AsSalaamu Alaikum,

     On this 10th of Muharram, January 7th, 2009, muslims and jews observe fasting  in remembrance of our Beloved Prophet Musa (Moses) Alayhi wa Salaam and the deliverance of the Children of Israel from their enemy. To be clear, the hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Bukhari hadith translated in english,

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

The Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” The Prophet said, “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).

Now  today,  and for the past 11 days, this current state of Israel  wages war upon the people of the Gaza strip.  Entire families have been killed and even a United Nations school has been bombed.  It is estimated 680 civilians have been killed in this offensive.  Thousands of civilians are injured. Yesterday, another day of fasting for the muslims, was claimed the worst day of the offensive since the commencement of the Israeli ground attack into Gaza on January 4th,2009. Ironically, on the days of observance of the deliverance of the Chilrdren of Israel from utter destruction, the soldiers of Israel mercilessly slaughter the fenced in people of Gaza with no regard to women and children. Ironically, Egyptians civilians wait on the borders of Egypt and Israel, waiting to deliver simple medical supplies, food and other necessities to the sick and wounded of Gaza. These “Good Samaritans” endured death races to their destination of Egypt-Israeli borders against Israel Naval Ships and fighter jets. Humanitarian aid , until recently has been denied and even when Ehud Olmert opens up his so called Humanitarian corridor it is only for 3 hours a day.

     On the 13th day of the Israeli offensive nothing much is the more quiet or better. U.N officials have claimed that Israeli soldiers have fired upon U.N humanitarian trucks. In fact, a U.N. truck driver was murdered by the army today.  The U.N. retreated from the so-called Humanitarian Corridor  due to being fired upon by the Israel Army. The Red Cross condemn the Israeli army on their treatment of Palestinian civilians and their restriction to help the victims of the bombings in Gaza. Meanwhile, 3 rockets from Lebanon struck Northern Israel. Hezbollah condemned the rocket strike and claims not to be behind it. In Tel Aviv, Jewish citizens protest the Gaza Offensive. As of January 8th, 2009, an estimated 700 civilians have been killed, 200 being children alone. 3000 civilians have ben injured.

 I urge Muslims and anyone with sense enough to know that the acts of committed by the Israeli government is wrong to stand up for justice and do what you can to stop this act. I am not promoting physical fighting or any crimes. We can go protest, write a congressman, a prime minister, donate money, food, clothes, medical supplies, etc. Most importantly I urge all of us to pray for the people of Gaza. I am muslim and I know God is real and He listens. He is the judge and every decision returns to Him. Pray please and make Tauba in such situations. Make Tauba and be patient inshaAllah. I began this article on January 7th. It is now January 8th, the third day of optional fasting for the muslims in remembrance of Ashura. If you are muslim, I pray you fasted these three days inshaAllah. Israel is wrong as two left shoes and everyone knows it. If American officials tried to deny it yesterday, how can they justify the murder of a U.N truck driver, the bombing of U.N schools and the attempted killing of humanitarian aid workers trying to get to civilians caught up in this merciless offensive.  It is not right to what Israel is doing, nor is it right for people to target random Jews and beat them up. Stand up for justice whenever you see the lack of it and fear your Lord.  As we protest and write about the offensive on Gaza, please don’t forget the men and women being killed,raped, and maimed in Darfur,Sudan, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Somalia. Please do not forget atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Please do not forget the atrocities in Georgia. Don’t forget what’s happening in the United States. A man, Oscar Grant, was shot in the back and killed by a transit police officer on New  Years Day while he laid face down on the ground. To be honest, I looked the video tape which showed the incident, it looked like an accident, but justice still must be served and the cop whether he did it accidently or not, knows it. That may be why he stepped down from his position as a police officer today. President-elect Obama, in his acceptance speech asked the people of America to help him make America better. Don’t be complacent, do what you can do, within the law, but let your voice be heard and stand up for truth and justice wherever you see it lacking inshaAllah, no matter what religion, race,gender , sexual orientation, or political background you may have. We can’t wait to see what Obama’s going to do, what are we going to do. May Allah bestow His Mercy and Blessings upon those who seek Truth and Guidance.

AsSalaamu Alaikum,

Abdul