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Egyptian Clerics 'declare war on America'
Worldnetdaily.com ^ | 11/03/01

Posted on 11/02/2001 11:58:31 PM PST by Freedom of Speech Wins

Egyptian clerics 'declare war on America' Professors, academics advocate joining 'jihad' against U.S.

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© 2001 WorldNetDaily.com

Muslim clerics and college professors in Egypt, long considered a moderate and even friendly Arab state by the U.S., are openly declaring war on America in light of the current military campaign in Afghanistan. Moussa Hal, a reporter for the unofficial website of Egypt's Al-Azhar University, has posted many anti-American statements made by the university's clerics and professors under the heading, "Islamic clerics in Egypt declare war on America."

As translated from Arabic by the Middle East Media Research Institute, or MEMRI, here are some of the comments:

* Sheikh Ali Abu Al-Hassan, head of Al-Azhar's Religious Ruling Committee: "It is the sense of danger that unites the West. They have put together a coalition against Islam. They sense danger only from Islam. This feeling has united them against a single enemy, which is Islam. Why, therefore, should we ourselves not unite? ... We, Oh Nation of Islam, are all targeted by our enemy. ... Why should we not unite, therefore, around the cry, ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah' and fight our enemy? ...

"Entering into an alliance with the Americans against Afghanistan constitutes Ridah [that is, turning away from belief in Islam, for which the punishment is death, with no possibility of clemency] ... The Afghan opposition [forces] must not put [their] hand in the hand of the Americans; they must stand with their countrymen [and] their co-religionists, otherwise Allah and his angels will curse them. ..."

On another occasion, Abu Al-Hassan told Hal: "There is no doubt that this is a case of a hostile state fighting us, and we must resist it. ... Resistance in this case is by all possible means, even by means of war. If the enemy sets foot on the lands of Islam, he must be fought. In this case, a man must set out [on a Jihad] without the permission of his father, a woman without the permission of her husband, a debtor without the permission of his lender, and a slave without the permission of his master. Islam urges us to set out on a Jihad for the sake of Allah until we accomplish one of two good things: martyrdom or victory. ... "When Islam is attacked, there are no borders. Jihad in this instance is an obligation for all Muslims. ... In this instance, the aggression is against Islam and therefore it is the obligation of all Muslims, not only the local residents, to protect this piece of land. ...

"The Afghans have the right to defend themselves, and we are obliged to help them and to defend them as best we can from the cruelty of the American attacks. Islam has commanded us to support our Muslim brothers under attack, and to fight the Jihad alongside them against the polytheists, with our souls and with our property ..."

* Dr. Abd Al-Azim Al-Mut'ani, Al-Azhar University lecturer: "This war is a criminal attack, genuinely similar to the first Crusader wars, which the West waged in the Middle Ages under the rallying cry of defending the Christian pilgrims, when their actual target was Islam and the Muslims. Now, the U.S. has declared a war on Afghanistan, under the rallying cry of fighting terrorism, when the actual goal is to harm Islam and to wipe it off the face of the earth. ... "The Islamic world must stand by the oppressed. ... The [Islamic] peoples must fulfill their obligation towards Islam and towards Muslims. The battle is a battle of the peoples and they are the ones who drive the rulers to do their duty. If the armies of Islam do not do their duty with regard to this invasion of Islam, they must be dispersed!!"

* Al-Mut'ani, on the differences between Jihad and terrorism: "Terrorism is a modern term. In Islam, the meaning of terrorism is intimidation; not all intimidation is forbidden by religious law. ... In the modern age, when [different] kinds of oppression and persecution emerged, some ethnic groups in almost every society were stripped of their rights. When they insisted on their rights, and [when] the despotic regimes rejected them – the oppressed and persecuted found no way to express themselves but by means of [various] kinds of rebellion. ...

"The most recent example of the so-called terrorism are the recent attacks against America. Whatever the interpretations may be, no one disagrees that America is the one who killed and was killed. It is America that killed itself with its distorted policy. It was completely successful in sowing hatred and loathing in the hearts of [people] of the entire world by means of its policy, a policy of double standard, primarily in all things regarding Islamic and Arab affairs. ... At this point, I would like to give two examples: the problem that occurred between East Timor and West Timor. The Muslim side was the stronger side. America went berserk and mobilized all the international institutions to defend the non-Muslims. Within 24 hours there were United Nations troops in addition to special forces from the U.S. at the scene. America did not stop until it had achieved its goal. ... In contrast, it allows Israel to slaughter Palestinians and to destroy the mosques. ...America did not lift a finger to save the Palestinian people. After all this, America still wants Allah to give it security. [Yet] it is the one that attacked itself because it angered the world.

