The Siege upon Dammaj in the Year 1432H

The Siege of the Rawafid (may Allah’s curse be upon them) on Dar-ul-Hadith of Dammaj and its people (may Allah preserve them) in the year 1432H Seeking Knowledge, Calling to the Path of Allah and Patience Written by Abu Asma Milhan ibn Haniffa as-Sirilaanki Allah ‘Azza Wajal says:                                                “Those (i.e believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against You (a great army), therefore, fear them." but it (only) increased them In Faith, and they said: "Allâh (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs (for us)." “So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allâh no harm touched them; and they followed the good pleasure of Allâh and Allâh is the Owner of great Bounty.” “It is Only Shaitân (Satan) that suggests to You the fear of his Auliyâ' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers In the Oneness of Allâh and In his Messenger, Muhammad )], so fear them not, but fear Me, if You are (true) believers.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 173 – 175) Ibn ‘Abbas radiyallahu ‘anhu said: “I was riding behind the Prophet sallallahu ‘alahi wasallam, one day when he said”, “O young boy, Verily I’m going to teach you some phrases Be mindful of Allah, Allah will protect you Be mindful of Allah, you will find him in front of you When you ask, ask Allah, when you seek help, seek Allah’s help Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you except with something that Allah has already prescribed for you, and if they were to gather together to harm you with something they would not harm you except with something that Allah has already prescribed against you The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”1 Know, O Muslim, may Allah have mercy upon you, that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic has already purchased your life and your wealth as in the aayah:                             Reported by at-Tirmidhee rahimahullah, referred to as Saheeh in the Introduction of the treatise “Mubadi-ulMufeedah fit-Tawheed wal-Fiqh wal-‘Aqeedah of the Shaikh Yahya al-Hajoorie hafizhahullah                  “Verily, Allâh has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that Theirs shall be the Paradise they fight In Allâh's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed it is a Promise In Truth which is binding on Him In the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur'ân and who is truer to his Covenant than Allâh? Then rejoice In the bargain which You have concluded that is the Supreme success.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 111) And to Him shall you return as He ta’ala says:            “Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! to Allâh we belong and Truly, to Him we shall return." (Surah al-Baqarah: 156) Read the verses from the speech of your Lord and the ahadith of His Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam so that you may know and understand as He ta’ala commanded us to read:                                        “Read! In the Name of Your Lord, who has created (all that exists),” “Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).” “Read! and Your Lord is the Most Generous,” “Who has taught (the writing) by the pen *the first person to write was Prophet Idrees (Enoch)+,” “Has taught man that which He knew not.” “Nay! Verily, man does transgress All bounds (in disbelief and evil deed, etc.).” “Because He considers himself self-sufficient.” “Surely! unto Your Lord is the return.” (Surah al-‘Alaq: – 8) By Allah, our current situation in Dammaj after 55 days from the start of the blockade on the 23rd of Dhul Qa’dah 1432H (20/10/2011) and 40 days from the start of the siege (blockade with attack) on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah 1432H (04/11/2011) when the first brother was sniped in the head and succumbed to his injury in a few hours on a Friday before the Salat-ul-Jum’ah; is none other than a test from the Lord of the worlds upon the believers and it was a test from Day one and this is from the sunnah of Allah subhanahu wata’ala as He ta’ala says:                         “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested.” “And we indeed tested those who were before them and Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the Truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows All that before putting them to test).” (Surah al-Ankaboot: – 3)              “Who has created death and life, that He may test You which of You is best In deed and He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving;” (Surah al-Mulk: 2)          “And surely, we shall try You till we test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allâh) and the patient ones, and we shall test Your facts (i.e the one who is a liar, and the one who is truthful).” (Surah Muhammad: 31)                           “Do You think that You shall be left alone while Allâh has not yet tested those among You who have striven hard and fought and have not taken Walỵjah [(Batanah - helpers, advisors and consultants from disbelievers, pagans, etc.) giving openly to them their secrets] besides Allâh and his Messenger, and the believers Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what You do.