I want to share some quick thoughts and recollections inspired by the current turmoil taking place in Libya, which pains me deeply. Ghaddafi reminds me of Shakespeare’s tyrant, Richard III: conniving, mutant, dark, and absolutely cruel, with no concern for his family, friends, or companions, let alone the people he rules over. He kills to get to power and maintain it, but as power diminishes before his eyes, he unleashes his fury and decimates his own army, only to end up alone, condemned to die a traitor to his country and people.
I hope Ghaddafi’s reign comes to an end soon for the sake of Libya’s beautiful people. They deserve much better and, in sha Allah, they will get better. In each of our daily prayers, we should all pray for their succor and divine aid. God answers prayers, and there is no barrier between the oppressed and God. The iniquitous suffering Ghaddafi has ravaged upon Libya’s cities and towns is worse than reprehensible and reveals his low nature. I have personally known some of those who were closest to him at his career’s outset and then fled Libya as a result of his unspeakable treatment of his coterie; they know too well how evil this man is and has been.
I have visited Libya once, which was in 1979 and was quite a bizarre experience. Ghaddafi had been in power for just a decade, seizing control through a military coup in 1969 while King Idris was out of the country for medical treatment. On this trip, I accompanied a British convert to Islam who was raising money for a mosque project in England. I had been Muslim for only a few years and was just starting my studies in Arabic, so I was not yet fluent. Everywhere we went, I saw posters that read, “Alijan fi kulli makan” (Committees in everyplace) based on the “Colonel-leader’s” legerdemain of a true “people’s democracy” in which local committees decided their own fates. But after seeing through the illusion, Libyans, I was told, interpreted it to mean “Al-jan fi kulli makan,” (Devils in everyplace).
At the outset of the coup, in their misguided support, some of the less perspicacious Libyans actually chanted, “Iblis wa la Idris” ([Give us] the devil and not Idris). Beware of what you ask for; sometimes you actually get it.
While in Libya, I visited the home of a delightful and cultured Libyan named Sidi Abdal Hamid Ben Halim, now deceased, may God have mercy on his soul. He had been a student at al-Azhar University before becoming a politician and went on to become an ambassador to Italy for Libya. At that time, his was the single most important Libyan diplomatic post. His brother, Mustafa, had been the prime minister under King Idris, who ruled Libya in the post-colonial period until the 1969 coup. From his close and personal knowledge of King Idris, Sidi Abdal Hamid recounted that not only was King Idris a just ruler, he was also a pious and erudite Muslim who dreamed of building Islamic schools and colleges throughout Africa with the newly acquired oil revenue. The King was of the Sanussi tradition and represented the best of the benign monarchies of the old Muslim world that crumbled throughout the twentieth century, only to be replaced by malevolent dictators, all of whom came in the name of progress, freedom, and democracy; despite their claims to reform, they became tyrants aspiring to the very monarchies they had supplanted by setting up their sons for ascension to their newly acquired “thrones.”
In a classic example of his feigned madness, Ghaddafi actually stated that “democracy” was a hybrid Arabic word from dema and karasi, and hence that “democracy” really means “the thrones continue.” Most probably this nugget of “Ghaddafism” will end up in Bartlett’s, alongside the Bushisms. Never “misunderestimate” tyrants. (By the way, one who thinks Ghaddafi is certifiably insane is not paying enough attention. He is an excellent executor of the special interests that put him into power in the first place. He has worked well with BP, Occidental, Halliburton, and others for decades. The British Government has military contracts with Libya and trained Ghaddafi’s soldiers. Those beneficiaries of his “madness” don’t seem to be bothered by his quirks and idiosyncrasies. Moreover, his sanity makes him perfectly responsible for his actions. In The Art of War, Sun Tzu writes, “Feign ignorance [insanity?], and send your enemies into disarray.” Or, perhaps more apropos is an English phrase that Ghaddafi may have learned during his training at the British military academy, Sandhurst, “Crazy like a Fox.” A CNN reporter was recently surprised at how “lucid” Ghaddafi was in his private interview with her.)
