Media Release: Rogue Head of The Prison's High-Risk Management Unit.

Media Release:

Re; Rogue Head of The Prison's High-Risk Management Unit.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson to answer why to date; 5 Muslim inmates; in particular Roget Boucher and Sheldon Reid (an elderly Diabetic person) and others which includes Michael Finley, Olatunji Denbow and Brent Johnson, is still being housed at Building 13; the "Muslim Dungeon" located at the Maximum Security Prison.

Further, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is demanding answers into the false accusations purported throughout the prison, that both men Boucher and Reid had some involvement into criminal acts at the prison; an accusation, they know nothing about. Additionally, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that this was the handy work of chief advisor to the Prisons Commissioner, Wilson, who also happens to head of the High-risk management unit. This advisor is also responsible for banning Arabic books coming into the prison.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that this same trusted advisor has been demanding dates with female visitors and is behind the unfounded allegations pertaining to this case. We understand, that this High-Risk Management Head, mere months ago, got into a verbal spat with Roget Boucher and has since made attempts to undermine the reform and rehabilitation of Boucher.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is asking, can the prisons commissioner state, whether this information is true, and answer why is his chief advisor at the center of this controversy? And thus by default placing himself; Gereld Wilson in a very compromising position. These lies and Innuendos on the part of this rogue officer who has disguised himself as a trusted advisor has tarnished and is destroying the relationship between the Prisons Service and Muslim groups in this country. Why is the Prisons Commissioner allowing himself to be manipulated like this? Again, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on all Independent media personnel to investigate this 'so called' advisor to Commissioner Wilson, his background and his sexually predatory nature.

For Immediate Release:
Date: August., 30th 2019

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

Media Release: Rogue Head of The Prison's High-Risk Management Unit.

Media Release:

Re; Rogue Head of The Prison's High-Risk Management Unit.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson to answer why to date; 5 Muslim inmates; in particular Roget Boucher and Sheldon Reid (an elderly Diabetic person) and others which includes Michael Finley, Olatunji Denbow and Brent Johnson, is still being housed at Building 13; the "Muslim Dungeon" located at the Maximum Security Prison.

Further, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is demanding answers into the false accusations purported throughout the prison, that both men Boucher and Reid had some involvement into criminal acts at the prison; an accusation, they know nothing about. Additionally, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that this was the handy work of chief advisor to the Prisons Commissioner, Wilson, who also happens to head of the High-risk management unit. This advisor is also responsible for banning Arabic books coming into the prison.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that this same trusted advisor has been demanding dates with female visitors and is behind the unfounded allegations pertaining to this case. We understand, that this High-Risk Management Head, mere months ago, got into a verbal spat with Roget Boucher and has since made attempts to undermine the reform and rehabilitation of Boucher.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is asking, can the prisons commissioner state, whether this information is true, and answer why is his chief advisor at the center of this controversy? And thus by default placing himself; Gereld Wilson in a very compromising position. These lies and Innuendos on the part of this rogue officer who has disguised himself as a trusted advisor has tarnished and is destroying the relationship between the Prisons Service and Muslim groups in this country. Why is the Prisons Commissioner allowing himself to be manipulated like this? Again, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on all Independent media personnel to investigate this 'so called' advisor to Commissioner Wilson, his background and his sexually predatory nature.

For Immediate Release:
Date: August., 30th 2019

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

#UmarAbdullah #WaajihatulIslaamiyyah #TheIslamicFront #TrinidadAndTobago #MuslimInmates
#MuslimDungeon #ArabicBooks #UnfoundedAllegations #liesAndInnuendos #RogueOfficer #PrisonCommissionerGereldWilson

Media Release: Questions as to Why Government is Condoning Outrageous Acts Against Prisoners.

Media Release:

Re: Questions as to Why Government is Condoning Outrageous Acts Against Prisoners.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is again re-iterating it’s call to the Citizenry to distance themselves from the PNM and turn support away on the ground from the PNM as campaigning is ongoing for Local Government elections. This; on the premise that this present administration continues to turn a blind eye and condone the actions of Commissioner of Prisons; Gerald Wilson, under his "NEW BOSS" Gary Griffith, in carrying out outrageous acts against prisoners and sitting on it as if nothing has ever happened.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the commissioner to answer why Arabic books are not accepted in the prison and why the two (2) Muslim inmates Roget Boucher and Sheldon Reid are continuing to be housed at the dungeon, that is Building 13 or should it be referred to as the "Muslim Dungeon"? Because this building is the preferred choice by the state and by extension the commissioner and his associates when they feel to maliciously punish Muslims.  Michael Finley, Olatunji Denbow, Darryl Bissoon, Brent Johnson and Stephon Whitehall are the other inmates who are being maliciously punished. All are Muslims with the exception of Darryl Bissoon and Stephon Whitehall.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is questioning whether or not fair play was involved in the selection process or was it a clear case of nepotism on the part of the prison commissioner in hiring the head the High-risk management unit. A question to the commissioner and to all investigative journalists in this country; who is this person who heads this unit? What is his track record? Where any charges brought against him?

Further, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the National Security Minister and by extension the Prime Minister to investigate whether the Prison commissioner has become "politically exposed" based on the relationship he shares with a certain ex high ranking international official. If this is, in fact, true, it puts him at risk for potential involvement in bribery and corruption by virtue of his position and the influence that he holds.

In light of all this Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on all investigative journalists in this country to dig deeper into the real operations of prison Commissioner Gerald Wilson and his associates. Whether or not they are creating monsters and boogiemen, further contributing to violent crimes or putting a dent into our crime splurge.

For Immediate Release:
Date: August., 27th 2019

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

The day of ‘Arafah

Praise be to Allaah.

The day of ‘Arafah and the fast thereon is the ninth day of the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which is defined for each country according to their sighting of the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah. So it may be on Thursday for the people of Makkah, and for others it may be on Wednesday or Saturday. It is not essential to follow the people of Makkah when there are differences in the sighting of the new moon. This is the most correct of the scholarly views, that each country has its own sighting when there is a difference concerning that. 

If the Muslims in Britain have sighted the new moon, then the Muslims in that country should follow their sighting, otherwise they should follow the sighting of the country closest to them. See the topic after this entitled "Moon Sightings at it relates to The Day of 'Arafat".

Secondly: 

There is a great deal of virtue in offering supplication (du‘aa’) on the day of ‘Arafah, because of the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him), according to which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of supplication is supplication of the day of Arafat, and the best of what I and the Prophets before me said is: Laa ilaaha illa Allah wahdahu, laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the Dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).”

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3585) and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1536. 

Does this virtue apply only to those who are in ‘Arafat, or does it include other places too? 