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 16) Allah ‘Azza Wajal even made you hear and see so that you may be tested as in the aayah:            “Verily, we have created man from Nutfah drops of mixed semen (discharge of man and woman), In order to try him, so we made Him hearer, seer.” (Surah al-Insan: 2) It is for Allah the Most High to test you, O slave of Allah, in the manner that He wills, when He wills, where He wills, for how long He wills and as many times as He wills as He ta’ala says:               “And Certainly, we shall test You with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).” (Surah al-Baqarah: 155) And it is also for Him to test you through whom He wills as He said:           “……and we have made some of You as a trial for others: will You have patience? and Your Lord is ever All-Seer (of everything).” (Surah al-Furqan: 20) Do not think for a moment that you would be safe from the sharp tongues of those who await such an opportunity to trouble you further and to cast shubuhath (doubts concerning religious matters) at you with their opinions and desires as Allah says:                            “You shall certainly be tried and tested In Your wealth and properties and In Your personal selves, and You shall certainly hear much that will grieve You from those who received the Scripture before You (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allâh, but if You persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2) Then Verily, that will be a determining factor In All affairs, and that is from the great matters, [which You must hold on with All Your efforts+.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 186) So not grieve O Muslim by what you may be tested and what you hear from people upon your test, for by Allah, this test that we the people in Dammaj, those who have relatives from all parts of Yemen and the world and any Muslim in the whole world who cares for their Muslim brothers or sisters have all been subjected to; is none other than a great blessing from Allah subhananhu wata’ala and a great opportunity for the one who will be patient as in the Hadith of Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam: On the authority of Abu Hurairah radiyallahu ‘anhu that the Prohpet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “A believing man and woman are continued to be tested in himself, and his child, and his wealth until he meets Allah and there is not upon him any sin”2 And on the authority of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri radiyallahu ‘anhu that when he entered upon the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam during the time of his sickness and questioned him about the people who are the most tested, the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “The Prophets”, I said: “Then who?” He said: “Then the Salihoon, verily one of them would be tested with poverty to the extent that he would not find except a cloak that he wraps himself with and verily one of them is pleased with the trial as one of you is pleased with comfort.”3 For by Allah, the most noble of people, the Prophets ‘alaihimussalam were tested and they bore it with patience as Allah ‘Azza Wajal says:               Reported by at-Tirmidhee, made hasan by Shaikh Muqbil rahimahullah in his Saheeh-ul-Musnad (1420) Reported by Ibn Majah rahimahullah (Vol 2, Page 1334) and made Hasan by Shaikh Muqbil rahimahullah in his Jami’-us-Saheeh (3973) “Verily, (many) Messengers were denied before You (O Muhammad ), but with patience they bore the denial, and they were hurt, till Our help reached them,……” (Surah al-An’aam: 34) So now that we know that it is the right of Allah to test His slaves let us see the hikmah (wisdom) behind it as stated by Allah:                              “…… so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm In My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), Verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allâh, and with Allâh is the best of rewards." (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 195) He ta’ala also said:               “Do You think that You will enter Paradise before Allâh tests those of You who fought (in his Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.)?” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 142) Our Lord has clearly stated that He wishes to test the believers so that He may take from them martyrs:                   “…… and so are the days (good and not so good), we give to men by turns, that Allâh may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you and Allâh likes not the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong­doers).” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 140) Allahu Akbar!, how merciful is our Lord to say that He would test us in order to forgive our sins, admit us into Jannah and further take martyrs from us so that He may then reward the martyrs immensely from His bounty! O dear Muslim, may Allah have mercy upon you, beware of the one who says that these people in Dammaj are only students and they not deserve such a test or need to take such a risk with their lives and the likes of these statements since it is not for us to judge or to question the actions of Allah subhanahu wata’ala since He ta’ala said:        “He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” (Surah al-Anbiyaa’: 23) It is further from the mercy of Allah ‘Azza Wajal that he only tests a soul in accordance to what it can bear as He ta’ala says:        “Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope." (Surah al-Baqarah: 286) By the One in Whose Hands is my soul, He has only tested us with this test well knowing that we the people in Dammaj and all those who are affected by this trial are capable of bearing it since He says:       “…… Verily, Allâh is ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Surah al-Insan: 30) And from His mercy, He has not tested us like He tested the Messengers ‘alaihimussalam and the Salihoon of previous times for Allah has clearly stated in the following aayah and other aayaat to what extent they were tested:                  “When they came upon You from above You and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and You were harbouring doubts about Allâh.