March to the Holy Land - Part 4

 

Arab Land

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established the Islamic state in Medinah. After his passing, the baton of leadership was given to Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) as the first Caliph of the Muslims. The caliphate expanded far and wide during the reign of Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). He was followed by Uthman and then Ali (Allah be pleased with them). It was after this that the next caliph, Mu’awiyah appointed his son, Yazeed, to succeed him. This gave rise to the Umayyad dynasty. They were eventually ousted and replaced by the Abbasid dynasty. Alongside came the Fatimid dynasty, and, for a short while, the Mamluks. The Ottoman empire was the last to hold the caliphate which was abolished with their demise.

You may have your own view of the Ottoman Empire. The debate is not about the religiosity or the beliefs of the Ottomans. Unless you wish to declare them Non-Muslim, a heavy call, then that argument is different. However, they had the caliphate and that was enough for Muslims. It was the goal of the Western powers and the Czar-led Russia to destroy the Ottoman empire and more importantly, the Caliphate. Their meddling in the affairs of the Ottomans led to Sultan Abdul Hamid II to be deposed. While the Ottomans were already reeling from the constant barrage from these foreign powers, the final blow really was the deposing of Sultan Abdul Hamid. The few years it survived beyond him was largely just the last breathes of the empire. Two things happened then. The Ottomans made the mistake of entering World War I. Having already stirred the flames of rebellion in Arab lands, the Ottomans entering the war gave the British more reason to continue on this path and with greater vigour.

Read into it what you will, but your lineage means nothing by Allah, but rather it is your Allah-consciousness. One of the Arabs who rebelled was Sharif Hussein, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Perhaps rebellion is one thing, but to enter into an alliance with the British and then kill your fellow Muslims, is quite another thing. This is how the Arab states effectively became colonies of the West. Sure, they have independence and sovereignty for all to see, but I will leave it to you to make sense of it, if only looking the current Middle Eastern situation. The few blanks to be filled in: The Sykes Picot agreement took precedence over any agreement that Hussein had with the British. Palestine was lost and placed under British rule for the establishment of a Zionist state. The British also had an arrangement with the Al-Saud family. The result, Sharif Hussein ended up in Trans-Jordan (now Jordan) where his son, Abdullah, was given temporary rule by the British. Sharif’s other son, Faizal, eventually became king of Iraq. Weird story that. Abdul-Aziz bin Saud took over the Hejaz and proclaimed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The bottom line is that the hand that fueled the flames that lead to the demise of the Ottoman Empire and the Caliphate, is very much still exerting influence in that region. Now, going back to the Balfour declaration and the Sykes-Picot agreement, where is the Arab agreement? With whom were these agreements and what exactly did/does it contain?

 See next:         https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/march-to-holy-land-part-5.html

     

See previous:  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/march-to-holy-land-part-3.html

March to the Holy Land - Part 3

 

Humanitarian Aid

The flotilla was seized. Those aboard were arrested and taken to the occupied lands. Four were deported and the rest remains in prison. These prisoners are from other sovereign countries who should demand their release. After all, they were captured in international waters. Were things to be on a knife’s edge, you would think that someone might suffer a cut, but the knife may appear blunt. It, being a blunt object, can yet cause considerable damage. It may be that this will all disappear into the background without much fuss and bother.

The next issue on the agenda is the supposed impending conflict with Iran. Every effort is being made to take the focus off Gaza. Yet people are dying by bombing and gunfire. Now, as the situation become dire, starvation becomes the cause of death for many. Shall we not be reminded and then remind others too of the words of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he said: ‘O people! Spread (the greeting of) Salam, feed others, uphold the ties of kinship, and pray during the night when people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise with Salam.” – Sunan ibn Majah – Sahih. Feed others. Of course, there are people on our doorstep, and they must be fed. Are we not doing this sufficiently that our donations are not reaching the people of Palestine neither? In case you misunderstood, nothing happens except by the permission of Allāh. Sometimes, you look at the situation and you ask whether Allah is rejecting us. The people of Palestine are role models in patience and perseverance. Such are the people of Paradise. Our humanitarian aid is not merely shouting at others, but that we learn a few things. Repentance is the perfect starting point. To repent, you need to acknowledge your faults. Reflect, repent and perhaps through that Allāh will make us part of the solution and not merely onlookers. Learn sabr, learn patience.  Learn Quran and do not, in even an atom’s weight, make fun of it. Learn the sunnah. Understand history.

