Afghanistan: Taliban and genuine efforts to rehabilitate country

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Post via Islamic Emirate

For a long period now, our countrymen have been hearing news and viewing multimedia reports – via official channels of the Islamic Emirate – of efforts launched throughout the country to restore critical infrastructure. Officials of the Islamic Emirate can even be observed in some videos working hand in hand with fellow workers constructing culverts, small bridges, several kilometer gravel roads, schools, madaris (religious institutions), irrigation canals and medical clinics. On top of this, efforts are also being undertaken in form of conferences to promote education inside the country.

Today we are once again witnessing a visual report of Mujahideen inaugurating the construction of a critical bridge in Loe Manda area of Nad Ali district, scheduled for completion in two months period which should resolved some of the issues faced by locals.

Mujahideen have launched similar redevelopments and educational projects in Kunduz, Baghlan, Paktia, Khost, Nuristan, Ghazni and several other provinces in order to motivate the masses and push them towards the path of self-sufficiency and enlightenment.

Mujahideen have renovated and constructed hundreds of schools throughout the country, have begun work on small community projects and have similarly provided and assured security for NGOs and other aid organizations in order to provide a secure atmosphere for redevelopments projects.

Yes, it is an accepted fact that such small services by the Mujahideen cannot solve all the problems faced by our countrymen however by using all meager means at their disposal to bring about a positive change despite the 24 hours danger of being targeted by drones and enemy cannons shows the compassion they hold for their destitute countrymen and their commitment to helping them develop their war-torn communities.

The Mujahideen never carry out their work for propaganda purposes, rather all their work is carried out with complete sincerity.

If we compare money spent on the war effort by the invaders and their hirelings with their slogans of reconstruction and development, it becomes strikingly evident that had they even spent a fraction of their war budget on development, we would not be in the state that we are today nor would our countrymen had to pay $3 billion in bribes annually.

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Turkey shuts down social media in response to IS video release showing burning alive of 2 soldiers

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Turkish soldiers imprisoned in cages by Islamic State in desert area

Turkish authorities took the decision to close down Facebook, Twitter and Youtube affecting some users following the release of a graphic video from Islamic State showing the immolation of 2 Turkish soldiers believed to have been captured fleeing Aleppo. The video could not be independently verified.

On November 29th BBC reported, “IS claimed via its news agency that its militants had captured two Turkish soldiers in al-Dana village near al-Bab in northern Syria” where “Turkish military is leading an offensive to clear IS and Kurdish forces from the strategic al-Bab town.”

IS video

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Soldiers chained back to back awaiting their fate (Stills via Raji Assi)

The video which lasts 19 minutes shows footage of IS on the battlefield. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan comes under verbal attack and IS calls for “destruction to be sowed” in Turkey. Two soldiers wearing battle fatigues are seen imprisoned in cages in an arid landscape in the vicinity of a river. They are placed chained, back to back and their heads are shaven. Hassan Ridha alleged, “the IS release video on Euphrates Shield, shows burning alive of 2 Turkish soldiers that were captured last month, Fathi Shahin and Saftar Tash.”

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Soldiers led on all fours (Sill via Botin Kurdistani)

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IS soldier about to ignite fuse (Still via Raki Assi)

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Turkish soldiers about to be burnt alive by IS (Still via Raji Assi)

IS soldiers are then shown walking the men on all fours like dogs with collars around their necks. The men are highlighted delivering confessions to camera. They can be seen standing barefoot awaiting their fate. One of the IS group armed and dressed in black sets alight to a long fuse attached to a chain which leads to the neck of each soldier. One man turns his head slightly to catch a glimpse of what is behind him. The soldiers are set alight and try desperately to extinguish the blaze writhing in agony on the ground until they loose consciousness and die.

The deaths are said to be in retaliation for Turkish government’s burning of Muslims and several shots are shown of badly injured children. The video is in similar vein to the burning alive of Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh who was killed by IS in 2015.

Links

“Fighting fire with fire, IS burn alive Jordanian pilot in video release”

Fighting fire with fire, IS burn alive Jordanian pilot in new video release

“Islamic State release statement on killing of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh”

Islamic State release statement on killing of Jordanian pilot Moaz al- Kasasbeh

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Islamic Emirate: The inhumane treatment of prisoners in Puli Charkhi

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Post via Islamic Emirate

In is with deep sadness and regret that verified reports of inhumane treatment by foreign forces and their hireling gunmen with defenseless inmates keep pouring out of Puli Chahrkhi, Bagram and other local prisons.

At this very moment reports, videos and pictures have been received showing that hundreds of inmates are on hunger strike in the notorious prison of Puli Charkhi.

It is said that the prison officials deal with the inmates in the most barbaric way possible. They are verbally abused, tortured, not given the allotted food or on time, are denied sunlight and basically, all their rights as prisoners are being violated.

The inmates say that they had previously gone on hunger strike against this barbarity. The block warden named Arif promised that their problems will be resolved and dispatched a team to listen to our concerns. After our representatives talked to them, they were promptly called in by Arif to his office where members of NDS were also present. These men were handed over to the intelligence agency and have not been heard of till this very day.

This comes as reports emerged that on the third month of the current year, a recently appointed warden Colonel Najmuddin is preventing inmates from reading the Holy Quran or studying any religious material. This colonel would put all the scholars who taught inmates into solitary confinement as well as beat and torture other inmates under various flimsy excuses.

UNAMA had also published a report – based on interviews with over 200 thousand inmates – stating that inmates are treated inhumanely in the prisons of Afghanistan, confessions are taken under torture and this behavior (torture) towards prisoners has seen a 14% increase recently which violates humanitarian law.

This abuse by the officials of the puppet Kabul administration has forced the hands of inmates into carrying out such strikes which result in martyrdom, bodily harm and development of mental illnesses. Last year an inmate – Hafiz Abdul Rauf – from Qarabagh district of Ghazni lost his life under torture and beatings in the notorious prison of Puli Charkhi.

On top of the above, inmates face similar and in some cases even worse treatment in Nimroz, Sherbarghan, Helmand, Mazar, Kandahar, Ghazni and other provincial prisons.

