Actor Jacob Berger Escaped Zionism

 

Jacob Berger is a Jewish American actor, influencer and media personality. He joined us to pod to talk about why he's pro- Palestine. Check out his work: ‪@JacobBergerActor‬

The Evils of Judging in Islam

 

Judging others is a common human tendency, but in Islam, it's a behavior that carries significant spiritual and ethical consequences. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer profound guidance on the dangers of being judgmental and emphasize the importance of humility, empathy, and understanding.

1. The Sanctity of Intentions
One of the core principles in Islam is that actions are judged by intentions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended." (Sahih Bukhari)

This hadith reminds us that only Allah knows the true intentions behind an individual's actions. When we judge others, we overlook the complexity of their circumstances and intentions, which are known only to Allah. By passing judgment, we risk assuming a role that belongs solely to the Divine.

2. The Dangers of Arrogance
Judging others often stems from a place of arrogance or self-righteousness. The Quran strongly warns against arrogance, equating it with a severe sin:

"And do not turn your face away from people in contempt, nor go about in the land exulting over others; indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluded and boastful." (Quran 31:18)

When we judge others, we position ourselves as superior, forgetting that all humans are fallible and in need of Allah's mercy. This sense of superiority can lead to spiritual decay, making us blind to our own faults and shortcomings.

3. The Harm of Gossip and Backbiting
Judging others often leads to gossip and backbiting, both of which are explicitly condemned in Islam. The Quran vividly describes the severity of these acts:

"O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it." (Quran 49:12)

This verse highlights the destructive nature of judgmental attitudes, which can lead to divisions within the community, harm reputations, and create lasting enmity.

4. The Virtue of Covering Faults
Islam teaches that believers should strive to conceal the faults of others rather than expose them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith underscores the importance of mercy and compassion. By refraining from judgment and instead offering support and understanding, we contribute to a more compassionate and cohesive society.

5. Focusing on Self-Improvement
Islam encourages self-reflection and personal growth over the judgment of others. The Quran advises:

"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them." (Quran 49:11)

This verse reminds us that our focus should be on improving ourselves rather than finding faults in others. By concentrating on our own spiritual development, we fulfill the true purpose of our lives and avoid the pitfalls of judgment.

6. Trust in Allah's Justice
Ultimately, Islam teaches that the judgment of others is best left to Allah, who is the Most Just. The Quran states:

"Indeed, Allah is the Best of Judges." (Quran 95:8)

Trusting in Allah’s judgment allows us to relinquish the burden of passing judgment on others, fostering a sense of peace and humility.

Conclusion
Judging others is a practice that Islam strongly discourages. It is a behavior that not only harms the individual being judged but also corrupts the soul of the one who judges. By focusing on our own actions and intentions, avoiding arrogance, and showing compassion towards others, we can align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and build a community rooted in mercy and understanding. As Muslims, it is our duty to reflect on our own shortcomings and trust in Allah’s perfect justice, rather than assuming the role of judge over our fellow human beings.

Change your life's perspective - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

 

 

 

Muhammad ibn Maslama (ra): The Knight of Rasulullah ﷺ | The Firsts | Sahaba | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

The Firsts is a video series that chronicles the lives of the Sahaba (the companions of the Prophet ﷺ) during and after the time of the Prophet ﷺ.

How Palestinian Faith Led to My Shahada | Megan Rice

 

"Sr. Megan Rice shares her extraordinary journey of embracing Islam, influenced by the resilient faith of Palestinians. In a raw and compelling conversation, Megan delves into her conversion story and candidly discusses the critical challenges facing the Muslim Ummah today. This episode uncovers the pressing issues that demand our attention and action, from community unity to confronting external pressures.