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 10) La ilaaha illallaah, this is the extent to which Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam and his companions were tested and then Allah further says:        “There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 11) And on top of that look to what the munafiqoon (hypocrites) said to them at such a time:                                           “And when the hypocrites and those In whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said: "Allâh and his Messenger (Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) promised us nothing but delusions!" “And when a party of them said: "O people of Yathrib (Al-Madinah)! there is no stand (possible) for You (against the enemy attack!) Therefore Go back!" and a band of them ask for permission of the Prophet ( Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) saying: "Truly, Our homes lie open (to the enemy)." and they Lay not open they but wished to flee.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 12 – 13) But see what the believers said under those conditions:                     “And when the believers saw Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates), they said: "This is what Allâh and his Messenger (Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) had promised us, and Allâh and his Messenger (Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) had spoken the truth, and it Only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allâh).” (Surah al-Ahzab: 22) Subhanallah!, I ask Allah subhanahu wata’ala for firmness for all the believers! He further says in Surah al-Baqarah:                                  “Or think You that You will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they were afflicted with Severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with Him said, "When (will come) the help of Allâh?" Yes! Certainly, the help of Allâh is near!” (Surah al-Baqarah: 214) And the Prophet of Allah Ibrahim ‘alaihissalam was thrown into the fire by the king and people of his time:         “They said: "Burn Him and help Your âliha (gods), if You will be doing." (Surah al-Anbiyaa’: 68) And this is the father of Tawheed, the father of the Prophets ‘alaihimussalam and the Khalil (an intimate friend) of Allah subhanahu wata’ala and what did Allah command him regarding his son Isma’eel ‘alaihissalam; to slaughter him with his own hands and I’m sure every father or mother would know what a test this would have been when Allah said:                  “And, when He (his son) was old enough to walk with him, He said: "O My son! I have seen In a dream that I am slaughtering You (offer You In sacrifice to Allâh), so look what You think!" (Surah as-Saffath: 102) and how did that young boy ‘alaihissalam reply: 10 “Indeed In the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) You have a good example to follow for Him who hopes In (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 21) At a time when the enemy was greater than triple the number, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam did not despair in hoping for help from Allah, but rather he remained steadfast in his belief that the Lord of the worlds will not abandon him and the believers and this is what Allah mentions in various aayat of the Qur’an:              “O You who believe! when You meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and Remember the Name of Allâh much (both with tongue and mind), so that You may be successful.” (Surah al-Anfal: 45)                   “Those (i.e believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against You (a great army), therefore, fear them." but it (only) increased them In Faith, and they said: "Allâh (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs (for us)." (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 173)                     “And when the believers saw Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates), they said: "This is what Allâh and his Messenger (Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) had promised us, and Allâh and his Messenger (Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) had spoken the truth, and it Only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allâh).” (Surah al-Ahzab: 22) and the hadith of Abdullah ibn Abu Awfa radiyallahu ‘anhu that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: 29 “O people, not wish to meet the enemy, ask for al-‘Aafiyah, should you meet them then be patient.”24 It is worthy to note the support and aid provided by Abu Bakr radiyallahu ‘anhu in comforting the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam at a time of his distress He did not cast any doubts into the Messenger’s sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam mind regarding the small number of the Muslims or their lack of weapons or the large number of enemies or the likes of them but rather he affirmed the support from Allah with his words: “O Prophet of Allah, your earnest supplication to your Lord will be sufficient for you since He will fulfill what He has promised to you”25 full of trust and hope in Allah, by Allah indeed he is as-Siddeeq! Allah, the Mighty and Majestic sent down a thousand of his angels and the Muslims with their Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam emerged with a great victory They killed seventy persons and captured a further seventy from the enemy Let us not think that this hope and trust in Allah is only at a time when great victory comes but it is at all times as in the hadith of al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib radiyallahu ‘anhu, on the day of ‘Uhud, the people came down from the places given to them by the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam against his instruction and the enemy attacked again causing the people to flee He (al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Only twelve men remained with the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam and the infidels martyred seventy men from us” Then the enemy Abu Sufyan26 (from the infidels) went back to his companions and announced that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar radiyallahu ‘anhuma are all dead La ilaaha illallah and this is while they were alive and they heard him say this, then Abu Sufyan started reciting cheerfully: “O, Hubal, be high!, O, Hubal, be high!” (Hubal was the name of an idol in the Ka’bah in the pre-Islamic period) On that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said (to his companions): “why don’t you answer him back?” They said: “O Allah’s Messenger! What shall we say?” He said: “Say Allah is Higher and more Sublime” (Then) Abu Sufyan said, “We have the (idol) ‘Uzza, and you have no ‘Uzza” The Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said (to his companions): “Why don’t you answer him back?” They asked: “O Allah’s Messenger! What shall we say?” He said: “Say: Allah is our Maula (Lord, Patron, Supporter and Helper, etc) and you have no Maula.”27 Seventy of the companions ridwanullahi ‘alaihim martyred, then the enemy announcing that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam and his two great companions to be dead whilst they being alive, only twelve men with the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam but yet he bravely says to the enemy that Allah is Higher and more Sublime and that Allah is our Maula and you have no Maula This was the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam and his companions ridwanullahi ‘alaihim ‘ajma’een Each one of us should tap his heart and see where we stand in our belief and trust and hope and tawakkul (reliance) upon our Creator, the Mighty and Majestic! 24 Reported by Bukhari (2804) and Muslim (4640) Already preceded above 26 Abu Sufyan radiyallahu ‘anhu later on embraced Islaam, walhamdulillah! 27 Reported by Bukhari (Summarised Eng Trans No: 1299) 25 30 By the One Who sent Muhammad sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam with the truth, I say: Allah is our Maula and the Rawafid and those who are with them have no Maula and victory by the leave of the Lord of the heavens will be for the Muslims! For it is not Husn-azh-Zhan (good intention) about Allah for us to think that these kuffar, the enemies of Allah and His sublime Deen would be given victory over the people of Ahl-us-Sunnah for the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said on the authority of Anas ibn Malik radiyallahu ‘anhu in a Hadith Qudsi (the rough translation of the hadith means): “Allah the Mighty and Majestic said: “I’m as my slave perceives me to be, and I’m with him if he calls Me.”28 It is revealed by the above hadith that Allah subhanahu wata’ala will be with the Muslim as per his intention and tawakkul upon his Creator The greater the reliance, trust and hope, greater the assistance would be from Allah and we have been commanded to place our trust in Allah:      “In Allâh should the believers put their trust.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 122) It is not befitting for anyone of think that the great number of our enemy or their sophisticated weapons or their support from people or their wealth is any reason for them to defeat the Ahl-usSunnah of Dammaj since Allah will never cause the one who relies upon Him to be lost as seen:                                 “…… and Whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to him, He will make a Way for Him to get out (from Every difficulty).” “And He will provide Him from (sources) He never could imagine and Whosoever puts his trust In Allâh, Then He will suffice Him Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose indeed Allâh has set a measure for All things.” (Surah at-Talaq: – 3)             28 Reported by Imam Ahmed rahimahullah (Vol 3, Page 210) and authenticated by Shaikh Muqbil rahimahullah in his Jami’-us-Saheeh (3788) 31 “And Allâh has already made You victorious at Badr, when You were a weak little force so fear Allâh much [abstain from All kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden and love Allâh much, perform All kinds of good deeds which He has ordained+ that You may be grateful.