Living in the EP (Eastern Province)

Teaching English in Saudi

2008-09-27T18:48:00.002+03:00

So you want to be a teacher in Saudi huh? No problem. First and foremost, teaching is a talent and a gift. Not everyone is cut out for it. A brother with just a TEFL cert from an 8 hour course may be a better teacher than a brother with many qualifications. That is the first thing you must understand. Although teaching is an easy way to get in to Saudi, make sure you are ready for such a career decision. Teaching in Saudi and the Gulf alone takes talent and patience and one needs to be prepared.

Now if you are a professional teacher and have been doing so for years or you’ve just finished going to school for it and Saudi is your first career move then you are in for a shock. Forget just about everything you’ve learned because it simply doesn’t exist here on that level. When you get here you need to understand that this – whether we choose to accept it or not – is still a developing nation as it relates to education and technology. It does not matter how much money they have here, it’s still developing and they are still learning.

One of the best things about teaching here is the vacation schedule in my opinion. While everyone gets a Ramadan and Hajj breaks it seems that schools get a longer break during those periods. There is also spring break and summer break. This could total out to be around 60 or more days a year depending on where you are working. The best part about it is they are all paid days.

I’ve categorized the whole teaching scene into sectors. I have also put a rating with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. Please note that this represents my experience here and other brothers here may have more positive or negative experiences. Also, this represents the male perspective. Teaching on the woman’s side is different.

Government Schools:
Rating: 9

From elementary to high school these jobs are Saudized. I do not know of one western teacher working in a Saudi government school. Colleges and Universities on the other hand are different. While there is a push to Saudize this sector as well, I do not think it would ever happen.

Teaching in the colleges and universities here is probably one of the best teaching jobs you will get. The hours and pay are great and getting a job at one of the colleges is simple with the right qualifications. Usually if you are teaching English they will look for a Masters in TESOL and up however a lot of the schools will make concessions. It all depends on when you apply and how you apply. For example, if you are applying at crunch time and the school is in serious need of teachers then they will make an exception on your qualifications but you may still need experience. If you are applying from the US then it’s a little difficult to get in with just a bachelors degree but if you come over it’s a lot easier.

Depending on where you work and your experience you can expect to get at least 9000 and up. If you get an offer for less than this then do NOT accept it. This is the government and it’s a college. They have the money to pay you so do not be impatient and settle for anything just because you want to be in Saudi. You WILL regret it later. I will touch on this topic a bit later.

Military establishments:
Rating: 7

The salary and package is just about the same as teaching at a college or university. The hours of work may vary. They also ask for Masters and the likes but there are always exceptions in Saudi. The students can be categorized as drop outs, students who could not get into college due to low grades, bedouins who are not really down with the whole school thing or all of the above in one package. Others may actually be there because they want to have military careers like their fathers. I have seen these students with my own eyes and have spoken to those who currently teach or used to teach in these facilities. They all say that there is a behavioral problem. Sometimes these students can be out of control which to me is a bit shocking considering this is supposed to be the military. You really need patience when teaching at these spots so if you get a job here then prepare for it like you are going into battle because you are. You can use your experience here as a springboard to getting on at a college or university.

Private Schools:
Rating: 0

This is where most will get their feet in the door. Private schools are businesses and if you have the investment this is the way to go for a Saudi businessman. Notice I said “businessman”. No real educator owns or runs most of these schools and that’s part of the problem. While many owners have good intentions they become blinded when that money starts to roll in. The money is what governs the school and its policies and nothing else. This means as a professional teacher you will suffer as there will be no real educational standards. You will given books and parachuted into a battleground with no support and told to teach. If there are any rules, policies, or procedures then you can be sure it’s just for show and a means to attract more paying parents. Anything that will cause the money flow to come to snail’s pace or move to another private school will not be tolerated. You can forget about policies and procedures that protect you as a teacher. At the end of the day, the student is always right. You can forget about the administration supporting you. At the end of the day, you were wrong regardless of any circumstance. The administration is only looking at the fact that you may have just scared away their money. This is a business and you are expected to support the BUSINESS. Education is only a secondary concern. I have talked to many parents about this dilemma and they all say the same thing, most of the private schools first open their doors they are popular then eventually they go downhill. When a school goes downhill then they will have no need for westerners and the education becomes no better than a Saudi public school. There can be only one reason why these schools eventually fail and that is greed. In my opinion, I have met very few Arab businessmen except that they are greedy. They fail to realize that money is not the sole goal but it’s a result of offering a quality service. If you offer quality education then the parents will practically beg to get into your school. I have never met a Saudi who really understands that concept. This is the reality of private schools. You can sit and debate the issues and research all day with the administration. All they want is the money.