Concerning that there is a difference of opinion among the scholars, which is discussed in the topic at the end, entitled "Du’aa’ offered on the day of ‘Arafah".

According to the opinion that it includes other countries and places too, the same may be said concerning it as is said above. So each person should offer supplication on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, according to the sighting of the new moon in his country, even if the pilgrims stood in ‘Arafat on the previous day or will do so on the following day. 

And Allah knows best.

Moon Sightings at it relates to The Day of 'Arafat.

Praise be to Allaah.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: what if the day of ‘Arafah is different because of the moon being sighted at different times in different countries? Should we fast according to the moon sighting in the country where we are or according to the moon sighting in al-Haramayn (the two Holy Sanctuaries)? 

He replied: This is based on a difference of opinion among the scholars: Is there only one moon sighting for the whole world or does it vary according to when the moon rises in different places? 

The correct view is that it varies according to when the moon rises in different places. For example, if the moon is sighted in Makkah, and today is the ninth, and it is sighted elsewhere one day before Makkah, and the day of ‘Arafah in Makkah is the tenth for them, it is not permissible for them to fast on this day because it is Eid. Similarly if it so happens that they sight the moon after Makkah, and the 9th in Makkah is the 8th for them, then they should fast the day that is the 9th for them, which is the 10th in Makkah. This is the correct view, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) fast and when you see it break your fast.” Those who did not see the moon in their own location have not seen it. Just as people are unanimously agreed that the times for dawn and sunset vary according to their own location, so too the months are also worked out by location, just like the daily timings. 

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20. 

And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about some people who worked in the Saudi embassy in a foreign country, who said that they were having a problem concerning the fast of Ramadaan and the fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The brothers there had split into three groups: 

One group said: we will fast with Saudi and break the fast with Saudi. 

Another group said: we will fast with the country where we are living and break the fast with them. 

The last group said: we will fast Ramadaan with the country where we are living, but we will fast the day of ‘Arafah with Saudi. 

They asked the Shaykh to provide them with a detailed answer concerning the Ramadaan fast and fasting the day of ‘Arafah, whilst noting that for the past five years, in the country where they were living neither Ramadaan nor the day of ‘Arafah had been observed on the same days as in Saudi; their Ramadaan started one or two days after it had been announced in Saudi, and sometimes three days after. 

He replied: 

In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed concerning the issue when the moon is sighted in one part of the Muslim world and not in another: do all the Muslims have to act on the basis of that, or only those who sighted it and the people who live in the same region, or only those who sighted it and the people who live under the same government? There are many different points of view. 

The most correct view is that the matter should be referred to those who have knowledge of it. If the moon rises at the same point for two countries they become like one country, so if it is sighted in one of them that ruling applies to the other. But if the rising points differ, then each country has its own ruling. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him); this is the apparent meaning of the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and what is implied by analogy.  

In the Qur’aan it says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

What is implied by this verse is that whoever does not see it is not obliged to fast. 

In the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) then fast, and when you see it, break your fast.” What is implied by this hadeeth is that if we did not see it we are not obliged to fast or to break the fast. 

With regard to analogy, the times for starting and ending the fast each day should be worked out in each country on its own, according to the local times of sunrise and sunset. This is a point on which there is scholarly consensus. So you see the people in east Asia starting their fast before the people of west Asia, and breaking their fast before them, because dawn breaks for the former before the latter, and the sun sets for the former before the latter. 

Once this is established with regard to the times for starting and ending the daily fast, it also applies to the start and end of the monthly fast. There is no difference between them. 

But if many regions come under the same government, and the ruler gives the command for the fast to start or end, then his command must be followed, because this is a matter of scholarly dispute but the command of the ruler dispels that dispute. 

Based on the above, you should fast and break your fast along with the people of the country where you are living, whether that is in accordance with your country of origin or not. Similarly on the day of ‘Arafah you should follow the country where you are living. 

Written by Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, 28/8/1420 AH. 

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 19.

Du’aa’ offered on the day of ‘Arafah.

Praise be to Allaah.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allaah ransoms more of His slaves from the Fire than the day of ‘Arafah. He draws close then He boasts about them before the angels and says, ‘What do these people want?’” Narrated by Muslim (1348). 

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3585)’ classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1536). 

It was narrated from Talhah ibn ‘Ubayd ibn Kurayz in a mursal report: “The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah.” Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (500); classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (1102). 

The scholars differed concerning this virtue of du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, whether it applies only to those who are in ‘Arafah or it includes other places. The more correct view is that it is general and that the virtue is connected to the day, but undoubtedly those who are in ‘Arafah have combined the virtue of the place with the virtue of the time. 

Al-Baaji (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

The words “The best of du’aa’ is on the day of ‘Arafah” mean the dhikr with the greatest blessing, the greatest reward and that which is most likely to be answered. It may be interpreted as referring to pilgrims only, because the meaning of du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah is very true in their case, and applies especially to them. But if the day of ‘Arafah is regarded in general terms, it is described as such because of the pilgrims being there. And Allaah knows best. End quote. 

Al-Muntaqa Sharh al-Muwatta’ (1/358). 

It is proven that some of the salaf regarded “al-ta’reef” as permissible, which means gathering in the mosques to offer du’aa’ and remember Allaah (dhikr) on the day of ‘Arafah. Among those who did that was Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him). Imam Ahmad also regarded it as permissible although he did not do it himself. 

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Al-Qaadi said: There is nothing wrong with ta’reef, gathering in the afternoon of the day of ‘Arafah in the regions (i.e., other than ‘Arafah). Al-Athram said: I asked Abu ‘Abd-Allaah (i.e., Imam Ahmad) about ta’reef in the regions, where they gather in the mosques on the day of ‘Arafah, and he said: I hope that there is nothing wrong with it, as more than one did it. Al-Athram narrated that al-Hasan said: The first one who did ta’reef in Basra was Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah have mercy on him). Ahmad said: The first ones who did it were Ibn ‘Abbaas and ‘Amr ibn Hurayth. 

Al-Hasan, Bakr, Thaabit and Muhammad ibn Waasi’ used to attend the mosque on the day of ‘Arafah. Ahmad said: There is nothing wrong with it, it is only du’aa’ and remembrance of Allaah (dhikr). It was said to him: Do you do it? He said: As for me, no. And it was narrated that Yahya ibn Ma’een attended (the mosque) with the people on the afternoon of ‘Arafah. End quote. 

Al-Mughni (2/129). 

This indicates that they thought that the virtue of the day of ‘Arafah did not apply only to the pilgrims only, although gathering to remember Allaah and say du’aa’ in the mosques on the day of ‘Arafah was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Hence Imam Ahmad did not do it, but he allowed it and did not forbid it, because it was narrated that some of the Sahaabah did it, such as Ibn ‘Abbaas and ‘Amr ibn Hurayth (may Allaah be pleased with them). 