Kahanistan- lecture by David Sheen

 

 

 

 How the Jewish far-right remade the mainstream – a lecture at Busboys and Poets in Arlington,

Unmasking the Reality: Genocide and Colonialism as Western Values

 

Throughout history, the world has witnessed unimaginable horrors, many of which have been justified, perpetuated, and institutionalized by Western powers under the guise of civilization, progress, and development. Two of the most egregious acts — genocide and colonialism — are not aberrations of Western history; rather, they are deeply entrenched in its ideological and cultural fabric. To understand these as Western values is not to indict every individual within these societies but to critically analyze the systems, beliefs, and policies that have repeatedly enabled such atrocities.

The Roots of Genocide in Western Ideology
Genocide, the deliberate and systematic destruction of a people, is often regarded as a product of hatred, intolerance, or extreme circumstances. However, when we examine history closely, it becomes evident that genocide has been a recurring tool in the Western arsenal of power. From the extermination of indigenous peoples in the Americas to the Holocaust in Europe, genocide has been used to eliminate those deemed inferior or threatening to the prevailing order.

The idea of racial superiority, which has been a cornerstone of Western thought, plays a crucial role in justifying genocide. The Enlightenment, often celebrated as the pinnacle of Western intellectual achievement, ironically laid the groundwork for this. Thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Hegel espoused ideas of racial hierarchy, positioning Western (particularly European) civilization as the pinnacle of human development. This provided a philosophical justification for the subjugation, exploitation, and eventual extermination of non-Western peoples.

The manifestation of this ideology is seen in the treatment of indigenous populations across the Americas. The decimation of Native American tribes, the atrocities committed against the Aboriginal people of Australia, and the brutal repression in Africa during the colonial era are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern of behavior justified by Western values of superiority and dominance.

Colonialism: The Spread of Western ‘Civilization’
Colonialism, often romanticized as the spread of civilization and progress, is another expression of Western values. The colonial project was driven by a sense of manifest destiny and the belief that Western ways of life, governance, and religion were superior to all others. Under this guise, Western powers embarked on campaigns of conquest, subjugating entire continents and exploiting their resources for the benefit of a few.

The economic motives behind colonialism cannot be ignored, but it is the moral and cultural justifications that reveal its roots in Western ideology. The Doctrine of Discovery, a legal framework used by European Christian monarchies, sanctioned the seizure of lands inhabited by non-Christians. This doctrine, deeply embedded in Western legal and religious thought, paved the way for centuries of exploitation and violence.

The British Empire, the largest and most powerful colonial force in history, exemplifies how deeply colonialism was woven into Western values. The empire's motto, "The sun never sets on the British Empire," reflects the imperialist belief in the righteousness of their mission to dominate the globe. The systematic dismantling of indigenous cultures, the imposition of Western education, religion, and governance, and the brutal suppression of resistance all highlight how colonialism was not merely a pursuit of wealth but a project of cultural domination rooted in Western values.

The Legacy of Genocide and Colonialism Today
While some may argue that these atrocities are relics of a bygone era, the legacy of genocide and colonialism is very much alive today. The structural inequalities, racial discrimination, and cultural erasure that persist in former colonies and among indigenous populations in the West are direct consequences of these historical practices.

Moreover, Western powers continue to wield disproportionate influence in global affairs, often intervening in the politics and economies of other nations under the guise of promoting democracy, human rights, and development. These interventions frequently echo the paternalistic and exploitative nature of colonialism, revealing that the underlying values have not changed but have merely adapted to contemporary contexts.
 

A Call for Honest Reckoning
Recognizing genocide and colonialism as Western values is not an act of blame or condemnation of individuals but a necessary step in understanding the forces that have shaped our world. It challenges the dominant narrative that portrays the West as a beacon of progress and civilization, exposing the darker side of this history.

To move forward, there must be an honest reckoning with this past. This includes not only acknowledging the atrocities committed but also understanding how the values that justified them continue to influence Western societies today. Only through such a reckoning can we begin to dismantle the systems of oppression that have their roots in these historical practices and work toward a more just and equitable world.