One of the most recent cases has been reported from Kandahar where the violator of humanitarian law and one of the most notorious warlords, Gen. Razziq and his men abducted 80 students of knowledge from religious seminaries. Some of the students were later martyred (their bodies found in barren deserts) while the rest are still missing.

The relatives of inmates say that judicial bodies, judges and other high-ranking regime officials also demand huge bribes via intermediaries to get their loved ones released. And the destitute who cannot pay the large sums of money watch their next of kin helplessly spend years upon years in the dark prison dungeons.

Due to the constant humiliating and inhumane treatment and the absolute helplessness of these prisoners, many are pushed to the edge where they inadvertently attack the prison guards. This (unarmed inmate engaging an armed ruthless guard without thinking about the consequence) in itself proves the worrying state in which these prisoners reside.

The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly called on the self-proclaimed mantle holders of human rights, UNAMA, ICRC, Amnesty International and others to take action but unfortunately human right violations and torture continues to be an endemic in the Kabul regime prisons.

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Remarks by spokesman of Islamic Emirate concerning murder of woman in Badghis

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Post via Islamic Emirate

A number of news outlets published reports from the mouth of enemy claiming that a woman was killed by the order or verdict of Taliban in Daizangi area of Aab Kamari district, Badghis province.

We reject this false and twisted report. The incident has nothing to do with the Mujahideen and the real case is as follows:

The husband of a woman based in Daizangi village of Aab Kamari district, Badghis province, had gone to Iran. The woman ran away from her home with another man so her relatives and the locals agreed to leave the woman with the second man. When the first husband arrived home from Iran, he presented his case to the courts of Islamic Emirate stating that the woman had married the second man without taking a divorce. The provincial court of the Islamic Emirate began investigating the case and in light of verdict of Shariah, separated the woman from her second husband and handed her over to her father’s house until proof of divorce is presented. The case was still under process when two nights earlier, the former husband accompanied by 2 armed men forced their way into the father’s home at night and murdered the woman.

Upon being informed of the incident in the morning, the Mujahideen apprehended the killer and his two accomplices before handing them over to the court.

The Mujahideen have no hand in the murder of the woman and neither was any verdict issued. The enemy wants to take advantage of such personal incidents and use them to turn common minds against the Mujahideen. And unfortunately a number of news outlets and journalists – without taking into account the view of Islamic Emirate – only take the claims of officials of the Kabul administration and publish one-sided reports, and such has occurred repeatedly.

Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi

20/03/1438 Hijri Lunar

30/09/1395 Hijri Solar                    20/12/2016 Gregorian

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Afghanistan: Taliban release video message from hostages Caitlan Coleman and Joshua Boyle with their children

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Caitlin Coleman, Joshua Boyle and their 2 children held hostage by the Taliban who want “money, power, friends” in exchange for their release

(Still via Sabiq Jihadmal)

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban) have released a video via Sabiq Jihadmal that shows hostages Caitlin Coleman (31) from Pennsylvania and husband Joshua Boyle (33) of Toronto, Canada delivering an urgent message allegedly on 3rd December 2016 to the governments of US and Canada. The couple’s two young children also appear for the first time in public view, both boys were born in captivity. The eldest is seen giggling as he appears to be distracted by something off camera.

Coleman and Boyle were kidnapped in 2012 whilst traveling through the Wardak province of Afghanistan, Coleman was 7 months pregnant at the time. As Phillymag stated, they “decided to hike across the steppes of Central Asia. They dreamed of eating exotic foods, meeting the locals and doing aid work” but their journey was stopped short allegedly at the hands of the Haqqani network that previously held US soldier Bowe Bergdahl captive for 5 years. The couple have appeared in an earlier video, see following link for details and background on the hostages,

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3765611/American-woman-Canadian-husband-held-captive-Taliban-appear-video-time-three-years.html

The Taliban are prepared to release the couple in exchange for “money, power, friends”. Coleman states,  “we are told there are Afghans who are prisoners in Kabul that these men care about and do not want to be punished.” In May of this year Islamic Emirate criticised use of the death penalty against Mujahideen saying,

“This announcement by Ashraf Ghani clearly demonstrates his frailty due to him testing his strength against defenseless prisoners while at the same time, it holds no legal basis because these political prisoners are handed the death penalty by the most corrupt and incompetent judicial body in the world. The prisoners sentenced to death are mostly poor individuals who could not afford bribing the regime prosecutors and judges due to the economic conditions and are therefore witnessing the result of their destitution. Such actions by the Kabul administration will amount to nothing more than a war crime carried out against freedom seeking oppressed and defenseless prisoners. The execution of inmates currently imprisoned can have no positive outcome for the crumbling Kabul administration but will naturally have serious repercussions.”

Statement of Islamic Emirate regarding intent of executing prisoners by the Ghani administration

This is one of a series of statements highlighting alleged regime abuses against prisoners also documented in numerous reports from international human rights organizations. Islamic Emirate also published a letter from the families of detainees to the UN and Secretary General of NATO concerning appalling treatment of detainees.

Islamic Emirate: Open letter by the families of vulnerable prisoners to the UN and Secretary General of NATO concerning appalling treatment of detainees

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Anas Haqqani and Qari Abdul Rashid Omari (a.k.a. Hafiz Rashid). NDS photos via Khaama Press.

As Long War Journal reported in September, Taliban threatened blood would be spilled if Anas Haqqani, the brother of the group’s deputy emir who is also the operational leader of the Haqqani Network was executed.

Coleman makes it clear that if this is not addressed and demands not met, the family face retaliation, harm and punishment.

Transcript of video

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

“Fighting in the sacred month is for aggression committed in the sacred month and for all violations is legal contribution So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with us who fear Him” (Al- Baqarah:194)

Caitlin Coleman speaking

“Today is December 3rd 2016. We have waited since 2012 for somebody to understand our problems. This is a Kafkaesque nightmare in which we find ourselves. We understand both sides hate us and are content to leave us and our two surviving children in these problems but we can only ask and pray that somebody will recognize the atrocities these men carry out against us as so called retaliation in their ingratitude and hypocrisy.

My children have seen their mother defiled. We ask quickly in our collective 14th year of prison, urge the government on both sides to reach some agreement to allow us freedom.

