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The following is a page from my upcoming book 

From Mecca to 9/11

A short history of Islam and its impact on your life. 

Umrat ul Qadha (Tthe Pilgrim of Retaliation)

By Ali Sina 

By February 629 C.E. it was almost one year since the Hudaibiyah and Muhammad and his men looked forward to enter that town according to the stipulated agreement. This year the number of the pilgrims swelled to two thousands. They each carried their swords, in accordance to the clauses of the treaty. But Muhammad was a treacherous man and he judged everyone else based on his own standards. So fearing treachery from the Meccans he secretly brought along a large reserve of armor and lances separately by another route. Muhammad ibn Maslama, with one hundred horsemen marched one stage ahead of the Pilgrims. The sacrificial animals with their ceremonial red collars were also driven in front. Muhammad called this Umrat ul Qadha (complementary pilgrimage or the pilgrim of retaliation) because it was performed “in lieu” of the previous one that was not fulfilled.

When they reached Marr al Dhahran, one stage from Mecca , Muhammad left behind the caravan carrying the armor in the valley outside the sacred precinct guarded by two hundred armed soldiers and the rest of the Pilgrims advanced to Ka’ba.

To avoid confrontation, the Meccans deserted the town; some of them climbing on the nearby hills watched the proceeding. The cavalcade of the Muslims emerged from the northern valley with Muhammad at its head while one of his men walked in front of him holding the bridle of his camel al Kaswa and around him were his chief companions. This majestic and triumphant entry must have been a vindication for a man who escaped this town seven years ago fearing his life. When they reached Ka’ba they shouted Labbeik Labbeik  (I am here, I am here, oh God at your service), the customary words that Arabs used to mutter or cry out loud when they went to pilgrimage.

The circumvallation of the Ka’ba started and Muhammad bid his followers to run faster than usual so not to give the Meccans who were watching the whole procession, the impression of being fatigued. This point is so insignificant that really does not merit any mention, yet the Islamic traditions have laid so much emphasis on it that seems to have been important order. In fact running the first three rounds faster has become a sunna (tradition). What is important to us is the fact that Muhammad was a master of manipulations and histrionics. What he lacked in logics and arguments he made up with theatrics. The primitive minded Arabs of his time were not also interested in logical arguments and proofs. They too were an impressionable folk who believed in him simply because others had done so. In fact I dare say that logics had never entered Arabian Peninsula and these people, unlike the Greeks for example, were not familiar with the whole concept. Therefore it was not Muhammad’s logical arguments that brought him success; he presented none; but rather it was his success that brought him more success.

A cursory look at Islamic da’wah (propaganda) Internet sites makes this point clear. After 1400 years of history and over a billion followers, and despite the emergence of innumerable Islamic scholars of high caliber, there is no logical argument presented in defense of Islam or as the proof of the claim of Muhammad’s prophethood. There is also no scriptural proof to support that claim. The adherence to Islam grew and still keeps growing, only through theatrics and impressionisms. The arguments presented to prove Islam, are all subjective and they all boil down to one thing: “If others are converting to Islam, then it must be true.”  In a publication an Islamic organization of North America addressing its members wrote: "In a non-Muslim land, he [The Muslim] must openly demonstrate his applying Islam in order to be a caller to Islam in both word and action."  Muslims are demonstrative of their devotion to Islam through the way they dress and act. This is for them a way to promote their religion. Logical arguments are scarce but theatrics abound.

These theatrics and show of majesty accompanied by the profession of devotion of the Muslims to their master had its effects on many diehard enemies of Islam and several of them joined his army and converted to his religion.

After circumvallating the Ka’ba and touching the black stone, he sent Bilal on the top of Ka’ba to chant the call to prayer and he himself entered the building and stayed there for several hours. The group that had stayed behind with the arms was replaced and they too performed their pilgrimage.