And Allaah knows best.

Media Release: The Killing of Businessmen Haniff Mohammed

Media Release:

Re: The Killing of Businessmen Haniff Mohammed

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) mourns the death of our brother Haniff Mohammed, who was murdered in cold blood, at the Junon Street, Masjid in Couva. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un... "Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return". May he rest in peace! May Allah bless and comfort his family and relatives during this time of grief. In this holy month of Ramadhan in which the gates of Paradise are opened, may he enter it with ease, and may he be forbidden to enter the gates of Hell which are closed in this month. May Allah give him eternal rest and his love-ones the strength to bear the great pain. May the care and love of those around them provide comfort and peace to get them through the days ahead. Aameen.

As much as we are dis­gust­ed and are not go­ing to tol­er­ate nor ac­cept this das­tard­ly act per­pe­trat­ed with­in the sanc­ti­ty of our holy places. We recall within the last four years other killings of similar nature and circumstances; all within the holy month of Ramadhan.

Daniel Bostic, 35, of Dray­ton Street, San Fer­nan­do, was murdered on the compound of the Jama Masjid, Mucarapo Street, San Fernando on Wed 1st July 2015.

Cornelius “Tractor” Peters, 34, of Maturita Village, Arima, was murdered on the compound of Masjid al Falah, Arima on Sat 9th June 2018.

All these murders bore some resemblance which alludes to the character and lifestyle of some of these individuals; both the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) calls on Muslims to return to their religion and to adhere to the teachings of the Qur'an and the practices of our beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The same goes for all persons; return to your religion! How can we expect for others to respect our spaces of worship when we ourselves are disrespectful in them? We violate the teaching of the scriptures, calling the displeasure and wrath of the Almighty God and present ourselves within our places of worship and use it as a cover for our indifferent ways. Our religious leaders who are aware of these individuals should be held accountable for their actions. In most cases, they turn a blind eye to what's happening under their watch. They refuse to call out the wrongs of these individuals because they perhaps benefit from them. Imagine Hours af­ter busi­ness­man Han­iff Mo­hammed was gunned down af­ter of­fer­ing mid­day prayers at the Junon Street, Masjid in Couva on Fri­day, four Mus­lim men between the ages of 18 and 35, were held for an alleged kidnapping at a Masjid in Longdenville Chaguanas.

The comparison made by Concerned Muslims of TT PRO Imtiaz Mohammed said the murder of Mohammed has made him reflect on the mass killings in New Zealand.

After the New Zealand massacre, the media asked him, if he felt the same thing can happen here, he said, "don't rule it out". "And today we have the brutal and violent murder in the Junon Street Masjid,” he said. This is exactly the type of rhetoric used by some of our leaders as a cover for what's, in fact, an indictment against us. It is this shallow thinking of our leaders without in debt thought and analysis that gives rise to rancor within our communities.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) contends that these brazen acts of violence are in ways linked to the support and involvement of corrupt police officers and corrupt politicians. Returning to our religion is in no way turning the other cheek its, in fact, the direct opposite. By so doing we'll push back the criminals in a place unfamiliar to them thereby forcing them to change their ways. This will certainly help stamp out the corruption both within the police and amongst the politicians.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) states with conviction, we have no one else to blame but our­selves. We hold the keys to bridge those gaps and re­con­nect with the so­ci­ety, but be­cause of our lack of lead­er­ship and lack of vi­sion we have once again found our­selves at the mer­cy of evil.

For Immediate Release:
Date: May 13th, 2019

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

Media Release: Sri Lanka Easter bombings.

Media Release:

Re: Sri Lanka Easter bombings.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) joins the rest of the international community in condemning in the strongest possible terms, the unprecedented terrorist attack which saw carnage within two vital institutions of Sri Lanka's symbol of hope; namely the institution of faith and the state's institution of tourism.

These events prematurely bring an end to the 10th year anniversary toast of peace within Sri Lanka's borders. The 18th of May which marks the 10th year anniversary of Sri Lanka's decades of civil war, will not be as joyful as was hoped.

It has been reported, 24 suspects was arrested after the series of church and hotel bombings on Easter Sunday which killed 290 people and wounded 500. A so called local "Islamist group" known as National Towheed Jamath is believed to be behind the attack. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to deliver swift justice, bringing those responsible to account.

Real ugly truth has raised its head in Sri Lanka. Truth that highlights Prime Minister Ranil's incompetence in safeguarding his people and the possibility of someone or something trying desperately to oust him from power. As for those who are associating this attack with Muslims and Islam - This is not Islam - Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)  is distancing itself from any reference that "National Towheed Jamath" is an "Islamist group" or associated with Muslims or Islam. That's a different way of life to what we know and practice. That there is not a religion, it's a product of a failed response, a failed social structure, a failed education system, and a failed state. It's an end product that cuts through the fabric of integration, inclusion and religious tolerance.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on everyone to condemn this vile and heinous act of terror and to demand swift justice. Let us send a clear message to these  dastardly bastards that their kind are not welcomed in this world.

For Immediate Release:
Date: April 22th, 2019

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

Media Release: The Reinstatement of ASP Roger Alexander.

Media Release:

Re: The Reinstatement of ASP Roger Alexander.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)  is certainly not amused nor does it find solace in the reinstatement of ASP Roger Alexander. This is one error Gary Griffith should not be making so early in holding this office of Commissioner of  Police. And as if reinstatement was not enough, Gary Griffith is adding insult to injury by appearing alongside with ASP Roger Alexander on his return debut on TV6’s Beyond the Tape. This ill-gotten fame would definitely go to Alexander's head. Can you imagine a "rogue police officer" boasting of having a debut with the Commissioner of Police, as one of his credentials?

It is quite apparent this matter before the courts are not over. The ugly truth is, this endorsement by Commissioner Gary Griffith would go horribly wrong.

Alexander was on suspension after he was charged with assault but was freed earlier this month. Alexander and his co-accused constable Sheldon Mires were charged with assaulting Christopher Charles in Santa Cruz in July 2016. After two years and 44 days, they were freed. Alexander said then that he was eager to work with Griffith.

According to one of our prominent attorneys; Fareed Ali, in a release said, "...the officers were acquitted and can now resume active duty within the TTPS. The truth is as it stands they are both free from convictions but as we say in Trinidad on a ‘technicality’. What happened was not one shred of evidence was allowed to be read against either officer..."

"...In reality, what the extract of the court will in fact say is that the case was not dismissed on its merits by way of evidence. In fact, it was dismissed when the Magistrate threw it out inter alia because of the tardiness and inefficiency of the state in piloting yet another matter through the judicial system. This result as a result of the state is another blot on the criminal justice system in the democracy of Trinidad and Tobago. It will serve to undermine public confidence in the already ailing criminal justice system..."

