Editorial Note for Volume 3 Issue 2

Fighting Injustice

Wherever and whenever mankind has been left unchecked to decide on a course of life, we find a predicable pattern. This pattern involves one group deeming themselves superior over another: the rich over the poor, the powerful over the weak and the intellectuals over the common masses. This inevitably leads to tyranny and injustice. Subsequently this injustice breeds resistance and conflict. As Muslims, we are all duty-bound to check oppression.

And those who disbelieve are allies to one another, if you (Muslims) do not do so (i.e. become allies), there will be Fitnah (wars, battles, polytheism, etc.) and oppression on earth, and a great mischief and corruption. [Surah Anfaal 8:73]

In this month’s edition we see how a pious Sultan worked tirelessly to resist the onslaughts from the Crusaders in The Life of Nooruddin Mahmud Zenghi. We perceive how a lifetime’s efforts may not reap immediate results, but can pave the way for others to attain victory. Nooruddin was the mentor and commander of Salahuddin Ayyubi, the conqueror of Jerusalem, may Allah have mercy on them both.

We have an exclusive interview with Andy Worthington - Author of The Guantánamo Files. Andy Worthington is a journalist and historian, and the Communications Officer for Reprieve, the legal action charity that represents 35 Guantánamo prisoners. Andy has campaigned relentlessly for a number of years across the UK and US in the hope of bringing Guantanamo to a closure. His book The Guantánamo Files: The Stories of the 774 Detainees in America’s Illegal Prison brings to life the stories of the detainees in Guantánamo and analyses to what extent “the gloves came off” with 9/11.

And finally, brother Omar Khyam has written an exclusive account for us of his memories of Fahad Hashmi. Fahad was arrested at Heathrow airport on 6th June 2006 on terrorism charges. He spent 11 months as a category A prisoner in HMP Belmarsh before being extradited to the US in May 2007. Fahad is currently being held in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Correction Center in Manhattan, NYC.

We hope that you benefit from this month’s issue, and as always request your duas for the Muslims - wherever they might be.

Was-salam.