Solving Poverty - The Islamic Way

by Nonie Darwish

A well known Islamic leader in Egypt by the name of Abu Ishak Al Huweini, who often appears on Egyptian TV, has recently said the following in Arabic and I have translated it into English:

“We are at a time of Jihad; Jihad for the sake of Allah is a pleasure, a true pleasure. Mohammed’s followers used to compete to do it. The reason we are poor now is because we have abandoned jihad. If only we can conduct a jihadist invasion at least once a year or if possible twice or three times, then many people on Earth would become Muslims. And if anyone prevents our dawa or stands in our way, then we must kill them or take as hostage and confiscate their wealth, women and children. Such battles will fill the pockets of the Mujahid who can return home with 3 or 4 slaves, 3 or 4 women and 3 or 4 children. This can be a profitable business if you multiply each head by 300 or 400 dirham,. This can be like financial shelter whereby a jihadist, in time of financial need, can always sell one of these heads (meaning slavery). No one can make that much money in one deal (from hard work) even if a Muslim goes to the West to work or do trade. In time of need, that is a good resource for profit.”

When I heard this audio message, I could not believe my ears. This is nothing short of barbaric and medieval preaching by a powerful Muslim leader in Egypt who has access to public TV and the ears of millions. This sheikh, who is at least honest and unapologetic about what jihad means, is also promoting the true model and example of the prophet Mohammed in the 7th and what he did to non-Muslims, as an example for all Muslims to follow today. Isn’t that the role of a prophet, to be the example to his followers?

It is difficult for Muslims to run away from their religious history, which is documented over and over again in Islamic books. Mohammed himself said, probably with pride, that he was made wealthy through terror. That preacher is just a good follower of Islam and that is why he is advocating the same kind of behavior. Hey, the plan made Mohammed rich, so why not let it be the formula for all Muslims today? What used to be whispered about Mohammed’s behavior and only discussed among the learned men of Islam is openly advocated today in public in a world where the ugly truth can no longer be hidden.

This audio has shocked some Muslims who are in denial about the history of Islam and the true meaning of jihad, which is defined as a war against non-Muslims to establish the religion and after the fight seize their property, women, children, enslave them and sell them like cattle. According to pure Muslims, what was the model for Muslims in the 7th century is now their model in the 21st century.

In another segment posted on youtube the same sheikh, Al Huweini, blamed Christians for all the violence going on today in Egypt. According to him, it is Christians who are responsible for their own murder, robbing and burning of their churches, businesses and homes. At a time of civil unrest in Egypt, Muslim preachers are openly promoting violence against non-Muslims. This sheikh is not the only one, but the internet is full of others with a similar shameless twisted message. One other Salafi Egyptian sheikh announced that he will not leave a church without searching by force to take out a couple of Christian women whom they allege having converted to Islam. The fact that these women made statements to the contrary and that one is married to a Coptic priest does not matter to the Muslim preachers or the mob. They want to take her out and annul her marriage to a Christian, which is allowed under Islamic law. Jihadists are never out of outrageous excuses to do their dirty work.

Al Haweini, who ironically speaks on Al-Hikma (Wisdom) TV station, has made it his authority and expertise to advise post-revolution Egypt, on economic matters. His brilliant economic advice to the interim government was again inspired by the example of the prophet Mohammed whom he said had forced the collection of zakat (meaning Alms) on the people. He added that this should provide the government with billions of pounds if they force citizens to pay the zakat directly to the government. He then added that after Mohammed died, the people of Arabia stopped paying the zakat to the Khalifa who followed Mohammed, which forced him to fight his people to get them pay the zakat back.
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Is it any wonder why all Muslim countries are an economic basket case and if it was not for oil, even Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Emirates would be among the poorest nations on earth?

These preachers of hate and genocide are the face of Islam today and an embarrassing example of how disconnected Muslim religious leaders are today. That is why I left that religion all together. When will the West wake up?

Nonie Darwish is the author “Cruel and usual Punishment” and the President of FormerMuslimsUnited.org.

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