"...Whilst the newspaper editorials tell a story invariably of the innocence of both officers the truth is they were not proven to be innocent at trial because the trial was not allowed to take place because of the actions of Magistrate Nizam Khan. The state by appealing against the decision of the Magistrate seeks to have leave of the Court of Appeal to relay the charges against Alexander  and  Mieres..."

This is exactly why Commissioner Gary Griffith should keep his distance from Roger Alexander and not reinstate him. This action of the Commissioner may appear to have been made in haste with the possibility of being influenced or persuaded. This definitely would erode public confidence causing serious, possibly delivering an irreparable blow to the Office of the Commissioner.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to seriously reconsider his decision to re-enstate ASP Roger Alexander and further advises that he keeps his distance from Alexander until the appeal is heard and Roger Alexander is exonerated by the courts.

For Immediate Release:
Date: April 2nd, 2019

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

Media Release: Response to Government's Proposed National Security Council Meeting With The Muslim Community

Media Release:

Re: Response to Government's Proposed  National Security Council Meeting With The Muslim Community

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) feels insulated and aggrieved
by government's reaction in answering the call of the Muslim community to address their security concerns and to give them an assurance of comfort and peace of mind. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) holds the view, the National Security Council's meeting carded for Wednesday 21st March 2019, at the Diplomatic Center, with various selected heads from the Muslim community, is a knee jerk reaction to our recent call for the Commissioner of Police to provide a sense of security for the various Masajid throughout the country and more in particular the recent meeting held by the opposition with various heads of the Muslim community following last Friday's terrorist attack on two Masajid in Christchurch, New Zealand, causing multiple deaths and other serious casualties.

Given the uncaring and insensitive response by Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley, when he said in June of 2018; "raids on mosques over the Carnival period were justified after lethal weapons, arms and ammunition were found at the Masjid-ul-Muttaqeen Mosque in Cunupia",  (It was discovered that the guns and ammunition was planted and a raid on the Masjid was already planned, before it was discovered by worshipers whilst conducting maintenance work). All this, after a call was made requesting an apology for the treatment meted out to the Muslims following the announcement of a "Fake Carnival Plot" in 2018, when the human rights and freedoms of 19 Muslim families where violated and abused and our sovereignty compromised, claiming he had credible information about the so called "plot". As if this was not justification enough, they needed another false flag to justify the lie. This begs the question what possibly could the government offer or what assurance can the government give to the Muslim community pending an apology still owing to the Muslim community? Especially now, against the backdrop of the white supremacists attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, which gives a clear indication of the Islamophobic agenda of the West.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) understands that  Minister of Local Government, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein, was asked to locate a venue for the meeting event and so it was advertised to take place at the ASJA Compound in Charlieville. This venue was then cancelled and the meeting was moved to the Diplomatic Center in order that only specially invited persons can attend. Those persons excluded are often the ones who are very critical of government policies and would disrupt government' s plan to craftily deceive and mislead the Muslims. This type of "Box Drain Politics" would not be tolerated by this organization.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is of the opinion that Prime Minister, the Honorable Dr. Keith Rowley, insulted and disrespected Local Government Minister, Senator the Honorable Kazim Hosein, in his attempt to reach out and connect with the Muslim community, always placing him in a compromising position. Unlike ex-legal adviser to Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Attorney Nafeesa Mohammed, Mr. Hosein's blind loyalty is costing him a tarnished reputation with the Muslim community, a position he will live to regret.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) considers this meeting to be another Public Relations stunt by this present administration with an aim to attract votes from the unsuspecting Muslim community, a group which by all accounts holds the balance of power in Trinidad and Tobago. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is advocating a sincere apology from the Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Keith Rowley, for the 2018 Carnival fiasco and a policy program that will allow for the training and equipping of all religious groups to counter the threat of an invasion and violent extremism in their respective communities.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) already has a such a program ready and waiting to be rolled out in all religious communities. It's an "Armed Intruder Program" aimed at recognizing and preventing security and disaster threats and to identify individuals who may perhaps have violent extremist tendencies and to offer them proper education, guidance and support.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 19th, 2019

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

Calling Out President Donald J Trump as Co-Conspirator Along Side Brenton Tarrant

Media Release:

Re: Calling Out President Donald J Trump as Co-Conspirator Along Side Brenton Tarrant For The Gruesome Murder of 49 Innocent Worshippers and The Wounding of 48 Others.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago not to be cowards and call out President Donald J Trump for what he is and the part he played in the Christchurch's terrorist attack, which amounted to the brutal murder of 49 Innocent Worshippers and the Wounding of 48 Others. According to the words of our Prime Minister in his statement in the aftermath of this horrific attack he said “we who live by the doc­trine that every creed and race have an equal place in our na­tion, un­re­served­ly con­demn all words and deeds from what­so­ev­er source, that would have the ef­fect of ini­ti­at­ing, en­cour­ag­ing or sus­tain­ing ha­tred in any and all its man­i­fes­ta­tions.” Who is this "source" he is referring to? He went on further to state; “We call for the widest pos­si­ble con­dem­na­tion of this de­bas­ing of hu­man­i­ty by those who fail to ac­cept the one­ness of the hu­man race.”

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) agrees that this is a manifestation of a growing and globalized ideology of white right-wing extremist hate, racism, nationalism and supremacy, that must be addressed at its source, which includes the mainstream politicians and media personalities who nurture, promote and excuse it.

The gunman’s 74-page manifesto  by all accounts was inspired by the ideology that radicalizes persons to save “Western civilization” from a foreign “invasion.”

We see a resemblance in similar acts of terrorism outlined in the manifesto of the Norwegian Anders Breivik who killed 77 people in 2011. Breivik wanted to punish Europe because she had opened her doors to Muslim immigrants. His manifesto and attacks was inspired by the white nationalist Christopher Hasson, who was arrested for stockpiling weapons with the desire to commit mass murder, against Muslims.

When President Donald J Trump was putting forward arguments for his wall, he spoke of  “Middle Easterners” being part of a “caravan” coming into the US. On Trump's visit to Britain he warned Theresa May  that Britain was losing its “culture” and that immigration had “changed the fabric of Europe and unless you act very quickly, it’s never going to be what it was.”

Trump's travel ban was aimed at mostly Muslim countries. Trump's rhetoric spewed hate and violence, some of which included - “I think Islam hates us,” Trump's nod of approval when a supporter exclaimed - “we have a problem in this country; it’s called Muslims.”  the supporter then asked -  “when can we get rid of them?” In response, Trump said: “We’re going to be looking at a lot of different things.”  Trump was praised in Brenton Tarrant's manifesto as “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.”

