Imagine; You haven’t seen the sun for 3 dark years.  You’re in a small cell under 24 hour video and audio surveillance. Forced to use the bathroom and shower in full view of the video cameras spying on you. Taking your meals alone in a cell. You cannot see any other detainees. You cannot write letters to friends and cannot make calls to anyone but a lawyer chosen for you. You’re prohibited from participating in group prayer. One hour a day you’re allowed to leave your prison cell, where you’re also kept in total isolation.

You’re locked up in solitary confinement – total isolation – for 3 years, waiting for a trial.

This is the situation of your brother Fahad Hashmi.

What’s his crime?

He is accused of helping al Qaeda by allowing rain gear (raincoats, ponchos and socks) that were going to Afghanistan to be stored in his Queens apartment, he supposedly allowed his cell phone to be used to contact “al Qaeda supporters” and he made post-arrest “threatening” statements.

Keep in mind that all these are accusations, and everything that is being mentioned is heavily subjective and can easily be manipulated (since the “quoted terms” can easily be twisted to suit the agenda of the prosecution.)

The Crimes Perpetrated* against Fahad in Prison:

- He has been punished in Inhumane Solitary Confinement Conditions.

- He is denied the lawyer of his choice.

- He is not allowed to send or receive letters to friends or the outside world.

- He is not allowed to contact the media at all (to make his situation known to the public.)

- He can only get a visit from one member of his family through a heavy screen for one hour every other week, unless the government takes away those visits to further punish him. The government took away his family visits for 90 days when he was observed shadow boxing in his cell and talked back to the guard who asked what he was doing.

- All this without even being proven guilty, without having the right to fair trial for 3 years.

*See Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

It’s less than a week left till his final trial (the 28th of April 2010.) This trial will effect whether he is freed, or whether he stays in these conditions even longer.

What can you do?

Fahad is unaware of the world around him, he does not know that he has supporters. He might have few supporters, or many – if people like you can show that you will join him in court. This will mean so much to him; he will realise that he has a huge amount of supporters since his isolation, he will feel joyous that he is being remembered by everyone and that he is not forgotten.

This one-time opportunity will affect his future well being, and you can make that difference for the better.

“500 @ 500″ is an effort to gather 500 people at the SDNY Court for Fahad Hashmi’s Trial;

When: Begins – April 28th, 2010 [ Trial lasts appx 2-3 weeks]

Where- SDNY Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, Manhattan NY [In front of Judge Preska]

TRAINS to the SDNY Courthouse: J, M or Z to Chambers St. (north exit to Foley Sq.); #4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (north exit); A, C to Chambers; R, W to City Hall; 1, 2, 3 to Chambers; E or PATH to WTC; B, D to Grand.

http://freefahad.com/images/trial28th.jpg

If you cannot visit him in court, then atleast pray for him. It may be that Allah answers your plea and eases the life of our brother.

Visit http://freefahad.com/ for further information.

- GVJ team

AAFIA SIDDIQUI DAY

Sunday 28 March 2010 is the 7th anniversary of the kidnapping of Aafia and her children. To commemorate this and to highlight Aafia’s case as symbolic of the brutality of the ‘war on terror’ with the aim of having her repatriated to Pakistan and launching an investigation into the whereabouts of her missing children, the Justice for Aafia Coalition (JFAC – www.justiceforaafia.org) has been formed – an umbrella organisation, currently spanning four continents, which aims to unite and direct all individuals and organisations concerned for our sister and working for her release In an international day of protest, we aim to have events, demonstrations, letter-writing campaigns, khutbahs, etc in towns and cities all over the world in solidarity with Aafia on the one day – 28 March.

All it takes is for each person to do the following:

a) Organise an event (or screening) in your locality; rather than asking us to supply speakers, people could spend one hour reading up on her case thoroughly and presenting it to his community. JFAC will aim to provide you with the necessary information pack to deliver a presentation. If people educate themselves on the case and do the talk themselves, it is more empowering than just having an external speaker come. If you are interested in organising an event or hosting a related documentary screening, please email events@justiceforaafia.org. All events will be publicised on our website.

b) Attend the Aafia Siddiqui Solidarity March, from the Pakistani embassy to the US embassy, in London on Sunday March 28th, 2pm. Promote this and for those living outside London, organise coaches to bring people down.

c) Get 20 people from your community to send a letter to both your local paper and a national paper in the week beginning 22 March. The letters should be short, to the point and mention Aafia Siddiqui Day, the kidnapping and detention, missing children and the event. The individual must collect the letters, buy the postage and envelopes and post the letters. You have 20 days from today to get 19 letters (excluding the one you send yourself).

d) Get 20 people (doesn’t have to be the same 20) to send a letter to Aafia that day , from children in particular. Even though she is currently being denied mail, if the volume is enough, they may just let a few through.

e) An information leaflet, campaign pack and other resources will be shortly available, along with translations of the campaign materials into as many languages as we can. The aim is that anyone in the world can then just print off their particular language and distribute, thereby empowering them and decreasing dependency.

f) Approach your local mosque or Islamic Society to dedicate their khutbah on Friday 26 March to the case of Aafia Sddiqui. A khutbah template will soon be available for download.