Obama your legacy on leaving office is probably important to you and our lives and these of our children are to us so please don’t become the next Jimmy Carter so give the offender something so they and you can save face and leave the region permanently.

Donald Trump, the legacy of a millenia of femen worship in this country is that those who speak high and noble of Islamic ideals are not simply going to release our family easily because it is correct, they want money, power, friends, you must give them these things before progress can be made. A 5 year hostage taking is too long and indicates failure on every side. Believe us, we have tried to explain the irony and sin to these men but to no avail.

We need you and the government to step up and do us a favour here and solve the problems. We are told there are Afghans who are prisoners in Kabul that these men care about and do not want to be punished. Indeed they threaten to retaliate against our family, that their group will do us harm and punish us so we ask that you are merciful to their people and God Willing they will release us.”

Joshua Boyle speaking

“And to whichever state department official has to watch this video, we both know the President is not going to see it or the coming President and that the decision ultimately probably lies with you but there is no point explaining that to our captors. And I am sure you think our family could get out of this if we wanted and I can only promise you that we can’t.

You like us probably underestimate the arrogant ignorance that pervades these people and don’t understand we’re dealing with the people who think that America killed all the monkeys in their country and the drones are listening to them sleep at night. There is no point explaining to them that we are the worst bandits to have a prisoner exchange with.

They really will not settle this until they get what they are demanding so I can only ask that you will please quickly try to resolve this for our sake and the sake of our children and we can talk about compensation later. But it has been more than 4 years so I do plead with you please be quick.”

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Video message on screen from Taliban posted by Sabiq Jihadmal

This is a clear message!

“The release of the couple and their children will not come into realization until all our demands are met!
We advise you against any evasiveness and any attempt of provocation because this is of no benefit to you!
For if you agree to our demands then we will release your citizens but if not then you will face dangerous consequences. Do not even dare to try us with our patience because we know very well how to respond to the oppressors and arrogates.
Know that the failure is destined for the one who does not know how to respond in a given situation.”

Sabiq Jihadmal

@SQ_JLK

Hostage recovery

It remains to be seen how US will handle attempts to recover Coleman, Boyle and children. Earlier efforts to free captives have been heavily criticised and in one incident led to the deaths of 2 prisoners held by Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). In January 2015 aid worker Warren Weinstein (73) and Italian prisoner Giovanni Lo Porto (37) were killed in a controversial US “signature” drone strike near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border confirmed by President Barack Obama in April who accepted “full responsibility” for their deaths.

The Washington Post reported the following on US practice from a Special Forces Officer,

“In June 2015, Lt. Col. Jason Amerine testified before Congress that the nation’s effort to recover American hostages held overseas is ‘dysfunctional’ and mired in bureaucratic red tape and failure.

‘Is the system broken?’ Amerine asked rhetorically during the hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. ‘Layers upon layers of bureaucracy hid the extent of our failure from our leaders. I believe we all failed the commander in chief by not getting critical advice to him.’”

US did have some success in 2015 exchanging 5 Taliban prisoners, Abdul Haq Wasiq, Mullah Norullah Nori, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Mohammed Nabi and Mohammad Fazl for Bowe Bergdahl. See following report from NBC as Bergdahl takes his first steps to freedom.

http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/bowe-bergdahls-final-moments-in-captivity-273824835911

Links

“When the Taliban takes the girl next door”

http://www.phillymag.com/news/2016/10/22/caitlan-coleman-taliban-joshua-boyle/

“Al Qaeda prisoners Warren Weinstein and Giovanni LoPorto allegedly reverted to Islam before being martyred in US drone strike”

Al Qaeda: Prisoners Warren Weinstein and Giovanni Lo Porto allegedly reverted to Islam before being “martyred” in US drone strike

“Free…. Bowe Bergdahl exchanged for 5 Taliban, a determined father and establishing dialogue”

FREE: Bowe Bergdahl exchanged for 5 Taliban, a determined father and establishing dialogue

Islamic Emirate taking vengeance from the prisoners is a sign of cowardice and downfall”

Islamic Emirate: Taking vengeance from the prisoners is the sign of cowardice and downfall!!

“Islamic Emirate: Prisoners should not be made the prey of politics”

Islamic Emirate: Prisoners should not be made the Prey of Politics

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Remarks by spokesman of Islamic Emirate concerning claims of invitation by Iran to delegation of Islamic Emirate

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Post via Islamic Emirate

Yesterday reports were published by some Kabul based news outlets that a delegation of Islamic Emirate has been invited by Iran to participate in an international conference dubbed ‘Islamic Unity’.

There is no truth to the claim. No delegation of the Islamic Emirate has received an invitation and all reports stating otherwise are incorrect.

Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi

16/03/1438 Hijri Lunar

26/09/1395 Hirji Solar                    16/12/2016 Gregorian

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Islamic Emirate: Fear in the Moribund Kabul Administration

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Post via Islamic Emirate

The Kabul Administration is facing severe anxiety in the face of initiatives by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, curbing the (propaganda) material that they were using for their own objectives against the Islamic Emirate. Sometimes they said the Taliban do not allow construction of public benefit projects and destroy bridges. Sometimes they leveled allegations that the Taliban had burnt schools and that they were against development and education etc. In fact their motive was to bring under question the Jihadic efforts of the Islamic Emirate. However recently the statement of the Islamic Emirate in support of national projects has snatched away this defaming propaganda from their hands. They were flabbergasted and started objections to the move instead of being receptive, thus they showed their anti-national face to the nation and the world as a whole.

On the battle ground, when Mujahideen seized strongholds of the Kabul Administration during the current year, the Kabul Administration turned to leveling allegations, claiming foreign trained fighters were engaged against them. But the Islamic Emirate announced that if such is the case, they should present even one foreign Mujahid either detained or martyred to media as evidence. The military battalion and other contingents are made up of the true sons of the nation and trained in the training centers of the Islamic Emirate. No foreign Mujahideen are present in the rank and files of the Islamic Emirate nor has permission been given to anyone to create a parallel set-up to that of the Islamic Emirate.

