Media Release: Attorney General Faris Al Rawi's Response to the high court matter ruling by Justice Margaret Mohammed.

Media Release:

Re: Attorney General Faris Al Rawi's  Response to the high court matter ruling by Justice Margaret Mohammed.

The Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is condemning statements made by Attorney General Faris Al Rawi in a telephone interview with the Express newspaper on Saturday 10 November 2018.

The AG is quoted as stating, “
THIS PARTICULAR CASE WAS NOT UNDER MY GENERAL WATCH”

Further, the AG went on to state, that “ I am not surprised, it is not a landmark judgement. It is not new”

It’s on this premises Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is outraged over these statements. And will like to clarify that this judgment was, in fact, a landmark ruling, pertaining to the allowance by a judge to allow Special Reserve Police, Sharon ROOP to wear her hijab on duty.

This judgement sets the precedent for future cases where religious groups and its members would no longer be victimized or oppressed to wear their religious apparel or symbols in public or on the workplace.

In fact, this judgement not only is a landmark ruling for Muslims in this country but other religious groups, as it was also stated in that judgement that the Rosary, rakhi, sindoor and cross can be worn by its respective members in public or on the workplace.

Therefore, for AG AL Rawi to state, it was not under his watch, begs the question, had it been under his watch, would he have opposed such a case or ruling? This we call on the AG to publicly clarify.

Further, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) lauds the efforts of Attorney’s at law on this matter, Anand Ramlogan and Gerald Ramdeen for their research and efforts.

To this end, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) sees this ruling as being beneficial to any society and a progress towards religious tolerance. Any plural society that is matter would advance to such a cause. This judgement is evident of T&T’s steps towards international maturity and unity and tolerance of all religious groups and its members.

For Immediate Release:
Date: November 12, 2018

Umar Abdullah
Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: +18683656253 or +18687870765

Faith Without Hypocrisy? or Hypocrisy Without Faith?

Faith Without Hypocrisy?

or

Hypocrisy Without Faith?

Response to Iqubal Hydal’s Statement in The Trinidad Express

Dated 25th Sept. 2017

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (Quran 24:31).

The statements made by Iqubal Hydal to suggest that the Hijab is not a mandate of the Quran and the immediate response and course of action by the Muslims came as no surprise for we are told by our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “…There will come a trial which will appear… During this trial, a man will be a believer in the morning and an unbeliever by evening, such that people will be in two camps: the camp of faith without hypocrisy and the camp of hypocrisy without faith…

It is appearing that Hydal and his entire group is bent on exposing that hypocrisy. It appears when the Caliph al-Mu'tasim commanded and deployed a massive army to retaliate against the Romans who at the time invaded Malatya, in honour of a Muslim sister who cried out "Wa Mo'atasimah" which translates to "O Mu'tasim", after being captured and unveiled by the Romans has not taught us any lesson when it comes to our Muslim Sisters...

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) contacted Iqubal Haydal and spoke with him regarding his statements. He was quick to point out that even though he is commending the sister (WPC) for challenging the authorities in seeking her right to religious freedom and observance, he is of the opinion it’s not a mandate of the Qur’an.  He further went on to say it is his opinion that it would have been more appropriate for the WPC to fight for the right for all police officers Male and Female to attend the Jumu’ah on Fridays. He said he is not against the wearing of the Hijab, however he is sensing a level of hypocrisy by his critics asking how many of them supported the Muslim WPC, sighting also the sisters who attend the masjid are most times inappropriately dressed.

The statements of Iqubal Hayal will none the less certainly throw open the doors of compromise to those Muslim Brothers and Sisters who are not prepared to stand firm on this issue. This together with our hypocrisy would however weaken our resolve and so would lead to the eventual stripping of all our religious practices.

I am yet to see the rationale of the Muslim response compounded with the fact that in this country we have had so many cases regarding the Hijab, that have been adjudicated and so many before the courts awaiting trial and judgements. How many Muslims are aware of this? How many Muslims are supporting these sisters?

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) have told Hydal, he has intensified the flames of discord between the Muslims and his group.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) also told Hydal, more importantly, he needs to address the Muslim community of this country and thoroughly explain his group’s position on Islam and Muslims as it relates to the Qur’an and The Sunnah and That, he should make it clear where he stands on this issue as this would obviously affect him and his group.

