Regarding the Venezuelan President's visit on Monday; I will make a decision today as to exactly what we will do for our five nationals still detained in Venezuela... Rest assured whatever decision I make would be in the best interest to all. Keep in mind I am of the absolute clear opinion that our nationals will not be freed by any Judicial processes but rather an act or decree of the Venezuelan Parliament and or an unequivocal intervention by our Government or an act of God Almighty. Please we must bear patience; and don't ask how much more patience can we have because that is not the attitude of a believer. We must continue to strive to the best of our abilities, and be wise and not be complacent and not fall into error. Our nationals, brothers, husbands, fathers and sons will be reunited with us God's willing and when that time comes we must be prepared to receive therm and that will be our biggest trial... May God Almighty make it easy for us and may He guide and protect us through this trial and reward us with patience and understanding... Aameen...
Friday, May 20, 2016
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Media Release: Re: Message From Venezuela: A Glimmer of Hope
Media Release:
Re: Message From Venezuela: A Glimmer of hope
What’s more tragic than one innocent person in prison? Five innocent Trinidadians detained in Venezuela since March 19th 2014. Without any court hearings, no appearance in front of a judge and no identifiable law that was broken, we, the five men detained since last year are now seeing a glimmer of hope now that our country, Trinidad and Tobago has pronounced its new Prime Minister, Government elect, Dr. Keith Rowley in the General Elections. Celebrating from our prison cells we feel optimistic that our matter will be looked into and we are asking our Prime Minister not to abandon us like the previous government did.
As time is going by our families are suffering tremendously and our children are growing older without us, their father’s who are locked up in a foreign jail. As we listened to Prime Minister Keith Rowley giving his victory speech from our prison cells we all feel a sense of comfort and a potential end to this difficult situation . We were put in this situation by one government and we can only hold on to hope that this government can pull us out.
All our previous cries and petition for help fell on deaf ears, or rather the ears that put us here in the first place with empty promises of help. We are not asking to override the Venezuela law but we are asking that our Government seek our interest and protocols with regards to our matter. We are innocent men who got caught in the cross fire of politics and propaganda and now we are stuck in a prison with no help. We are calling on our new Prime Minister, new Minister of National Security, new Minister of foreign Affairs and our Trinidad and Tobago Embassy here in Venezuela to do whatever they’re suppose to do when their citizens are faced in this situation and correct what is happening to us.
For Immediate Release:
Date: Sept., 9th 2015
Wade Charles, Dominic Pitlal, Leslie Daisley, Asim Luqman and Andre Battersby
Detained in Venezuela
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Free Our Five Trinidad and Tobago Nationals Detained In Venezuela
How about we start a 'Free the Captives Program' or a Free the Captives Initiative'... Our brothers are locked away in a Venezuelan jail... They are not only hungry and in need but trapped as well.. So what did our beloved Prophet (s) say about freeing the Captives? Perhaps we need to remind ourselves what's the purpose of this month.. This month is not about eating and drinking and merriment. . It is about self restraint and curbing our desires... it's about understanding and appreciating the sufferings of others.. This is the second Ramadhan our beloved brothers will be spending in captivity away from their wives and children. . So next time you put that morsel of food in your mouth and wash it down with that sweet drink.. Next time you hug your child or your spouse. . Know that your beloved brothers who are locked away in Venezuela and their children and their wives don't have that luxury .. How can we spend this Ramadhan and live with ourselves knowing this and what are we doing as a Muslim brotherhood to resolve this... What if it where your very own would you not have wanted the Muslims to do something? I'm ashamed and worried about our state of affairs. . We seem to have our priorities mixed up... If you are comfortable. .I'm not. . If you are happy. . I'm not. . If you feel safe.. I'm not. . Probably we live in different worlds. .
Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection .”{Book 43, Volume 3, Number 622: Sahih Buhari}
“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” The Prophet was asked: “It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”{Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 624}
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Feed the hungry, visit the sick and set free the captives." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 552
"(The righteous are those) who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of God, saying: 'We feed you for the sake of God Alone; we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.'" - The Holy Quran, 76:8-9
Please I am pleading with the Muslim community for assistance and support. Let us end this Ramadhan making a difference. .. Aameen.
Those of you wishing to help can contact me @ 365-6253 / 787-0765 Venezuela +584120105604 or +584142514717; Sister Sadiqa @ 497-3582 and Bro. Hisham @ 754-1115 Jazak Allah Khair. .
Free Our Five Trinidad and Tobago Nationals Detained In Venezuela
How about we start a 'Free the Captives Program' or a Free the Captives Initiative'... Our brothers are locked away in a Venezuelan jail... They are not only hungry and in need but trapped as well.. So what did our beloved Prophet (s) say about freeing the Captives? Perhaps we need to remind ourselves what's the purpose of this month.. This month is not about eating and drinking and merriment. . It is about self restraint and curbing our desires... it's about understanding and appreciating the sufferings of others.. This is the second Ramadhan our beloved brothers will be spending in captivity away from their wives and children. . So next time you put that morsel of food in your mouth and wash it down with that sweet drink.. Next time you hug your child or your spouse. . Know that your beloved brothers who are locked away in Venezuela and their children and their wives don't have that luxury .. How can we spend this Ramadhan and live with ourselves knowing this and what are we doing as a Muslim brotherhood to resolve this... What if it where your very own would you not have wanted the Muslims to do something? I'm ashamed and worried about our state of affairs. . We seem to have our priorities mixed up... If you are comfortable. .I'm not. . If you are happy. . I'm not. . If you feel safe.. I'm not. . Probably we live in different worlds. .
Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection .”{Book 43, Volume 3, Number 622: Sahih Buhari}
“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” The Prophet was asked: “It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”{Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 624}
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Feed the hungry, visit the sick and set free the captives." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 552
"(The righteous are those) who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of God, saying: 'We feed you for the sake of God Alone; we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.'" - The Holy Quran, 76:8-9
Please I am pleading with the Muslim community for assistance and support. Let us end this Ramadhan making a difference. .. Aameen.
Those of you wishing to help can contact me @ 365-6253 / 787-0765 Venezuela +584120105604 or +584142514717; Sister Sadiqa @ 497-3582 and Bro. Hisham @ 754-1115 Jazak Allah Khair. .
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Freeing Our Muslim Brothers In Venezuela
Statements Of The Classical Scholars On Freeing Muslim Captives:
The scholars have many positions on this subject, but they are agreed upon it being obligatory to free the Muslim prisoners of war, by either sacrificing ourselves or by our wealth.
Ibn Qudamah Al-Hanbali said (Al-Mughni 9/228):
It is obligatory to pay the ransom money for the Muslim prisoners, if it is possible.
This was also said by Umar bin Abdul-Aziz, Imam Malik and Ishaq. It has been narrated from Ibn Zubair that he asked Al-Hassan bin Ali about freeing the prisoners. Al-Hassan replied: “It is obligatory upon the entire Earth on which he was fighting.â€
It has been established from the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) that he said: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the prisoner.â€
It has been narrated by Saeed through his chain from Hibban bin Jabalah, that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Indeed it is obligatory upon the Muslims to free their captives or to pay their ransoms.â€
The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) wrote a letter advising the Muhajireen and Ansar: “To restrain the enemy soldiers in their fortresses and to free the Muslim captives with goodness.â€
The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) paid the ransom for two Muslim men with a man who he (SAWS) had taken from Bani Uqail, and he paid the ransom for two people with a woman who was given as a gift by Salamah bin Al-Akwa.
These evidences show how the prisoners were freed, not specifying any particular way. However, if we are able to free the prisoners through a particular way then it becomes obligatory upon us do take that course. This is what the jurists did and they said: “It is compulsory upon us to even wage war in order to release the Muslim captives, if we are in a position to wage war.â€
Imam An-Nawawi said (Ar-Raudah 10/216):
If the enemy capture a Muslim or two, then is it equivalent to invading a Muslim land? There are two opinions on this. The first opinion is no, because the troubling of one Muslim soldier is insignificant. The more correct and other opinion of the two is yes, because the sanctity of a single Muslim is greater than the sanctity of an entire state. Therefore, if the Islamic State is close to the location where the prisoner was captured, then it should release the prisoner and exact a fine from those who have captured him. (Otherwise, paying the ransom money is wajib (compulsory) if we can free the prisoner by it).
Al-Qurtubi (2/26) said:
Our scholars have said that ransoming the prisoners with money is wajib (obligatory), even if one dirham does not remain in the Islamic Treasury. Ibn Khuwaiz Mindad has confirmed the existence of verses of the Quran that indicate the obligation of releasing the prisoners. It has also been narrated from the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) that he ransomed the prisoners and ordered others to do so as well. This has also been course taken by the Muslims and their consensus that it is incumbent to free the prisoners by taking money from the Islamic Treasury, and if that is not possible, then it becomes compulsory as a collective duty: if one person executes it, the sin is lifted from the shoulders of the rest of the Muslims.
Related from the author of The Book of Jihad and Fighting in Islamic Politics from the author of As-Seer Al-Kabeer with its commentary (3/1583):
It is OK to exchange both male and female non-Muslim prisoners who are in the hands of the Muslims, for Muslim prisoners. This is the opinion held by Abu Yusuf, Muhammad and it is the strongest opinion held by Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him).
Ibn Juzai Al-Maliki said (Page 172 of Qawaneen Al-Ahkam Ash-Shar’iyyah):
It is necessary to rescue the Muslim prisoners from the hands of the disbelievers by fighting them. If the Muslims are unable to do so, then it becomes compulsory upon them to pay the ransom money. It is incumbent on a rich person to ransom himself and on the Imam (leader), to pay the ransom money for the poor people, from the Islamic Treasury. If they still fall short, then it becomes compulsory to take from the wealth of all the Muslims, even if it finishes their wealth.