For what you have to put up with I can surely say that the pay is in no way worth it. These schools usually pay between 5500 and 8500. The teaching contact hours vary depending on how short staffed the school is. The contract you signed may say you work 7-2pm from Saturday to Wednesday but the small print is left out. You will be slaving over lesson plans and grading papers on your days off. As a business, the school may want to make extra cash by having an after school program so you can go ahead and add that to your hours. There may be a summer school program so enjoying your vacation will be short lived. These schools are a serious strain on family and brotherhood. You can forget about trying to sit and study Arabic and the religion as well. Time is just not there.

If you are in a school where the majority of the teachers are Muslims and SALAFEE then you want to be on the lookout for what I call “the plant”. This is a person put in place by the administration of these business ventures called private schools to watch the teachers. Each and every brother working in these private schools all over the Kingdom and beyond that I have spoken with can tell you about their experiences with “the plant”. This is usually a brother who has been hyped up by the administration so much so that he begins to believe his own press. After being hyped up, this individual usually has only one aspiration in mind and that is the dunyah. He is now looking at adding a few lines to his resume. This may ultimately mean that the brotherhood amongst the teachers is in jeopardy. In every situation, be it in UAE, Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, this individual has led to dividing the brothers and creating an unhealthy work environment. The administration of these schools puts this guy in charge because they know the Salafees have limits on what they will and will not do. The plant has to report back to the administration about who is or who is not doing what. Remember that his aspiration is the dunyah so he may not be Salafee or may be weak in the manhaj which means it’s easier for him to damage the brotherhood and not think anything about it. Everyone I know in these private schools has complained of this problem. So be on the lookout and don’t you become “the plant”. It is not worth dividing the brotherhood for someone else’s business venture.

Institutes
Rating: 3.5

This is another business venture and most of them are managed as such. Unless it’s a well known franchise, institutes are not reliable employment. In fact, even if it is a franchise you still cannot count on it. Typical starting salary can range from 6000 to 14000 depending on the institute, its popularity, and its location. Many of them hire on single status but again there are exceptions if you pay for your own family to come in. The students vary. Some are sent from major companies and others are those who finally figured out the importance of learning English if you want to get a good paying job in Saudi. I have never had any real problems with institute students and many of them can be pretty hard workers. My experience in the institute world has always been part time and that’s how I like it but for those going full time then be cautious. Institutes are notorious for late salaries. You may not get paid for 2 to 3 months straight. The bottom line is you are paid if they get paid. If the institute didn’t get any new students this month then salaries will be late. Another major drawback with institutes is the split shift. That means you work 8-12 and 4-8. You may also work additional hours depending on class size. In Ramadan you may be working until midnight. Sometimes Thursdays are used for preparation and meetings so there’s half of your weekend. If you have a family then such a schedule can be stressful. If you don’t mind the schedule then it’s not a bad job to have but make sure you do your research about the institute and its reputation. If you hear that an institute has a bad reputation then don’t take the risk. Institutes come and go. One day it’s here and the next day it doesn’t exist and you’re back on the plane.