Some time after that visit, my courageous Libyan friend, Fathi – who was from a very prestigious Benghazian family – and I had a brush with Ghaddafi’s hospitality in Granada, Spain, in 1984. While on a visit from the Emirates, I was staying at Fathi’s apartment in Granada, and one morning we went out intending to drive to a café for breakfast, only to find the inside of his blue Mercedes completely destroyed from a firebomb, courtesy of the Colonel, who had ordered the assassination of dissident Libyan expatriates all over the world. The two of us felt as if we just had a brush with our own mortality. All that remained intact from the firebomb were my Warsh Mus’haf, from which I had been memorizing the Qur’an, and a leather-bound copy of Ibn Abi Zayd’s al-Risalah (The Epistle) in Maliki jurisprudence that I was studying at the time. While the outside covers of the two books were charred, all of the pages inside them were miraculously intact and unblemished. Both the reminder of the fragility of life as well as the clear sign of providential care for God’s Book and the Prophet’s shariah, as embodied in The Epistle, were a cogent proof for me that I was spending my life studying what will, God-willing, save me from the Fire, and this had a profound impact on me. God is my Witness for what I relate here.
Fathi had been part of the resistance movement of Libyans who were living in Morocco, and many of his friends and associates had been successfully eliminated by Libyan hit teams. Between 1980 and 1987, at least 25 Libyan dissidents were assassinated worldwide, most of them highly educated and decent people. Thirty years later, most of them are dead, and Ghaddafi himself is in the death throes, losing power.
In my experience, Libyans are some of the most wonderful, loyal, and deeply religious Muslims that I have met. In my youth, my dream was to end up in Misurata, where Sidi Ahmad Zarruq’s school is and where he is buried. I used to talk with my Libyan friends about getting a plot of land there. Sidi Ahmad Zarruq loved the Libyans, and despite being a widely celebrated scholar and highly desirable resident anywhere in the Muslim world, he chose to live among the Libyans. The greatest commentator of later Maliki tradition was from a Libyan family of scholars known as al-Hataab.
My dear friend of many years, A.R.M., his wife Amnah, and his family are in Tripoli right now, and many of my other Libyan friends have family and friends who are now in terrible circumstances. Libya is a place of much significance for Muslims, and Libyans deserve our heartfelt prayers and tears during this trying time. I don’t remember having ever imprecated against anyone by name since becoming a Muslim, but now I find myself asking God to give Ghaddafi what he deserves for the terror and suffering he has inflicted upon “his people.”
My friend and teacher through his works, Shaykh Sadiq al-Ghiryani, who in my opinion represents the highest example of a scholar-warrior with his intrepid statement on al-Jazeerah, chose to speak the truth despite being in Tripoli, hence putting his life on the line. He is now in hiding and posting videos from his hideout to encourage the resistance. I recommend watching his post to see a true scholar fulfilling his duty. This is indeed the greatest jihad: to speak the truth in the presence of unjust tyranny. May God reward and protect him and his family during these trying times.
The recording of the Du’a al-Nasiri recited by the Fes Singers is posted here on the Sandala website. (The text of the prayer along with my translation will also soon be posted.) I advise people to recite it with the intention of succor for our brothers and sisters in Libya. This prayer is noted for its power and the effects it has on removing troubles due to the sincerity of its author. It was used by Moroccans as a means to ask God to expel the French during the colonial period and was proscribed by law under French authority.
Click here to listen to The Prayer of the Oppressed
Frederic Astolfi Posted on 12/17/2011
Thanks for the write up! Also, I noticed that your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
Yahia Posted on 05/23/2011
Salam 3alaykom our dear Cheikh Hamza Yusuf,
Regarding the problem in Libya. I agree with you that Kaddaffi was a dictator however let’s be honnest that the people of Libya wasn’t the poorest people of Africa. The Libyans have the best medical healthcare system. Education is free. Every year Kaddaffi used to share the money of the oil with all the Libyan people. The media are using a massive amount of lies and misinformations about Libye.
1- There is no simple revolution in Libya but a civil war between the east and the west of Libya.
2- The say that there is black marcenaries in the Libyan army when we know that 1/3 of the Libyans are black.
3- The NATO forces went behind the mandate of the UN and are bombarding the airports when these same countries sold Libya their Mirage aircrafts built in France. If we know that we are dealing with a dictator then we shouldn’t sell him weapon that he might use against his people.
4- These countries who are attacking Libya now refuse to establish a no fly zon over Gaza. So we can see clearly the intentions who these countries.
I’m not defending this man and please don’t get me wrong but I know that the Libyans people weren’t living in poverty or in need. Libya has the highest PIB in Africa.
