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  hajimokhtar1@hotmail.com 

Who Is Really Responsible For The Creation Of Saddam Hussein? 
31 Dec 02 - If one investigates ‘global hotspots’, where conflict and wars wage, one will recognise that the principle participants are the America, Russia and China. They support and supply arms and equipment to waring parties to look after their invested interest. These three powerful nations may differ at times but when it comes to Islam they are united in their conclusions i.e. that Islam should never be allowed to succeed again. However of late, with the demise of the Soviet Union, America has become the most dominant and aggressive force on earth.. 

Other nations, notably Arab and Muslim nations aligned to these super powers merely fullfil their objectives and end up being deceived. These supportive nations are learning things the hard way i.e. that it never pays to be aligned to any of these super powers. Kamal Nasir of Egypt was let down by the Soviets just as Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have been let down today. All this merely proves that whatever Allah reveals in the Qur’an never fails to live up to its expectations, and that the only path available to Muslim nations is to return to the Qur’an.. 

Arab and Muslim nations have been used as pawns by the West, notably America for ages and they seemed to have succeeded in gaining one foothold after another. This began with the Shah of Iran and Saudi Arabia. It later extended to Kuwait and the Gulf States as a result of the Iraqi invasion. Prior to this invasion, Iraq was considered an ally, because it was used to counter Khomeni’s Iran. This is how Afghanistan under the Taliban came into the picture with America support through Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.. 

When Iraq decided to go its own way, it had to fall. Likewise when the Taliban of Afghanistan decided that it wanted to do things its own way, it too had to go. The only difference now is that the American plan has gone a step further. They no longer want to replace governments with those who support them but they also want to have a presence in all those countries so that they can keep control over them and their resources through the disguise of democracy, progress and development.. 

What makes Saddam Hussein different from Hosni Mubarrak or Asad of Syria? What makes the military regime in Algeria and Turkey legitimate? What makes Latin American governments legitimate or for that matter the survival of Taiwan against China or Japan and South Korea against North Korea? It all has something to do with two factors, namely American Foreign Policy and the Jewish Conspiracy for world domination through Western governments.. 

So we may ask: “Who created Saddam Hussein?” “Who created the Taliban of Afghanistan?” The answer to all these questions find their way back to America and the West. These are the perpetrators to world disorder, described in the Qur’an as the “mischief-makers” of the earth. It is they who cause havoc under the disguise of peace. It is they who distort news and impose their will on weaker nations.. 

American-Western ambitions are well planned. They have established ‘lighthouses’ around the world by installing puppet regimes, a military presence, or internal conflicts to keep their enemies pre-occupied. Any nation that grow too big for its shoes will face both internal and external problems creates through the mass-media.. 

When the massive pile of documents from Iraq appeared, in photos and on paper, the U.S. immediately pulled out all stops to get first access to it so that they could cut off all evidence of their own involvement in Iraqi weapons programs. There is evidence of U.S. (and European) involvement in aiding the Iraqi weapons programs, dating back to before the Gulf War, but covering the period of Hussein's rise and his worst crimes.. 

As reported in Die Tageszeitung (Berlin daily), the list of US corporations that alegedly supplied Iraq with nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile technology, prior to 1991 is as follows: U.S. corporations involved... A - nuclear K - chemical B - biological R - rockets (missiles) 

1) Honeywell (R,K) 
2) Spektra Physics (K) 
3) Semetex (R) 
4) TI Coating (A,K) 
5) UNISYS (A,K) 
6) Sperry Corp. (R,K) 
7) Tektronix (R,A) 
8) Rockwell )(K) 
9) Leybold Vacuum Systems (A) 
10) Finnigan-MAT-US (A) 
11) Hewlett Packard (A.R,K) 
12) Dupont (A) 
13) Eastman Kodak (R) 
14) American Type Culture Collection (B) 
15) Alcolac International (C) 
16) Consarc (A) 
17) Carl Zeis -U.Ss (K) 
18) Cerberus (LTD) (A) 
19) Electronic Assiciates (R) 
20) International Computer Systems 
21) Bechtel (K) 
22) EZ Logic Data Systems,Inc. (R) 
23) Canberra Industries Inc. (A) 
24) Axel Electronics Inc. (A) . 