Tutoring
Rating: 5.5

The above rating would depend solely on your dedication. Tutoring is usually done on the side. If you can manage to get a sponsor who doesn’t really care what you are doing, tutoring can be used as your primary source of income. First thing you need to do is develop a good tutoring routine and program. You need to make sure you keep the bar raised when tutoring. Some brothers have been lowering the bar and ruining it for the rest. Each city and region has its own pricing. In the Eastern Province I used to charge kids 80 or 85 an hour with a minimum of 4 hours per week. If a parent could not commit to the time then I would not teach the child. For adults I used to charge 100 an hour with a minimum of 4 hours per week. I would take all fees up front, no exceptions. Why take fees up front? Because Saudis are not reliable. You may have taken time out of your busy schedule and the student does not show. Not only do you lose time but you don’t get paid. Not good. If you get your money up front then he will surely show up at your door because he paid for a service. I would take from 3 to 4 students and teach them at one time at my home. I never go to a student’s house. Going to his house means you have to use your gas money to go to different locations. Teaching at your house means you can do everyone in one shot. Students may try to say, “But I really want private lessons”. Don’t fall for it. Tell them it is better to have another student in the class he can practice using English with. The only problem with tutoring is that it may not be steady income. People cancel.

Some cons of teaching in the Kingdom.

Teaching in Saudi can be a challenge. The Saudi education system is not all it’s cracked up to be. Frankly speaking, it's a bad situation. Many students can care less about English. In a class of 15 or 20 there may be 1 or 2 who actually cares about learning. What and how you envisioned a college or elementary school to be is NOT what you will find here. What and how you've learned is not how it is done here so do not expect your students to come even close to that. You will have to deal with the results of a poor system which means laziness, lethargy, and an unwillingness to succeed from the majority of your students. There will be students who feel they have a sense of entitlement to speak and treat you in any way they choose. These students will make you want to slap them but of course you cannot do that can you? On the other hand, you can treat them with the same amount of respect that they give you. I used to put them in their place immediately.

In your teaching tour of duty you will see things that will cause you to become disillusioned and cynical. What you will see is not just a Saudi problem but a problem that affects the entire region. At this stage you need to be careful with your tongue and fear Allaah. I have seen good Salafee brothers speak ill of the rulers after teaching under these circumstances. It’s not for you to come here and think it’s supposed to be like America or the West. You need to be realistic and look at why the people are they way they are from a historical viewpoint and focus on the 1 or 2 students who really want to learn and teach them how to succeed. That will be more fulfilling to you than battling an unsupportive administration and the rest of the students who do not want to learn.

The teaching scene is pretty much a mixed environment of both Muslim and non Muslim teachers. You might even get caught out there with women in the mix. Depending on the school, as a Muslim you will be challenged. Yes, even in Saudi Arabia your deen is challenged. Do not be surprised if you are not allowed to wear your thobe. Do not be surprised if the kuffar say negative things about Islaam and the administration does nothing about it. In fact the administration may accuse YOU of being extreme. My advice is for you to not bring religion to job. Yes, I know it sounds strange but the kuffar and weak “progressive” Muslims who love and support them will plot against you and have you removed. Go to work, shut up, play the dumb Muslim who just accepted Islam yesterday, and go home! It's as simple as that.

I would like to add on to a point I alluded to earlier regarding brothers accepting any salary just to be in Saudi. In my opinion these brothers are a problem and one of the primary reasons why Muslims are paid less than non Muslims even though they may have the same qualifications if not more. Most companies know that as a Muslim, you would do anything to get your feet on some Saudi sand. Because they know this, they exploit this opportunity. Do not be a fool and fall for it. Do not settle for the, “You will be able to make umrah monthly and hajj yearly…” You are worth just as much as Chuck (what we call the non Muslim around here). Those brothers who have accepted low paying salaries have unfortunately ruined Muslims' chances at getting what they are worth by lowering the standard. You should not accept less than what the job is really worth for someone with your experience so do your research. Do not sell out the rest of the Muslims simply because you want to be in Saudi. Typically your package will include your basic salary, housing or housing allowance (three times your monthly salary per year), medical insurance for you and your family, and tickets home once a year. Nothing less! Some schools are only hiring single status adults which means you will not be allowed to bring your family. There are exceptions if you agree to pay for everything related to bringing your family so you need to ask first.