As news of the attack was unfolding, President Trump tweeted a link to Breitbart; a far-right “news” site. Known for its vile anti-Muslim hatred, It’s a site where Muslim-hating white supremacists like, Brenton Tarrant  would find writers who would give them rhetorical ammunition for their ideologies of hate. (Trump has since deleted the tweet.)

Trump is an Islamophobic bigot. As president, his words matter. He is using them to spread hatred and to influence violence. And these people have been inspired by those words to target the very people that Trump targets in his speeches and his tweets. Since his coming into power, "hate crimes" has risen to a record high.  

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling out President Donald J Trump, a Co-Conspirator in this ghastly attack and is calling Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his government to do the same. It's time to put a stop to this bigotry and call to account the actions of those responsible.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 16th, 2019

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

Media Release: The terrorist attack at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Media Release:

Re: The terrorist attack, in which Forty-nine people were killed and 20 plus others wounded, at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) Condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack, in which Forty-nine people were killed and 20 plus others wounded, at two Masjids in Christchurch, New Zealand. The attack, which came around the time Muslims were attending the Masjid for Friday prayers, was the deadliest in New Zealand's history.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack that onfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand. Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old  Australian who perpetrated these terror attacks, described himself as an “ordinary white man” who was inspired by Norway mass killer Anders Behring Breivik. He Is not a Christian as some mainstream media puts it. His choice of music during his drive to commit this massacre entitled "Remove Kebab" was a propaganda music video made by Serb Army Soldiers as a tribute to war criminal Radovan Karadzic; the Bosnian Serb responsible for genocide against Muslims in Sarajavo 1995.

It's no doubt a dark and painfull day for Muslims and humidity at large. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front), first and foremost is calling on all communities, politicians, media outlets and commentators to call this out for what it is. This is a terrorist attack on innocent and defenseless Muslims in their own Masjid which serves as the heart of the community. This is white supremacy, this is a right-wing extremist hate, this is racism.

To make matters worst it is sickening to see even in this time of mourning many senseless individuals have taken to their keyboards to further foster hatred against the Muslim community. Why is mainstream media calling this a Christian terrorist attack? Is it an intent to spew hate and disgust amongst Muslims and Christians? Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on all Muslims to reject this and show love and compassion to all our Christians brothers and sisters.

It's about time to take a stance against extremism and drive it out of all communities. Therefore Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is urging the government to apply the same resolve and dedication it showed in "addressing extreme radical islam" in condemning this attack, in like manner, our Attorney General, Faris al Rawi condemned the Manhattan Attack in October of 2017.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on the Commissioner of Police; Gary Griffith to consider the call of all Muslims to be safe in their places of worship and to not rule out the the possiblity of "copy cats" in carrying out similar attacks here in Trinidad and Tobago, especially against the backdrop of an already out of control "war" between the so called "Rasta City and Muslim City". Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is requesting that Gary Griffith dispatch at least two police officers in marked police vehicles; today, Friday at Masjids across the country for the Jumuah Prayers, especially the Masjids that are heavily populated in order to give a sense of security and protection.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is reminding Muslims to remain vigilant and alert at all times. Islamophobia is real and hate-filled individuals such as the one we saw in this attack do exist. Allah mentions in the Qur'an; 3:118 "...Enmity has been revealed from their speech, and what they hide in their breasts is greater..."

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is also cautioning the sharing of the video depicting this horrific terrorist attack. It was videotaped with a background theme song with an intended purpose. Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is asking everyone to desist from sharing this video as it signals the threat of right wing violent extremism. Do not play into the hands of these murderous individuals by circulating their propaganda. It will only serve to empower the Islamophobic sentiments already ablazed in the Western World.

It is perhaps time Masajids start investing in security and protection to ensure that they are well guarded and protected from such Acts. Lastly Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)  would like to remind all Muslims who are still struggling to comprehend the Madness of this attack, to stay strong, as hard as it is to bear the calamity of what took place. Always remember that Allah the Almighty is with us. As difficult this situation is Allah is always with us. Remember that these people died on a Friday in a Masjid; in the most beloved place of Allah the Almighty. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept all the victims as maytrs, spear them from the trials of the grave and grant them a swift entry into paradise. May Allah grant us peace in this world and restore sanity to our communities.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 15th, 2019

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

Media Release: No returns on $628 million spent on Carnival for the last four years.

Media Release:

Re: No returns on $628 million spent on Carnival for the last four years.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/03/vibrant-pictures-show-carnival-mask-culture-in-caribbean-americas/

This is an article in the 2019 March issue of the National Geographic Magazine. Notice there were no mention of our Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. So the $628 million dollars spent over the past 4 years; which just came shy of our budget allocation for Agriculture this year, did nothing to show case our "art and culture" on the world stage. What then were government and it's agencies promoting? It's clear our drunken, lascivious and reckless behavior Superceded our "Talented Festival". Off course this is of no surprise, when one takes into consideration governments million dollar pay out for a song that has no meaning and no substance... Governments support and promotion for a meaningless presentation of what many criticize as being worthless would certainly go a long way to embarrass us as a Caribbean Island under the Sun...

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) laments the reckless spending and wasteful employment of our resources by government and it's agencies and the their inability to preserve and showcase our heritage. Instead what we see being promoted is a display of drunkenness, violence and vulgarity. Government needs to come full circle and access this deficiency in it's role and function and correct it now before it gets even worst.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 5th, 2019

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

Media Release: Judges Decision in the Soca Monarch 2019 Finals and Its Implications.

Media Release:

Re: Judges Decision in the Soca Monarch 2019 Finals and Its Implications.

Whenever the words; “He tell meh pick up something! Anything! Rum tell meh to grab something! Anything! I just want to pick up something! Anything! Watch how I go grab something! Anything! Rum tell me to run (run wid it!), run (run wid it!)…….” can attract the attention and the respect of Judges to the point of declaring Grenadian Soca artist and song writer Hollice "Mr. Killa" Mapp the winner of Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Monarch Competition, especially against the backdrop of the bad and reckless behavior of patrons upon hearing the song, signals a deficiency in our people when it comes right thinking and rational behavior; hence our inability to deal with the social decay in our country. There now seem to exist a cognitive bias amongst our people in particular those in leadership. This cognitive bias has nurtured in us, an acute sense of perceptual distortions, inaccurate judgments and illogical interpretations. 

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on government and all its stakeholders to stop promoting elements of our art form and events that encourages irrational behavior, by filtering and baring out those constituents that has the tendency to threaten our progressive growth. If not, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) predicts, practical implications for areas including social behavior, efficacy, clinical judgment, entrepreneurship, finance, and management.