Additionally to these 24 companies based in the US, are nearly 50 subsidiaries of foreign enterprises whose arms co-operation with Iraq seems to have been operated from the US. In addition, Ministries for defense, energy, trade, and agriculture, as well as the foremost U.S. nuclear weapons laboratories at Lawrence Livermore. Los Alamos, and Sandia, are designated as suppliers for the Iraqi arms programs for A, B, and C-weapons as well as for rockets.. 

British officials said the list of companies appeared to be accurate. Eighty German firms and 24 US companies are reported to have supplied Iraq with equipment and know-how for its weapons programmes from 1975 onwards and in some cases support for Baghdad's conventional arms programme had continued until last year. It is not known who leaked the report, but it could have come from Iraq. Baghdad is keen to embarrass the US and its allies by showing the close involvement of US, German, British and French firms in helping Iraq develop its weapons of mass destruction when the country was a bulwark against the much feared spread of Iranian revolutionary fervour to the Arab world.. 

The list contained the names of long-established German firms such as Siemens as well as US multi-nationals. With government approval, Siemens exported machines used to eliminate kidney stones which have a "dual use" high precision switch used to detonate nuclear bombs. Ten French companies were also named along with a number of Swiss and Chinese firms. The newspaper said a number of British companies were cited, but did not name them. "From about 1975 onwards, these companies are shown to have supplied entire complexes, building elements, basic materials and technical know-how for Saddam Hussein's programme to develop nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction," the newspaper said. "They also supplied rockets and complete conventional weapons systems," it added. The five permanent members of the Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China -- have repeatedly opposed revealing the extent of foreign companies' involvement, although a mass of relevant information was collected by UN weapons inspectors who visited the country between 1991 and 1998. The UN claims that publishing the extent of the companies' involvement in Iraq would jeopardise necessary co-operation with such firms.. 

German involvement outstripped that of all the other countries put together, the paper said. During the period to 1991, the German authorities permitted weapons co-operation with Iraq and in some cases "actively encouraged" it, according to the newspaper which cited German assistance allegedly given to Iraq for the development of poison gas used in the 1988 massacre of Kurds in northern Iraq. It said that after the massacre America reduced its military co-operation with Iraq but German firms continued their activities until the Gulf War. . 

Die Tageszeitung quoted sources close to the US Vice President, Dick Cheney, as saying the Bush administration was hoping to prove a German company was continuing to co-operate with the Iraqi regime over the supply of equipment allegedly useful in the construction of weapons of mass destruction. American weapons experts have recently voiced concern that the German Government has permitted Siemens to sell Baghdad at least eight sophisticated medical machines which contain devices that are vital for nuclear weapons. The machines, known as "lithotripters", use ultrasound to destroy kidney stones in patients. However, each machine contains an electronic switch that can be used as a detonator in an atomic bomb, according to US experts. Iraq was reported to have requested an extra 120 switches as "spare parts" during the initial transaction. The European Commission and the UN approved the delivery of the machines because sanctions against Iraq do not apply to medical equipment. Siemens and the German Government have insisted that the machines, which are being used in northern Iraq under a World Health Organisation programme, cannot be used to make nuclear weapons.. 

So we may ask ourselves: “Who is really responsible for creating Saddam Hussein? Who is really responsible for the widespread mischief around the world through the supply and support of such people? Are not those who do so greater culprits than those being accused of crimes?” Yes, there is a need for us to be more vigilant over the truth and not be deceived by what appears to be the truth. [Haji Mokhtar Stork]

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How 'good guy' Iraq became 'bad' 
1st Jan 03 The Straits Times (Singapore) Old Documents, now de-classified, show how the US worked with Saddam as an ally in the 80s and why ties have changed.

Among people instrumental in tilting US policy towards Baghdad during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war was Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, now Defence Secretary. De-classified documents show that Mr. Rumsfeld travelled to Baghdad at a time when Iraq was using chemical weapons on an 'almost daily' basis in defiance of international conventions.