If you are new to the whole working in Saudi thing then I would recommend you send your contract to a brother who has been here and knows the ropes. Let him make suggestions for you and find the loop holes before you sign on to a gig. I would be more than happy to help brothers in this area. There is also another brother who offers this service if I am unavailable. The only charge is that you make dua for me.

Brothers, please do not send me resumes or ask me to assist in finding teaching jobs. I do not have the time to take on such a task right now.

More pics

2008-09-01T18:45:00.003+03:00

Riding in traffic and coughing up smog.

Reminds me of Egypt

A masjid in Medan. Do not pray here. It contains a grave!

I do not know what this is but at the top there is solid gold.

Malaysia

2008-09-01T18:44:00.003+03:00

Salafee masjid in Kajang

Masjid in KL

The Reality of IT work in Saudi

2008-09-01T16:38:00.002+03:00

Because I am in IT, many people ask me how the IT job market is in Saudi. The answer is simple. Without being too much of a gloomy Gus, I think it’s only fair to be honest.

IT work is here in KSA and there are many jobs one can get however IT is not like teaching English. In English, only a select few nationalities are preferred by most around these parts. IT on the other hand is entirely different. Now you have to compete with "cheap labor" from India, Pakistan and the Philippines. In addition to this, there is a heavy move to Saudize this industry in particular. Companies are now sending young Saudis to places like Khaleej (New Horizons) to get the necessary training. On top of this, you have great schools such as KFUPM pushing out smart well rounded Saudis in the field. These are your two major hurdles if you are looking for work in IT in the Saudi. As for the Gulf in general then I will let brothers from those regions touch on that.

Can you overcome these hurdles? Yes, by lots of self marketing, experience, certs, and your degree. Your major advantage is that you can capitalize on your field experience rather than theory. This is something the average Indian and Saudi lack. Additionally, Westerners have another edge; the ability to critically think and as a result, solve crucial problems. Keeping it real, the vast majority of people in this part of the world do not have this quality. We can thank colonial rule for that. So let's put this in a scenario. Computer A has a problem. Could be a simple one or it could be a major one. The first solution always provided here is to FORMAT the system and start all over. A experienced professional in the field will know that not every problem will require such a drastic measure. Most western IT pros know that a little troubleshooting will save you the hassle of formatting. Here on the other hand you can be sure that 8 times out of 10 if you take your computer to the shop you will be provided with that one single solution (It needs to be formatted). Now this thinking does not just stop at the computer shop on the corner. MOST organizations except for the major ones like Aramco and SABIC are full of the same sort of people. Most have no real knowledge and are doing on the job training at the company's expense. As a result, one can expect to see sheer and blatant incompetence. I know of an organization here that has purchased a new server each time they've experienced simple server problems. This akhi kareem is where you would wedge your foot in the door. You need to be able to market the fact that you will not make the same careless incompetent mistakes as the previous guy. Now the funny thing is most Saudi managers know that these guys have no knowledge. They also know they do not have many choices in the market and have no other option but to settle for them. Another problem is that most managers are business men who have absolutely no idea of what is required for a successful IT department to run. These types you will always bump heads with because they only communicate in one language. They only speak and see numbers so in your effort to market yourself you must speak and see numbers right along with them. Show them how you will save them money. They want to see and hear a return on investment (in you) and a total cost of ownership (of you).

It’s important to note here that if you are a braindump, pass4sure, testking type of guy with no real experience then you will not add value to anyone. Most companies here in KSA have no orientation or training programs or any knowledge transfer. Therefore, if you are hired as a network engineer you better know your stuff. The thinking here is that if you are hired to do something you should already have the knowledge (strange concept but true). So that means if you were a network engineer for small company and you get hired at an ISP you would be expected to know on day one how to resolve problems that are ISP related.

Another question I get asked is which area is the best and what kind of qualifications should one have. First you gotta have a degree. All of your competitors will have one and second you can forget about coming over here with just an MCSE or CCNA. If you do happen to get over here with small certs like that then masha Allaah. You marketed yourself well. Finding individuals with these certs are a dime a dozen so you really need to come over here with the most advanced certs as possible. It is helpful to get acquainted with ITILv3 and PMI. Security is big around here these days and so is the need for QUALIFIED UNIX and Linux gurus. As for web designers and developers then this field is extremely difficult to break into for westerners. Of course you know that this field is all about marketing yourself. Your skills need to be unmatched and your designs need to be innovative and new. Arabs are great in this field and thus they can find a North African and pay him less than 4000 and be done with it.