On the political field, the Kabul Administration tried to level allegations against the Islamic Emirate that it has plans to carry out destructive activities in other countries but the Islamic Emirate clarified its stance to countries – through active diplomacy – that we seek to lead a peaceful life with neighboring countries and the international community. We are striving for an independent Afghanistan, being free of occupation where we would have a system based on our own beliefs. We do not want to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries nor will we allow anyone else to use our soil against others and neither will we accept interference by others in our affairs.

The Kabul Administration has exhausted all other stratagems. Now they have hired tens of media outlets to propagate in their favor. They have created hundreds of fake facebook accounts to show that the nation is supporting and standing with them. In fact this is not the voice of the nation. Not only that, they are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbying to draw attention of American officials and of other invading counties. But in practice they have always held top position in bad governance internationally. According to a recent survey, three billion dollars equivalent to about 200 billion Afghanis is taken as bribe in offices of the Kabul Administration per annum. Corrupt officials take their empty wallets to the office in the morning and bring them full of money as they return home in the evening. Their survival is banked on prolongation of the war.

The Islamic Emirate and the entire nation including the freedom-loving educated Afghan strata see their wellbeing in ending the occupation, having independence and a developed Afghanistan under the shadow of Islamic system whereas this Administration sees its survival in anarchy, occupation and prolongation of the war. The nation should know that their interests are in contradiction with those of the administration. The more the nation and the Islamic Emirate come together around shared goals, the more the anti-nation elements under whatever form will be marginalized. Forward to an Islamic, independent, prosperous and developed Afghanistan!

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Statement of Islamic Emirate concerning the ongoing catastrophe in Aleppo

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Post via Islamic Emirate

It is with great sadness to be witnessing that tens of thousands of unarmed civilians mainly women and children are besieged in the Syrian city of Aleppo, with reports coming out about their slaughter, injury and inhumane treatment.

The Islamic Emirate calls upon all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to desist from endangering the lives of unarmed civilian Muslims and put an end to all atrocities against them.

The Syrian conflict is a great Divine test for the entire Muslim world. The Islamic Emirate calls upon the Islamic world, Islamic Conference, scholars of the Muslim world and all involved parties to not remain indifferent and prevent the suffering of women, children and unarmed civilians.

Intervention by foreign powers in that country – be they under whatever name or excuse – will only prolong this catastrophe. Mass slaughter by air raids and the humanitarian crisis brought about by the suffering can never be justified. We express our deepest sympathy with the oppressed people of Syria especially with the women and children who have been killed and are targets of barbaric actions. We pray to Allah to have mercy on the disastrous situation of the Islamic world, deliver His slaves, withhold the hand of the aggressor and emancipate the oppressed from oppression, Ameen O Lord of the Universe.

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

14/03/1438 Hijri Lunar

24/09/1395 Hijri Solar                    14/12/2016 Gregorian

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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UK: Protesters demonstrate outside Syrian Embassy London calling for urgent action on Aleppo to prevent another Srebrenica

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Speakers address the crowd calling for urgent action to save those trapped in Aleppo (Image via Faysal Ahmed)

On Tuesday evening around 2,000 people gathered outside the Syrian Embassy in London to raise their concerns regarding the desperate situation of civilians trapped in Aleppo under increasingly worse conditions and with no means of escape. In recent days residents, aid workers and journalists were among those tweeting what they feared would be their last messages to the world. There have been allegations of mass executions and claims that some women committed suicide in fear of being raped.

According to the Soufan Group that provides strategic security intelligence services to governments and multinational organizations,

“As of December 13, Assad regime forces and their allies had reportedly retaken nearly all of the rebel-held parts of eastern Aleppo.”

“Rebel fighters in Aleppo agreed to a makeshift ceasefire allowing for the evacuation of rebels and civilians; the agreement will most likely lead to the near-emptying of another major Syrian city.”

The solidarity protest in support of those suffering in Aleppo was organized by Faysal Ahmed who posted details for supporters on his Facebook page.

Speakers included Moazzam Begg, Asim Qureshi, Dilly Hussain, Taji Mustafa, Ibtihal Bsis, Dr Salmon Butt, Ibrahim Jung, Imam Shakeel Begg, Sheikh Haitham, Isa Ath-Tha’ir and many others who gave up their time to come and address a packed out Belgravia.

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The demonstration drew a crowd of around 2,000 at 24 hour notice

(Image via Faysal Ahmed)

Asim Qureshi stated,

“Last night I had the honour of addressing 2,000 human beings who stayed out until almost midnight in order to show their solidarity for those struggling in Aleppo.

My message was simple – don’t be fooled. I went back to when John Bolton was referring to Syria as being part of the Axis of Evil, while at the same time the CIA was sending Maher Arar, Muayyad Nurreddin, Abdullah al-Malki, Ahmad Abou El Maati and many others to be tortured at the notorious Syrian prison Fara Falastin.

At the start of the Syrian revolution I wrote about this, and it is worth bearing in mind again. We should not place our faith in these countries taking a moral position, but our duty still remains that we push them and embarrass them until they do so. Relationships between states are based on interest and nothing else, our governments must understand that it is in their interests to take our concerns seriously.”

https://cage.ngo/uncategorized/fara%E2%80%99-falastin-%E2%80%93-syria%E2%80%99s-proxy-us-prison/

In addition protesters were joined live from Syria by @Tox Sharif, @Raquel Hayden Best, Bilal Abdul Kareem and Mohammed Shakeel. In a first, brothers in Eman Channel succeeded in getting all the major Islamic TV channels to work together and broadcast the demonstration live. Ahmed requested that people “continue donating and highlighting the plight of the Syrians and speaking out against the barbaric Assad regime and his allies.”

The message was “Aleppo will rise again”.

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Prayers said for Aleppo (Image via Faysal Ahmed)

Raju Motalib said, “what a turnout..what an event!!! well done to everyone for turning up and big thanks to CAGE and Faysal Ahmed for organising..may Allah SWT reward your efforts!!” However as campaigners were posting on the success of the event new came in that the ceasefire had already broken and shelling had started once again. There was no sign that any civilians were leaving on the buses provided by the Syrian government at an agreed checkpoint, with some media claiming they had returned to their depot, see following link,

“Aleppo: Syrian army resumes bombardment of city as fragile ceasefire crumbles”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/aleppo-syria-war-resume-russia-assad-rebels-break-ceasefire-latest-a7473361.html

Lina Shami tweeted from Aleppo,

“No one yet could leave from the besieged city as it should have been done in the agreement. Regime & Iran came back to revenge from civilians”

“At this moment intense shelling by regime & Iran gangs on the besieged districts  “

Journalist Laura Kuenssberg highlighted, “Govt source tells me UK drones are filming what’s happening in Aleppo to gather evidence so troops can be held to account in future.” That doesn’t however solve the immediate problem of who will help civilians now.