Umar Abdullah

Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)

Tel: +18687870765 or +18683656253

Date: September 26, 2017

 

Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Column entitled "Hijabonomics Explained"

Media Release:

Re: Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Column entitled "Hijabonomics Explained"

In Response to Kevin Baldeosingh's Commentary in the Guardian Newspaper which was published on Sunday 27th May 2017 Entitled "Hijabonomics Explained" in which he suggested "Why then does she simply not remove her Hijab so she can get the job" Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is saying this is an attack on the dignity and modesty of all women. What Kevin is suggesting is that all women should strip themselves and compromise their true worth in order to get a job in this country. This is synonymous with prostitution.

Baldeosingh has crossed the line to suggest such, and enough is enough! We are calling for his immediate dismissal. If this is not done Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) together with the entire Muslim Community of Trinidad and Tobago will have no reason but to believe Guardian Media Limited and its' editors views the Muslim Community of Trinidad and Tobago with scorn and disgust.

It appears as though Guardian Media Limited its' editors and Kevin Baldeosingh takes great pleasure in attacking and ridiculing the Muslim community during their most auspicious occasions; the last attempt was on Eid-ul-Fitr 2015 and this present Ramadhaan. We are not going to tolerate this blatant disregard of religious freedom especially in this holy month of Ramadhaan.

Our National Anthem which is a symbol of Our nation's sovereignty boasts of "Where every creed and race shall find an equal place". The Hijab also is a symbol; a symbol of God's sovereignty on Earth. We will be damned to allow anyone to suggest the removal of or attack our symbols.  

The Devil is chained during the Month of Ramadhaan but there are human manifestations of his handiwork. This commentary is laced with a poisonous blend of bigotry and racial discrimination to say the least. This commentary was done in bad taste, lacks substance and void of any positive contribution. It is a venomous attack on identity and Culture. 

The Guardian Media Limited definitely has to do something about this plague that has infected the integrity of this media House. I'm also calling  for a full retraction of this commentary and is further calling on and challenging the Guardian Media Ltd to apologise in like manner to sister Aisha Sabur, to all Muslims and to all women of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Immediate Release:
Date: 29th May 2017

Umar Abdullah
Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: +18687870765 or +18683656253

Ruling on making fun of the hijab...

Whoever makes fun of a Muslim man or woman for adhering to the Islamic sharee’ah is a kaafir, whether he is mocking a Muslim woman for observing correct Islamic hijaab or for some other reason. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) narrated that during the campaign of Tabook a man said: “I have never seen anything like these Qur’aan readers of ours. They have the biggest bellies, the most lying tongues and they are the most cowardly when meeting the enemy.” Another man said, “You are lying, and you are a hypocrite. I will most certainly tell the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) [what you have said].” He told the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then Qur’aan was revealed. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: “I saw him (that man) hanging onto the saddle of the she-camel of the Messenger of Allaah, (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), stumbling over the stones, and he [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] was saying,

“Was it at Allaah, and His Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger that you were mocking?”

Make no excuse; you disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujrimoon (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals)”

[al-Tawbah 9:65-66 – interpretation of the meaning]

So mocking the believers is equivalent to mocking Allaah, His verses and His Messenger. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Cover Letter to Paula Gopee-Scoon; Minister of Foreign Affairs Trinidad and Tobago

Peace and Guidance Madam Minister;



Attached is a letter I sent to the Ambassador of the French Republic to Trinidad and Tobago. It concerns the recommendation by the French President and his administration to partially ban the wearing of veils that cover the face - including the Burqa.


This issue is of great importance not only to my organisation but to
all Muslims in this Twin Island State of ours. What ever affects
Muslims in France, affects us here as well. If these issues with the
French is not addressed, it will inevitably negitively impact on you
and your office and by extension your government. PLEASE be advised I am prepared to do what ever it takes to properly deal with these matters. I view this as tantamount to a physical attack on my Muslim Sisters.