So in closing, it can be quite difficult to break into the field but it’s very possible. If you have no experience then forget it. There are many here with no experience they can get for far less. You should probably have at least 3 to 5 years experience. The more experience you have the better. The more high powered you are the greater your chances are at getting hired at places like Aramco. Especially if you have skills not many people have.

Hope that answers a few questions. Next post, “The reality of teaching in Saudi”.

Pics from INDO

2008-01-05T13:18:00.001+03:00

Imagine riding in this joint going the wrong way in traffic. Believe me, it's an adrenaline rush that I hope you never have to experience unless you are into that sort of thing.

Guidance and Its Rewards

2008-01-04T10:23:00.001+03:00

The Parallel between Fear of Allaah and Guidance to the Correct Path

A beautiful piece by Ibn Qayyim
Translated by Aboo Abdillaah Umar Bryant

The following are some eloquent and beautiful words from Imaam Ibn Qayyim.

Each time the servant fears and obeys his Lord; he rises to a higher level of guidance. Thus, he has an abundance of guidance as long as he continues to fear and obey his Lord.

Whenever a portion of taqwa (fear of Allaah) escapes the servant (through disobedience) a portion of guidance escapes him (as well). Each time a servant fears Allaah then guidance from Allaah increases. The more he is guided, the more he fears and obeys his Lord.

Allaah The Most High says:

“Indeed, there has come to you from Allaah a light (Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam ) and a plain Book (this Qur'aan) --Wherewith Allaah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islaamic Monotheism).[1}

Allaah The Most High says:

“…Allaah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.[2]

And He says:

“The reminder will be received by him who fears Allaah,”[3]

He says:

“Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allaah along with the six articles of Faith, i.e. to believe in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection, and Al-

Qadar (Divine Preordainments) - Islaamic Monotheism], and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith …”[4]

So He guided them firstly due to their eemaan and when they believed He guided them due to their eemaan guidance after guidance.

Hence, Allaah the Most High says:

“And Allaah increases in guidance those who walk aright [true believers in the Oneness of Allaah who fear Allaah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden)...”[5]

Allaah says:

“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allaah, He will grant you Furqaan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong)…”[6

So from (the meanings of) Al-Furqaan is light from Allaah which is given to distinguish between truth and falsehood as well as aid and strengthen that which is needed to establish truth and destroy falsehood. Al-Furqaan has been explained to mean both of these.

Allaah The Most High says:

“Verily in this is a sign for every faithful believer.”[7]

He says:

”Verily, in this are signs for every patient grateful (person)”[8].

So Allaah informs us in clear and manifest signs, which benefit the people of patience and thankfulness just as He informs us in the Qur’aanic verses which benefit the people of At-Taqwa, fear and repentance and whoever intends to follow Allaah’s pleasure. These signs benefit those who fear Him.

Allaah ta’ala says:

“Ta-Ha. We have not sent this Qur’aan unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress, but only as a reminder to those who fear (Allaah).”[9]

And He says concerning the last hour:

“You are only a warner for those who fear it.”[10]

As for the one who does not believe in the last hour, nor does he hope for it or fear it, then these signs and verses will not benefit him.

For this, Allaah subhanahu mentions the punishment of the nations that disbelieved in the messengers and their condition of humiliation in this world in Sooratu Hud,

He says

“Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the hereafter.”[11]

He informs us that surely in the punishments of the disbelievers is an admonition for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter.