I pray Allah Subhanahu wa Ta3ala to end this Fitna in Libya and also to give the Libyan people the best ruler who fear his Lord. I pay God that Libya won’t be another Sikes Beyko that will divide north Africa into small countries according to their tribes. We have to remember that Kaddaffi has a support from the largest tribe in Libya, Kddadfa tribe and some Twareg Imazighen.
We should pray God for Unity and that all the regimes that were established by the 5% man will end because they do to much hurm to other Muslim countries like Irak and Palestine.
Jazakom Allahu khayran. I love you in Allah dear Cheikh Hamza.
Yahia
Waleed Ahmed Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalamoalayku Sh. Hamza,
Jazakallah for sharing your thoughts and that incredible dua. May Allah reward you.
Is overthrowing a Muslim leader through a rebellion permissible by Islamic law? I remember the hadith where the Prophet said not to overthrow leaders as long as they pray; I am curious about the legal permissibility of such a revolt.
Also, how do you feel about foreign forces intervening to assist the rebels topple Gaddafi? If its justified then shouldn’t Muslim countries be taking the lead in the offensive? I am frustrated with our double standard where we ridicule America for military campaigns against Muslim countries but when these Muslim countries need help they turn to America for military support.
Waleed Ahmed
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamaolekum warehmatullah
Jazakumallah khairun
The sad part is that as a Pakistani dissident, the whole of Pakistan kind of worship him. Brave people never stood up and told the reality so that we would know the reality of the tyrants and their oppression. We have lot more left in several of our Muslim countries, and not to mention the rampant corruption in the country of my ancestors…
Can I pray for the destruction and of the leaders and bureaucracy who perpetuate oppression and corruption? What are we supposed to do where morality is not an issue and even Judicial are bought and sold like peanuts?
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
“Ya Qawiyyu, Ya Mateen, ikfi sharradh-dhaalimeen.”
“Aslahallahu umural muslimeen; saraf Allahu sharral mu’theen.”
These are Prophetic prayers, and they’re the best ones to make, as they also contain compassion. It’s better to ask for the guidance of people rather than their destruction. In the case of those who are actually killing Muslims, it’s better to ask Allah to remove their harm from us. A group came to Hasan al-Basri and asked him to imprecate against Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf, and he said to them, “I fear that if God destroys him, He will place over you pigs and apes because our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, ‘How you are determines who your rulers are.’”
If we want to change our rulers, we have to change our states. If we want to change our states, we have to guard our tongues. If we want to guard our tongues, we have to be vigilant of our hearts. And the only way to rectify the heart is through the remembrance of God. “Is it not through the remembrance of God that the hearts are made tranquil?” (Qur’an). All the turbulence that you see in the world is merely a reflection of the turbulence in our hearts. And the only way to still that turbulence is to remember God.
anon Posted on 07/11/2011
Y a sheikh
Assalam o Alikum
I have read the comments about Libya and Qaddafi. I agree him being a tyrrant and not a very good person, not at all an ideal example of a muslim leader. Having lived in libya for 7 yrs, I can testify to the fact at that time in 80s, it was one of the affluent most arab/muslim states in the world. you couldnt find a beggar or even a person who would accept Zakat/Sadqa easily. Their were no freedom of speech and other rights. Everyone was having food and shelter. Islam or no islam to me, it was a far better society than the Saudis or the various rich arab states, where difference of class and money is a big issue.
The question is if they are so unjust, why dont we speak up against those Arab regimes.
\Everyone talks about intervention in Egypt, Syria, Libya but none against Bahrain…
If what Hasan Al Basri said was right, was Hazrat Ali wrong and was Imam Hussain Wrong. I believe we should speak up against all the tyrrants , otherwise with that ideology, every unjust ruler like Yazid or for that matter, Qaddafi, Asads, Mobarak, the House of Saud and the Khalifa of Bahrain would have every right to rule us, as Allah has ordained them to!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
yes conniving, mutant, dark, and absolutely cruel, with no concern for his family, friends, or companions, let alone the people he rules over.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I can’t get over the beauty of this prayer! Honestly, all the duaas I’ve been hearing lately are very evil- What I mean is that imams are asking upon Allah for terrible outcomes for the Tyrants, which I understand as the tyrants are killing right and left including innocent civilians, women and children (which is horrid)…..BUT at the same time, I always remember that our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) didn’t make any evil duaa for the people of Ta’if who hurt him badly too! I don’t mean to be “idealistic” or a “perfect muslim”, but when I hear any duaa, before I say Ameen, I immediately think of the angels on my shoulder who say ” wa laka al-mithl” translated to “you get the same back of what you ask for”. That is why I felt good when I read Shaykh Hamza’s duaa was for God to give him what he deserves :) You are a great example, Shaykh! So Dear Shaykh, thank you for posting this duaa that is powerful in its request to Allah, yet peaceful in its nature that it does not ask for revenge or evil, rather it asks for Allah’s protection (and more). The words that compose this duaa are magical and I feel deep in my heart that they have a rapid “istijaabah”.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam alaykum Hamza Yusuf,
This part makes me want to visit Libya one day insahallah, when the chaos is over.
