Comments on: The time and what must be done

By: Basimah Abdullah

Basimah Abdullah — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:06:18 +0000

This is the third message I have written, and I pray this one goes through or I will discontinue writing. Allah knows best.
As I have stated in my previous attempts, it is a sin and a shame the way things have turned out with our leader’s death. May Allah reward him with a place closest to Him and our beloved Mohammed the Prophet (SAW). I have gone through several emotions from severe depression to bewilderment. But through all of my emotions, anger at the way his blood relatives have hoovered like vultures after what they deem ‘their due’. Nevermind the majority of them never truly supported what he represented. This is evident by the way they are treating his wife. In his kindness, he may not have legally divorced Shirley, but it was due to the problems he knew she would have caused the community. He chose to spare us. He was kind to Shirly and took care of her until his death. Now she and her children are going against everything he represented to ensure they receive what he struggled for the community to have. It is a shame how the Shaitan continues to use people to further divide. Did we not learn anything from the ‘family’ suing when the Honorable Elijah Mohammed died.
But that is okay. Let them go after whatever they need to, they have lost the paradise in their haste for this world. We have the teachings of our Imam and his life example. Another shame is how these so-called followers jump right on the wagon with the those who seek dissention in the community.
Allahu Akbar. If we didn’t know who to distrust before, the light is on and we know who you are for sure now.
Our leader left us many signs. I know sister Khadijah probably doesn’t even want it, but you have my vote to lead a council of our leader’s true students to take us onward to our destiny as a model community. We never had but a few and we only need a few ‘good believers’ now.
Imam Siddiq and Sister Khadijah, I say you call a special meeting and only invite the students your husband and our leader told you to trust; and let us get on down the real path Allah wants us on.

By: Saalakhan

Saalakhan — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:17:34 +0000

Assalaamu Alaikum to all reading this.
I find it rather striking to note that, thus far, there appears to be two sisters who have responded to what Muhammad Siddeeq has had to say on this blog – with two somewhat divergent viewpoints.
Of the two, Sr. Sabreen’s view is more on point (in my humble opinion). Sr. Inez’s view is a bit more Islamically problematic. Sr. Khadijah should not have to rely solely on “a father and [immediate] family willing to stand and give her the justice and honor she deserves.” This is the responsibility of her community as well.
It does indeed appear (regrettably) that history is now repeating itself.
I recall the dishonor that the community as a whole had to endure after the passing of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad – when members of his FAMILY took it upon themselves to fight over the spoils of his demise – of what more rightly should have been regarded as “community property.” Now the dishonor comes with a new twist, following the death of his son.
While I am no longer a “member” of this community, I am a concerned and committed Muslim with a deep respect for the life and legacy of this good man and leader of Muslims in America (despite some of his obvious faults). And as this crisis has been brought to my attention, I feel an obligation to respond.
It is also worth noting that I, for most of my adult life, have served the community (both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities) as a human rights advocate; and one of our organization’s mantras over the past few years has been “human rights begins at home!”
I have a great deal of sympathy for the emotional weight that Br. Siddeeq, his daughter (Imam WDM’s wife), and other members of her immediate family must be experiencing right now – particularly with this crisis having erupted right on the back of another personal loss within their family.
I also have great concern for the collective integrity (or the lack thereof) of the leadership (comprising both men and women) of the ASM community.
Allah Ta’ala has mandated in the Noble Qur’an: “Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to ALLAH even if it is against yourselves…”
Our beloved Prophet(s) is reported to have said: “When you see an evil action you must change it with your hand; if you cannot do so, with your tongue; if you cannot do so, [detest it] within your heart, and that is the weakest degree of faith.” The Prophet also said: “One of the best jihads is to speak truth to a caliph [or governing authority] who has deviated from the right way.”
The “leadership” of this community – comprising imams, respected elders, organization heads, your news organ (The Muslim Journal), etc., – along with ALLAH fearing and responsibile FAMILY MEMBERS of the late WDM – need to address this issue, according to the Book of ALLAH and the Sunnah of the Prophet (s), before it goes any further! Should you fail to do so, you will have no one else to blame, BUT YOURSELVES, for the shame, disrepect, and ill-repute this community will soon come under, esp. from your detractors.
I pray that in the final days of this sacred month, this heartfelt nasiha (sincere advice) from your concerned brother-in-Islam, will find a resting place in the hearts and minds of the truly sincere among you.
In the struggle for peace thru justice,
El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan
Director of Operations
The Peace And Justice Foundation
27 Ramadan 1429 AH

By: Inez Shahid

Inez Shahid — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:28:50 +0000

ASA … Bro Siddiq: I truly symphatize with Sister Khadijah’s loss of her husband W.D. Muhammad. I am really disappointed the way it all was handled Islamic, by his immediate family. I am familiar with Islamic laws and lifestyles, but not an expert. However, after 40 years being a Muslim, and living in America, I learned that you have to use more common sense, and rely on ALLAH ALONE!
I think you honestly, and from your heart, believe in Islam, however, the reality is the time and place we live in today. Expecting the Imans, or anyone else, to provide for your daughter may be he Islamic thing to do, however, not practical to expect them to in todays world.
I want to say this with the greatest care and, from my point of view as a pioneer, and Muslim. That is, giving your young daughter into this situation was a mistake on your part, however, Allah’s will,considering the circumstances. I don’t mean this ill-spirited, just opinion. It was W.D.’s duty to provide for his Wife, and handle her with the utmost care at her young tender age. He might have tried to do this, however, selfishly left out the mere fact that at his age he would have to leave and return to Allah soon, and she would have to fence for herself. Thank Allah she has a father, and family willing to stand and give her the justice and honor she deserves.
So, I am just going to say this to be brief. You must realize that this community just came into Islam, just like they we all just left Slavery! The community is working hard to practice Islam on a daily basis, but not hard enough to practice decency in handling one another’s feelings, and respect them. That’s the way it is in a world with the climate as it is! It’s hard to accept, but if you want to survive, you have to be like the Prophet Jesus said…, “Be in this World, but not of It.” I am long winded so I will end it here.
You have a beautiful daughter, and I know she will be working on furthering her education. She is going to be a great asset to the world, I feel this. Let her grow on her own, with your guidance, and prepare her for the real world, not the false one that we are living in!
May Allah continue to Bless you and Guide you. Don’t let anyone take you out of your spirit, as you have an assignment from Allah as well.
Your Sister in Islam
Inez

By: Sabreen

Sabreen — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:29:34 +0000

As-Salaamu-Alaikum,
Ramadan Mubarak!
Dear Believers, Imams and Students of Imam W. D. Mohammed. Allah tells in the Qur’an how we are go about correcting an injustice. Some of us are in the position to correct that injustice with “our hands” because we know the facts, we Fear Allah, and we are close to those who need to be admonished and corrected.
We know who we are. Who do we fear?
Think about it; don’t ignore the signs.
Ma-Salaam
Sabreen