[1] Al-Ma’idah: 15-16
[2] Ash-Shoora: 13
[3] Al-A’la: 10
[4] Yunus:9
[5] Maryam: 76
[6] Al-Anfal: 29
[7] Saba: 9
[8] Luqman: 31, Ibrahim: 5, As-Saba: 19, and Ash-Shoora: 33
[9] Ta-Ha: 1-3
[10] An-Naziaat: 45
[11] Hud: 103

And they are at it again

2008-01-04T10:18:00.001+03:00

NEWS\ Thursday 29 November 2007

Saudi authorities yesterday announced the arrest of 208 terror suspects,
including 32 terror financiers and a 16-member media cell, adding that some of the suspects had planned to attack oil installations in the Eastern Province.

Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said the arrests took place following pre-emptive operations carried out by security forces over the last few months. He said the suspects had been influenced by a deviant ideology.

“Security forces foiled an impending attack on a support oil facility in the Eastern Province,” the spokesman said, adding that an eight-member cell led by an expatriate man was behind the plan.

The expatriate explained to police how he mobilized other militants to carry out the attack after encouraging them to take part in suicide operations inside and outside the Kingdom.

The arrested militants also included an 18-member cell, which had smuggled eight missiles into the Kingdom in order to launch terrorist operations, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the spokesman as saying. An infiltrator, who is an expert in missile launching, headed the team, he added.

“There was a 22-member cell which formed a special team to assassinate Islamic scholars and security officers,” Al-Turki said. The assassination move came after imams and khateebs across the country joined the fight against terrorism and extremism. “As many as 112 suspects were arrested for coordinating with foreign parties to facilitate the travel of militants to disturbed regions,” he said in reference to those that convince Saudis to travel to Iraq in order to fight alongside insurgents.

Al-Turki said the arrested terror financiers included Saudis as well as expatriates, adding that they had provided financial support to Al-Qaeda militants in the Kingdom and abroad.

Speaking about the media cell that was operating in Madinah to promote deviant ideologies and thoughts, he said the cell had provided militants every encouragement to commit various crimes. The media cell published a news bulletin named Sada Al-Rafidain (Echo of Iraq) and facilitated the travel of militants to the war-torn country.

During the security operations police confiscated a number of means of communication and documents, the spokesman said. Details of the confiscated items will not be disclosed at present in order to protect public interest. “Investigations made with the help of arrested militants have also led to information about persons who have links with the militants,” the spokesman said.

The Interior Ministry called upon Saudis who have been approached by deviant ideologists to contact the nearest security agency if they are in the Kingdom or the nearest Saudi mission abroad to clarify their stand. “This will be taken into consideration when dealing with their cases,” the spokesman said.

And the Plot thickens!

2007-12-08T18:12:00.000+03:00

Saudi paper: Militant cell planned to assassinate top state clerics

The Associated Press
Published: December 6, 2007

A recently uncovered cell of Islamic militants planned to kill Saudi Arabia's grand mufti and another top cleric, reported the daily Okaz Thursday.

Quoting an unnamed security official, the paper reported that the 24-member militant cell planned to assassinate Grand Mufti Sheik Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheik, the country's highest religious authority, and Sheik Saleh Al Fawzan of the Supreme Council of Clerics.

Al-Sheik had previously issued several religious edicts against joining the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan and said that young Saudis are being used as "tools to carry out heinous acts"
Last week, Saudi Arabia announced its largest security sweep to date, arresting what it described as 208 al-Qaida-linked militants in six separate arrest campaigns ahead of late December's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha and the annual Mecca pilgrimage.

The report also described the breakup of a second militant cell led by a 37-year-old Yemeni missile experts who had trained fighters in Afghanistan's famed al-Qaida affiliated al-Farouq training camp.

"The ringleader planned to carry out operations targeting vital institutions in the kingdom and train members of his cell to launch missiles," said the paper, adding that he planned to leave the country ahead of the operations.

In their initial announcement of the sweeps last week, the Interior Ministry said the attacks were aimed at oil installations in the country's petroleum-rich east.

Tactics of the Khuwaarij

2007-12-08T17:32:00.000+03:00

And this is what the Hizbee Khuwaarij refer to as Jihaad. These two wanted "insurgent" knuckleheads were caught trying to sneak past a police check point in Iraq posing as HUSBAND AND WIFE. Disgusting!

