Advice to the Muslim Women in UK ...
Following the Bombings in London
Following the London bombings this morning the blame will almost inevitably fall upon portions of the Muslims community. In fact, the media frenzy has already started to whip up anxieties and fears in the British public and this could dangerously escalate towards a climate of hostility and aggression towards Muslims.
Even though the perpetrators of the London Bombings have still to be identified, Tony Blair and his comrades at the G8 have already begun to use language that is usually referenced at Muslims globally. Such premature use of potentially explosive language will not to help to calm the situation, nor will it any way aid community relationships, that urgently require to be defused.
The Team at unifiedummah appeal for calm amongst Muslims and call upon all religious leaders to behave responsibly in their dealings with local communities and the wider Media.
It is not easy to forget the backlash that Muslim minorities in the UK suffered immediately after the attacks of the Twin Towers in America. With this still fresh in our minds, we remind all Muslims that it is our duty to protect and guard ourselves as well as one another in these testing times. Allah (swt) says:
"The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise"
(Quran 9:71).
Allah (swt) commands the Muslims to have a genuine concern for one another, to advise, assist and protect, and to safeguard one another's life, wealth and honour.
In order for our Muslim brothers and sisters to avoid being in a bad predicament, we thus list the following precautions which should be observed in this difficult time.
- Put utmost trust in Allah. Nothing ever happens without the permission of Allah (swt), and what happens is a test and trial for us. We should therefore rely on Allah, having firm faith and conviction in Him.
- Call upon Allah for aid and assistance. Muhammad (saw) was of course slandered against, taunted at, abused and even fought. His companions endured similar treatment. The Prophet (saw) taught his companions to call upon Allah to relieve the suffering and protect them. He taught us some supplications for protection:
- BISMILAAHI-LAZEE LAA YADURRU MA'ASMIHI SHAY'UN FIL-'ARDI WA LAA FIS-SAMAA' WA HUWAS-SAMEE'UL 'ALEEM (To be recited three times in the morning and evening)
- BISMILLAHI TAWAKKALTU A'LALLAHI LAA HOWLA WA LAA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH . (When leaving the house)
"And when you recite the Quran, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil." (17:45) To be read in Arabic
The Ayat ul Kursi and the last two ayahs of Surah al-Baqarah (to be recited in the evening)
Taking precautions. Allah says: ' O you who believe! Take your precautions...(4:71). Islam demands that we use wisdom in dealing with such a crisis.
Sisters are encouraged not to leave their homes except in cases of emergency. Volatile situations such as these can erupt at any time, and many a time sisters are deemed the easy prey and target for those who are intent on stirring up hatred for Muslims.
The Prophet (saw) taught us that " A believer is not bitten from the same hole twice." (Bukhari, Muslim) We should learn from the repercussions following the events of 911; many sisters were physically attacked and abused.
Arrangements should be made with the brothers in the homes to cater for shopping or other activities that sisters do.
If sisters must leave their homes, they should not do so alone, but preferably with a brother/s or a group of sisters.
Sisters should wear flat-soled shoes in order escape or evade any attack.
Sisters should avoid areas that are known to be security 'black-spots'.
Sisters should always remain contactable either through mobile phone or any other means.
Sisters should always remain vigilant and know who and what is around them
Avoid public transport unless in cases of dire need or emergency.
Avoid being out of home alone after Maghrib.
Do not hesitate to call for help if attacked.
If you anticipate any aggression from anyone on the street, seek temporary refuge in a shop.
Walk on the inner sides of pavements and footpaths, as cowardly motorists may try to spit at or abuse you.
Staying firm in the Deen. Events such as these should not weaken our morale or efforts in the Deen. On the contrary, we are commanded to stay strong in all circumstances. Wisdom and good conduct should be observed, as usual, with the disbelievers in calling them to Islam.
We call upon all the Muslim community, whether they be male or female, young or old, black or white- to look out for one another, to support one another, to re-assure one-another and not to fear anyone but Allah (swt).
We ask Allah for preservation and strength. May He increase us in Iman and taqwa and make us of those who are true to our promise with Him.
'O you who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in steadfastness...' (3:200)
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