@Dimashqee tweeted,

“West can: airdrops for Assad in Deir Ezzour, bombing IS from Al-Bab to Mosul, can put drones above Aleppo. but no airdrops/NFZ for civilians”

Abdul Hamid Faruki had a grim warning for the world if governments fail to act in time, he said, “Aleppo – it’s Srebrenica all over again.”

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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Introduction of Sheikh Moulavi Hibatullah Akhunzada (may Allah safeguard him), Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

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Post via Islamic Emirate

Translation: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

(Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah [i.e. they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed in the least. 23

That Allah may reward the men of truth for their truth (i.e. for their patience at the accomplishment of that which they covenanted with Allah), and punish the hypocrites if He will or accept their repentance by turning to them in Mercy. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 24) Al-Ahzab

Afghanistan has been the graveyard for foreign invaders. It is the symbol of honor, valor and glories. It is the dwelling of heroes and epoch-makers. And it is the learning center for Jihad, martyrdom and sacrifices.

Besides the epoch-making Conquerors and Mujahidin – great scholars, Muslim Jurists, Mohaddisin (i.e. well-versed scholars in the traditions of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him) and Mufassirin (exegetical writers of the Holy Quran) of this country have rendered historical services in the field of education.

If on one hand, Mehmood of Ghazni, Shihabuddin of Ghor and Ahmad Shah Abdali have ruled the Indian sub-continent and have emancipated the Muslim masses of the area from tyrannies then on the other Legists, Muhaddisin and Mufassirin like Imam Abu Da’ud of Sajistan, Sheikh Mohammad s/o Mohammd s/o Bakr of Khulm, Imam Abu Laise of Samarqand and Imam Ibn Hubban of Bust have candled various parts of the Muslim world with their narratives and knowledge.

Families of brilliant-stars in Islamic Jurisprudence and other fields of knowledge have migrated from Kabul, Helmand, Herat, Balkh and various other parts of Afghanistan and have settled in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and Damascus, the renowned seats of Islamic Caliphate, by rendering historical services in the fields of Islamic Jurisprudence, traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the exegetical writings of the Holy Quran.

Imam Abu Hanifa (blessings be upon him), one of the four greatest Muslim Jurists followed in the Muslim world and ‘Mak-hool Shami’ (blessings be upon him), a renowned scholar and narrator of the traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), were from Afghanistan.

These well-versed scholars established great seats of Islamic studies and learning inside Afghanistan in which hundreds of thousands scholars were educated and trained to guide and serve the Muslim masses throughout history.

This sequence of learning and teaching has been incessant inside Afghanistan from its inauguration in 202 Hijri era (nearly 817 A.D) till today.

This process has played a vital role in reviving and promoting religious studies in Afghanistan by training competent scholars in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence, narrations of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), exegesis of the Holy Quran, balaghat (i.e. figures of speech), rhetoric and grammar (both syntax and conjugation).

On top of religious studies, the distinctive features of scholars qualified from this system in Afghanistan are that they are also practically trained by their faithful teachers to defend their creed and country in times of need. The role of these jihadi scholars is inestimable and more prominent than anyone in all the historical wars fought by Afghan freedom fighters against the infidel forces inside and outside the country.

For instance, the historical conquest of major part of Indian sub-continent by Mahmood of Ghazni in 388 Hijri era (997 A.D) was undertaken under the direction and guidance of Ulema (i.e. religious scholars).

During the reign of Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori on the Indian sub-continent in 559 Hijri era (=1163 A.D), these religious scholars held high ranking posts in the government setup.

In 1160 Hijri era (=1746 A.D) when Ahmad Shah Abdali, the great ruler of Afghanistan, sent forces to help the Indian Muslims, the motive behind it was the Jihadi inspirations and guidance of the then revered Indian scholars.

In 1255 Hijri era (= 1838 A.D), the responsibility of Mujahidin who were resisting the English invasion of Afghanistan were bore by the Jihadi scholars of that time.

In 1978 A.D, after a despicable coup of internal communist elements instigated by Russians, which resulted in the devastative invasion of the then Soviet Union over Afghanistan in 1979, the command and guidance of Afghan Mujahid masses were also in the hands of the scholars. And in the recent past, the foundation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was also laid down by these scholars, which was first headed by the late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) and then the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace). Following these two pious and courageous leaders, the responsibility of leading the Islamic Emirate is currently given to the well-known and well-versed scholar of the country, Sheikh Moulavi Hibatullah Akhunzada (may Allah safeguard him). In the following lines, his introduction and biography is shared with the esteemed readers.

His birth and early growth:

Sheikh Moulavi Hibatullah Akhunzada (son of Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan and the grandson of Moulana Khudai Raheem) was born in a pious and highly learned family in Nakhuni village of Panjwai district in Kandahar province on Thursday 19th October 1967 (Rajab 15, 1387 Hijri era). He completed his first learning stage under the scholarly auspices and patronage of his father in his own area.

His Family:

The scholarly family of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ is well-known for learning, dignity and piety for ages.

The actual dwelling place of this family was Takhta-Pul district of Kandahar province, who later shifted to Pajwai district of the same province. The honorable ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was born in Nakhuni village of this newly adopted dwelling place by his family.

His father ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ was a famous and eminent legist and highly learned figure among his contemporary scholars enjoying distinguished social and educational credibility. He, as a religious scholar, had a prominent role in educating and guiding the local people towards the right path. He was a teacher, a preacher and a reformer in his area, where he had prepared and trained numerous pupils to serve and defend the sacred religion.