Our position:

Abdullah ibn `Umar (radi Allaahu 'anhu) said he heard The Messenger of Allaah - sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam - say: The man who resembles a woman and the woman who resembles a man is not of us".

[Ahmad and At-Tabarani-Saheeh]

Abu Hurayrah (radi Allaahu 'anhu) said: The Messenger of Allaah - sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam - cursed the man who wears women's clothes and the woman who wears men's clothes.

[Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah-Saheeh]

The Filthy Khuwaarij postion:

Who cares what Islaam says. The ends justify the means. EVEN if it means disobeying Allaah and his Messnger - sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam.

And they call this Jihaad?

The wisdom of Shaykh Muqbil رحمه الله

2007-11-30T20:46:00.000+03:00

"Boycotting during these times, and other times, must not be based upon desires. There is a problem/argument between you and a friend, so you say:
“I will boycott him for the sake of Allaah.”

But if you searched yourself fairly, you would find that you only boycotted him for your own sake. and it is not for personal gains, that you boycott for the sake of Allaah subhaanahu wa ta’aala"

Al Ajwibah As sadeedah fee Fataawa Al ‘Aqeedah. P.167. By Shaykh Abu ‘Abdur Rahmaan, Muqbil ibn Haadee Al Waade’ee رحمه الله

The Creed of Abdul-Aziz ibn Baz - rahimahullaah

2007-11-21T21:48:00.000+03:00

Translated by Aboo Yasmeen Sabir Abdul Lateef

Al- Aqeedah linguistically is taken from the meaning to bind a rope, sale, or contract; its meaning is also used to describe what the heart believes. You say, “I believed so and so”; meaning the heart and conscious believed it. [1]

The meaning as it applies to the Religion is: a firm belief that the believing person has which doubt can not affect. It is belief of the heart, statement of the tongue, and action with the outer limbs.[2]

In the long hadeeth of Jabreel which the Prophet said,’’ Emaan is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, Decree, the good of it and the bad.[3]

This was the basis of the sheikh’s creed (may Allah have Mercy on him), the Imam of Ahlu-Sunnah wa Jamaat in belief, etiquette, and staying far away from the people of innovation and distortion.

This pure creed was dependent on what is found in the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم He would say the truth openly, and would not fear the rebuke of anyone. The creed that he was upon was the creed of the righteous predecessors. He believed that Allah was One, and that none deserved to be worshiped but Him, He is Unique, Self Sufficient Master that all of the creation depends on. He is not born nor does He give birth, and there is none co-equal or comparable to Him. That none is worthy of any kind of worship other than Allah; and whoever directs any kind of worship to other than Him is a disbelieving polytheist.

The Most High is described and named with all of what He has described and named Himself, and what His Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم has described and named from the Beautiful Names, and Exalted Attributes. He believed that Allah the Most High is upon His Throne, and is distinct from His creation. The sheikh is saying the same thing that the predecessors of old have said.

He believed that the Quraan is Allah’s speech. It is not created, it begins with Him and to Him it returns. He believed that anyone that said that it was created was a disbeliever who has left Islaam.[4]

The Most Glorified and Exalted Loves, is Pleased, becomes Angry, Causes life to exist, Causes death, becomes Displeased, and becomes Happy. He Descends to the lowest heaven every night in a way that befits His Majesty. The believers will see Him the Most Glorified on the Day of Judgment with their eye sight, as it is mentioned in all authentic narrations. "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the Al-Seeing."[5]

He believed that Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) wasHis slave and messenger to all of mankind and the jinn; He spread the Message of Islaam and fulfilled the trust that was given to Him. Sheikh bin Baz believed that the Angels and Allah’s revealed Books are true; that the Prophets were true; resurrection after death is true; Paradise is true, The Fire is true. He believed that the scale was true, and the pond of our Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) was true. He believed in the Qadar, the good and bad of it. He believed that the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and all of the Prophets عليهم الصلاة و السلام) and righteous people is true, but after Allah’s permission with those He is pleased with. He believed that the Best speech is the speech of Allah, and the best guidance is that of Muhammad. (صلى الله عليه و سلم) The most evil of affairs are newly innovated matters and every innovation is a misguidance, and every a misguidance is in the Fire.[6]