PS: In case you might read this I want to thank you for all your great lectures(on youtube).
shoekran
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Shayk Hamza, I remember you said in your previous post regarding Egypt that you believed the United States should interfere. Can you tell us what you think of the Allies (particularly, the U.S) interfering in this and striking Gaddafi’s forces? Is the U.S. getting involved here a good thing? I am very curious what you think about it.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
“Libya is a place of much significance for Muslims”
How so?
Ella Posted on 10/22/2011
Re-read the article and you’ll find that Shaykh Hamza has related many reasons as to why Libya holds religious significance for Muslims.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Thanks for this Shaykh Hamza. We would love it if you would be able to update us more often. We will be waiting for your next blog post!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salam Shaykh.
Do you have any thoughts on the Singularity movement creeping its way into the American Underground? I’m very concerned with their research and philosophy. Any insight would be lovely.
Thank you.
Maryam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Sadaka Shaykh Hamza ~ Truth Stated by Shaykh Hamza ~ i too, am a witness that the story related about the fire bombing of the car is True …. my friend & Shaykh does not lie. When in Morocco walking in the streets of Fez with shaykh Hamza in 1998, i asked Shaykh Hamza should i bring my family to Morocco for Y2K & his wise response was, “Idris, the roof can come down any minute…. just be right with Allah”……
Qaddafi apparently did not get similar advice to take, since the roof is coming down on him, yet he is screaming about the chandeliers!! My God have Mercy on the Ummah of Ur beloved Yaa Arhamoo Raheemeen. May we be honored & blessed again with Ur company soon Shaykh Hamza, we miss & love U dearly. Dua’s always ………. Ma’ Salama wa Taweek
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Yaa Allaah! What a BEAUTIFUL Supplication, MashAllah!
Wallahi, just listening to this duaa instantly restored hope in my heart. The Fes singer’s voices are so tranquil on my ear, and the words are so powerful that now I am filled with the enlightenment of yaqeen; which I really needed. I am also deeply saddened by what is happening in Libya, and this recitation did wonders to heal my broken heart. Actually, after listening to this duaa I saw a “bright”side to all this- that it is O.K to experience oppressed times in this dunya because we are Muslims who have an All-Mighty Allah who is very close to us, whom we can call upon directly! Can we ask for anything more than that?? What a feeling of reassurance that comes only in times when a slave is afflicted with tough times!
My dear sisters and brothers in Libya: You are under Allah’s care, and that in itself is rewarding.
Jazaka Allah Kheiran Shaykh Hamza for all that you do for the sake of the Muslims and the Muslim Ummah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazakallahu Khair for the eye opening blog & dedication to the dawa.
I would like to add that I have personally met pious Libyan brothers (non political) in Egypt & Yemen who were on the “run” for 5 years+ because of Gaddafi’s tyranny in the late 90′s. Their crime was that they wanted to learn and practice their religion.
One of the brothers told me with tears in his eyes that he had not even spoken to his dear mother for the past 5 years. Afraid that making a call would be monitored and his mother persecuted as a consequence in Libya.
Allahu musta’aan.
Shk Hamza when you have time can you please write about the Islamic position and conditions on obeying the “Muslim” rulers and the sacred text connected with the issue. As these texts are quite often used to justify non protest and revolutions and passive obedience to tyrannical rulers, whom are usually selected and supported by foreign powers.
Al Qureshi
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
May Allah guide and give strength to the illustrious Shaykh Sadiq al-Ghiryani. Alhamduillah the time has come when the Ummah rejects the “scholars of the court”. The scholars who have had bad things to say about this unbelievable time of change in support of the tyrants have now been alienated to a large extent.
