MEDIA RELEASE:

Re: Immigrations’ refusal to allow Entry to Muslim Scholar in Tobago.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is demanding a full explanation as to why Shaykh Abu ‘Umar Usamah ibn ‘Atiyah al-‘Utaybi was flagged at the ANR Robinson International Airport after walking off a Virgin Atlantic flight on Thursday, December 8 2011. We were informed by immigration that after checking with Interpol he was flagged as an Orange alert.

We believe this information to be fabricated in light of the fact Shaykh Abu ‘Umar Usamah traveled from Medina to Dubai then on to Gatwick where he stayed in transit for 14 hours and then to Tobago. Are we to believe that Gatwick, England made an error and allowed a man flagged as orange alert to pass security?

Muwahhideen Publications in co-ordination with Islam.TT are the organisations responsible for bringing the Shaykh and teacher. The Shaykh was scheduled to spend two weeks during which time would have covering several small books during the week and doing general lectures on the weekend throughout several masaajid in Trinidad & Tobago. The topics would have covered a wide spectrum of issues including, magic & jinns, a warning against extremism and terrorism, the impermissibility of revolting against the government and much more. The Shaykh is well known for his classes, lectures and dawah efforts.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is asking for a written apology to Shaykh Abu ‘Umar Usamah ibn ‘Atiyah al-‘Utaybi for the embarrassment and the inconvenienced faced. We view this as a continued form of aggression on Islam and Muslims, especially in light of what transpired recently with the SoE and the detention orders.

We are not satisfied with the manner in which Immigration; National Security and certain Government Ministers whom included the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister handled the matter regarding the Shaykh. Muwahhideen Publications was reliable informed two months ago by Ms. Bola at Immigrations that the Shaykhs’ entry was approved. So why was he flagged?

We demand to know from where and whom did the objection came.

We are asking in addition to a written apology that the Government compensate both the Shaykh and Muwahhideen Publications for the money and effort spent in arranging this auspicious visit.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) would also be seeking an audience with the Prime Minister, The Minister of Foreign Affairs, The National Security Minister, the Minister of Education and the Minister of Justice to discuss these matters and other matters of interest that will forge new and improve relations between the Government and Muslims; socially, economically, and politically. Carded for discussions would be:  

1.  The facilitating of Visa application to the Holy Land.

2.  The setting up off an Islamic Court to deal with domestic, property and other minor offences.

3.  Islamic education.

4.  Crime Prevention.

If our efforts are ignored I am afraid this will create a climate bordering on national anarchy and a mind-set in which all Muslims will feel offended.  In a country where crime is at its highest and morality is at its lowest, ignoring us would not be a good idea.  Under these present circumstances, what moral authority will this democracy have in calling for peace, justice, Sincerity, Honesty, transparency and integrity?

For Immediate Release: December 15, 2011

Umar Abdullah
Head of: WaajihatulIslaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: 1 (868) 365-6253
Fax: 1 (868) 631-8597
Email: waajihatulislaamiyyah@gmail.com