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 123) For we have relied upon Him alone, the Lord of the Throne, and He will indeed suffice us and this is the best course of action to be taken at this time of our dire need as preceded in the hadith of the battle of Badr, i.e al-Istighathah from Allah, the Mighty and Majestic Know O Muslim, that the enemy is not to be feared no matter how large, powerful or able since Allah has commanded us not to fear them:             “It is Only Shaitân (Satan) that suggests to You the fear of his Auliyâ' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers In the Oneness of Allâh and In his Messenger, Muhammad )], so fear them not, but fear Me, if You are (true) believers.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 175) Verily it was these kuffar (the Rawafid) who attacked the Ahl-us-Sunnah of Dammaj FIRST and it is clearly a duty upon every single Muslim to defend against these oppressors as Allah says in the following aayah:                                    “Will You not fight a people who have violated their oaths (pagans of Makkah) and intended to expel the Messenger, while they did attack You first? You fear them? Allâh has more Right that You should fear him, if You are believers.” “Fight against them so that Allâh will Punish them by Your hands and disgrace them and give You victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,” (Surah at-Tawbah: 13 – 14) We have a right to protect the word of Allah the Most High and this Da’wah here which is none other than a call to Allah alone and to further protect the Muslims, our own lives, the lives of our children and women, the sick, the elderly and those who possess ‘Ilm (knowledge) since we have truly been wronged (oppressed) by these Rawafid who cut-off our food for more than 50 days, 32 disrupted our ‘Ibadah (worship), our studies, our peace, our sleep, shot and killed our brothers who were walking on the streets, shot and killed our sister who was walking to the masjid, shot and injured our brothers and children, bombed us from far-away places like cowards and rebelled against us for no reason except that we hold the Word of Allah high above all and He ta’ala has stated in his noble book:            “ “Permission to fight is given to those (i.e believers against disbelievers), who are fighting them, (and) because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allâh is Able to give them (believers) victory” (Surah al-Hajj: 22) Shaikh Yahya hafizhahullah explained that this aayah was one of the first aayat to be revealed regarding Jihad and the purpose of it was to repel oppression Allah further said:                   “Then whoever transgresses the prohibition against you, You transgress likewise against Him and fear Allâh, and know that Allâh is with Al-Muttaqûn.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 194) I have not said this except with the evidences and the statements of the scholars as Allah says:         “so ask of those who know the Scripture *learned men of the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)+, if You know not.” (Surah an-Nahl: 43) Shaikh Yahya hafizhahullah has been very patient with these transgressors for a long time especially after they imposed the blockade on us and even after they started the siege (sniping) There were days our brothers were shot, end either killed or wounded so some of would say that the Shaikh would speak about it during the dars but rather he would advise us to be patient, remind us of how the Messengers ‘alaihimussalam and the Sahabah ridwanullahi ‘alaihim ‘ajma’een were tested and then get onto the lesson It was only on Saturday night (1st of Muharram 1432H - 26/11/2011 - which 33 was after 38 days from the initial blockade and 23 days after the beginning of the sniping) after they had bombed us with over 100 motar shells and shot at houses with various heavy machine guns over a period of around seven hours continuously killing 21 brothers and wounding 47 brothers; that the Shaikh announced it was wajib for us to defend ourselves and that now we are in defensive Jihad Even on that night, along with his announcement, he advised us to be patient and to be cautious and held his lesson The Rawafid are a sect who have Khawarij ideologies and much worse disbelief as agreed by the Scholars of the Salaf and they, the Rawafid are the worst of transgressors and as seen in the hadith below: When Abu Umamah radiyallahu ‘anhu saw the heads of the Khawarij called al-Azariqah in Damascus……he said: “The dogs of Fire” three times and “they are the worst of those who are killed under the surface of the sky and the best of those who are killed under the surface of the sky are those who are killed by them (Khawarij)……” and then he mentioned that he heard this from the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam many times.29 The following statements of Imam Barbahaaree rahimahullah, known to be the Imam of AhlusSunnah wal-Jama’ah of his time, are regarding them (Rawafid) announcing their kufr: “…The Most despicable and steeped in disbelief are the Raafidees, the Mu’tazilah and the Jahmiyyah, since they lead the people into denial (of Allah’s attributes) and apostasy.”30 He also said: “It is permissible to fight the Khawarij if they attack the persons, property or families of the Muslims but if they desist and flee then they may not be chased……”31 The scholars and masha’ikh from in and out of Yemen who have clearly stated that this is defensive Jihad and compulsory that we defend ourselves are many From them are:  Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan hafizhahullah who said: “…… it is upon them to depend upon Allah and to increase in supplication and to defend themselves, their children and their wealth They defend according to their ability……”  