Allah tells us in Quran 2:214 that we will be tested. How much of a test are we undergoing now. How reliant and dependent are we on Allāh. Shall we not immerse ourselves in being solution oriented such that Allāh will answer us “indeed, the help of Allāh is near”. There is an enemy out there who is setting the scene for Ad-Dajjal, the Antichrist. That will be the most difficult time since the creation of man. Allah knows when this will happen. A hint though, is that this will happen when the world is filled with evil and corruption. Plant that one seed now and turn the tide on corruption and evil so that perhaps the advent of ad-dajjal is delayed. And with all this effort, may Allah at least grant that the humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinians in good order and safely.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/march-to-holy-land-part-4.html

See previous:  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/march-to-holy-land-part-2.html

March to the Holy Land - Part 2

 

Flotilla

The dire Palestinian situation has much to analyse. The solution is simple but implementing the solution has many obstacles. Organs of the United Nations and others have declared the situation a genocide. The most important issue right now, is saving lives. Aid in the form of food, water and medicinal supplies are crucial. Not nearly enough is done, and when it is done, the Palestinians get killed at that moment in time too. Along comes the flotilla.

As with all things, there are well-meaning people whose humanitarian hearts are in the right place, i.e. they do not see it as merely a religious war, but as a humanitarian catastrophe. However, there are also opportunity for “controlled opposition” to join the ranks and join the flotilla. Nothing is as it seems because those bent on deception, being well-schooled in deception, infiltrate those doing good. Taking a stand, while it is not popular, is impactful. Of course, it needs to be for good, for justice. And the flotilla is for a good cause. The current refrain is that “if they can do it while being non-Muslim, where are the Muslim rulers?”. That is a fair question. The answer is obvious and while it is obvious, there is a need for further analysis. At the same time there is a march across North Africa to Rafah. How this will pan out, will soon be known. However, the idea is good and this, from its impact, can be more meaningful. Good versus Evil can only have one winner. It is a matter of timing. In April 2024, the idea of a march onto the Holy Land was already raised. Palestine will be free.

The Balfour declaration, in 1917, decided that Palestine must become the homeland for the Jews. More than a century later, the displacement of the original people, the Palestinians, continues unabated. It is the land of the Palestinians, and it always has been. No doubt, they have every right to resist. However, the latest attempts to annihilate them have likely been more brutal than every before, In fact, even military experts cannot believe that they are able to resist after the large-scale bombs being dropped on them. What will be the outcome? Good will overpower evil. The question is “when?”. We will need to unpack this too. For now, know that there are both Muslim and Christian Palestinians. The solution must include all victims. There may be victims among Jews too. Before the Balfour declaration, Palestine was a land where Muslims, Christians and Jews live peacefully, side-by-side. Then Palestine was under Muslim rule.

We welcome the flotilla and those who strive for a good cause. We never over praise, nor get carried away by euphoria and influencers (in their many guises). Calm down, there is yet a job to be done. No, this keyboard warrior was not near the flotilla or the North African march. Each has a role to play. The question rebounds and it is about your role. You are looking at the Arab nations and their state of inertia. The one action you do is lifting a pointing finger at them. Their condition did not start now. A most heartfelt advice from our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is: “Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.” Musnad Aḥmad 12902

  You ought to strive to the end, for Allah’s sake. So, even when things look like it is over and there is nothing you can do, plant that seed in your hand. In our situation, invite others to good and keep looking for solutions in which you can play a role. The least of it is prayer and an excellent time for prayer is in the middle of the night.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/06/march-to-holy-land-part-3.html

      

See previous:  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

The Line in the Sand - Part 11 - The Task Ahead

 

The Task Ahead

Deviation is anything which is contrary to Islam and the Shari’ah. On the one hand, we have invited you to look at the evolution of Islamic legislation and to learn about methodologies and groups that have deviated. Does this deviation refer to following the ways of the Christian and Jews to the extent of following them into a lizard’s hole. What about the other sins which are committed because generally Muslims have started to follow their way of life in everything?

Using the word “bid’ah” scares many people while others go into panic mode, resulting in them mocking those who point out their innovations. Few take note and correct themselves. The detail of what classifies as innovation is for you to sincerely research through credible scholars. While these innovations may be apparent, it depends which group’s stamp of approval or disapproval you take. There really is not a choice, but that will be obvious for those who fear Allah, seek His love and that love is through the following of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As for those who follow the customs and traits of the non-believers, then some acts will be sinful (even to the extent of disbelief), while others are mere customs which does not clash with the Shari’ah. The simple acts of disbelief, which no sane Muslim scholar will deny, is fortune-telling which includes horoscopes. Other sins can become disbelief if you contradict what the main sources of the Shari’ah says. What is a grave worshipper? Is this something that Allah may question you about concerning yourself? Using the word grave-worshipper or idolator does result in the same thing – Mushrik. The pagan Arabs used to say that they use the idols only as their intermediaries to Allah. Is it acceptable to engage in acts and manners of worship that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not teach us? What did he say concerning this?

