Gainako Newspaper

As-salaamu 'alaykum ya jama'tul Muslimina wa Muslimati:
Peace be upon you my fellow Muslim brother and sisters. I am
honored to share this treasure of knowledge with you about politics
in Islam.

This article below is adapted and rearranged from the book
Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi is meant
for educational purposes only not an attempt to criticize, or plunge
into any political debate. As an Imam I urged the society to seek
knowledge as a guide towards good and prevent them towards
evil either word of mouth or Khalima (Pen).

This piece is adapted & rearranged from the book Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi

What is the aim of politics in Islam?
According to Al-Mawardi from his book Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah, it is hirasatud din wa
siasatud dunya - to uphold the religion and administer the world. Politics is not munkar - is not a
depravity - real politics is noble virtuous because it administers the affairs of all creatures, bringing man
closer to good and away from fasad - evil. According to Ibn al-Qayyim, politics is really the justice
of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was a politician as well as the messenger conveying the risalah,
murabbi - teacher, Qadi - Chief Justice, Head of the nation and Imam of the ummah. The Khulafa'
al Rashidun - the rightly guided leaders who succeeded him were also politicians following the
Sunnah - way of the Prophet, establishing just administration, practicing ihsan - the betterment of good
and providing the leadership of 'ilm - knowledge and Iman - belief.

However in the present time, due to 'politics' man faced suffering as a result of deceit and political
ploys and scheming and devious politicians, whether in the form of past colonialists, treacherous rulers,
tyrannical leaders and regimes preaching Machiavellian philosophy (the ends justifies the means!).
It became common to label and describe committed Muslims as 'political' so that they are regarded
warily and wickedly for the purpose of disassociating and furthering apart the people from them,
intending that society will shun and hate what is called 'political Islam'. It has been such that symbols
of Islam like the headscarf, the proper attire and congregational prayers - Salat jama'ah are
attempted to be labeled 'political'.

It is ignorant for those who say that there is no religion in politics and that there is no politics in religion.
This deceit was once tried in the form of an attempted fatwa - a decree while the members of the
Ikhwan al-Muslimun were imprisoned in the detention camps in Egypt in the 50's. The regime
wanted to influence the masses to regard the activists and the Dai' (the very people who wanted to
uphold the Shari'ah, Al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah) as the purveyors of fasad - evil by using corrupted
'ulama - paid scholars.

From the understanding of the Prophet's tradition (mafhum hadith):
Munkar (transgression) is not limited to khamr - liqour, gambling and zina - - unlawful sex but
degrading and defiling the honor and dignity of the people and citizens is a major transgression, so is
cheating in the elections, refusing to give testimony - neglecting to vote, letting government be in the
hands of those who are not deserving and undesired, stealing and squandering the nation's wealth and
property, monopolizing the people's needs for personal gains or cronies' interests, detaining people
without crime or just cause, without judgment from a fair court, torturing human beings in prison and
the detention camps, giving, accepting and mediating in bribes, cowering up to, praising evil rulers,
allowing the enemies of Allah and the enemies of the Muslim community to be leaders and shunning
the believers - the mu'min.

These are all grave transgressions!
When a Muslim remains quiet upon seeing all of these it means that he or she does not deserve to live
(is not alive) from the mafhum of al-ayat and al-hadith.

Islam requires that every Muslim has political responsibility. A Muslim is required by his Iman - faith to
be truly concerned with the affairs and problems of the ummah - community, helping and defending
the meek and the weak, fighting tyranny and oppression. By retreating and abstaining oneself, it will
only invite divine retribution and being seized by the flames of hell (mafhum ayat).

Political Freedom is Our Utmost Need Today
Islam is always rejuvenated, its message spread across, its resurgence, its reverberating call heard by
all even if it is given some limited freedom. Therefore the first battle is to obtain freedom to deliver the
message of da'wah, the Risalah of tawhid (Unity of God), spread consciousness and enabling the
existence of Islamic movements.

True democracy is not the whims and desires of the tyrannical rulers or their cronies, it is not the place
to jail and incarcerate its fighters and not the place to torture its proponents. Democracy is the
simplest and proper way to achieve the aims of a noble life, to be able to invite all to Allah and Islam,
to be able to call others to Iman without having our souls being imprisoned and our bodies sentenced
to be executed by hanging. It is the space for a free and honorable nation to have the right to choose,
evaluate the ruler, change governments without coups and without bloodshed.

The theory, way and system which look alien maybe adopted if it benefits us and as long as it does not
contradict clear Islamic edicts and the rules of Shariah. We appraise, amend according to our spirit,
we do not adopt its philosophy, and we do not allow what is forbidden and vice versa. We do not
relinquish or compromise what is ordained or compulsory - the wajib in Islam.