US officials saw Baghdad as a bulwark against militant Shi'ite extremism. Fearing the loss of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and the Gulf States under the 'domino theory' America went along with whatever Saddam did, often referring to Iraqi forces as 'the good guys', in contrast to the Iranians, who were depicted as 'the bad guys'.

A review of thousands of de-classified documents shows that US intelligence and logistical support played a crucial role in shoring up Iraqi defence forces against the 'human wave' attacks by suicidal Iranian troops.

The administration of Mr. Ronald Reagan and Mr. Bush Senior authorised the sale to Iraq of numerous items that had both military and civilian applications. Though the news report goes on to say that the US did try to cultivate Saddam into a moderate and reasonable Arab leader - that was until he invaded Kuwait - all this seems to suddenly appear when it was found that some 800 over pages were ripped out of the original copy of Baghdad's nuclear report to the UN.

With things being gradually exposed it appears that 'back-tracking' seems the appropriate approach to cover up dirty tracks. The truth is as can be viewed in the movie The Silent American is that America and the West are the main culprits in all global conflicts, while Muslim leaders fall prey to gullible propositions to remain in office as lackey and despotic rulers. This makes my previous article on Who Is Really Responsible For The Creation Of Saddam Hussein very valid.

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POST SEPT 11 ARMS SALES AND MILITARY AID DEMONSTRATE
DANGEROUS TRENDS
by Rachel Stohl, Senior Analyst, Center for Defense Information

8:00 a.m. January 15, 2003 PDT 

Since Sept 11th, the United States has made billions of dollars worth of arms deals to strategic countries, including a $1.2 billion sale of fighter jets and missiles to Oman and nearly $400 million worth of missiles to Egypt. Countries identified as fighting terrorist groups are also set to receive large shipments of military aid, including $92 million in weapons to the Philippines.
 
Since the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, the United States has employed as many means as possible to fight the war on terror. In one aspect, however, an alarming trend has emerged. The United States is more willing than ever to sell or give away weapons to countries that have pledged assistance in the global war on terror. In the past, the United States has used arms sales to "reward" countries for their loyalty. And, today, if one examines each sale or change in policy individually, there does not appear to be a paradigm shift in U.S. arms export policy. However, when one looks at these transfers together, it becomes clear that the United States has altered its relationships with a significant number of countries, many of which are now receiving military aid that would have been denied before September 11.
The United States has revised the list of countries that are ineligible to receive U.S. weapons. Since Sept. 11, the United States has waived restrictions on arms or military assistance to Armenia, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Yugoslavia.

Since Sept. 11, the United States has made billions of dollars worth of arms deals to strategic countries, including a $1.2 billion sale of fighter jets and missiles to Oman and nearly $400 million worth of missiles to Egypt. Countries identified as fighting terrorist groups are also set to receive large shipments of military aid, including $92 million in weapons to the Philippines. Other countries are benefiting from military training relationships. Indonesia, for example, which had been banned from receiving military training, is set to receive training through the new Regional Defense Counter Terrorism Fellowship Program, a new DoD program that is not subject to training limitations contained in the annual Foreign Operations legislation. Human rights and lack of democracy concerns have been given less importance in some cases. Turkey is now set to receive 14 Sea Hawk naval helicopters, even though accusations of gross human rights abuses and tensions with regional rival Greece have delayed other recent helicopter deals.

To avoid being seen as favoring one side over another, some of these recent sales and military aid packages have been given to both sides of a conflict. Both India and Pakistan are set to receive weapons and, in direct response to the lifting of sanctions to Azerbaijan, Armenia was promised $90 million in foreign assistance, $4 million in foreign military financing, and $300,000 for military training.

These sales are just the tip of the iceberg. After the Gulf War, arms exports to the Middle East skyrocketed. The recent display of force with American weaponry could lead to another spike in the near future. Further, while arms agreements are made in the short term, export licenses are good for four years and production can take much longer, and thus actual arms deliveries will continue in the long run. 
 