"What America has done against Afghanistan is a crime, and one of the most loathsome kinds of international terrorism. [This is] interfering in others' domestic affairs, which is not accepted both by the monotheistic religions and by the laws [made by man]. ... We could have stood with America had it sought a precise definition of terrorism and had it established statutes of punishment for terrorism in the U.N. After that, every state could have sought the terrorists within its own jurisdiction. But that the U.S. should carry out this mission [by itself] -- no, no, a thousand times no! Even if the present regimes support America, these regimes are only passing clouds. They do not enjoy stability; stability is in the hands of the peoples. ...

"What America is doing now is world terror waged against the weak. Even if the Islamic peoples are not worthy of the support of Allah -- because they themselves do not support Him -- the forces of tyranny deserve to be defeated."

* Dr. Abd Al-Sabour Shahin: "The truth is that the way Islam uses the word ‘terrorism' is honorable, as Allah said: 'Make ready for them whatever you can of armed strength and of mounted pickets at the frontier, whereby you may daunt the enemy of Allah and your enemy.' The terrorism mentioned in this verse refers to intimidation or threat, not necessarily to damage. For this reason, accusing Islam or Muslims of terrorism is mistaken, because Muslims as a nation are the symbol of peace in the world and the Muslim nation has never attacked a neighboring nation. ...

"There is a huge difference between terrorism and Jihad. Jihad is a general term that includes Jihad by means of words, Jihad by means of leadership, and Jihad by means of war. War is only on behalf of the nation and in accordance with its decision, and not according to the decision of an individual. What is happening with the Palestinians is a Jihad that is legitimate according to religious law, aimed at defending the Islamic holy places. What the Afghani people is doing in response to the aggression is also a Jihad that is legitimate according to religious law. ..."

* Dr. Abd Al-Hay Al-Farmawi, a lecturer: "The American attacks on Afghanistan are terrorism, oppression, repression [and] barbarism, and can even be called bullying. The American missiles were directed at innocents among the defenseless Afghani people. America is doing this without presenting any proof of Osama bin Laden's guilt. This proves that this war, as Bush said, is a crusader war against Islam and Muslims. We must awaken before the U.S. forces reach us."

* Dr. Yahyah Isma'il, official spokesman of the Al-Azhar clerics: "This war is a war against Muslims and Islam. Everyone must offer help to the mujahideen brothers in Afghanistan. They should not be abandoned in the tragedy to which they are subject."

* Sheikh Youssef Al-Badri called on "Muslims to declare a Jihad against the Americans. We all must prepare for Jihad, because the strikes will reach even us, in many Islamic countries. What America and the West have done is an international crime, ... a great crime against humanity. This is a war against Islam, as the leaders of the West and the leaders of the U.S. have said. We have no choice but to declare our own position: Are we with Islam or are we with Bush? The answer is what will determine the fate of the Islamic nation in the new millennium."

Editor's note: The Washington, D.C.-based Middle East Media Research Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that translates and analyzes the media of the Middle East.


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To: smarticus
my only hope is the salvation of Jesus Christ our Saviour"

Amen, Brother!


61 posted on 11/03/2001 3:34:38 AM PST by Elsie
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To: Elsie

Don't MAKE me do a word search on 'saint'!

;^)


62 posted on 11/03/2001 3:37:53 AM PST by Elsie
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To: Cavalry
We don't care if they like us...we just want them to respect us.
63 posted on 11/03/2001 3:43:22 AM PST by NeonKnight
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
* Sheikh Ali Abu Al-Hassan, head of Al-Azhar's Religious Ruling Committee: "It is the sense of danger that unites the West. They have put together a coalition against Islam. They sense danger only from Islam. This feeling has united them against a single enemy, which is Islam. Why, therefore, should we ourselves not unite? ... We, Oh Nation of Islam, are all targeted by our enemy. ... Why should we not unite, therefore, around the cry, ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah' and fight our enemy? ...

While exhorting his ignorant followers, who have been told they are victims and to hate the west, the good Mullah sits in private on lovely Persian rugs sipping spiced tea and considering the poverty he would otherwise experience without the joy and security of supporting Jihad.

64 posted on 11/03/2001 4:02:54 AM PST by rmvh
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
No surprise... the Egyptian pols will continue to look appeasing, while the Muslim populations and religious leaders will continue their build-up to a culture war. How exactly does President Bush avoid a World War scenario, when the religious leaders of a few hundred million people are spoiling for a fight?

It's gonna be an interesting year...

65 posted on 11/03/2001 4:16:54 AM PST by Teacher317
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
So be it, war it is,against all of Islam,the world's largest hate group........KILL THEM ALL,let Allah sort the good from the bad.
66 posted on 11/03/2001 4:20:48 AM PST by cayman99
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
There really is a simple answer. Immunize our own - and our real friends - against smallpox. Then release the stuff. In the crowded, dirty slums of egypt it will spread rapidly - and have devastating effect.

Think of it as payback.

67 posted on 11/03/2001 4:27:09 AM PST by neutrino
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To: Cavalry
"We are losing friends by the millions with these rash actions in the Afghanistan.