The gist of democracy is that the public, the people can choose the rulers who are going to administer
them; the people having the right to select, criticize and terminate; and the people are not forced to
accept systems, trends, and policies which they do not agree to and they are not abused. They are
free to hold elections, referendums, ensuring majority rights, protecting minority rights, having
opposition, have multi parties, have press freedom and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
But once again to constantly uphold and safeguard the principles of Islam, the firm rulings, the
al-thawabit: the determined laws - hukm qat'i, the Daruri - the essentials of religion and the
non-ijtihadiy must not be compromised or neglected.

Syura:
Syura or consultative decision making must be followed and not just as a debating factor. By
practising syura, it is closer, hence even better than the spirit of democracy. It is but the lost jewel
found, the lost wisdom - al-hikmah which has been rediscovered.

Syura enables musyawarah to be conducted, obtains views and opinions, becomes the responsibility
of the people to advise and counsel the government (ad-dinu nasiha) and establish amar ma'ruf nahy
munkar - enjoining good and forbidding evil. Among the obligations of amar ma'ruf nahy munkar is
the highest jihad (struggle) that is to voice out the truth in front of the unjust tyrant.

The State of Politics in the Ummah:
The musibah or calamity of the ummah then and now is the absence and the obeying of the system of
syura and the adoption of an oppressive dynastical ruling system. In the modern era, dictators stay in
power by the force of arms and gold - power and wealth resulting in the shariah being hindered,
secularism being forced upon and cultural Westernization being imposed. Islamic da'wah and the
Islamic movement has been victimized, brutalized, imprisoned and hounded viciously.

An Example of Leadership
Balqis, the Queen of Saba' as told in the Qur'an was a woman who lead her people well, just and
administered them with intelligence and wisdom saving her people from a war that was destructive and
made decisions by syura-consulting them. Alas, the story ended with the acceptance of Islam. She
led her people towards the goodness of the world and the hereafter.

Leaders like her are much more capable and qualified with political acumen and wise administration
than most of the present Arab and Muslim 'male' leaders. (Prof. Yusuf Qaradawi purposely avoided
the term 'al-rijal')

Pluralism and Multi Parties in Islam
The existence of various parties or movements is not forbidden as long as unification is not achievable
due to differences over objectives, approaches, understanding and the level of confidence and trust.
Variety and specialization are allowed as long as they do not become contradictory and
confrontational. However everyone has to be in one united front when facing the challenges to aqidah
- belief, shariah, ummah and the survival of Islam. Relations between parties and groupings should
be in the atmosphere of non-prejudice, forgiveness, nobleness, counseling truth and steadfastness,
wisdom and engaging in healthy cordial debate.

Even when the Islamic State is established there is no reason to feel distraught at the existence of
pluralism and differences.

Counseling and Corrective Participation in Politics
Without the shedding of blood, the most effective way as the outcome of long and painful struggles is
the existence of political forces which the government in power is unable to contain or eliminate: that is
presence of political parties. The ruling regime can get rid of individuals and small groups of opponents
but it is difficult for them to defeat or wipe out larger organizations which are well structured,
organized and rooted in the masses of society. Political parties have the platform, machinery,
newspapers and publications as well as mass influence.

Political parties or political movements are necessary to fight oppression, to enable criticism, bringing
back the government to to uphold truth and justice, bringing down or changing the government. These
parties are capable of monitoring and appraising the government, offer advice and criticism.

Voting
Voting in the elections is a form of testimony. A just testimony is considered as long as one is not
convicted of crime. Whoever so votes or abstains from voting in the general elections causing the
defeat of a trustworthy and deserving candidate but on the other hand allows the candidate who is less
trustworthy and undeserving to win, one has gone against the command of Allah concerning giving
testimony.
...................................Interview
.' GAMBIANS FOR OBAMA '
...................To Be Launched Soon
.......................................................August 5th, 2008
Mr. Alieu Badara Khan, former student Gamsu executive member
and long time Daily Observer staff writer has offered to form an
organization in the Gambia as an extension of campaign for the US
democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama. Below we bring to
you the full interview:

GON: Hello there! For the sake of this interview, do we get
formal or just keep it informal as in the years gone?

Alieu: The choice is yours.

GON: Briefly then introduce yourself to the many readers
who for the longest followed your work on the Daily Observer
and now at Gainako.

Alieu: What do I say Gainako? Okay, I was born and brought up in Brikama. I attended
Brikama Secondary School, Nusrat High School, Gambia College, GTTI and now I am studying
Peace and Conflict Transformation, but just decided to take a break to sort out few things. I was a
teacher in The Gambia and taught at different Schools like St. Therese Junior Secondary, SEP Senior
Secondary and Charles Jow Memorial Academy.

Like you mentioned I was with the Daily Observer and also the Independent Newspaper. What
more can I say?