On Thursday 27th April 1978, when the local communists, headed by‘Noor Mohammad Taraki, seized power in Kabul in a military coup, ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ was one of the foremost valiant Jihadi scholars who rose and resisted against the communists and their infidel regime. The local Muslim masses, who had already been under the deep influence and inspiration of ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’, strongly supported him and largely participated in his Jihadi struggle.

Consequently this move was regarded as a threat and challenge for the infidel communists and their illegitimate rule therefore they planned to eliminate the real instigator of this Jihadi uprising.

The security forces of the then infidel government raided the house and madrassa of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ to arrest him but he was saved by the grace of Almighty Allah. He then migrated to Rague (i.e. the desert) area of Kandahar province where he launched practical struggle against the communist regime in collaboration with other Mujahidin devoted for this cause.

With the expansion and gradual success of Jihadi resistance, ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ returned to populated areas and sustained his Jihadi and educational services till the end of his life.

After the death of his father and due to the increased atrocities of the then Soviet invaders, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ had to abandon his abode and village like hundreds of thousands of other countrymen and migrated to the neighboring Pakistan, settling in the refugee camp of Jungle Pir Alizai in the border province of Baluchistan. He accepted all the obstacles and inconveniences of life like all other refugees for the sake of liberating his beloved homeland and establishing an Islamic sovereign rule there.

His religious education:

‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was the second one among the male descendants of his father who received his early education locally from his own father. He learnt recitation of the Holy Quran, grammar and literature of Arabic language, rhetoric and Islamic Jurisprudence from his revered and scholarly father.

After completing his early and intermediate education, he left for the well-known regional madrassas and educational institutions for attaining higher studies. There he completed all the essential and customary studies and in 1411 Hijri era (1991 A.D) he completed his final year in Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) from celebrated and distinguished regional scholars ‘Moulavi Mohammad Jan Agha Sahib’ and ‘Moulavi Habibullah Sahib’. In this way, he accomplished his higher Islamic studies and was awarded accordingly.

His Jihadi and Political struggle:

When ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was near the completion of his studies, armed resistance against the then Soviet invasion was at its peak. It was a time when every Afghan, especially the youth belonging to religious and scholarly families were quite eager to participate in different Jihadi fronts for fighting against the then foreign invaders and their internal communist puppets.

‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ a descendant of a learned and pious family, was more enthusiastic than anyone else to fight against the Soviet invaders and their internal communist puppets, both on ideological as well as Jihadi fronts. Even during his studies, he had a schedule to spend time on various fronts with Mujahidin.

During the annual holidays of madrassas, he used to join the group of a well-known Jihadi commander ‘Mullah Haji Mohammad Akhund’ in Kandahar province for practical Jihadi struggle against the then Soviet invaders and their internal stooge communist forces.

The Jihadi group of ‘Mullah Haji Mohammad Akhund’ was famous throughout the south-western zone of Afghanistan in which prominent Taliban leaders like the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace) and the deputy ministerial head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ‘Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan’ and several other key figures had served and fought against the Soviet invaders.

In the early phase of Jihad against the Soviet invasion, this Jihadi front was linked with ‘Harkat-i-Inqilab-i-Islami’ (i.e. Islamic Revolutionary Movement – one of the seven major Jihadi groups formed by Mujahidin) headed by late ‘Moulavi Mohammad Nabi Mohammadi’. Later it was annexed and supported by ‘Hizb-i-Islami’ party under the leadership of late ‘Moulavi Mohammad Younus Khalis’.

‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was one of the prominent members of this Jihadi front who was known and respected among all other Mujahidin for his Jihadi status and learning prestige. He had participated in joint military and Jihadi operations with both previous leaders of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, (i.e. late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid and the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor) and was also wounded in one of those operations.

Although ‘Sheikh Sahib’ spent most of his time in Jihadi activities and training and educating other Mujahidin, he also managed various Jihadi groups known as ‘roommates’ in the south-western zone of the country, particularly in Kandahar province.

Even during practical participation in various Jihadi fronts, Sheikh Sahib’s main concentration was on the ideological training and awareness of Mujahidin against the infidels and other misled or astray factions because the atheist communists and their foreign Soviet supporters had not only invaded the territory of our beloved homeland, they had launched a widespread anti-religious propaganda to mislead our pious Muslim masses. And on many occasions, defying ideological invasion becomes even more essential and difficult as compared to military invasion.

This was the main reason that both in war front as well as inside madrassa, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was deeply focused on the mental and ideological training and vigilance of Mujahidin, thus playing a magnificent and key role in this regard.

His distinction in teaching religious studies:

‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ has been excellent and well-versed in teaching religious studies especially Islamic jurisprudence, exegesis of the Holy Quran and Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

After completing his studies in 1411 Hijri era (1991 A.D), on top of all other Jihadi and administrative activities, he has been constantly teaching these subjects and has imparted knowledge to numerous students who came to seek it.

He has been given the title of ‘Sheikh’ which means he is well-versed in teaching ‘As-sihah as-sitta’ [i.e. the six most trustworthy and authentic collections of the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)].

His chain of narrators, on which Traditions are based, un-interruptedly reaches to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) via ‘Sheikh-ul-Hadith Moulavi Mohammad Jan Agha Sahib’ and ‘Sheikh-ul-Hadith Moulavi Habibullah Sahib’.

His founding role in the Islamic Movement of Taliban:

After the withdrawal of the then Soviet invaders from Afghanistan and the collapse of communist regime, unfortunately inter-factional fighting erupted in various parts of the country. But ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’, like other pious and sincere Mujahidin of his group, took no part in these factional fighting and resumed their educational and reformation activities.

Even though Kandahar province was a center of factional fighting and several local commanders were involved in it however ‘Sheikh Sahib’, as a teacher and director of a Jihadi front, resumed his actual task of teaching and guiding the people to the right path.

When the Islamic Movement of Taliban was founded under the leadership of late Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) against factional fighting and anarchy, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ shouldered the founder of this movement as a devoted and sincere Jihadi companion from the very beginning.

With the rapid advance of the Islamic Movement of Taliban in south-western zone of the country and with the revival of administration there, military courts were also restored in Kandahar province.

In these courts, prominent and skilled figures on the national level were designated and ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ was one of them, as he was known to the leadership of this movement for his high learning, keen legal perception and piety even in previous Jihadi-era.