After the pilgrimage he was offered Meimuna as the bride. She was already the third wife he married in this year. Meimuna was a widow and not very young. This is one case where Muhammad must have married not just for lust but to win the heart of his enemies. Meimuna was the sister of the wife of Abbas and the aunt of Khalid ibn Walid, the warrior of the Quraish who had turned the tide against the Muslims during the battle of Uhud.

The marriage had its desired political effect, for Khalid soon after that repaired to Medina and pledged his adhesion to Islam. Two others also followed suit; one was Amru ibn al Aas who had often annoyed Muhammad with his poetries and who was a prominent member of the Quraish, and the other was Othman ibn Talha. All these men, especially the first two, made valuable conquests for Islam is subsequent years. Othman was the son of Taha, an important chief and a custodian of the Ka’ba.  

The reason these men joined Islam was not that they found Islam to be a true religion. No such proof was ever given nor was asked. They were attracted to Islam because of its success and its rapid pace of growth. They were young ambitious men who found Islam to be a perfect vehicle for their own climb to power. So not being able to defeat the enemy, they opted to join it and the payoff was immense. If they managed to stay alive, they were enriched beyond their wildest dreams. This of course does not discount the zealotry and fanaticism instilled in them through Muhammad’s promises of afterlife and heavenly rewards. The fear of pain and the lure of pleasure are two powerful incentives. These, rather crude methods of persuasion were employed to its full extend. Those who believed received worldly compensations and were promised otherworldly recompenses as well; and those who did not believe were punished brutally, lost their belongings, their wives, their children as well as their lives and were furthermore condemned to eternal damnation and a dreadful tortuous Hell.

The treaty allowed Muhammad three days to complete his pilgrimage. He was already in his forth day and was planning a sumptuous wedding in Mecca when Soheil and Huweitib, the chiefs of Quraish appeared before him and reminded him that he had overstayed his welcome already by one day and that he should leave. Muhammad in an attempt to win their affection responded, “And what harm if you let me to remain and celebrate my nuptials and make you a feast at which you might all sit down and be merry?" "No thanks!” Roughly answered the chiefs, “We have no need of your viands: The time has expired! Depart from us!'!”

Muhammad gave orders for departure and consummated his marriage with Meimuna on that very night outside the Mecca . Early next morning the cortege resumed the march and returned to Medina .

Meimuna is said to have been fifty one years old when she married to Muhammad. That is only ten years younger than him. But Muhammad was jealous even of his elderly wives. There is an anecdote that says: “A young man, Ziad, nephew to Meimuna, went to see his aunt. Muhammad coming suddenly into the house was disconcerted at the sight: his visage showed marks of wrath, and he turned to go away. "It is only my sister's son," cried Meimuna after him. So he returned.”  

The conversion of Khalid, Amru and Othman was a huge success for Muhammad. This added to his prestige and strengthened his position in Mecca greatly. The rest started wavering and all it was needed, was a little push for the entire city to come under Islam. Many others of lesser name also followed these leaders and offered their allegiance to the new cause. Islam was on the rise and its success was the magnet for more success. 

The citizens of Mecca were weary of constant wars and bloodshed. On the other hand the followers of the thriving new movement were feisty, aggressive and relentless. Mecca lacked a charismatic leader. The Muslims had a cause while the Meccans had no cause. They simply wanted to live in peace. The advocates of peace and compromise were growing in numbers and influence. Many had already deserted the town and had joined the rank of Islam. Those who stayed behind were tired and ready to capitulate. A rapid and bold stroke of policy was all it needed to bring the city down and make it surrender to Islam. Many citizens were ready for that, if it meant that the hostilities would end and peace would be restored.  Humans’ tolerance for hardship is not infinite. Under duress we all relent. We give in, even to evil, to be left alone and to be able to live in peace. Even though we know that peace may not be long-lived.  

