept of jealousy in Islam, its sources, and why it is considered sinful, while also offering guidance on how to overcome it.

Understanding Jealousy (Hasad)

Jealousy, in the Islamic context, refers to the feeling of resentment or envy towards someone else's blessings, success, or good fortune. It is born out of a sense of dissatisfaction with what Allah has decreed for someone else. The roots of jealousy can be traced back to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and ingratitude.

Jealousy can manifest in various forms, from simple envy over material possessions to more complex feelings of resentment towards another person's virtues, beauty, or accomplishments. In Islam, jealousy is viewed as a destructive emotion that can harm both the person experiencing it and the one being envied.

The Sinfulness of Jealousy

Violation of Tawhid: The core principle of Islamic monotheism, Tawhid, emphasizes the belief in the oneness of Allah. Jealousy contradicts this belief by questioning Allah's wisdom in bestowing His blessings upon someone. It implies dissatisfaction with His divine decree.

Ungratefulness: Jealousy demonstrates ingratitude for the blessings Allah has granted an individual. Islam encourages believers to be grateful for what they have rather than focus on what others possess.

Destruction of Relationships: Jealousy can lead to unhealthy competition and strained relationships. It fosters ill feelings and can even drive a wedge between friends, family members, or colleagues.

Spiritual Consequences: Engaging in jealousy can lead to the accumulation of sin, which can have severe consequences in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against jealousy, stating that it "eats up good deeds just as fire eats up wood."

Overcoming Jealousy

Self-Reflection: Recognize and acknowledge your jealousy. Self-awareness is the first step in addressing this negative emotion.

Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude by counting your own blessings. When you focus on your own gifts, you are less likely to be envious of others.

Dua (Supplication): Seek Allah's help through prayer. Ask Him to cleanse your heart of jealousy and replace it with contentment and gratitude.

Avoid Negative Influences: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage you to be content with your own life.

Empathy: Try to understand the struggles and challenges others face. This can help you develop empathy rather than envy.

Self-Improvement: Use jealousy as a motivator for self-improvement. Instead of resenting someone's success, strive to achieve your own goals.

In Islam, jealousy (Hasad) is considered a sinful emotion due to its harmful effects on individuals and society. It contradicts the principles of gratitude, contentment, and Tawhid. Overcoming jealousy requires self-awareness, gratitude, and seeking Allah's guidance through prayer. By recognizing and addressing jealousy, individuals can strive for spiritual growth and develop healthier, more positive relationships with others, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.