Shaikh Rabee’ ibn Hadi al-Madkhali hafizhahullah who said: “…… Verily the struggle between Ahlus-Sunnah and the Raafidah, the baatins, is a struggle between kufr and Islam Thus it is upon Ahlus-Sunnah in every place, in Yemen and other than Yemen, to rise in support of our brothers with their person and wealth……”  Shaikh Abdul Muhsin al-Abbaad hafizhahullah who said: “…… there is no doubt that which is taking place in Dammaj from fighting is considered Jihaad in the path of Allah! So whomsoever is able to fight from the people of Yemen then 29 Reported by Musnan Ahmed (Vol 5, Page 253) said to be “Jayyid” by Shaikh Muqbil in Saheeh-al-Musnad (Vol 1, No 482) 30 Explanation of the Creed (Eng Trans Al-Haneef Publications, Page 93, Point 146) 31 Explanation of the Creed (Eng Trans Al-Haneef Publications, Page 43, Point 35) 34 let him so, however it is a must that he seeks permission from his parents prior (to fighting) ……”32 It is fard-‘ain (an individual obligation) upon all in Dammaj, those who have been attacked, to defend and this defending does not require permission from the parents As for those who wish to aid and cooperate with the Muslims in defending, it is fard-kifayah (a collective obligation) upon all those who are outside Dammaj and they require their parents’ consent prior to fighting By Allah, we did not come to Dar-ul-Hadith of Dammaj to fight against the Rawafid, but rather we came for the Qur’an and the Sunnah upon the Manhaj of the Salaf-as-Saalih, but Allah from His immense wisdom has chosen this for us and combined a true defensive Jihad along with seeking knowledge which is a great blessing and a great opportunity for every single one of us here, man or woman, adult or child, old, weak, sick or well-being and all those who patiently bear this and help in any manner possible to them hoping for reward from Allah the Mighty and Majestic will have the reward of Jihad insha Allah and even if they die from a sickness in their own homes whilst in this state they would be a Shaheed insha Allah as per what Allah has said:                “And if You are killed or die In the Way of Allâh, Forgiveness and Mercy from Allâh are far better than All that they amass (of worldly wealths, etc.).” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 157) In explaining this aayah, Imam Ibn Katheer rahimahullah says: “This will include that being killed in the path of Allah and also death is a means of attaining Allah’s Mercy and His forgiveness and His pleasure, and that is better than remaining in the Dunya……”33 Know that all of those who came here to study or will come, remained here or left or will remain or die, all of what has already happened here and what will happen is in His clear Record; thus it is upon us to only say and what pleases Allah, the Most High since He is the Creator who gives us life and gives death and these kuffar will not be able to achieve anything except that Allah has willed it as He said:                                    32 Only the extracts from their fatawa have been stated here, those who wish to read the full fatawa may read them at al-‘Uloom website 33 Tafsir-ul-Qur’an al-Azheem (Dar ‘Alam-il-Kutub, Vol 3/ Page 231) 35 “And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He and He knows whatever there is In (or on) the earth and In the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it there is not a grain In the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written In a clear Record.” (Surah al-An’aam: 59) The words of Ibrahim ‘alaihissalam are a fine example for us:                              "Who has created Me, and it is He who guides me;” “"And it is He who feeds Me and gives Me to drink.” "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me;” "And who will Cause Me to die, and Then will bring Me to life (again);” "And Who, I hope will forgive Me My faults on the Day of recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)," (Surah ash-Shu’araa: 78 – 82) So it is none other than mere foolishness of these Rawafid to think that they can stop our Rizq (provision) or to harm us or to harm this Da’wah without the will of Allah for surely Allah will defend us as He has stated:                 “Truly, Allâh defends those who believe Verily! Allâh likes not any treacherous ingrate to Allâh [those who disobey Allâh but obey Shaitân (Satan)+.” (Surah al-Hajj: 38) It is for Allah to defend His Deen and the Believers as He pleases and none knows the armies of Allah except Him:         “…… and none can know the hosts of Your Lord but He… ” 36 (Surah al-Muddathir: 31) and it is from the sunnah of Allah subhananhu wata’ala to send His army of angels to protect the Believers when He sees it to be befitting as seen below:                        “O You who believe! Remember Allâh's Favour to you, when there came against You hosts, and we sent against them a wind and forces that You saw not [i.e troops of angels during the battle of Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates)+ and Allâh is ever All­Seer of what You do.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 9)                     “Then Allâh did send down his Sakỵnah (calmness, tranquillity and reassurance, etc.) on the Messenger (Muhammad), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which You saw not, and punished the disbelievers such is the Recompense of disbelievers.