His appointment as head of the military court:

In 1996 when Kabul, the capital city, came under the control of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ was appointed as the head/director of military court in Kabul by a special decree of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace).

Having disciplined these courts and achieved necessary reforms inside Kabul city, he was appointed as head/director of military court in the eastern zone of the country.

After the revival of military court in the eastern zone, especially in Nangarhar province and actively serving there for two years, he came back to Kabul as directed by late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid, and served there as the head of military court till the end.

Why in-charge of the military court?

One of the distinguishing features of the Islamic Emirate was the implementation of law and order and the restoration of peace inside the country, which was an undeniable fact even confessed by the enemies of the Islamic Emirate. Besides other reforms, the implementation of ‘Hudud’ (i.e. the prescribed punishments) played a specific role in the restoration of peace and stability in a war-stricken country.

In the beginning, heads of all organs including administration, security and judiciary were inexperienced and the security situation was fragile but it was only due to the implementation of those ‘prescribed punishments’ which restored peace and stability in a country ravaged by war and anarchy for nearly two decades.

Only the implementation of Sharia law can guarantee the restoration of peace and stability, if it is implemented according to the true spirit of Islamic rules and regulations. Therefore the leadership of the Islamic Emirate was deeply concerned in appointing efficient and skilled people as the head of courts and judiciary, who would be qualified and well-informed about the purpose and philosophy of Sharia law in the implementation of ‘prescribed punishments’ in the light of the Holy Quran, Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and the Islamic jurisprudence.

Sharia Courts were responsible for the supervision and implementation of the ‘prescribed punishments’ whereas military courts were responsible for checking and controlling military and security forces of the Islamic Emirate in various Jihadi fronts.

So it was quite essential to appoint someone as head of the military courts who has been talented with professional skills and discerning power in judging and executing rules of Sharia Law.

On the other hand, two criteria are indispensable for appointing someone on crucial executive posts, one is his Jihadi record and the second his knowledge.

‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’, as admitted and confirmed by his professional colleagues, was endowed with both these qualities therefore he was appointed by the late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) for the crucial and sensitive task of the military courts.

There were some considerations and expediencies in this selection of late Amir-ul-Mominin (may his soul rest in peace) which are specified as under:

  • Military court was the most crucial organ in the capital city Kabul which was designated with the implementation of ‘prescribed punishments’.
  • On one hand, the execution of ‘prescribed punishments’ was essential for the restoration of peace and reformation of society while on the other, the learning, legal perception and precision of the executor was equally essential.
  • Similarly, besides the above talents, the executor should be a considerate and a sympathetic person.

Late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) had already discerned these potentials in ‘Sheikh Sahib’ therefore he was designated for this vital post. Before the implementation of ‘Qisas’ (i.e. retaliatory punishment) by judges and professionals of military court, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ personally used to ask the heirs of the murdered for remittance and forgiveness for the murderer by reminding them teachings of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) related to clemency for the murderer.

In this process, he used to ask the elders and white-bearded people present on the occasion to assist him in convincing the heirs of the murdered person by interceding on behalf of the murdered for mercy and forgiveness.

He used to ask the heirs of the murdered person not as an authority, but as a religious scholar and dignitary to pardon the murderer. In most cases, due to his constant efforts, the people who were indicted for retaliatory punishments were pardoned by the heirs of the murdered person thus finding a new chance of life.

Similarly in criminal cases, whenever a decision was taken by related judges, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ used to leave no stone unturned by analyzing the rules and regulations of Islamic jurisprudence and taking full advantage from the concessions given therein. He used to pave for closing down the execution of such punishments by using the well-known rule which says that retaliatory punishments are annulled due to suspicions.

The above description shows that ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ has played his role quite successfully and faithfully as a vigilant, careful, self-controlled, sympathetic and compassionate in-charge, in the implementation of Sharia rules and regulations, in one of the most authorized judicial organ of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Even today, having these talents and potentials, he is faithful and committed to accomplishing the sacred objectives of Jihad by following and executing rules and regulations of Islamic Sharia Law.

His vital role in re-launching Jihad against the foreign invasion:

In 2001 when Afghanistan was invaded by American invaders in collaboration with their western allied forces, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate resumed the organization and co-ordination of Mujahidin after a short tactical interval. ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ supported and accompanied by other responsible people, played an effective and leading role in the revival and organization of Jihad against the new foreign invaders.

In the beginning, due to strict surveillance and tracing of American invading forces, it was nearly impossible to carry out any Jihadi activity but ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ untiringly worked hard along with some other heroic scholars and dignitaries at that critical and challenging stage in gathering and organizing Mujahidin to once again stand up of the new tyrants and brutal invaders.

Late ‘Sheikh Ghulam Haider’, ‘martyred Sheikh Abdul Salam’ and ‘honorable Sheikh Abdul Hakeem (may Allah protect him)’ were the main and heroic figures who worked indefatigably with ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ to invite and unite the Muslim masses of our country to resist and fight against the infidel crusading invaders. Due to his deep knowledge, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was quite successful in inviting and convincing the people in the light of Quranic teachings and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) by telling them that defending our creed and country is one of the foremost obligations which cannot be avoided.

Convincing and bringing together the empty handed and war-wearied people to confront and fight against the coalition of crusaders headed by the savage American invaders and armed with sophisticated weapons and modern technology was not an easy task.

Though the heroic Afghan people fought bravely against the former Soviet invaders, nearly one and a half million were martyred, seven million became refugees and millions more were incarcerated, wounded and crippled. But unfortunately, due to the resentments among some group leaders which gradually resulted in inter-factional fighting, all these sacrifices went in-vain thus making the Muslim Afghan masses deeply frustrated and disappointed.

But it was the courage and determination of ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ and his devoted colleagues who untiringly worked hard and persuaded the Afghan people through their constant efforts, scholarly speeches and logical arguments which inspired new courage and enthusiasm among the wearied and frustrated Afghan masses to confront and resist against the international infidel alliance headed by America.

During this resistance process, the Muslim Afghan masses proved that even though they are exhausted and empty handed, they can and they will fight and participate in Jihad against the new foreign invaders as they are confident and assured that the eventual triumph will be theirs, as promised by Almighty Allah.