GON: You are famous for your name; a former GAMSU executive, an educator who organized a
lot of gatherings both at your house and the surroundings, and an eloquent speaker both at Nusrat
High and at the Gambia College. Tell us a little about the inspiration you gave to tens of hundreds of
Gambians, including an editorial team member of Gainako.

Alieu: ( laughs!) inspiration? I like being part of organizations and getting involved in activities.
When I was in The Gambia, my room was always full with young people and my family used to
wonder how I can easily flow with them without difficulties. I am happy that most of them are
successful now.

GON: If you wouldn't mind, share a little bit your siblings, notably Sister Mariama Khan and
Bamba Khan who both authored books.

Alieu: Mariama was a postgraduate student in the USA. She is now in The Gambia. For Bamba, he
has just arrived in the UK for his postgraduate degree. Our family is not a small one. My father was
very strict and for him education should always be our first priority. I am happy that most of my
siblings went through university.

GON: So many myths you have broken, so many tough rules you've softened, so many complex
beliefs you've simplified. Any comment on the above?

Alieu: (Laughs!) People can always change in their beliefs and ways of doing things. Attending the
European University Center for Peace Studies has offered me the opportunity to strengthen my ability
to remain human and develop the ability to identify and empathize with people's needs and frustrations.
I now prefer making observations, rather than judgment. I am happy now that I am trying to develop
the ability to think about other people with compassion, even when you don't like what they are doing
or saying.

We should be able to see situations as they are, without making judgment or throwing the blame on
others. I hope you understand what I am trying to say? Gainako, I am now a student and believer of
Marshall Rosenberg. He is the founder of Non Violent Communication and was one of my lecturers.

GON: Giving a straight shot at things, it was with great pleasure that Gainako gathered you are
working on an 'Obama organization.' If this is to go by, please walk us through the door of how such
an organization will look like.

Alieu: At the beginning of the primaries, I didn't know much about Obama and was not that much
interested in his campaign for the US presidency. An American (white) classmate of mine encouraged
me to google and read more about him and also he was constantly telling me about Obama and his
achievements as a senator.

All of a sudden I became a strong fan and started encouraging others to join the wagon. I started a
face book group called Gambians for Obama and guess what? The response is just overwhelming.

After consulting few friends, I felt it would be a good idea to register �Gambians for Obama� as an
organization in The Gambia. There are many people back home, who are keenly interested and have
already pledge their support. Hopefully the organization will start operation before the General
Elections. My plan is to get it lunched on the very day Barack Obama is declared the Commander
�in-Chief of the USA.

GON: I am sure it is an indisputable fact that Obama inspired people of all nations and races. What
is particularly inspiring you about Obama?

Alieu: Just like what an Obama fan wrote on the campaign website-�Hearing Obama speak has
made me happy to know that a true orator could rise again. Watching Bush and McCain make
me want to wretch; seeing their beady eyes running over a teleprompter.�

To be honest no politician has ever inspired me like Obama. I can spend a whole night watching his
videos on you tube. I think Americans are lucky to have a man who could be that president they have
been longing for many years.

I was never interested in US politics, but with Obama it's like I am an American tax payer now.
Obama is a source of hope for the black people and he has started a struggle that we can't betray. He
is so proud of his African roots and I think that's enough inspiration for me.

Obama has brought a huge change in American politics. His ideas are great and his call for unity is
another great solution to all the crises brought on this earth by George Bushy Bush.

GON: You live in Sweden and dreaming to form an Obama organization in the Gambia. If I may
ask, what will be the setup like? Do you have people there to help propagate such a movement and
what will be its principle focus?

Alieu: I am no longer in Sweden. I have moved to Finland, to join my wife. I have lot of young
people back home who can efficiently run the organization. I have started talking with them about it
and they will set up the executive and I will be actively involved in coordinating the activities of the
organization. We will obviously create some awareness about it and try to attract lot of members. We
want every Gambian Obama supporter to be involved, especially does at the University of The
Gambia, Gambia College and other tertiary institutes.

The organization will be involved in activities like debates (to create Gambian orators like Obama),
quiz, fund raising programs and many other things that will surely come up when we start. I am also
thinking of trying to introduce non-violent communication in schools, through the organization.

GON: How about the finances too?

Alieu: It's not very difficult to run organizations in The Gambia. The most important thing is to get
committed members and be able to create activities that are of interest to the people. I was having a
charitable organization and we achieved most of our objectives, despite the limited resources at our
disposal.

GON: Aren't you foreseeing that some heavyweight Gambian politicians will come down hard
on you, for a fact, instead of promoting a Gambian political reform; you are working on a global
Obama campaign?

Alieu: (Laughs!) No I don't think so. They have better issues to tackle than Alieu Khan mobilizing
Gambians to show solidarity to Obama.