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 2, 2019

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

Media Release: Who is more Important? South Americans or Our Very Own

Media Release:

Re:19 South American Girls Freed From a  Drug and Prostitution Ring and Government's Reluctance to Deal With Our Own About to Face the Very Same Fate in Syria and Iraq.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) applaus the efforts and the stance this administration's National Security Minister; Mr. Stuart Richard Young and it's foreign Ministry, has taken in relation to the 19 South American girls freed from a drug and prostitution ring, uncovered by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.  “They will be treated with humanity,” Young assured.

And as much as we commend these initiatives, we are very much concerned and is paying close attention to the plight of our own Nationals imprisoned in Syria and Iraq; facing the very Fate.

Abdul Hamid al-Muhabash who is co-chair of Democratic Autonomous Administration, based in north-eastern Syria, has called on respective governments to repatriate their nationals from war-torn areas of Syria and Iraq.

Muhabash said, “The administration and the Syrian people demand of the states from which ISIS fighters belong – more than 50 nationalities in all – to judge them according to their constitutions.”

These Kurdish forces are Shia Muslims and maintains a very close relationship with Iran. There have been rumors circulating that those held in prisons and camps across Syria and Iraq would be sold as slaves to Iran because of the inability to continue caring and providing for them. May God Almighty forbids this from happening as these persons will disappear forever never to found again.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is calling on this administration's relevant authorities to address this matter with a greater sense urgency than what is being afforded to these 19 South American women, being just the fact that these are our own citizens. The Government does have a responsibility first to our citizens and then to others.

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 8, 2019

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

Media Release: Political Crisis In Venezuela

Media Release:

Re: Political Crisis In Venezuela

The United States, Russia and the rest of the international community are now weighing in on Venezuela's  vulnerability. This as a result of this region's failure to address Nicolas Maduro's hegemony and his chronically inept handling of his country’s worsening social and economic crisis which provided no support for his tenuous hold on power. He quickly Rose to what can be called an international pariah, referred to as a dictator by his opponents and also by the heads of numerous foreign governments.

Owing to the fact that Maduro prevented the country’s two most popular opposition politicians; Henrique Capriles and Leopoldo López, from participating in the election, with a voter turnout of only 46%, receiving one and half million votes fewer than he did in 2013 does very little to boost his credibility.

Maduro hascommitted many crimes against humanity. This is evident in a 400 page report sent to the International Criminal Court by Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

The report documents 131 alleged murders perpetrated by security forces or pro-government armed civilian groups — known as “colectivos” — during street protests in 2014 and 2017. It identified 8,292 executions outside of the judicial process since 2015 and more than 12,000 people arbitrarily detained since the presidential elections of 2013, including more than 1,300 political prisoners.

The report states, “The widespread and systematic targeting of opponents of the regime or suspected ‘enemies of the state,’ constitute the crime against humanity,” and that “These acts, for which there is no legal basis, did not take place spontaneously or in isolation, but instead reflect a policy put in place by the Government of Venezuela through acts directed by the highest State authorities.”

Luisa Ortega, who was fired after breaking with the Maduro's government, also appeared at The Hague where she filed a complaint, based on the 8,290 deaths she says took place between 2015 and 2017 at the hands of officials who received instructions from the government.

“They happened under the orders of the executive branch, as part of a social cleansing plan carried out by the government,” she told reporters.

“Nicolas Maduro and his government should pay for these crimes against humanity just as they must also pay for the hunger, misery and hardship they’ve inflicted on the Venezuelan people.”

She added: “We have been forced to turn to an international organisation, because there is no justice in Venezuela.” 

Against this backdrop and looking at Trinidad and Tobago's policy position on treating with criminals, it's difficult to understand why this present administration continues to recognize, support and sign deals with this criminal. Never were there checks and balances put in place to keep Maduro in line, and Trinidad and Tobago being Venezuela's closest neighbor should have been the one leading this charge.

Contrary to Prime Minister Rowley, we have no sovereign position. As was the case when the Jordanian authorities bypassed us and shared information with the United States regarding our citizens imprisoned in that country.

The blood and the suffering of the Venezuelan people are on the hands of this country's elite politicians and Stuart Young was correct when he said "sovereign states should respect sovereign states but what he failed to point out was that and is absolutely necessary that sovereign states should earn that respect.

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is urging all world leaders to intervene and bring to an end the political crisis in Venezuela by encouraging Maduro to agree to fresh, free and fair elections and to allow for the Venezuelan people to decide their own fate, under the watchful eyes of a special elections observer team, selected by the United Nations. Venezuela's sovereignty has been compromised and as such the only and best way to regain the confidence of a sovereign state is to allow for free and fair elections.

For Immediate Release:
Date: January 29, 2019

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

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

Media Release: Jamaats condemns killing of Slain Superintendent of Prison- Wayne Jackson.

Media Release:

*Re: Jamaats condemns killing of Slain Superintendent of Prison- Wayne Jackson.*

In light of the killing of Superintendent of Prisons for the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) in Arouca; Wayne Jackson the jamaats of Masjid Alaa Al-Jabal of Calvary Hill, Arima,  Masjid Al-Muwahideen of Plantation, Valencia , Masjid Al Falah of Arima and Masjid Al Islamia Jamma of Carapo, Arima along with Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) are extending condolences to the family, friends and peers of Mr. Jackson and, are wholly condemning this heinous act committed on the life of the innocent prison Superintendent.

Mr. Jackson was brutally murdered while entering his Malabar residence on Tuesday 02nd October, 2018.  As a result the 4 Jamaats and Waajihatul Islaamiyyah are working together to ensure that the perpetrator/s of this heinous act is found, and is committing to working with the investigators into this case in determining leads for the case and ultimately, bringing justice to the family of Mr. Jackson.

Further, the Jamaats of Alaa al Jabal, Muwahideen, Al Falah and Al Islamia believes this crime was the act of the misguided and someone who is oblivious that this action will only seek to sully the reputation of the 4 Jamaats and its respective communities. It should be noted that, the Imam of Al Islamia Jamma Masjid in Carapo, Hassan Ali on a personal level knew Superintendent Jackson, and described him as “helpful to Muslim inmates” and is deeply shocked by this tragic ordeal.

Additionally, we are of the collective opinion that this is also an attempt by the mischievous  few to undermine the good work of Acting Commissioner Gerard Wilson who is on vacation, and his latest reformative and enhancement measures which has been recently implemented at the nations prisons; one being the popular and well subscribed; Futsal.

Again, we collectively denounce this heinous violent crime and welcomes any meeting with those in authority to bring some redress to the situation. It should also be noted, that the attempts to sully the good work of the Acting Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson and his good relationship with the Muslim community seems to be further undermined by those in the media with their staged “insiders and sources” who continue to publish reports which are false in nature or highly exaggerated.