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Is It A War On Islam? -  Pervez Hoodbhoy 
Street opinion in Pakistan, and probably most Muslim countries, holds that Islam is the sole target of America's new wars. Even moderate Muslims are worried. The profiling of Muslims by the INS, the placing of Muslim states on the US register of rogues, and the blanket approval given to Israeli bulldozers as they level Palestinian neighborhoods appear dangerous indicators of a religious war. But Muslims undeservedly award themselves special status and imagine what is not true. America's goal goes much beyond subjugating inconsequential Muslim states. Instead it seeks to remake the world according to its needs, preference, and convenience. The war on Iraq is but the first step.

Aggressive militarism has been openly endorsed by America's corporate and political establishment. Mainstream commentators in the US press now argue that, given its awesome military might, American ambition has been insufficient. Max Boot, editor of the Wall Street Journal, writes that "Afghanistan and other troubled lands today cry out for the sort of enlightened foreign administration once provided by self-confident Englishmen in jodhpurs and pith helmets". The Washington Post calls for an "imperialist revival" and the need for Americans to "impose their own institutions on disorderly ones". The Atlantic Monthly remarks that American policy makers should learn from the Greek, Roman, and British empires for tips on how to run American foreign policy. Although many Americans still cling to the belief that their country's new unilateralism is no more than "injured innocence", and a natural response of any victim of terror, the Establishment does not suffer from such naivety. Empire has been part of the American way of life for a long time.

The difference after 911 - and it is a significant one - is that America no longer sees need to battle for the hearts and minds of those it would dominate; there is no other superpower to whom the weak can turn. In today's Washington, a US-based diplomat recently confided to me, the United Nations has become a dirty word. International law is on the way to irrelevancy, except when it can be used to further US goals. Still, none of this amounts to a war on Islam. Some will disagree. The fanatical hordes spilling out of Pakistan's madrassas imagine seeing Richard the Lion Hearted bearing down upon them. Sword in hand they pray to Allah to grant war and send the modern Saladin, one who can miraculously dodge cruise missiles and hurl them back to their launchers.

On the other side, Christian-Jewish extremists, extending from the Jerry Falwells and Pat Robertsons to the leaders of Israel's Likud, yearn for yet another crusade. They too are convinced that inter-civilisational religious war is not only inevitable but also desirable. Belief in final victory is, of course, never doubted by the faithful. But the counter-evidence to a civilisational war is much stronger. Between 1945 and 2000 the US has fought 28 major, and countless minor, wars. Korea, Guatemala, Congo, Laos, Peru, Vietnam, Cambodia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Yugoslavia, and Iraq are only some of the countries which the US has bombed or invaded. The Vietnam War alone claimed a million lives. By comparison America's wars on Muslim states have been far less bloody.

Iraqi deaths during the Gulf War, and the recent victims of bombing in Afghanistan, amount to fewer than 70 thousand. Even if one throws in casualties from the Israeli-Arab wars of 1967 and 1971 and attributes them to the US, Muslim deaths are only a few percent of the Vietnam War total. Material self-interest, and not antipathy to Islam, has been the driving force behind US foreign policy. A list of America's Muslim foes and friends makes this crystal clear. America's foes during the 1950's and 1960's were secular nationalist leaders.

Mohammed Mossadeq of Iran, who opposed Standard Oil's grab at Iran's oil resources, was removed by a CIA coup. Ahmed Sukarno of Indonesia, accused of being a communist, was removed by US intervention and a resulting bloodbath that consumed abouteight hundred thousand lives. Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt, who had Islamic fundamentalists like Saiyyid Qutb publicly executed, fell foul of the US and Britain after the Suez Crisis. On the other hand, until very recently, America's friends were the sheikhs of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, all of whom practiced highly conservative forms of Islam but were the darlings of Western oil companies. Nevertheless, Washington has occasionally misunderstood American self-interests - sometimes fatally so. "Mission myopia", as the CIA now wanly admits, led to the network of global jihad in the early 1980's.