Actually it was the courage and strong determination of brave leaders like ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ and his faithful colleagues that encouraged and inspired Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate and the Muslim masses of our country resulting in a humiliating and embarrassing defeat for the American super power and NATO – the greatest military alliance of crusade forces in the world.

In the last fifteen years of this successful resistance and Jihadi struggle against the foreign invaders, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ has served in various organs of the Islamic Emirate like ‘Invitation and Guidance’ Commission and the General Directorate of Court of Cassation, etc.

As deputy head of the Islamic Emirate:

In 2015, when the passing away of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid was revealed and the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may their souls rest in peace) was announced as the new Amir (head) of the Islamic Emirate, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ was appointed as the deputy head.

The martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor was bestowed with an extraordinary sense of discerning capable and talented people. He knew all the key figures working in different organs and ranks of the Islamic Emirate and had designated them in posts corresponding to their skills and proficiencies.

‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was one of those dignitaries whose learning and working abilities and his popularity among all ranks of Mujahidin was realized by the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace). Therefore, in the new setup, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was appointed as the deputy head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to take maximum advantage of his academic and administrative skills.

This appointment was quite accurate and successful, because it largely helped the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin keep all admins and field Mujahidin united and saved them from disintegration.

‘Sheikh Sahib’ worked actively as the deputy head of the Islamic Emirate for a complete ten month period. In the meantime, threats and pressures of the wicked American invaders and their supporters were intensified against the leadership of the Islamic Emirate.

After formally announcing the passing away of the founding leader of the Islamic Emirate, a few persons did not agree with the appointment of the new leader. At that time it was ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ who played a significant and constructive role in convincing the differing elements and keeping all of them integrated.

At that historical juncture, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ left no stone unturned to keep Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate united. For this purpose he held several meetings with renowned scholars, national figures and Jihadi commanders in which he was concentrated on the benefits and strength of unity under one leadership.

These efforts proved successful and Mujahidin were saved from division as they remained united under the leadership of the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace). All key figures and field commanders of Mujahidin unanimously supported the new Amir and pledges of allegiance and an oath of fighting against the savage American invaders and their foreign allied and internal mercenary forces were received from all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

As the new head and Amir-ul-Mominin of the Islamic Emirate:

On Saturday 21st May 2016, when ‘Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansoor’ (may his soul rest in peace) was martyred in a drone strike of the American invaders, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was appointed as the new head (Amir) with the unanimous consent of all members of the leading council of the Islamic Emirate. ‘Khalifa Sahib Sirajuddin Haqqani’ and ‘Moulvi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid (son of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid)’ were appointed as the deputy leaders of the Islamic Emirate.

The appointment of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate is one of the main causes and assurances for sustaining the ongoing Jihad against the savage American invaders and their allied forces, by keeping all ranks of Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate united under one command and control.

Though some members of the leading council of the Islamic Emirate were enjoying widespread military and political influence and popularity, but none of them opposed the appointment of ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ as the new leader due to his educational and Jihadi distinctions and thus unanimously accepted and approved his appointment. Actually his appointment as the new leader was one of the key elements in preserving the unity of Mujahidin and thus promoting the ongoing cause of Jihad inside Afghanistan.

‘Sheikh Sahib’ is bestowed with some distinguished potentials therefore, he is deeply respected and loved by all members of the Islamic Emirate whatever their ranks and designations are. He is well-reputed and trustworthy for all of them. He has been gifted by Allah Almighty with the unique talent of attraction and keeping all Mujahidin and responsible people together.

His religious and ideological perceptions:

Like all other prestigious scholars of Afghanistan, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ is a devoted religious scholar and belongs to ‘Hanafi’ school of legislation (one of the four most popular schools of legislation prevailing in the Muslim world) and is the follower of Quran and Sunnah.

He is against all ideological, factional and linguistic discriminations among the Muslims. He is against all heresy and superstitions in religion. According to his perception, the success of the Muslim masses is in their unity and their internal differences and divisions are the main causes of their adversities.

He is deeply interested in reading ‘Sirat’ (i.e. biography) of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Jihadi achievements. In 1999, after performing the ‘Hajj’ (i.e. the Pilgrimage), he was quite enthusiastic to visit Mount Uhad in the holy city of Madina where our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was injured during the historical battle of ‘Uhad’. The burial place of ‘Hazrat Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him)’, the beloved and heroic uncle of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), was also the site of his deep interest.

His characteristic distinctions in daily life:

‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ is bestowed with some distinctive qualities for which he is considered one of the most popular and revered personalities among all members and Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate.

As mentioned earlier, during the appointment process of the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace), ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ played a magnificent and historical role in the unification of all members and Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate. In his own appointment, all dignitaries and field commanders of Mujahidin, unanimously gave their oath of allegiance without any exception to ‘Sheikh Sahib’, proving that he has been the symbol of unity during all critical occasions.

For the last ten years, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ has been constantly teaching the Holy Quran and the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) therefore he has educated and trained numerous scholars throughout the country. In other words, it can be said that numerous scholars are his pupils and followers. Due to his eloquence, he has been quite popular and deeply respected among all his pupils.

He is quite determined and is decisive and resolute in the implementation of decisions, taken after sufficient deliberation.

In the meetings, he mostly remains silent and listens more, but when he speaks, his words are impressive and full of wisdom.

Though he is in his fifties, he is still deeply inclined and interested in training Mujahidin and preparing them for the lofty cause of Jihad.

Serenity, dignity of manner and sympathy are the main distinctions of his dignified personality.

His daily life is simple and free from all ceremonies. No sign of luxury or lavishness can be seen in his eating, drinking, clothing and living style.

In meeting and interaction, one finds him like a compassionate elder brother or just like a kind teacher.

He is very keen in Jihadi activities, and for the time being, instead of reading and teaching, most of his time is spent in organizing and coordinating these activities.

May Almighty Allah safeguard him!!!

May he succeed in all his lofty aspirations!!!

Managment and Research

History Department of Commission for Cultural Affairs

14/03/1438 Hijri Lunar

24/09/1395 Hijri Solar               14/12/2016 Gregorian

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

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