This we believe, is all a ploy to provoke the situation and perhaps the Muslim community, however, we see these stunts as political tricks. And we allude to an article published in the Sunday Guardian of October 7th by Renuka Singh which gives fake news into a search at MSP and the details into that search, based on our investigations we realize this is fake news, full of half truths perhaps initiated by the same persons intent on undermining the acting Commissioner Wilson and those with an agenda and misguidance.

In closing the Jamaats of Alaa al Jabal, Muwahideen, Al Falah and Al Islamia are condemning this crime and all violent attacks on prison officers. Together, with the Waajihatul Islaamiyyah we are extending a meeting with those in authority to clarify and assist in this particular case as well as to show our support to the good work being done by Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Gerard Wilson.

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted." (Qur'an Chapter 4, Verse 135)

For Immediate Release:
Date:  Monday 08th October, 2018

Masjid Alaa Al-Jabal of Calvary Hill, Arima

Masjid Al-Muwahideen of Plantation, Valencia

Masjid Al Falah of Arima

Masjid Al Islamia Jamma of Carapo, Arima

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: +18687870765 or +18683656253

Media Release: One million Uighur Muslims held by Chinese Government

Media Release:

Re: One million Uighur Muslims held by Chinese Government

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic front) is calling on the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley to stand up for justice and fairness and for the rights of the Uighur Muslims of China. We are calling on the Prime Minister to make a clear statement and speak out against the many atrocities inflicted on these persons. We are calling on this Rowley led administration to reject the policies of this far Eastern country that is working counter to peace. We demand this government to call on the international community now to stop China from striping Uighur Muslims of their language and culture.

This Heartbreaking human rights violation that is taking place in China, must stop.

According to the UN, around one million Muslims in the Xinjiang region have been rounded up and held in so-called "re-education" centres - camps the Uighurs claim are intended to replace the next generation's Uighur identity with a Chinese one. They’re forced to endure severe political indoctrination and other awful abuses.

This injustice has been going on for far to long. We as being part of the international community must raise our voice and help these victims of unfair practices.

We demand that Prime Minister Keith Rowley on our behalf; the Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago, call on China to show evidence they are not, under the pretext of counter terrorism and religious extremism, holding Uighur Muslims at 're-education' camps.

We further demand the Government withdraw all obligations it holds to Chinese citizens here until our demands are met.

We call on the government to lobby other governments to declare that China is a liability so long as it continues to strip Uighur Muslims of their language and culture. This clearly is a severe human rights violation at the hands of the Chinese government.

We call on the government to urge the international community, they must demand that the Chinese government immediately repatriate all Uighur Muslims back to their homes and to allow the Uighur’s their rights.

If this is not done we will hold the government of Trinidad and Tobago guilty of, dereliction of duty and partly responsible for this crime.  The instruments of our government has failed us and continue to fail us time and time again. We are not prepared to allow this to continue and so should not, the rest of the people.

For Immediate Release:
Date:  25th September 2018

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

Media Release: Investment Fund Holding Company Limited (NIF)

Media Release:

Re: Investment Fund Holding Company Limited (NIF)

The PNM administration has offered for sale through the creation of the National Investment Fund Holding Company Limited (NIF), bonds in the amount of TT $4 billion.

Keep in mind, when you purchase a/any bond, you effectively are lending a company or a government money. The bond issuer is the borrower. It agrees to pay whoever holds the bond interest on a regular basis, and then to return the principal on the loan when the bond matures.

It is being advertised that, Citizens can invest from as little at TT $1000, in tranches with fixed rate options from 4.5% annual interest over 5 years, to 5.7% annual interest over 12 years, or 6.6% annual interest over 20 years.

These bonds officially went on sale last Thursday.

The NIF bond is supported by some of the strongest companies, with a collective market value of approximately TT$7.9 billion, including shares of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, One Caribbean Media Limited, West Indian Tobacco Company Limited, Angostura Holdings Limited, and Trinidad Generation Unlimited.

Having stated that, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is issuing a clear warning that Muslims cannot and should not invest in this offering as it has all the ingredients of a HARAM transaction, in other words it's not a HALAL transaction and Muslims should not participate. This now brings into question was the PNM administration properly advised on this issue? bearing in mind that Muslims number between 7 to 10% of the population. Why wasn't the Muslims consulted and considered in this decision?

The first test an Islamic scholar or fund manager applies when considering whether a company is sharia-compliant focuses on the company’s core business. If the company’s business centers on prohibited activities, the company is rejected.

For this reason, governments of multi cultural and multi religious countries must establish and use benchmarks for determining whether a specific corporation or group crosses the line into noncompliance as it relates to certain sectors of the society.

For Immediate Release:
Date: 20th July 2018

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

PS: Prohibited industries and or businesses include the following:

• Conventional financial services that feature transactions based on interest, speculation, and/or gambling: This criterion means that conventional banks, investment companies, insurance companies, and other financial institutions are considered non-compliant.
• Certain food and beverage industry sectors: Some products in the food and beverage industry are prohibited because Islam prohibits their consumption. Companies whose core businesses involve alcohol, pork products, or other meat that’s not slaughtered according to sharia law aren’t considered compliant.
• Foods and beverages that Muslims can consume are called halal. Forbidden items include.

1) Pork: The Quran (the holy scripture of Islam) prohibits consuming pork and pork-based products (as well as any other meat that isn’t slaughtered according to Islamic principles), so investing in companies dealing with pork-based products isn’t acceptable.

2) Alcoholic beverages: Investing in companies involved in alcoholic products is also banned because the Quran specifically bans “intoxicants.”