With William Casey as CIA director, the largest covert operation in history was launched after Reagan signed the "National Security Decision Directive 166", calling for American efforts to drive Soviet forces from Afghanistan "by all means available". US counter-insurgency experts worked closely with the Pakistani ISI in bringing men and material from around the Arab world and beyond. All this is well known. Less known is the ideological help provided by US institutions, including universities.

Readers browsing through book bazaars in Rawalpindi and Peshawar can, even today, find textbooks written as part of the series underwritten by a USAID $50 million grant to the University of Nebraska in the 1980's. These textbooks sought to counterbalance Marxism through creating enthusiasm in Islamic militancy. They exhorted Afghan children to "pluck out the eyes of the Soviet enemy and cut off his legs". Years after the books were first printed they were approved by the Taliban for use in madrassas - a stamp of their ideological correctness.

The cost of America's mission myopia has been a staggering one. The network of Islamic militant organizations created primarily out of the need to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan did not disappear after the immediate goal was achieved but, instead, like any good military-industrial complex, grew from strength to strength. Nevertheless, until 11 September, US policy makers were unrepentant, even proud of their winning strategy. It took a cataclysm to bring them down to earth. But militant organizations have done far greater harm to Muslims, whose causes they claim to promote, than to those who they battle against. Killing tourists and bombing churches is the work of moral cretins and is not just cowardly and inhumane, but also a strategic disaster.

Indeed, fanatical acts can sting the American colossus but never seriously hurt it. Though perfectly planned and executed, the 911 operation was a strategic blunder of colossal proportions. It vastly strengthened American militarism, gave Ariel Sharon the license to ethnically cleanse Palestine, and allowed state-sponsored pogroms of Muslims in Gujarat to get by with only a squeak of international condemnation. The absence of a modern political culture and the weakness of Muslim civil society have long rendered Muslim states inconsequential players on the world stage. An encircled, enfeebled dictator is scarcely a threat to his neighbors as he struggles to save his skin. Tragically, Muslim leaders, out of fear and greed, publicly wring their hands but collude with the US and offer their territory for bases as it now bears down on Iraq.Significantly, no Muslim country has proposed an oil embargo or a serious boycott of American companies. What, then, what should be the strategy for all those who believe in a just world and are appalled by America's war on the weak?

Vietnam, to my mind, offers the only viable model of resistance. A stern regard for morality, said their strategists, is the best defense of the weak. Even though B-52s were carpet-bombing his country, Ho Chi Minh did not call for hijacking airliners or blowing up buses. On the contrary the Vietnamese reached out to the American people, making a clear distinction between them and their government. By inviting media celebrities like Jane Fonda and Joan Baez, Vietnam generated enormous goodwill. On the other hand, can you imagine the consequences of Vietnam's leadership being with Osama bin Laden rather than Ho Chi Minh? That country would surely have been a radioactive wasteland, rather than the unique victor against imperialism.

Only a global peace movement that explicitly condemns terrorism against non-combatants can slow, and perhaps halt, George Bush's madly speeding chariot of war. Massive anti-war demonstrations in Washington, New York, London, Florence, and other western cities have brought out hundreds of thousands at a time. A sense of commitment to human principles and peace - not fear or fanaticism - impelled these demonstrators. But why are the streets of Islamabad, Cairo, Riyadh, Damascus, and Jakarta empty? Why do only fanatics demonstrate in our cities? Let us hang our heads in shame. (The author teaches at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad).

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THE DIMENSIONAL ASPECTS OF RAMADAN

The Month of Ramadhan offers the faster a variety of benefits. The first of these is spiritual. This is the first goal and objective of fasting. The Qur’an is explicitly clear on this point. Allah has revealed in Surah Baqarah verse 183, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may gain self-restraint.” The word “tattaqoon” has been translated as “self-restraint”, when in actual fact it deals with “taqwa”, a form of “fear of incurring Allah’s displeasure”, thus resulting in a state of “piety”. 