This was never intended to be a deep dive but merely scratching the surface in embarking on understanding “the line in the sand”. The solutions to the world’s problems starts with you. You need to be ready and equipped. It starts with you ready to face Allah and give a beautiful account of your devoted life in His service. That is what that line in the sand represent. The straight line is the line to follow. Any deviation has at the head of it a satan calling to disobedience and disbelief. Then, we look at the world with new vigour but with understanding and wisdom. There will always be a group of people, believers, however small in number, that will call to the truth. At this point, you will know to differentiate between opinion and correct beliefs.

Muslims have a huge task ahead. The implementation of justice and fighting oppression are key. Are we ready or do we need transformation to be that dynamic ummah Allah wants us to be. Will we be at the forefront of calling and establishing the good and preventing the evil? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ drew the line in the sand more than 1400 years ago. The straight line is the path he taught us while those lines that deviate off the straight path has a satan at the head of it.

We pray for guidance and protection.

Shall we march to Aqsa? See: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-10.html

 

The Line in the sand - Part 10

 

Abandoning Hajj

The world may be in turmoil. But Muslims appear to be in greater turmoil. So much can be read into this last statement, that it begs for deeper understanding. Muslims are to take the lead in calling to good and preventing evil. Generally, Muslims are at fault in their failure to uphold this and then there are specific situations when the general Muslim population may have some excuse.

The re-establishment of the Caliphate is important. Is this merely supposed to happen at the End of time? And how close is the world to that time? As mentioned previously, Quds plays a role in the Caliphate. The devastation caused in those lands are continuing unabated. Does the Muslim world show that it is colonised and hence its subjugation? Do not get carried away with the fanfare of the recent Trump Middle Eastern “tour”. The usual American rah-rah to go with their leader who blows his own trumpet anyway, must be taken with a pinch of salt. This simply means that whatever agreements were reached, go back many years, and is now confirmed as news. The numbers and other details are immaterial. The reflection is upon us that Muslims too, the world over, is subjugated. And therein lies a simple question, “Are Muslims voluntarily being subjugated?”. The answer lies in the line on the sand and whatever lines of deviation Muslims follow. For is it not in our general disobedience to Allah that we are being tested without what appears to be any way to defend Quds and/or to establish a caliphate?

The principles of Islam are five. The rulings concerning these are clear and each and every Muslim must strive to fulfil it. Hajj is one of those pillars of Islam. Corrupt rulers, corrupt Muslim rulers have lived before, and the pilgrimage was never in question. Hajj must continue as it is the one pillar that physically bring people from all over the world together in one place. Hajj is that period that the entire world is focused on Makkah and its precincts. The call to pilgrimage was first made by Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him - upon the instruction of Allah. The pilgrimage is one that the enemies of Islam acknowledge as key and a reflection of Islam. While it continues when Muslims are weak, then consider the greater impact when the Muslims are strong. Non-Muslims acknowledge this. Thus, any call to abandon it, is filled with emotion but has no basis.  Even during the misguided lockdown period in 2020, hajj took place (more on the topic of lockdown at another time, but know that the same people who brought the lockdown are massacring our brothers and sisters in the land of Quds). Can you really fix something by abandoning a prescribed act of worship?

The question of which line you are following seems simple, yet you and I may be tainted. You cannot claim to be on the straight path while crawling into the lizard hole. Should you not stick to the basics, and travel along this straight line, light and focused?

See Next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-11-task-ahead.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-9.html

The line in the sand: Part 9

Caliphate

The caliphate is necessary and important for Muslims. Others will argue against it, saying that such talk is emotional and without basis. I will not spend time on that point directly but address the issue from the viewpoint that the nation is leaderless.

The first point to consider is that Islam does not confine itself to man-made geographical borders. We consider ourselves one nation under the banner of “Laa ilaaha ilallah MuhammadurRasoolullah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger). A nation ought to have a leader, and it did for thirteen hundred years. You may argue that, for the most part, they were not righteous and there was corruption. However, does the contrast of “independent” states with its own rulers suggest that righteousness is the order of the day and that no leader is corruptible? There is that one little need to reflect on the demise of the caliphate. In order to do that, you will need to open the history books and consider the landscape, especially the period leading up to that fateful declaration that “the Caliphate is no more”. World War 1 had just finished. The colonies of the Europeans were ill at ease. Yes, that word “colon-ies” had to crop up. Colonies are places that were colonised? And what is colonisation? Something rather distasteful and the mildest form of it is called subjugation. And had you analysed that word, every one of its meanings should bring forth such disgust that you rather would wish to believe that humans cannot do that to other humans. Here we are, at the next phase of colonisation where there is apparent independence and sovereignty given to countries on a new map. The history of the last century.