There are many other projects in development and events are confirmed for UK, USA, Pakistan, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.

If you would like to assist us in the campaign please email info@justiceforaafia.org.

Justice for Aafia Coalition (JFAC)
www.justiceforaafia.org

What is the Global Qunoot Month?

The Global Qunoot Month is about reviving the most important and not to mention a forgotten sunnah of our beloved Prophet (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) during times of calamity. It was a well-known practice even amongst the later companions (may Allaah be pleased with them all) and scholars of later generation. What can be a better time than the present to turn to Allaah for help, when our fathers, our brothers, our husbands and our sons are thrown into prisons merely for believing in Allaah and for standing up for Truth; when our women are raped and children are tortured and are kept in secret prisons for only Allaah knows how long? Is it not time for us to beseech the One and Only who is truly in control of all our affairs? Who Alone can take away these trials from us and grant us relief?

We encourage every Muslim in every corner of the world to join hands with us during the Month of March to pray with us for relief from all calamities affecting the Muslim World and specifically to call upon Allaah to hasten the release of all our prisoners and return our loved ones to us.

You can pray individually but also in congregation behind an imaam. Contact your local imaam to recite Qunoot an-Naazilah and to pray for the release of prisoners during his prayers. Sisters can do the same in their own gatherings, all it takes for you is to raise your hands to Allaah – the Almighty, the Most-Powerful.

Qunoot an-Naazilah:

Qunoot is a supplication offered during prayer while standing. Du’aa al-Qunoot [an-Naazilah] is worded according to the nature of the hardship or calamity. The Prophet (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prayed for Muslim Captives and against certain tribes invoking Allaah for protection from their evil and harm.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prayed Qunoot for a month in Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayer, when he said: Sami’a Allaahu liman hamidah in the last rak’ah, praying against some tribes of Banu Sulaym, and against Ri’l, Dhakwaan and ‘Usayyah, and those who were behind him said Ameen. [Narrated by Abu Dawood (1443). Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.]

It should be noted here that these tribes had betrayed and killed 70 of the Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them all).

“It is proven that the Prophet  (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to say Qunoot at times of calamity, praying against the aggressors among the disbelievers, and praying for the week and oppressed Muslims to be saved from the plots and captivity of the disbelievers.” [Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (22/271)]

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prayed Qunoot for a month. After saying Sami’a Allaahu liman hamidah, he said in his Qunoot: “O Allaah, save al-Waleed ibn al-Waleed, Salamah ibn Hishaam, ‘Ayyaash ibn Abi Rabee’ah and the weak and oppressed believers. O Allaah, punish Mudar severely and send upon them a famine like that of Yoosuf.” Then Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that they were saved from the clutches of the disbelievers and came to Madeenah, so the Messenger (may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him) stopped praying for them.  Narrated by Muslim (675)

In Zaad al-Ma’aad (1/272) Ibn al-Qayyim said: “He prayed Qunoot at the time of calamity to offer supplication for some people and to pray against others, then he stopped when those for whom he had prayed came (to Madeenah) and were saved from captivity, and those against whom he had prayed became Muslim and came repenting. So his Qunoot was for a purpose, and when that was achieved he stopped Qunoot.”

How should one say Du’aa al-Qunoot?

According to the most correct scholarly opinion, Du’aa al-Qunoot should be recited after the ruku’, however reciting before the ruku’ is also considered acceptable. [Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen, al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 4/64]

It is prescribed to pray Qunoot during the last rak’ah of every salaah when a calamity strikes, and to continue until the calamity is averted.

Wording of the Du’aa:

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (3/497): “The correct view which was stated definitively by the majority of scholars is that there are no specific words, rather any du’aa may be said.”

It is crucially important that we keep up the pressure on the federal prosector’s office. Tarek’s next hearing date is not currently known, but we can begin our phone-call, letter/fax, and delegation campaign with full force now.

THINGS YOU CAN DO

1)      On Mon Feb 22^nd and Wed Feb 24^th, call the office of Assistant U.S. Attorney and federal prosecutor Aloke Chakravarty at 617-748-3658 (phone) to voice your outrage at Tarek’s arrest and demand an end to the proceedings against him (see below for talking points (link in blue) and details).