The second feature is that the Qur’an was revealed in Ramadhan. In fact the Month of Ramadhan has always been a chosen month for revelation to all Prophets according to a Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). So one could say it enjoys a state of sacredness which still continues in the form of Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Honour) which according to Hadith is equal to a thousand months. 

The third feature is that the occupants of the grave are relieved of their torment, while the devils (shaitans) are chained. Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reported that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, "Ramadhan has come to you - a blessed month. Allah has made obligatory upon you its fasting. In it, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived." – (Bukhari). This is a clear indication that the people of the graves look forward to Ramadhan, while many alive seek to run away from fasting. 

The fourth feature is that Ramadhan belongs to Allah and it is for Him to reward. It has been reported by the way of Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) reported Allah as saying in a Hadith Qudsi, "All services of the son of Adam are for him except fasting. It is for Me, and I will reward him for it….” (Bukhari). Under normal circumstances one good deeds receives ten rewards. Apart from this we also have the Qur’anic description of a grain of corn which sprouts seven ears, each with a hundred grain, thus giving us a picture of rewards in store for one who gives out generously for Allah’s sake. However, in Ramadhan there is no fixed limit to being rewarded by Allah, and therefore it has become a traditional practise for all Muslims to give out Zakat (Obligatory Alms) and Sadaqah (Alms above that of Zakat), recite the Qur’an etc. 

The fifth feature is that it offers a person the opportunity to purify himself and his wealth. By observing the fasting Month of Ramadhan sincerely, the individual is forgiven his sins and returns to his original state of purity. By giving out Zakat he purifies his wealth. This is our common understanding of Zakat. Well, reflect upon this saying of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.), “The one who gives out wealth is no better than the one who takes out of need.” What it means is that if you think you are great just because you give out large sums of Zakat, then note that you are no different from the one who takes out of need. Now try taking it a step further spiritually. The Prophet (s.a.w.) also said, “Sadaqah goes into the hands of Allah before it passes into the hands of the poor.” What is exceptionally significant here is that your Sadaqah (Charity) passes through Allah’s hands before it reaches the receiver. Therefore, take care that you don’t hand over goods that you yourself will not wear or use, because Allah will not be pleased with you or your charity. 

The sixth feature is that Ramadhan acts as a shield. Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Fasting is a shield”, which means that it restrains one and protects one from sinful acts. Did you not know that the taking of food and drink (nourishment) is the first culprit in the propagation of sins? Because when you eat, the blood flow increases considerably, the energy level rises, thus making it easier for Satan to use your own energy level to tempt you to commit sins. This is in keeping with the Prophet’s saying, "Satan runs in the circulatory system of the son of Adam in the same way blood circulates in our system; so tighten his passages with hunger." (Bukhari). 

The seventh feature of Ramadhan is that it disciplines one’s self in a variety of ways. Words are easily uttered by try implementing them. So fasting does develop one’s will power or inner strength to withstand a variety of challenges. "Fasting is not only to restrain from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene acts. If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly towards you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting.'" (Muslim). This is why the Prophet (s.a.w.) also said, "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he did not eat or drink." (Bukhari). Why do you think that some people according to the Prophet (s.a.w.) only gain nothing but hunger and thirst? Well, we might say that they start of the day with full marks but as the day ends with breaking the fast, they gain nothing but hunger and thirst as a result of their bad behaviour i.e. backbiting, slander, idle gossip etc. Or we might say that some fasted just because they had to do so as Muslims, meaning that they also really did not want to or that they did so as a routine yearly exercise. 

The eighth feature is the seeking of forgiveness. A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) narrated, I said, "O Messenger of Allah, should I seek out Lailatul Qadr, and having done so what should I ask of Allah (s.w.t.)? Allah’s Messenger replied, "Say, ‘O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, You love to pardon, so pardon me’.” Everyone should strive to seek the benefits of Lailatul Qadr or the Night of Honour. However, it is not an exercise of concentration only during the last ten days of Ramadhan, but rather an overall effort covering the whole month of Ramadhan, and where these efforts are increased during the last ten days of Ramadhan. Not everyone will be blessed with the Night of Honour but those who enjoy it will benefit from this saying of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), where he called upon his wife A’ishah to seek forgiveness from Allah (s.w.t.). This is indeed such an all-inclusive dua or supplication, wherein one begs that Allah out of His infinite Kindness to forgive one of his sins. That would indeed be the most significant reward a person could seek for in terms of the Hereafter. 