Shockingly, one Salafi Fatwa (and I will not name the scholar in Saudi Arabia), has it that Gaddafi is a legitimate ruler. Never mind the fact that he called the Hijab the dress of Satan, mocked the Hajj, insulted the Prophet, rejected the Sunnah (or what he calls Al Sunnah al Qawliya), and even tried to change the Quranic text on an occasion or two. The Fatwa has it that this was in the past and at the present time we are not so sure if he has not changed his views! Because of this it is forbidden to remove him! To argue using negatives is generally the last bastion of the defeated. This fatwa also screams of the Irja of the true heretics.
Oh the wonders of it all. Gaddafi went around texting the people saying it was haraam to revolt against him using such fatawa ! On one Friday, I think three weeks ago on State Television an appointed “scholar” was giving the Khutba defending Gaddafi and attacking the demonstrators. On state television, the brave crowd starting shouting at the “shiekh”. Libyan state television zoomed away and the police picked them up
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
MashAllah it seems our prayers have been answered. Thank you for this important article mashallah
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salaamu ‘alaykum,
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
Do you think that the ‘revolutions’ we are witnessing would have more potency and thus be successful if the people were calling for the re-establishment of the Deen (in its true sense) in their lands?
May Allah answer the du’a an-Nasiri and with it make us all of those who are successful.
wasalaam.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu Alaikum
Thanx alot Sheikh Hamza..
Indeed Allah hears and answers the prayers of the oppressed ones. this is clearly manisfesting these days as we wake up and see the buildings of tyrants in the Muslim world collapsing ONE BY ONE. now the leadership in those states must speak the language of the peaople. Allah is Great!!
Sa’ad Umar
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazaka Allah khayran,
Dear Sheikh Hamza,
Your heart-felt words have touched us all. I visit the Nasiriyya Zaouiya almost every year and they will be honored to hear that the dua has been offered over such a wide reaching medium as your blog.
Thank you and best wishes of peace and well being to all Allah’s creation.
Yours,
Abdel Hadi Honerkamp
PS- I have know Sidi Fathi for years, thank you for bring the memory of his sweetness back to me.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah,
O our Sheikh, jazak Allahu khairan for your ever-inspiring words…I cannot articulate what is in my (our) heart, but Allah knows and He is Al-Shakur.
I too would never be who I am if it weren’t for the profound impact of some of the wonderful Libyan families that we are blessed with in Denver, CO. They are founded our community, helped to establish its institutions, and continue to strive for Allah’s cause, and they were the means by which I was able to become active in the community, gain sacred knowledge & understanding, not to mention their undying loyalty and brotherly love. They are true mujahideen, as I understand the word. May Allah give them peace, freedom, ease & courage. Ameen.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaamualaykum:
JazakAllah Sh.Yusuf for all your outward and inward efforts…Ameen!
I hope and pray muslims (irrespective of nationality, race, location or culture) will unite wherever they are to make Islam/Emaan/Hihsan their priority to attain peace.
Unfortunately, we are so divided in thoughts to the extent that some muslims will never even read any website/info authored by any sidi or mawlana or bhai except those posted by the so-called verifying scholars ‘salafs’ which I also respected.
Just like many fellow muslims, I am more concerned about the condition of our fellow muslims, especially in the Arab world today (wrt Allah and His Prophet’s Orders) . Check out our lifestyles in the gulf, Morocco, Egypt……etc. Our youth & ladies are willing to die to have ‘freedom’ in democracy. Facebook & Twitter has become many people’s weapon and place of comfort etc. It harder day by day to recognise who is a muslim/muslima in looks and character.
Allah will surely not change the condition of any people/nation until they change that which is within them……
May Allah unite us in sharia, dawaah, and tassawuf AND ultimately forgive/mercy all of us…Ameen!
Abdul-Hakeem
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam wa alaikum Sidi,
My heart was filled with many emotions after reading your gracious and thoughtful words. After discussing the fire bomb story with father (which I had never heard), we were most pleased to think my grand father was resting more peacefully in his grave, and that everything that he did wasn’t in vain, but rather seeds of goodness he planted before he passed. What most don’t know, is that my grand father could have remained a very wealthy man in his country. He made a very difficult decision (with my grand mother in his ear, nonetheless). Gaddafi requested my grand father be his arms dealer. A yes to his request would have most likely secured a lifetime of riches. A no, on the other hand, would put you on the black list (and it’s no longer a secret how those on that list fare). Before giving Gaddafi an answer (which of course was a no), my grandfather cleverly and secretly smuggled his family, one by one, out of the country. I know my grandfather made the right decision, I can only hope the international community can do the same before too many more Libyans have to die. I do not speak for my family, but I believe they were honored and thankful for your kind words, and your willingness to speak out on this important and alarming situation.