American Surgeon volunteers in Khan Younis hospital, Gaza

 

Dr. Mark Perlmutter has recently engaged in significant volunteering activities, specifically in Gaza, through the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA).

In April and May 2024, Dr. Perlmutter, alongside a team of international doctors, volunteered at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. The mission involved treating a substantial number of children with severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and heart, amidst the ongoing conflict.

Dr. Perlmutter and his colleagues faced extreme conditions, with the hospital operating at over 359% capacity and many patients having to be treated in makeshift spaces due to the destruction of other medical facilities. Their accounts highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, with descriptions of the overcrowded and under-resourced hospital environment, and the profound impact of the conflict on the civilian population, particularly children.

#MeToo unless it's Palestine: Why Western feminists ignore proven Israeli rape of Palestinians

 

In the immediate aftermath of October 7, before the dust had settled and the wholesale destruction of Gaza had commenced, claims of sexual assault and rape were quickly plastered across newspapers by Western feminists.

High-profile figures penned pieces about not believing Jewish women and the undermining of the #MeToo movement, with the claim of "systematic rape" lapped up by governments, Israeli military officials, and swathes of undiscerning media alike.

Establishing the facts of sexual violence during wartime is challenging, especially as the Israeli government deliberately muddies the waters by shifting narratives, presenting witnesses with undisclosed ties to the government, and suspending normative investigative practices.

But while we should always believe women and remain outraged by rape, it's clear the claim of "systematic rape" was weaponised by the Israeli government to justify the massacre of Palestinians.

The main question is therefore why the sexual assaults of Palestinian women have not provoked a similar outrage.

Over the past ten months, the selective empathy of high-profile feminists and feminist organisations in the UK has become increasingly apparent.

While swift statements on social media and articles supporting Israeli women are plentiful, there is a notable silence regarding the dire conditions of Palestinian women.

The deliberate overlooking of the extensive sexual and reproductive harm inflicted on Palestinian women by the Israeli onslaught is troubling, especially since one would assume this is a primary concern of feminism.

Since October 7, hundreds of Palestinian women have been detained in Israeli custody and subjected to inhumane treatment, including sexualised torture, naked beatings, threats of rape, and, in two verified instances, rape.

Even if the two verified rapes documented in the UN report from February 19, 2024, were somehow overlooked, how can the decades-long history of gender-based violence inflicted on Palestinian women by the Israeli army over the past 76 years be ignored?

Numerous reports detailing this violence against Palestinian women and children, long before October 7, are readily accessible online.

These reports come from major Israeli rights groups, such as the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, Jerusalem-based Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling, and B’Tselem (one report from 2009 among many others), in addition to several reports from the UN.

All these reports, based on protocols used in legal hearings, legal complaints, lawyer documentation, and detainee testimonies, depict sexual violence, torture, and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention.

Suppose feminist discourse genuinely seeks to address gender-based violence in war. In that case, the ongoing atrocities against Palestinian women should have been included in all those articles to uphold the integrity of the movement.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of the past 10 months — 40,000 Palestinians killed, around half of them women and children, and more than 21,000 children reported missing — the feminist movement has not learned from its initial one-sided stance when emotions ran high and perspectives were narrow.


The ongoing violence endured by Palestinian women and children continues to be glaringly neglected. Similarly, the recent UN report from June 12, 2024, appears to have gone unnoticed, failing to stir any conscience or prompt a substantial response.

This report detailed how the Israeli Security Forces systematically targeted and subjected Palestinians to sexual and gender-based violence, including forced public nudity, forced public stripping, sexualised torture and abuse, and sexual humiliation and harassment.

The report also documented that Israeli soldiers filmed themselves ransacking homes, rummaging through drawers filled with lingerie to mock and humiliate Palestinian women, referring to them as 'sluts,' concluding that this gender-based violence was intended to humiliate and degrade the Palestinian population as a whole

A culture of sexual violence
This sexual and gender-based violence extended to men as well, with the report highlighting that males were repeatedly filmed and photographed by soldiers while subjected to forced public stripping and nudity, sexual torture, and inhumane treatment.