Ramadhan offers the faster five gifts. Abu Hurairah (r.a.) relates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, “My Ummah has been given five special things that were not given to anyone before them. The smell from the mouth of a fasting Muslim is sweeter for Allah than the pleasant smell of musk. The Fish in the sea seek forgiveness on their behalf until they break their fast. Allah (s.w.t.) prepares and decorates His paradise every day and then says to it, ‘The time is near when My fruitful servants shall put away the load of the world and come to you’. In this month, the rebellious devils are chained, so as not to cause those evils which they normally do during months other than Ramadhan. And on the last night of Ramadhan, the fasting Muslims are forgiven.” The Companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) thereupon inquired, “O Messenger of Allah, is that night ‘Lailatul Qadr’?” Allah’s Messenger replied, “No, but it is only night that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his duty.” 

Yes, it is indeed a great loss to those who avoid fasting or give up without any effort or seek excuses not to do so. Whereas those who do so sincerely are assured of Allah’s forgiveness even if they do not witness the Night of Honour. As such, we should all bear in mind that nothing is bestowed upon one free of charge. So to enjoy Allah’s rewards in Ramadhan we must exert ourselves to the maximum. Fasting is one of the most appreciated forms of worship in Allah sight and for this reason a Hadith states that the reward for every deed is brought by the angels, but Allah says "The reward for fasting, I Myself will give, because it is for Me alone". Another version of the same Hadith (when read in a different way) says "I Myself become his reward". And what greater reward can there be for the lover than to meet the Beloved? In another Hadith, we read "Fasting is the door to all other forms of worship of Allah". 

The scholars of Islam acknowledge that only a very unfortunate person would remain deprived of forgiveness in Ramadhan. Kaab Ibnu Ujrah (r.a.) relates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, “Come near to the pulpit and we came near the pulpit (mimbar). When he, the Prophet climbed the first step he said, ‘Aameen’. And when he ascended the second step he said, ‘Aameen’. And when he climbed the third step, he said ‘Aameen’. And when he came down we asked, "O Messenger of Allah, we heard something from you today which we never heard off before”. Allah’s Messenger s.a.w. replied, “When I climbed the first step, the Angel Gabriel (a.s.) appeared before me and said, ‘Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness’. On hearing that I said, 'Aameen'. When I climbed the second step, the Angel Gabriel (a.s.) said, "Destruction to him before whom thy name is taken and then he does not make supplication (du'a) for Allah's blessing on me, meaning, uttering Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam." On hearing this reply I said, 'Aameen'. When I climbed the third step, the Angel Gabriel (a.s.) said "Destruction unto him in whose lifetime his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and through failure to serve them he is not allowed to enter Heaven". The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, I replied, 'Aameen'. 

If we view this Hadith it is obvious that it is a great loss to those who fast and gain no forgiveness from it, something which is unusual. This could probably be related to the individual’s attitude, which may be lacking content or sincerity or it may be that the individual spends Ramadhan in a sinful manner. Another unfortunate person is he who hears the Prophet’s name but makes no effort to respond to it. Many Muslims are known to do this, and most probably are unaware of the consequences of failing to do so especially during Friday Congregational Prayer. Those who do so have been generously rewarded by Allah s.w.t.. In view of this, some scholars in Islam (ulama) consider it obligatory to make supplications (du’a) for Allah's blessing on the Prophet (s.a.w.) whenever his name is mentioned. However, most scholars in Islam consider it a Sunnah, an Optional Act which is desired. The act of seeking Allah’s blessings on the Prophet s.a.w. is well documented in both the Qur’an and in Ahadith. From both these sources we know that even the angels send down praises upon the Prophet, and for each response a person is rewarded ten rewards for each utterance. q Haji Mokhtar Stork

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