May Allah bless you and your family,
Abdel Hamid Benhalim
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
Thank you for your kind words. I tried to call your father but was unable to get through. May Allah give victory to the people struggling there for their dignity and right to be safe in their own land. I also appreciate the added information about your grandfather. Undoubtedly, it was the right decision and he knows that now. May Allah give them many times the wealth he turned away from here in the light of the Hereafter. Salaams to your whole family.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
جزاك الله خير الجزاء واعان الله اهلي فى ليبيا على هذا الطاغية
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalamu Alaikum
Thankyou for the dua. It is at this time especially that we should hold fast to our faith and truly believe that Allah will deliver Libya from it’s oppressor. This dua when recited by Muslims sincerely will be Our weapon against Gadaffi and his thugs.
Solihull UK
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salumu Alaikum
Great Read…as usual
learned so much..thank you!
S.A.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salaamu ‘alaykum and jazakAllahu khayran,
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
I too want true liberation for the people of Libya, my only fear is that bu opening the door to democracy (the gateway to capitalist financiers dominance in the country) they will replace one tyrant for another – a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
What are your thoughts?
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
Thank you. I agree with you in that we cannot know the future, which may be worse. It is hard to imagine something worse than what they have. But our Prophet, peace be upon him, was an optimist and optimism is a fard ‘ayn on every believer. We must be vigilant without being foolish.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
AsalamouAlaykoum,
It’s really sad, they really did get an Iblis of sorts. What he has done is absolutely unfathomable. InshAllah the Libyans are freed and go on to build a beautiful society!
I agree with your point on Ghaddafi’s “feigned” insanity. There seems to be a trend in the US media to make him seem like a bumbling fool. His Arabic talks seem much less insane. However, if you watch his actions it’s pretty obvious that this is not someone who is a complete moron. He seems to have the capacity for rational thought not withstanding his speaking skills. I say he has the capacity of “rational” though, in reality he is not exercising that ability. What rational person, who knows full and well of Allah and of the religion he blessed man with, would be able to then go against the commands of God and kill his people with such impunity? So perhaps he is acting insane, but I feel western media is portraying that insanity in the wrong way. He is not acting with impunity because he is a fool. His evil deeds are what make him an irrational person.
And isn’t it ironic. The people thought to have been the “powerful dictators” of the Arab world turn out to be the most insecure. The harder they fought and continue to fight for their “thrones” the further away it gets from them. In fact, it is their greed for the throne that is leading them to loose it.
inshaAllah the beautiful and brave Libyans are successful!
I feel this is shaping up to be a year of ayahs from Allah from Libya to Japan. iA we are all capable of learning from these events, and that we all crush our inner dictator that wants to take take take. How quickly wealth, property, and status can be taken away!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazakum Allah Khayr ya Shaykh Hamza wa ya rab zidlek nur wa yuhfathek. Every time i have had the pleasure of hearing or reading your words or seeing you speak, I am humbled by your messages and thankful that Allah has made me aware of you and am reminded of what true islam is and what true muslims are like.
I also thank Allah that you went to Libya and learned the truth of it and the Libyan people so that now you may share this with others. Your post is remarkably moving and insightful, and I thank you for sharing it.
From the daughter of another Libyan dissenter,
Safa Awad
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As salaamu alakum,
Jazakum Allah Khair, Shaykh. Your work continually inspires me. As a Libyan-American, I can’t wait to go back to my father’s homeland and work towards the fulfillment of the late King Idris’ dream (and may that dream also manifest here via the Zaytuna College, insha’Allah).
Son of a Libyan dissident and Midwest mother,
Fathi Abdelsalam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazak Allahu Khair for the insightful post. May Allah bless you always. Was Salam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu alaikum sheikh.This is inspiring. Jazakallahul khair.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu ‘alaikum brother and Sheikh Hamza,
Baraka Lahu fik wa jazaka khayran for your great posts and articles. We pray to our dear Allah to protect and preseve and support our brothers and sisters in Libya. And may Allah punish Ghaddafi the worst punishment for what he has been doing and is doing to libyans. Allahoma `alayka bi Ghaddafi, Allahoma arina fih aya min ayatik, ameen!
Jazaka Allah khayran brother for all your great efforts you are doing for Islam.