Perhaps in this there is a lesson for us all. 1400 years later, the world is again facing the same feisty, vicious and unrelenting Islam. Islam has come back. Islamic terrorism is the same Islam brought by Muhammad. It is the same belief, the same fanaticism, the same fierceness and the same mindless savagery. The policies are the same, the only thing that is changed are the tactics. Today’s Jihadis are far more deadly than their ancestors, who where merely a bunch of savages wielding their swords and shouting Allahu-Akbar from their horseback. Our military might and sophisticated warfare are powerless in front of a handful of technologically savvy terrorists.  Just imagine how a few terrorists in Spain managed to overthrow a government by blowing a few passenger trains and killing a few hundred people. It did not cost them much to do that. Think of how a few terrorists, have succeeded to make the entire country of Philippines to capitulate and comply with their demand. All they had to do was to kidnap one of their citizens and threaten to kill him. How much it cost them to do that? Angelo dela Cruz, the Philippine hostage, even thanks his captors for his good treatment. He is not to be blamed. We would all do that under similar situations. This is part of human psyche. We become grateful to those who have spared our lives once the prospect of dying comes to haunt us. It is not uncommon for hostages released in this way to convert to Islam. Only a psychologist can explain this phenomenon. After 9/11 several people sitting on the edged converted to Islam at once.  

Just like Spain and Philippines , the world will capitulate, one country at a time.  The good people of the world will become weary of war and resistance. They will give in to the demands of the Muslims fighters, one demand at the time. They will have to; they will have no options; resistance would be futile; surrender is inevitable.

The world will comply gradually. Not because they would want to, but because they would have to. There would be no choice. Unable to defeat the enemy, more and more people will try to be appeasers and will not criticize Islam and its associated evil to avoid hurting the “sensibilities” of the Muslims. They will give up their freedoms, one political correctness at a time. The politicians will remain silent, for the fear of provoking the Muslims. To avoid unrest they will pass laws that will curtail the freedom of their citizens to criticize “religion” but in reality the intent is to stop the criticism of Islam. Other religions are accustomed to criticisms and have defended themselves fairly well. They are not asking for censorship; it is the Muslims that are asking it. Writers will find themselves facing lawsuits and even go to Jail for disparaging Islam and violating “the anti hate” laws. Criticizing Islam, which is but an ideology, will be equated as bashing its adherents and condemned. India is not a Muslim country, but it banned Salman Rushdie’s book, the Satanic Verses to appease her Muslim citizens. Indians can’t criticize Islam openly. The writers, the journalists, the publishers in the civilized world, or what would be left of it, will not dare to speak out their minds for the fear of being branded as “racists” and “xenophobes”. Those daredevils who defy the public opinion and disregard the etiquettes of political correctness will be forced to shut up for the fear of being assassinated or their children harmed. Women will be obliged “voluntarily” to cover themselves with Hijab to save their faces from acids being thrown at them. This kind of violence has already started in many cities in Europe , where European women are molested and harassed if they walk unaccompanied and without Islamic attire in the neighborhood of the Muslims. The world will recoil while the enemy will remain completely hidden and undefeatable. This will embolden the Muslims. They will be invigorated in their zeal to take over the world.

These setbacks will only add to the Muslims resolve and they’ll increase the pressure. With each concession, they will be re-energized and will demand more power. Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac. It is an inebriating enticer that will attract many, especially the young and the inexperienced, not just of Muslim birth, but also of non-Muslim parents. These youths will be driven to Islam to be part of its success. The societies in non-Islamic countries will be torn in their loyalties. The stupidity and irrationality of Islam would be obvious to many, but they would be under pressure from two other fronts. On one hand many of their own children and loved ones who have joined Islam, denounce them as unbelievers and have cut their ties with them; on the other, they would be weary of the continuous threat of terrorism and violence. Their economies would be in shamble, their lives in danger, their loyalties torn asunder, they will be too weak to hold to the truth and stand for righteousness. They’ll be worn out and crave for peace. But the only peace available to them is through surrender.