In a previous post, we alluded to end times, meaning the end of the world. On a global scale it certain seems to be heading that way fast. But we always reflect on ourselves, the individual, the family, the community, until we get to the global situation. The line in the sand indicates that there in one straight line, then there are so many other lines along which many people will deviate. Of course, the immediate focus is on the serious matter that of the Muslims are those who may deviate. In a narration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he refers to Muslims following the ways of the non-Muslim, specifically the Jew and Christian, that even were they to crawl into a lizard hole, then some will follow them into it. In one way, you could argue that Muslims, to a degree, lost part of their global identity at the fall of the caliphate. However which way you want to see it, it is still up to you to stay on the straight line in the sand. Ultimately, those who remain on this straight line will soon rejoice at the reinstatement of the Caliphate. Yes, those who remain of the straight line or return to it. The task ahead is heavy because in an ever more deceptive world, you have to hold onto your faith. People ask, “how do I know I am on the right path?”. Delightful question. Perhaps there will be one more concluding part to this series, but for starters, maybe you can reflect on what was stated so far. Of course, you must stay on the straight path, that is your main goal and to do that, you must be informed. This whole series begged of you to learn and be informed.

The re-establishment of the Caliphate is directly linked to Palestine, Quds. Quds is indeed a sacred place. Reflecting on this point does indicate that Muslims must incline to having a caliphate. Now, much of the world is colonised. What about being mentally and intellectually colonised? Can those who are colonised in this manner be on the straight line in the sand?

 See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-10.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-8.html

The line in the Sand: Part 8

 

Chapter 8: Groups and Sects

Following a madhab carries benefits, the first of which is that a great learned person already collated the rulings of Islam into one. Something for which to be grateful. There are matters of aqeedah (belief) that further categorise Muslims into groups. The four imams of the madhabs still known today, did not differ on matters of aqeedah, so a misguided person or group cannot hide behind their madhab on this issue.

However, even during the time of the four imams, issues of aqeedah raised its head. Being exposed to foreign ideas and influences, some people inclined to a different way of thinking. Before this, problems started arising with the rise of the Khawarij and the Shi’i. While initially the shi’a were based purely on political difference, with time it evolved into a sect of its own, away from Ahlus-sunnah. The focus here will not be on these groups. Rather the focus is on those who use speech and logic in their arguments rather than Quran and Sunnah. Yet, these people will claim to follow Quran and Sunnah. For the moment, let’s leave the topic of “who is Ahlus sunnah” hanging. These posts are issues with which you need to get to grips through addressing with, and learning from, credible scholars. The difference between groups owning the title, is that while true followers of Quran and sunnah seeks proof from these main sources, the other group will incline to speech and logic. On these groups, differences of Aqeedah arose. These are serious matters which you need to carefully learn and consider. The point is what are your main sources. Do you love Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and follow him? If you follow him, then is it not important to get his view on the matter? Did not his companions understand his teachings better than us? There arose people and groups who inclined to using speech and logic. This was something that was denounced by the great imams. Effectively, at the hands of one earlier group, many scholars were killed because they rejected them and their teachings. One such teaching was that the Quran was created. They were eventually marginalised, but new groups came and merely reformed some things while inclining to their methodology.  

There are more issues to discuss. For the moment, consider what causes differences and which differences are serious, and which are not. If you remain unaware of these differences, it may be good. But it is more likely that your ignorance of these differences may not give you certainty of the line in the sand. Furthermore, which differences require rigidity and which not. Understanding these differences will be helpful. Many are afraid to ask the questions for fear of exposing their ignorance. Perhaps the question we should all ask is, “what will be my position in front of Allah on the Day of Resurrection?”. Today there are many terms used for groups or sects and how many have any idea what it means. Sometimes people have been grouped together by people outside such a group. Labels are attached, sometimes derogatory or slanderous. Nevertheless, some of the names and labels used are: Ahlus sunnah, asharias, mu’tazilah, Deobandi, Barelvi, Salafi, Wahhabi, sufi. And within these group may be groups.

The line in the sand is key to your way forward or must you reverse to get onto the straight line? This is not a judgement call, but merely a “dare to think” or shall I say “Dare to learn” call. We all have work to do. The most amazing part of these posts is that I am really addressing myself. The flip side of that is that the next person is but a mirror to oneself, so we reflect and learn.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-9.html

See previous:  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-7.html