• Tobacco: Islamic scholars hold the opinion that tobacco and the tobacco industry and it's activities have been linked to illegal drugs. Tobacco isn’t good for personal health and therefore believe that Islamic standards prohibit investments in tobacco-related business. In the past, tobacco use was a source of some controversy and confusion in the Muslim community. Now, however, most sharia scholars agree that the use of tobacco and investing in the tobacco industry are prohibited. 
• Illegal drugs: Investing in any company or activity that supports the sale, distribution, or use of illegal drugs is also prohibited. (In fact, investing in a way that promotes any illegal activity goes against Islamic law.)
• Gambling: This prohibition means Muslims can’t invest in companies or activities that support gambling. In addition to prohibiting investments that would themselves involve too much risk, this criterion also means that an investor can’t support the construction of a casino; the operation of a lottery; or the promotion of horse and dog racing, Internet gambling, and so on. Leasing an investment property to a company that conducts a gambling-related business is also banned.
• The production of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs): What the West refers to as collateral damage is considered the killing of innocents per Islam, and it’s forbidden. Therefore, sharia forbids the production of WMDs.
• Certain sectors of the entertainment industry: Sharia prohibitions apply to adult entertainment products, including magazines, videos, audio recordings, websites, and all methods of distributing pornography. The same prohibition applies to erotic arts and prostitution. In addition, certain types of non-Islamic music and cinema are prohibited. Islam considers all these to be harmful to society. Therefore, an investor can’t put money into a venture that involves products or businesses in these fields.
• Cloning: This example demonstrates a crucial point: governments must continually make decisions about the compliance status of new technologies and industries. Obviously, the prohibition against cloning activity is a fairly recent decision, and the prohibition of cloning could possibly change depending on future circumstances.
• Groups of companies with subsidiaries that engage in activities prohibited by sharia also are excluded from Islamic investment funds. For example, consider a hotel (owned by a large corporation) that derives a substantial amount of its income from a nightclub or casino that is prohibited in Islam. Because the profits from this nightclub or casino impact the overall profit of the corporate group, an Islamic fund can’t invest in the group as a whole.

Few companies pass the screening process related to the industry of their core business with a perfect score. In the case of a corporate group with scores of subsidiaries, you can be assured that somewhere along the line, one or more of those subsidiaries engages in prohibited activities.

Media Release:

Re: “A victory of no kind”

Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) extends congratulations to both candidates who were successful in the by-election, as the victors.

However, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) will like to note that as it pertains to the electoral district of Barataria, it was evident to see the Muslim community voted against the People’s National Movement (PNM). This would have stemmed from the PNM’s attempt to oppress Muslims via the Anti Gang and Anti Terrorism Bills, and anti Muslim Carnival raid.

Therefore, it should not surprise the PNM that they would lose an area, where Muslims are, if not fully dominant but very influential. The Hindus also have been mistreated by this administration. Thus why polling division 1405 might have contributed to the PNM’s defeat there as well. In fact, the PNM should not celebrate their win in Belmont East, as the district can be considered somewhat “safe” for them. The PNM should not celebrate this, but in fact see this as a wake up call. See this for what it is; a clear, message.

So the question must be asked, had this been a General Government Election, would the PNM be as successful as they’d hope? The answer to that question is NO. Unless the PNM, start to properly consult the Muslim community on matters of importance and with regards to certain policies, then moving forward, they will certainly lose a great number of votes which will come from the Muslim community.

Attempts to appease the Muslim community now will only look like cheap and desperate bribery tactics, so it’s best moving forward the PNM do what’s fair, and right and start working with the Muslim community in this country; specifically on matters of policies and national interest.

Thus, Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) is open to consultations and assisting the government on critical matters of national interest which will affect the Muslim community. Further, in due time Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front) will be holding walk-abouts and cottage meetings within the East/West corridor and certain areas in Central Trinidad to inform and educate the populace about the current state of affairs in this country.

For Immediate Release:
Date: 18th July 2018

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

Message to People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Message to People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago:

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmat Ullaah Wa Barakaatuh; Peace and Guidance be Upon You, Greetings, Good Morning;

I am sure you can sense the evil that is spreading ruthlessly upon the souls of the people of this nation. I have no hidden agendas or personal interests, I don't plan to manipulate, trick or deceive you. I merely hope to enlighten you towards the truth.

We live at a time when people of this country are being set upon a false path, one that corrupts their minds with sin and disbelief, we are becoming vile and cruel while some commit minor sins others are causing children to be orphaned, putting them through poverty and starvation, as they hide behind titles, but they are all to blame. Equally those who are committing minuscule sins are following blindly, they listen and never question, follow and never think, they encourage violence to cause bloodshed and crisis without even considering a solution.

How many families have buried their young? How many lives have we lost to extreme violence? Is it not enough?

Immoral relationships have ruin our families, shattered our homes and allowed crime to parent our children. Simple mistakes have infected our bodies with fatal diseases and have killed our infants before they even came to life. Greed has made 100,000 fellow Trinbagonians go to bed hungry every night and search for creative ways to deal with their discomfort, while 260,000 others live on under TT$6.71 a day.

Evil is hunting down more and more people as you are reading this right now. It is like a hungry beast that feeds on dragging us to pain, misery and suffering. But we need to ask ourselves who is it to blame? if you think all of this is happening because of our leaders, then remember those leaders exist because we are allowing them to.

The problem doesn't lie with them but it lies deep inside us. We are the ones responsible for every tear, every scream and every pain.

God Almighty created each one of us as a unique individual, He blessed us with hearts to feel His presence, eyes to see His magnificent creations and ears to hear His message but overwhelmed by the temptations of this materialistic world we turn our backs on our creator and betrayed the purpose of our existence, instead we use our eyes to look at what takes us away from Him, our hearts love what the God Almighty hates, our ears listen to what goes against His beautiful teachings. We use the blessings of our creator to satisfy our own selfish desires. We have become experts in material goods and worldly affairs but completely ignorant in matters of the hereafter, this has caused our souls to suffer a slow death.

We have become heedless, our heedlessness about God Almighty has torn us apart rather than being filled with love and kindness, we become sources of evil and hate. Arrogance has divided us into labels, colors and categories, ignoring the fact that we are all humans. We observe injustice and conform to it, we follow tyranny, rather than oppose it. Heedlessness is a disease that does not only harm you as an individual but it also spreads its pain to your fellow man.

In the name of our governments' brand of democracy, this country have been destroyed. In the name of peace our youths are being jailed and killed. In the name of God, innocence have been oppressed. You might not carry the gun but being heedless about the crime still makes you guilty, so I am sorry, in the way to God I will not provide you with weapons but I will arm you with knowledge that can set your souls and the souls of others free.

You need to ask yourself, has your time not yet come? isn't this the perfect moment to strive towards God and repent your sins? To you who can hear, I encourage you to listen to the voice of your screaming soul, yearning for a glimpse of salvation, it is telling you that this is the perfect moment to strive towards God Alighty, it is the perfect moment to repent for your sins, this is the time for change.

The Holy Qur'an in Chapter 13 verse 11 says: " Indeed God Almighty will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves".

Let us all unite to stop the attacks we are launching against each other and begin the attack against the real enemy, the enemy within. Let us all start a national battle against our evil habits, evil sins and evil traits, let us purify our souls and illuminate Trinidad and Tobago with our divine light. It doesn't matter what your skin color is or how much wealth you have, the way to goodness can unite us all under the One who created us all, so let us strive together, work together and fight together to be the change we want to see in this country. Let us repent our sins, enjoy our life, change this Nation and finally heaven will be your abode. this is the way to the Almighty God. Enter in peace.

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