Just last week, disturbing footage surfaced from the Sde Teiman detention facility, reportedly showing the gang rape of a Palestinian by Israeli soldiers. Israeli ministers, including Bezalel Smotrich, were swift to condemn the leaking of the video rather than its contents. Some, like Likud's Hanoch Milwidsky, went so far as to justify the rape. As expected, Western feminists remain silent.

It’s unsettling but not unexpected that there appears to be little sympathy for Arab men, who are often portrayed in deeply rooted racist stereotypes as inherently misogynistic and barbaric. The stark contrast in empathy, whether conscious or unconscious, exposes a blatant bias among high-profile feminists in the UK and contributes to normalising Israel’s actions against Palestinians.

The deafening silence from the rest of the feminist community is equally damning; ignoring the horrifying images from Gaza over the past ten months signals a dehumanisation so profound that the suffering has lost its impact.

Remaining silent on one of the worst atrocities against women and children in our lifetime is indefensible. When 70% of those killed are women and children; when Palestinian women are digging through rubble to find their missing children; when mothers are holding their lifeless babies; when families are burning to death in refugee camps while they sleep; when mothers watch their children die from hunger as a result of Israel’s starvation campaign; and when children cry for food amidst famine conditions, silence is not a matter of being ‘politically correct’ — it is a betrayal of feminist principles.

Recent events during the Gaza genocide have highlighted the feminist movement’s failings, casting a shadow of shame over it.

During one of the deadliest weeks in Gaza since October 7, some feminists were instead fixated and preoccupied with commenting on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ‘sexy’ look. Do we live in a parallel universe?


This deliberate focus on superficial issues, while ignoring pressing concerns, signals a loss of direction in the movement and shows that those leading it — many of whom were once trusted — are harbouring anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab racism, and Islamophobia.

This couldn’t be more obvious than when some so-called feminists aligned with figures like Tommy Robinson, a convicted criminal known for his far-right ideology and promotion of false narratives about Muslims, asylum seekers, and migrants, mirroring the disturbing resurgence of far-right rhetoric in the UK.

While these views have led some astray, making it difficult to envision their return, the feminist movement still holds hope if it can steer back towards its foundational values.

One glaring lesson from recent events is the pervasive racism among some UK feminists, as even the bare minimum expectation —to acknowledge the struggles of Palestinian women enduring systemic marginalisation — has not been met.

For the feminist movement to rise above this mess, it must be unequivocally clear that there is no room for racism. Overcoming this tribal feminism that serves only selective interests demands recognising and addressing prejudices as they emerge, holding everyone accountable.

The collective power of the feminist community should never be underestimated. Just as some figures have been elevated to high-profile status, those who betray the core principles of feminism must face the risk of becoming irrelevant.

By thoughtfully choosing whom to support and elevate, both as individuals and as feminist organisations, the movement can uphold its integrity and ensure its values remain truly inclusive and anti-racist. There is no room for racism in feminism, and as Angela Davis wisely stated, "In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist”.

Link

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf - Path to finding your true potential

 

This video is a scholarly reflection on the significance of Ramadan and the exploration of a book by a reclusive Islamic scholar, Ar-Raghib al-Asfahani, known for his profound impact on Imam al-Ghazali.

The book is celebrated for its linguistic insights into the Quran and its philosophical depth, drawing from Hellenistic and Indian traditions. The author of the document highlights the importance of self-knowledge and the pursuit of true happiness, which transcends worldly pleasures and is rooted in divine guidance.

It also discusses the concept of "nasha," or creation in stages, and its implications for understanding human development and the role of humanity in the world. It critiques the modern secular era's lack of divine invocation and calls for recognizing the potential within oneself to achieve higher states of being through discipline and excellence.