GON: Having followed the primaries and caucuses? In the US, what predictions would you make?

Alieu: Barack Obama will unquestionably win the General Elections. I would like all the readers to
try to read the poem written by Momodou Sabally.

GON: Feedback from our readers indicated that your pieces are well written and placed within
acceptable standards; any comments?

Alieu: I am not a good writer and so I try to write something simple that every one will understand. I
am just trying to offer some attention to Gambian music. Your readers will continue to see more from
me, because I don't want to extinct like the old elephants called mastodons (to quote Sheriff Bojang,
the man who transformed into an entertainment writer)

GON: Thank you for talking to Gainako and keep your pen sharpened all the time. Good luck
in the project of democracy in the pipeline.

Alieu:You welcome and please get ready for Obama's acceptance speech in Denver. Please try
to part of the 75,000 people expected to attend.

Michelle Obama said �Ten supporters who make a donation in any amount by midnight this
Thursday, July 31st, will be selected to fly to Denver, spend a couple of nights in a hotel,
participate in the convention, and go Backstage with Barack. Each supporter who is
selected will also get to bring a guest along to share the experience.�

Gainako don't miss that offer please!

..........................................NEWS
ABOUT 50 GAMBIAN YOUTHS RETURN
FROM SPAIN; GAMBIA IMMIGRATION
BLAMED By Solo, Banjul correspondent............August 4th, 2008
About 50 Gambians are recently repatriated from the
kingdom of Spain on Monday 28th July 2008. Escorted
by the Spanish police.

This reporter caught up with one of the returnees and
asked him what had happened. This returnee went into
detail of how he and his friends had managed to reach
Spain. He said they were camped together at one place
but some of the people were brought singly to the camp
by the Spanish police.

When asked further how many of them were encamped together, he said he could not state how many
because as he said they were in hundreds. He divulged that the Spanish police alone could not identify
them as Gambians. He said that is why there are a lot of cases pending. He said they were being
fooled by the authorities that they would be transferred to Barcelona. He said they are very surprised
when they landed at the airport. He said it was a big shock to have found themselves at the Banjul
International airport.

This reporter was told by the young returnee that it is the Gambia Immigration Department that sent
officials to Spain who are helping them to identify Gambians at the Camp and others. He said they
realized that lately.

When asked whether he is expecting anymore returnees, he said he is expecting a lot more because as
he said there are many people there still and as he said the Gambia immigration officers are still helping
to identify more Gambians.

This reporter is reliably informed that officials of the Gambia immigration department have been sent to
Spain about a month ago to help the Spanish Government to identify their nationals with a view to
repatriate them back to the Gambia.

Information reaching this paper confirms that the immigration officers are still in Spain continuing their
efforts to identify Gambians who are without the proper documents.This returnee said they find it very
hard to accept that their own government can help the Spanish government to identify them for
repatriation knowing full well the economic difficulties haunting people here. He however expressed
regret and disappointment over the government's attitude.

It could be recalled that the Gambia and the Spanish Governments had agreed to a memorandum of
understanding whereby the Gambia Government would prevent their nationals from illegally migrating
to Spain or Europe and the Spanish Government to provide funding for youths to be trained in skills
which can help them to stay at home and work to uplift themselves. The youth however said he knows
nothing about that program.

...REJOINDER TO LAMIN SABALLY'S DISCOURSE
............................By Yero Jallow...............................August 4th, 2008
I commend you greatly for bringing up another of the many untouchable topics. Partly because many
people take these discussions too personal without having to reflect deeply on the moral discussions
by the author. Engaging you from my side is not to justify the problem here but an angle of a parent
who is trapped in similar situations. No doubt, you scored some solid points that cannot be disputed
anywhere. However, as a parent, I want to rejoin to the topic to buttress on some of the factors
creating the situation where our children speak English Instead of the Local languages.

Most parents gets really busy with school and work and the kids are normally taken to the daycares
where they interact with their care-givers and other Children. Of course the spoken language is English
and therefore that is a number one contributor to the Kids speaking more English than the local
languages. The kids' home works are all in English and that virtually creates the environment where
you have to talk to them in English when helping them do their assignments.

With your experience in your travels from Minnesota to New York, a conclusion like yours is of
course dependable, but further to put it, there are many other families whose children speak the local
languages very fluent. In as much as we agree that our children must be taught the local languages, it is
a must that they have a mastery of the English language which is the environment they happens to find
themselves in. It is part of their daily routine.

I look forward to seeing your Madam soon with kids when you will resonate more with this situation.
Once you left your home country the Gambia for another destination, you no longer control some of
these circumstances, unfortunately.

Once again, thanks for the enlightenment. Very soon, we will work on organizing a symposium and
you have already signaled us on the topic you will be assigned to deliver on.

Best of regards,
YJ

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