Terrorism will target their office buildings, their schools, their shopping centers, their water and power supplies, and will literally bring their lives to a halt. Their industries will be crippled, their economies will fall apart. The dark years of depression will cast its shadow over the horizons. Hope will vanish and fear will take over. And Muhammad’s cry of I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers” (8:12) will resonate in their ears. 

While, the Muslim terrorists will continue to wreak havoc, the other wing of Islamic expansionism, i.e. the Muslim apologists and the so called Muslim “moderates” will be hard at work. They will inseminate lies and contaminate the minds of their victims with deception and false promises. Their prophet said, "War is a game of deception". They’ll continue presenting Islam as a religion of peace and they’ll continue seducing people and bringing them to their camp. These propagandas will lessen the fear of Islam and make it more palatable and even appealing. The intent is to weaken the resistance and create a fifth column within the dar al Harb (the non Islamic world). This fifth column; partly made of the Muslim immigrants and partly of the converts, will strive to bring chaos, destabilize the governments and hasten their fall. 

The fifth column  will be assisted by the appeasers. The appeasers will side with the enemy and lash out at those who try to fight them. They have already given up. They are tired of fighting and want peace. And they want others to do the same. The appeasers are not evil; they are just fools. They  want peace, they abhor war. But sadly, they are willing to pay any price for that peace, even their freedom. Little they know that what they will get, will not be peace but only submission. 

No one wants curfew, but citizens demand it when chaos wreaks havoc and they lose their security. If the choice is between freedom and security, we all would chose security. When Muslims render the world a living hell, the world will beg them to take over and restore the peace.

At this stage, all it takes is a push and the world will fall under the sway of Islam and the banner of Allahu Akbar will be hoisted in every country of the world. Once one country succumbs, it will have a domino effect and one by one all of them will succumb.

Then Islam will take over the world; the civilization will die away; science will be demeaned; arts will be banned; women will be subjugated; non-Muslims will be subdued, dissenters will be executed, and the world will plunge into the 7th century darkness once again, perhaps unable to recover for many millennia. 

The old Abu Afak, warned  the citizens of Medina and especially the Jews of Muhammad. They did not listen and they paid for their heedlessness with their lives. Woe to humanity, if we do not take these warnings seriously and dismiss them as mere fear mongering.  

Stirred by patriotism, after reading this piece, one of my readers quoted Churchill who wrote:

“We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender”  

Although I admire her love for freedom and her defiance and resolve, I am afraid she is very much mistaken. This war is not being fought on the seas and oceans, on the beaches, fields, streets or hills. This war is, and continues to be fought from within. The enemy is an insider enemy and the method is very unconventional. He is not wearing a uniform. He looks very much like you and your neighbor. He does not stand in front of you, but rather stabs you from the back. Innocent people will continue to be kidnapped everywhere and beheaded one after the other, bombs will blast and shatter the bodies of more and more people, full advantage from nuclear and biological weapons of mass destruction will be taken, we keep dying and remain helpless to fight back. How can you fight an enemy who is invisible? Eventually fear will overcome the resolve and people will capitulate. They will continue to be killed until they surrender and if they don’t, they will be killed to the last person. This was the sunna of the Prophet and this is the way of the Muslim warrior.

We can topple the terrorist governments, but can we stop terrorism? Do the terrorists need the support of any government? For terrorists to thrive all they need is the support of the masses and the Muslim terrorists have all the support they need. They also have any number of ready-to-die recruits available to them.  

This war cannot be won militarily. Since the 9/11 the terrorists have killed thousands of us, while we have not but been able to capture or kill but a handful of them. This war has cost them little, while it cost us billions of dollars. All they need to win is to be lucky once, when we need to be lucky all the times. It does not take a genius to see that humanity is losing and barbarity is winning. Failing to see this will cost our freedom and our lives.

This war can be fought and won only in one way. We have to uproot the tree of Islam. Period! To paraphrase Taslima Nasrin “Islamic terrorism is a poisonous branch that stems from the trunk of Islam. Until you uproot the whole tree, that poisonous branch will keep shooting up."  

 

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