Madam Minister... I am open for dialog on these and other issues that affect us Muslims here in Trinidad and Tobago. You can contact me through the following Numbers: 787-0765/365-6253 or email me at waajihatulislaamiyyah@gmail.com. Please don't allow this opportunity to pass you by. Thank You.


Peace and Guidance
Umar Abdullah

Letter To His Excellency, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Trinidad and Tobago.

29 January 2010



Re: His Excellency, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Trinidad and Tobago.




Dear Honourable Ambassador;


In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.


“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (Quran 24:31).


If ever you want to destroy a people, you first take away their culture and their way of life.


The recommendation by your President and his administration to partially ban the wearing of veils that cover the face - including the Burqa - came as no surprise for we are told by our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) “that a time would come when the whole world would gather around to plan the destruction of the Muslims as if they were gathered around a table to take part in a meal".


It is evidently clear that the President of France and the entire democratic world is bent on destroying Islam and Muslims. It appears as though when the Caliph al-Mu'tasim commanded and deployed a massive army to retaliate against the Romans who at the time invaded Malatya, in honour of a Muslim sister who cried out "Wa Mo'atasimah" which translates to "O Mu'tasim", after being captured and unveiled by the Romans has not taught the democratic world any lesson when it comes to our Muslim Sisters... or has your Prime Minister forgotten where in the 1700s an RC Bishop banned the eating of potatoes calling it food of the soulless infidels - potatoes which were being imported at that time from the Andes in Peru . The Bishop's order lead to widespread starvation and eventually the French Revolution.


The actions of your President will inevitably set a precedent for the whole of the democratic world, simultaneously throwing open the doors of compromise to those Muslim Brothers and Sisters who are not prepared to stand firm on this issue. This would however weaken our resolve and so would lead to the eventual striping of all our religious practices.


I am yet to see the rationale behind your President’s thinking compounded with the fact that France already has a law against Muslim girls wearing headscarves in state schools.


Sarkozy said the issue is one of a woman's freedom and dignity, and did not have to do with religion; Woman’s freedom and dignity? By whose standard? Surely he is not speaking on behalf of the Muslims?


People all over the world and even in France are allowed to practice their culture even if these cultures negatively affect society. What’s wrong or rather what negative effect do these women have on society? Which by the way forces us to wonder why a partial ban? Wouldn’t your society be exposed to the same ‘perceived threat’ on the streets and other public places? Or is it that Sarkozy is just testing the waters to see the response of the Muslim world in determining how far he can take this?


Your President have done nothing more than fan the flames of discord between the Muslims and the Democratic world.


Our message to your President is: you may ban the wearing of the veils that cover the face - including the Burqa and even destroy all the Quran in the world but he will never be able to destroy the pure heart of a believer.


He that fuels us is Allah through the Quran and the way of our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). This course of action will serve your President no good as he would seek to harm none other than his own citizens and his country.


Honourable Ambassador you have a responsibility to communicate our concerns to your President. Your Embassy is a reflection and a pure representative of your country and by extension a representative of the views of your President and his administration. What affects my Muslim Brothers and Sisters there in France would affect us Muslims here as well. Consequently, in answering the cries of our Muslim Sisters, our first line of communication would obviously be you and neither I nor my organisation is prepared to stand down until you address our concerns on behalf of your government.


I would wish at this time you address the Muslim community of this Twin Island State of ours and thoroughly explain your government’s position on Islam and Muslims as it relates to France. Let us know where you stand on this issue as this would obviously affect our relationship. Should we see this as an error on the part of your Prime Minister and a total misrepresentation of your views? Or is this really a declaration of war against Islam and Muslims by your country?


Yours respectfully,
Umar Abdullah


Head of Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)




CC: Paula Gopee-Scoon; Minister of Foreign Affairs Trinidad and Tobago

Kuwait lawmaker wants to scrap Sharia rules

Rula Dashti, who does not wear the hijab, challenges the requirement that women must comply with Sharia rules to exercise their political rights. Women’s head covers stir up debate among Islamic scholars...

Four years ago when that parliament voted to grant women full political rights was when they made their first mistake and by extension we all share in that mistake… They are now plagued with an evil that would have naturally followed and by extension we are all plagued with this evil... They should all be killed for their wrong doing…