Ahlam from Morocco
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I am not an Arab and also not a Muslim. However, I welcome your thoughts and thank you for providing an insightful opinion on these matters that others in the West would do well to learn from. As tragic as events in Libya , and in other parts of the Arab world are, they show a unified human brotherhood and a decency in their efforts to change their lives for the better – this is too often ignored in the representations of Islam in the west.
May all our Gods bring peace and soon
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salamu alaikum Shk Hamza Yusuf,
I wish, I hope, I pray that all these “demons in a man’s clothing” in all places in the world learn Allah (swt) anger at their evil, Inshallah. I see them in many places in the world, not just Libya. I just don’t know what more to do from where I live…so I will learn and recite the Du’a al-Nasiri you recommended. My husband will surely help. Inshallah, this will help.
Om Samir
USA, Texas
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Thank you Shaikh Hamza for the insight into what is happening in Libya. Mashallah. I will be praying this dua for the people of lybia every day in sha allah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
What happened in Arab world is fixing the mistake of the Arab people. We (I’m Egyptian) let people like Gaddafi lead us to nowhere. It’s time for us to pay for our freedom like many other nations.
As much as the people compromised in thier rights, the price will be higher. That’s what I believe. But the the victory will be always for the people. The coming years will be the preparation for the most critical days in the human history.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
barak allahu feek Sheikh Hamza
As a Libyan i thank you for sharing Du’a with everybody. I have never been able to see my country before because of this tyrant. But inshallah Libya will be Free.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaams..
It was a Libyan that gave me my first Qur’an and bought me AnNawawi’s 40 Hadith in the Masjit in Liverpool almost 30yrs ago.
It was a Lybian who trusted me and gave me a job after leaving prison.
It was a Lybian who sat me down and taught me the finer points and nobility of appreciating my enemies needs and matching my conflict resolution to accommodate him. This he said was OUR Prophets way…
It was in Lybia after a two hour drive out of Tripoli 4yrs ago I met probably the gentlest soul I have ever known. A simple caretaker of the grave of a Saint on the outside but a student of many traditions from east to west, a man that one could spend a lifetime with and not be fit to walk in his shadow.
It was in Niger I saw children waiving little flags of Ghaddafi they loved him so much. He had put a tap in every house in Agadez. He was there now like a king on a throne where thousands had gathered. He had other business that night.
It was only a few weeks ago I understood why his generosity stretched to these people. He bought their mercenary’s to kill ‘his own people’.
The truth always gets out….
You are not forgotten.
To any Libyans reading this.. I am one that knows your gentle heart. I am one that values your blood. My slow tears sitting alone watching TV are for your gentle soul….And Allah loves us all .. the source of it all…. Trailing clouds of Glory to HIM whom is our home….
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu alaykum Shaykh Hamza,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and anecdotes. They are like the keys of a well tuned piano which we use to tune our smaller string instruments.
I have a confident hope that your interpretation of the miracle that emerged from the event in Granada in 1984 is correct and that, God-willing, you will be saved from the Fire (and that along with that, you will be raised to the highest levels of Janna)
If my calculations are correct, you were about 24 years of age at the time.
I am now that age and am learning the Qur’an in Warsh and studying Maliki fiqh (in the house of a scholar you esteemed greatly: Al Hajj Mekki Benkirane may Allah have mercy on his soul). And this I started right after the Rihla program in Granada. It has evolved into full-time studies in Fez and I plan on devoting to it my near future, if Allah keeps me alive that long.
I am telling you this, Sidi, because I find the similarities interresting and because I believe it might rejoice you to know that you are the main sabab with which Allah led me to this. I hope you are rewarded for it. God knows I pray for you as often as I can.
I didn’t need to tell you my family name when we met in Alqeria de Rosales for you to discover it (along with my lineage) so I trust there is no need to tell it this time.
Please pray for me ya Shaykh and visit us soon in Fez; and may Allah raise the status of Zaytuna College beyond even your hopes.
ps. Is it true Sidi that you renovated the grave of Ibn Ashir? (may Allah have mercy on his soul)
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
salaam alaykum: Thank you for the note and inspiring comment. I remember you well. May Allah give you tawfiq in your studies. I didn’t do as much as I would have liked, but I found feces on the grave, cleaned it and then paid someone to build a little fence around it to keep people and dogs away. I also wrote and put the little tombstone for people to know who he was.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Our prayers are with the people of Libya and the beautiful people of Japan who are going through unimaginable tribulation.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assamualaikum Shaykh Hamza,
Someone mentioned liberal arts. By that I take that it means literature. Someone like me who has never been interested in such stuff, where do I begin? Who should I read first?