2)    On Tues Feb 23^rd and Thurs Feb 25^th fax a letter expressing your outrage at the federal harrassment and illegitimate proceedings against Tarek to Assistant U.S. Attorney and federal prosecutor Aloke Chakravarty 617-748-3664 (fax). (See below for details).

3)    On Fri Feb 26^th, join a regional call for delegations to the prosecutor’s office (see below for details)

REGIONAL CALL FOR PHONE-IN TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

On Mon Feb 22^nd and Wed Feb 24^th,  we are calling on all supporters and organizers to call Assistant U.S. Attorney and federal prosecutor Aloke Chakravarty at 617-748-3658 (phone) to voice your concerns and outrage at the federal harrassment and illegitimate proceedings against Tarek Mehanna.

This is your opportunity to take a stand against political targeting of Muslims and stand for freedom of speech. When calling, ask to speak with Mr. Chakravarty and if told that you cannot speak with him, ask to leave a message for him and request that it be read back to you and request a reply. Please see talking points.

REGIONAL CALL FOR FAX-IN TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

On Tues Feb 23^rd and Thurs Feb 25^th we are calling on all supporters and organizers to fax a letter expressing your outrage at the federal harrassment and illegitimate proceedings against Tarek to Assistant U.S. Attorney and federal prosecutor Aloke Chakravarty 617-748-3664 (fax)the prosecutor’s office  to voice their outrage at the federal harrassment and illegitimate proceedings against Tarek Mehanna.

• We encourage you to write your own letter if possible, but if you are unable to do so, please see sample letter and talking points below.
• We also urge you to make copies of the sample letter and distribute it at local events for mass faxing.
• Please fax the letter to 617-748-3664 and cc (by e-mail) to Tarek Mehanna’s Defense Committee at freetarek@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know if we can post your letter.

REGIONAL CALL FOR DELEGATIONS TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

On Fri Feb 26^th, we are calling on all supporters and organizers to form Tarek Mehanna Defense delegations to voice your concerns and outrage at the federal harrassment and illegitimate proceedings against Tarek Mehanna.

If you plan a delegation, please let us know when you plan to go and the number of supporters you anticipate so we can coordinate activities throughout the day.

If you are unable to coordinate a delegation or go to the Prosecutor’s office yourself on Feb 26^th, we encourage you to call the office instead on those dates. Please e-mail the defense committee as to what happens with your delegation.

SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR DELEGATIONS , PHONE CAMPAIGN, AND LETTERS

1)      Briefly state your concerns regarding the illegitimate arrest of Mr. Mehanna:

• The FBI has targeted Tarek Mehanna for one reason only: because he refused to cooperate with the FBI in targeting other Muslims.
• The FBI threatened Mr. Mehanna with terrorism charges if he refused to ‘cooperate.’
• Reassert your belief that this is a political arrest and an attempt to intimidate the Muslim community.

2)      Ask why Tarek was arrested and detained in solitary confinement on new charges in the absence of any new evidence over the past year. He has not violated his parole.

3)      How much longer do they intend to waste taxpayer’s money and drag out this illegitimate proceeding?

4)      Demand that they end the illegitimate proceedings against Tarek Mehanna.

5)      Point out that this month marks the one year anniversary of the legal proceedings against the federal prosecutor and assistant US attorney Suzanne Sullivan for misconduct and it is our sincere hope that Mr. Chakravarty does not plan to follow in her footsteps.

SAMPLE LETTER

FREE TAREK.COM

Thursday, 13th of Safar 1431
 
In the name of Allaah, the Most Beneficent, Most Merciful and may the Peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His Messenger, Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdillaah, the seal of the Prophets, and our example until the Day of Judgement.

 as-Salamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullaah wa Barakaatuh, our dear and respected brothers and sisters in Islaam;

Almighty Allaah says in Surat at-Tawbah: 
 
The believers, men and women, are Awliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Verse, 71]
 
Hence, the Global Voice for Justice Campaign would like to take the opportunity to advise their fellow brethren on the issue of letter writing to Prisoners and how the men and women of this religion should practice this noble deed to help their brethren in need, but at the same time observe the guidelines set in Islaam, whilst carrying out this practice.
 
When we consider all of the laws governing the relationship between men and women in Islaam, we are forced to come to the conclusion that Islaam forbids any mixing between the sexes that might provide even the remotest possibility of temptation.The body of evidence showing that women and men should not mix freely with one another is quite large. We will briefly mention some of it:
 
Allaah says in Surat an-Nur, verse 30: Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.

Also from Surat Nur, verse 31: And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.)…

From Surat al-Ahzab:  “And when you ask the ladies for anything, ask them from before a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs.” [verse 73]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) forbade men and women from being alone together. He said: “Never is a man alone with a woman except that Satan is the third party with them.” [Saheeh Muslim]

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