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 26)             “(remember) when You sought help of Your Lord and He answered You (saying): "I will help You with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) In succession." (Surah al-Anfal: 9)                                37 “(remember) when You (Muhammad) said to the believers, "Is it not enough for You that Your Lord (Allâh) should help You with three thousand angels; sent down?" "Yes, if You hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; Your Lord will help You with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)." (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 124 – 125) And how many a nations and populations did Allah destroy with the wind, with stones, with the rain and so on as a result of their sin and oppression as seen below:            “And a great number of Towns (their population) we destroyed (for their crimes) Our torment came upon them (suddenly) by night or while they were sleeping for their afternoon rest.” (Surah al-A’raf: 4)                “And many a town, stronger than Your town (Makkah) (O Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) which has driven You out we have destroyed and there was none to help them.” (Surah Muhammad: 13)                                                “Did You (O Muhammad (Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam)) not see (thought) How Your Lord dealt with 'Ad (people)?” “Who were very tall like lofty pillars,” “The like of which were not created In the land?” “And (with) Thamûd (people), who cut (hewed) out rocks In the valley (to make dwellings)?” “And (with) Fir'aun (Pharaoh), who had pegs (who used to torture men by binding them to pegs)?” “Who did transgress beyond bounds In the lands (in the disobedience of Allâh).” 38 “And made therein much mischief.” “So Your Lord poured on them different kinds of Severe torment.” “Verily, Your Lord is ever Watchful (over them).” (Surah al-Fajr: – 14) Know that Jihad requires great patience and striving to what pleases his Lord as Allah says:                              “Jihâd (holy fighting In Allâh's Cause) is ordained for You (Muslims) though You dislike it, and it may be that You dislike a thing which is good for You and that You like a thing which is bad for you Allâh knows but You not know.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 216) But also know that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, our Creator loves it as He said:             “Verily, Allâh loves those who fight In his Cause In rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure.” (Surah as-Saff: 4)         “And what is wrong with You that You fight not In the Cause of Allâh,……” (Surah an-Nisaa’: 75) And the virtues of Jihad are numerous and the following are a few clearly showing the immense bounty that He subhanahu wata’ala has kept with Him for those who fight and die in His cause:                                 39                                  “Think not of those who are killed In the Way of Allâh as dead Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.” “They rejoice In what Allâh has bestowed upon them of his Bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve.” “They rejoice In a Grace and a Bounty from Allâh, and that Allâh will not waste the reward of the believers.” “Those who answered (the call of) Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allâh, there is a great reward.” (Surah aal-e-‘Imran: 169 – 172) On the authority of ‘Ubadah ibn Samit radiyallahu ‘anhu that the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said; (the rough meaning of the hadith is): “There is no soul on Earth which dies and for it is goodness with Allah that would like to return to you’ll whilst for it is the whole of Dunya except for the martyr, for verily he would love to return and be killed again.”34 Narrated Anas ibn Malik radiyallahu ‘anhu that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “A single endevour (of fighting) in Allah’s cause in the forenoon or in the afternoon is better than the world and whatever is in it.”35 Narrated Abu Hurairah radiyallahu ‘anhu that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! Whoever is wounded in Allah’s cause …… and Allah knows well who gets wounded in His Cause …… will come on the day of Resurrection with his wound having the colour of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk (perfume).”36 When Sahl ibn Sa’d radiyallahu ‘anhu was asked about the injury of which the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam got on the Day of ‘Uhud, he said: “The face of the Messenger of Allah 34 Reported by Nasa’ee rahimahullah (Vol 6/ Page 35) authenticated by Shaikh Muqbil rahimahullah in his Jami’-us-Saheeh (3970) 35 Reported by Bukhari (Summarised Eng Trans Page 582/ No: 1208) 36 Reported by Bukhari (Summarised Eng Trans Page 584/ No: 1213) 40 sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam was injured, his front teeth were damaged and his helmet was crushed Fatimah radiyallahu ‘anha, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam was washing the blood (from his head), and ‘Ali bin Abu Taalib radiyallahu ‘anhu was pouring water on it from a shield When Fatimah radiyallahu ‘anha saw that the bleeding had increased on account of (pouring) water (on the wound), she took a piece of mat and burnt it until it was reduced to ashes She put the ashes on the wound and the bleeding stopped.”37 O dear Muslim, this was our noble Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam Also narrated by Sahl ibn Saa’idi radiyallahu ‘anhu that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah’s cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface and a morning’s or an evening’s journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah’s Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface.”38 The following verses of the Qur’an are in relevance to what has already preceded:                                                                                                                                               37 38      Reported by Muslim (Eng Trans Vol 19/ No 4414) Reported by Bukhari (Summarised Eng Trans Page 598/ No: 1250) 41                                                  “(remember) when You sought help of Your Lord and He answered You (saying): "I will help You with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) In succession." “Allâh made it Only as glad tidings, and that Your hearts be at rest therewith and there is no victory except from Allâh Verily, Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” “ (remember) when He covered You with a Slumber as a security from him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on You from the sky, to clean You thereby and to remove from You the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions, etc.) of Shaitân (Satan), and to strengthen Your hearts, and make Your feet firm thereby.” “(remember) when Your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over All their fingers and toes." “This is because they defied and disobeyed Allâh and his Messenger and whoever defies and disobeys Allâh and his Messenger, Then Verily, Allâh is Severe In punishment.” “This is the torment, so taste it, and surely for the disbelievers is the torment of the Fire.” “O You who believe! when You meet those who disbelieve, In a battle-field, never turn Your backs to them.” “And whoever turns his back to them on such a Day - unless it be a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own), - He indeed has drawn upon himself Wrath from Allâh and his abode is Hell, and worst indeed is that destination!” “You killed them not, but Allâh killed them and You (Muhammad) threw not when You did throw but Allâh threw, that He might test the believers by a fair trial from Him Verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” “This (is the fact) and surely, Allâh weakens the deceitful plots of the disbelievers.” “(O disbelievers) if You ask for a judgement, now has the judgement come unto You and if You cease (to wrong), it will be better for you, and if You return (to the attack), so shall we return, and Your forces will be of no avail to you, however numerous it be, and Verily, Allâh is with the believers.” (Surah al-Anfaal: – 19) 42 I end this treatise with the help of Allah subhanahu wata’ala by giving glad tidings to the Believers with the following hadith of the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam on the authority of Suhaib radiyallahu ‘anhu that the Messenger sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “How amazing is the affair of the believer, if ease comes to him he gives thanks for it, so that is good for him, and if trouble comes to him he has patience and so that is good for him.”39 I wrote all of this, to firstly remind myself and then to remind the Believers since Allah subhanahu wata’ala says:       “And remind (by preaching the Qur'ân, O Muhammad Sal-Allaahu 'alayhe Wa Sallam) for Verily, the reminding profits the believers.” (Surah adh-Dhariyaat: 55) and the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said on the authority of Tamim ad-Dari radiyallahu ‘anhu: “Religion is sincerity” We said: “To whom?” He said: “To Allah and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk” And Allah, the Mighty and Majestic commanded us to always speak the truth as He said:          “O You who believe! keep Your duty to Allâh and fear him, and speak (Always) the truth.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 70) And Allah knows best, and may Allah extol and send blessings of peace upon Muhammad, his true followers and his Companions And I ask Allah to make me, my family, my parents, my in-laws and all the brothers and sisters who are affected by this trial in and out of Dammaj patient and firm upon steadfastness until His help comes and that He ta’ala also gives supreme victory to the Muslims and that He also destroys the Rawafid! I aslo ask Allah subhanahu wata’ala to immensely reward the brother Abdullah as-Somali who assisted me greatly in allowing me to use the electricity from his house to complete this treatise and the brother Abu Abdurrahman Nawwas al-Hindi as-Sailani who helped me by reviewing this treatise and further assisted me with the Takhreej of the ahadith! Written by Abu Asma Milhan ibn Haniffa as-Sirilaanki on the 17th of Muharram in the year 1432 Hijri in Dar-ul-Hadith of Dammaj and All praise is due to Allah alone the Lord of the worlds! 39 Reported by Muslim (Eng Trans Vol 4/ Page 1541/ No 7138) 43 ... and verily the angels lay their wings for the seeker of knowledge being pleased and verily for the scholar all those in the heavens and the earth seek forgiveness including the fish in the sea……”10... practiced in the markaz as long as it is proven to be authentic The students are encouraged to pray in their footwear in the markaz and many of them pray in them after checking and cleaning them of... Seeking this knowledge of the Qur’an and the Sunnah upon the Manhaj (methodology) of the Salafus-Saalih is what we here in Dammaj For those who not know of Dammaj, the following is a brief insight