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaams, Liberal Arts refers to a mastery of the basic tools of learning (See Dorothy Sayers’ article, The Lost Tools of Learning). Literature is one of the fruits of the Liberal Arts. All the Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, knew and loved poetry. The major Companions actually wrote great poems. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was a great master of Arabian literature, and Ibn Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with them both, loved and recited poetry often after teaching Quran. Literature divides human experience: tragedy and comedy. Its greatest gift is to teach us to see meaning in even the most simple of things. Another great lesson of great literature is revealing the essential conundrum of human existence, which is that reality and appearance are two completely different things. Iago only appears to be sincere. There are many other benefits, but these are a few.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Death be not proud
DEATH be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell’st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaamalikum Shaykh Hamza
Many thanks for this piece, May the insanity of men be replaced with the sanity of True Love.
Mohammed Abbasi
Association of British Muslims
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Baraka allahu feek sheikh Hamza Yusuf for this inspiring and uplifting blog. i share your opinions on Libyans being some of the most loyal and deeply religious people, which has undoubtly been proven during these difficult times.
After being inspired by the nations revolution in Tunis and Egypt, Libya stood strong and faced a tyrant of over 41 years. In just under a month, today Libya continues to mourn the loss of over 7,000 lives taken in the most inhuman way for the sake of freedom.
My prayers and dua’s are with those who continue to face the struggle in Libya, with those fighting for OUR freedom, my freedom. As a libyan away from all this struggle, my weakness overpowers my emotions as i would like to be present during these times. Like you, the only weapon i hold is a prayer and may our prayers be answered. Ameen.
-S.N
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam alaykum Sh Hamza,
Excellent thoughts as always.
As an aside, since you mentioned Bartlett’s above, I wanted to ask you which English dictionary do you prefer?
I also feel that one of the requirements of becoming a leader these days is a deep knowledge in liberal arts. Don’t you agree? I mean faith, humility, patience are also prerequisites including empathy.
Jazakallah.
Hamza Yusuf Posted on 04/15/2011
Thanks for the post. I use an app from Random House on my iPhone for quick looks. I use the New Oxford American Dictionary for all my publications but have several different dictionaries I refer to. It is amazing how they differ in definitions sometimes. I wholeheartedly agree about the Liberal Arts.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu Alaikum Ustadh Hamza,
Have you ever considered posting your excellent blog articles on Antiwar.com?
It’s pretty quick and easy and it would be a shame not to share your thoughts with the wider public, especially considering how certain anti-Muslim elements in our society are trying to misrepresent us with un-representative leaders.
You can submit them here:
http://antiwar.com/submissions.php
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Inshallah I pray that the libyans get rid of this western supported dictator and truly get a just ruler the khilafah rashida inshallah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
May God bless you and shower you with His Mercy Shaykh Hamza
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazaka Allah khairan. May Allah increase and protect you and your beautiful family. May Allah make us benefit from your knowledge and give us the honor of serving you.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazak Allahu Khair Sheikh Hamza,
This prayer came to me at a much needed time.
From the daughter of a Libyan dissident,
Mariam Addarrat
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazakum Allah khayr Shaykh Hamza. As a Libyan, you have touched my heart deeply in many ways and I am indebted to you for all that you have done. I pray we can visit Sidi Ahmad Zarruq together, in peace and tranquility, in a free Libya. I love you for the sake of Allah.
-Amjad Tarsin
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
asalamu alaikum sheikh hamza yusuf,
i actully want to give you a big thanks for these meaningful, deep-hearted blogs. i really cannot thank you enough.
i am actually want to tell you that most of arab people do not know how libyan people are. at the last 42 years that governed -ungoverned- by al gaddafi, libya was hidden. we do not see libyan people on tv that we do see eygptians or emiratians for example. the only thing we knew is gaddafi himself. he was covering libya by his evil shadow. there were no news about libyan`s lives, how did they live or how they are look like. actually we do not know that libyans is so loyal and deeply religious like them, and also have a very wide knowledge like them. gaddafi will be responsible for wasting more than 40 years of libyan`s life. i do not that his insainty will be a wall for his resposibility. gaddafi did not give libyansanything for more that 40 years even thre was no government, he did not get enough , he started to kill them.