Al-Izz bin Abdus-Salam said (Page 97 from Ahkam Al-Jihad wa Fadailihi):
Rescuing the Muslim prisoners from the hands of the disbelievers is one of the best means of coming close to Allah. Some of the scholars have said: “If even one Muslim is captured, it becomes compulsory upon us to persevere in fighting the disbelieving enemy until we either free the Muslim captives or destroy the disbelieving enemy. Therefore, what do you say if they capture a large number of Muslims!?â€
Ibn Nuhaas transmits from An-Nawawi in Ar-Raudah (2/838 from Mashari Al-Ashwaq ila Masari’ Al-Ushaq):
If the enemy capture a Muslim or two, then is it equivalent to invading a Muslim land? There are two opinions on this. The first opinion is no, because the troubling of one Muslim soldier is insignificant. The more correct and other opinion of the two is yes, because the sanctity of a single Muslim is greater than the sanctity of an entire state.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said (Al-Fatawa 28/635):
Freeing the prisoners is one of the greatest compulsory deeds and spending ransom money and other means towards that, is one of the greatest ways to come close to Allah.
Ibn Al-Arabi said (Ahkam Al-Quran 2/440):
Unless the prisoners are from the weak and oppressed, then the State should be steadfast in their cause. To help them with our bodies is wajib (obligatory) and no one should remain behind until they all leave to rescue them or spend all of their wealth to rescue them. This was said by Imam Malik and all of the scholars. Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we must return, if we leave our brothers in the hands of the enemy and they have wealth, weapons, number, strength and authority.
Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami said (Tuhfah Al-Muhtaj 9/237) said:
If the enemy captures a single Muslim, it becomes wajib (obligatory) on every one who has the ability, to rush to their rescue (even without seeking anyone’s permission). It is apparent that it is compulsory on everyone, similar to the situation where the enemy invades our land. Moreover, saving our brothers is of a higher priority, as the sanctity of a Muslim is greater (than the sanctity of a State).
Abu Bakr Al-Jassas (Ahkam Al-Quran 1/58) said:
The ransoming of Muslim prisoners is one of the obligatory deeds that has been established upon us. Al-Hajjaj bin Artaah narrated about this ruling from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) wrote a letter to the Muhajireen and Ansar, to detain the enemy prisoners in their stronghold, ransom their prisoners for something befitting and for peacemaking amongst the Muslims. Mansoor narrated from Shaqeeq bin Salamah from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Feed the hungry, spread the greeting (salam), visit the sick and free the prisoner.â€
These two serve as evidences for freeing the prisoners because the word, â€کAl-Aani’ in Arabic refers to prisoner. Imran bin Hussain and Salamah bin Al-Akwa’ narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) ransomed pagans for Muslim prisoners.
Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani said (Fath Al-Bari 6/167):
The saying of Imam Al-Bukhari, â€کThe Chapter on Freeing Prisoners’ refers to freeing them from the hands of the enemy by money or by other means. The word â€کAl-Fakak’, where the fa (Arabic letter) from the word has a fatha (it is also permissible for it to take a kasrah), means to free. This word is mentioned in two hadiths. The first one is the hadith of Abu Musa: “Free the prisoner.†Ibn Battal said that freeing the prisoners is compulsory on a collective duty (Fard Kifayah). This opinion is also held by the majority of the scholars.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Eight Muslims Including Two Sisters Arrested
I was reliably informed that eight brothers and sisters have been arrested and are being held at both the Arima and La Horquetta Police Station. I called the Arima Police and It was confirmed that 7 brothers and 2 sisters were held on enquiries... I enquired about their status and was told they are being kept in separate cells except the sisters who are being held together in one cell. They were all given dinner.
The exercise was carried out by the La Horquetta Task Force; Sgt. Waldorf. Three of the brothers were taken to La Horquetta and the rest including the sisters are being held in Arima....
I sent a message to both the top CoP and Minister Gary Griffith to Please ensure that justice and fairness is observed in this matter and that full respect be given to these brothers and sisters... Especially the Sisters and to recognize that this is the holy month of Ramadaan and that the Eid celebrations is just next week and that considerations must be given to their religious rights; as regards the prayer and the fast...
An Attorney-at-Law will be looking into the matter. Insha Allah...
Umar Abdullah
Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: 1 (868) 365-6253/787-0765
Eight Muslims Including Two Sisters Arrested
I was reliably informed that eight brothers and sisters have been arrested and are being held at both the Arima and La Horquetta Police Station. I called the Arima Police and It was confirmed that 7 brothers and 2 sisters were held on enquiries... I enquired about their status and was told they are being kept in separate cells except the sisters who are being held together in one cell. They were all given dinner.
The exercise was carried out by the La Horquetta Task Force; Sgt. Waldorf. Three of the brothers were taken to La Horquetta and the rest including the sisters are being held in Arima....
I sent a message to both the top CoP and Minister Gary Griffith to Please ensure that justice and fairness is observed in this matter and that full respect be given to these brothers and sisters... Especially the Sisters and to recognize that this is the holy month of Ramadaan and that the Eid celebrations is just next week and that considerations must be given to their religious rights; as regards the prayer and the fast...
An Attorney-at-Law will be looking into the matter. Insha Allah...
Umar Abdullah
Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: 1 (868) 365-6253/787-0765
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