These people were never our friends. Its time we cut thru the bullshit and recognized that. We have interests in the area, and they have interests. We have been happy to use each other. That time is ending. But they have never been our friends. Get used to it.
68 posted on 11/03/2001 4:49:30 AM PST by Kozak
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
Bush hasn't even noticed Egypt yet. I doubt he even bothered to look at Egypt on a map since being president. He's been a little busy.

In fact, we have been tossing billions into their tin cup. But, considering what this nut-bar said, CUT OFF AIDE TO EGYPT. And if they kill anyone, they would be a nice target-rich enemy with nowhere to hide. Lots of sand. Lots of open terrain. And if they flee to the Pyramids, we drop a few bunker busters. No problem.

69 posted on 11/03/2001 4:54:12 AM PST by Arthur Wildfire! March
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
Why is it that all of these Cleric's can declare war against the US, then expect that we can not bomb their Mosques and holy lands. Do they believe war is a one way street, where only they have the right to kill their enemies?

I say if they declare a war, then we need to deliver it to them, without mercy.

70 posted on 11/03/2001 5:01:20 AM PST by rstevens
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To: onyx
Just more bs from the wild and wacky world of Islam. I would expect nothing less from these crazies. Their religious leaders like to talk trash all day long especially when Jihad and Jews are involved.
71 posted on 11/03/2001 5:05:54 AM PST by dennisw
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To: Number_Cruncher
What planet does this guy come from? How about Iraq attacking Iran.....

A glorious chapter in Islamic history with one million Muslims killed by Muslims. Iraq finally beat back Iran when Saddam unleashed the nerve gas and other poison gasses.

72 posted on 11/03/2001 5:08:57 AM PST by dennisw
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To: Texaggie79
"Next!"
73 posted on 11/03/2001 5:11:40 AM PST by PoorMuttly
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To: Cavalry
To: Freedom of Speech Wins Great...the only way we are going to stop terrorism is to because an imperialist state that pretty much takes over the muslim world. We are losing friends by the millions with these rash actions in the Afghanistan.

5 posted on 11/3/01 1:14 AM Pacific by Cavalry

Er, huh??? Tell me ONE INSTANCE where we totally took over another nation we BEAT in a war and MOVED in AMERICANS to TAKE over their rule of law? Your post infuriates me. I suppose you would sit by and quietly sing nursery rhymes if YOUR mom had been killed in the WTC and your sister had had her clitoris CUT OUT AT THE AGE OF EIGHT YEARS OF AGE, sometimes the labia majora and minora are CUT OFF AS WELL, because NINETY FIVE PERCENT of EGYPTIAN WOMEN must suffer this fate because ARAB MEN are consider women DIRTY. Which is why they are NOT ALLOWED in mosques (they are compared to dogs) and which is why atta and so many teeny tiny arab cowards don't want women around them. They force women to hide in their homes, completely covered, windows painted over, while they plan their COWARDLY attacks on unarmed people who don't agree with their pathetic, sick lifestyles.

Tough Cavalry. You go join their ranks and fight this great big imperialist nation, the strongest on EARTH, that has NEVER attempted to take over another nation forcefully without being attacked, even tho it could whenever it so chose to do so. YOU are LUCKY to live here. We all are. Perhaps you are one of those people so unable to empathize with peopel who suffered directly on Sept 11 that you will NEVER be able to understand why terrorism MUST BE STOPPED until it hits your own doorstep. I feel for ya.

74 posted on 11/03/2001 5:21:36 AM PST by Republic
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
We have not declared war on Islam, but Islam has declared war on us.
75 posted on 11/03/2001 5:32:05 AM PST by Heisenburger
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To: Freedom of Speech Wins
The clerics right?

These would be those mutterers inside the Mosques?

A shot across the bow, precision guide a pig into each.
76 posted on 11/03/2001 5:41:09 AM PST by Maelstrom
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To: Cavalry
I'm sorry...what was your alternative suggestion again?
77 posted on 11/03/2001 5:41:55 AM PST by Maelstrom
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To: smarticus
I opt for a new policy... covert assasination of all mullahs.

I kinda like that. These guys are the real leaders of this war on the earth. When in battle, the rule has always been to take out the leaders and then wait for the draftees to surrender.

78 posted on 11/03/2001 5:44:48 AM PST by P-Marlowe
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To: Maelstrom
I'm sorry...what was your alternative suggestion again?

His alternative suggestion would be for us to sacrifice as many "other" people as necessary to not incur anyone's wrath, so that Cavalry doesn't have to worry about getting an "Owwie."
The dead people in the smoldering ruins mean nothing to him, as long as he is safe...

79 posted on 11/03/2001 5:50:52 AM PST by unamused
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To: Timesink
We are hooked into Eqypt militarily. Remember operation brightstar. It's a world gone insane. Bin Laden is succeeding on many levels.
80 posted on 11/03/2001 6:02:44 AM PST by kingh99
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