He was asked (may Allah have mercy on him) about his creed which he adhered to concerning Allah’s names and descriptions; especially related to Allah the Blessed and Most High being above His creation. He responded after returning the greetings,” My creed that I adhere to and I ask Allah the Glorified and Most High to cause me to die upon is: Emaan that He the Most Glorified is the only one worthy of worship. He is above His Throne and He rose upon it in a way that befits His Majesty and Greatness; without asking how. Because He His described as being above all His creation, as He says,

"The Most Merciful is above His Throne"

The Most High says, "Surely, your Lord is Allaah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawaa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty."[8]

Allah says in the end of Ayaatu Al-Kursi "And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursee extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is The Most High, the Most Great."[9]

Allah says "So the judgement is only with Allaah, the Most High, The Most Great."[10]

The Most High says "To Him ascend (all) the goodly words, and the righteous deeds."[11] There are many verses that have this meaning.

I believe that to Allah belong the most beautiful Names and exalted Attributes as He says "(All) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah"[12]

It is incumbent upon the Muslims, belief in all the Names and Attributes of Allah that are found in the Mighty Book and the authentic Sunnah which affirms it. In a way that befits His Majesty without distorting them, negation, asking how, or making a likeness of Allah with His creation. As Allah says "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the Al-Seeing."

He says, "So put not forward similitudes for Allaah (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything). Truly! Allaah knows and you know not."[13]

He says "Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): He is Allaah, (the) One. Allaah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him."[14]

This knowledge only comes to us from revelation and we stop at that. It is not permissible to affirm any of the Names or Attributes of Allah except for what comes in the Quraan, or authentic Sunnah. Allah knows best about Himself and what describes Him, and His Messenger conveyed the Message from Him and He does not speak from His desires. Allah says "By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes."

"Your companion (Muhammad - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. . It is only an Inspiration that is inspired."[15]

I believe the Quraan is the Speech of Allah The Mighty and Majestic it is not created, and this is the statement of Ahlu Sunnah wa Jamaat, the companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and those that came after them. I believe in everything that Allah and His Messenger have informed us about concerning the affairs of Paradise, the Fire, the Account and Reward of (the Day of Judgment), and other than that that will happen; that comes in the Noble Quraan and authentic Sunnah from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

We ask Allah to make us and all of you firm on His religion. Aid all of the Muslims from misguidance, trials and tribulations, and inclinations toward the Shaytaan. Rescue His Religion, and make His Word the Highest (in the Earth). Rectify the situations of all the Muslims. Bestow knowledge of the Religion upon them .Unite them upon the Truth. Give success to their rulers, and to rectify their leaders. Surely He has the Ability and Power over this. Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu.’’[16]

Footnotes:
[1] Al- Muheet Dictionary page volume one page 327
[2] Tayseer Al-Man’aam Aa’qeedah Al-Muslim page 13
[3] Muslim Book of Eemaan , Abu Dawood Book of Qadar Narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khataab
[4] Majmooah Al-Fataawah Mutanawa’ah Volume 8 page 43
[5] Surah Al- Shoora Ayaat 11
[6] Al –Injaar Tarjamah Al-Imaam Abdul-Aziz bin Baz page 343-345
[7] Surah Taha ayaat 5
[8] Surah Yunus Ayaat 3
[9] Surah Al-Baqaarah Ayaat 255
[10] Surah Ghafir Ayaat 12
[11] Surah Faatir Ayaat 10
[12] Surah Al-A’araaf Ayaat 180
[13] Surah Al-Nahl Ayaat 74
[14] Surah Al-Ikhlaas Ayaat 1-4
[15] Surah An-Najm Ayaat 1-4
[16] Majmooah Al-Fataawah wa Muqaalat Mutanawiyat volume 8 page 43
[17] Dr. Aba Al-Kheel, pages 125-130 Minhaj of Abdul-Aziz Bin Baz in Calling to Allah

AQEEDAH

2007-11-21T21:46:00.000+03:00

A Clarification of its Importance and Foundation for Which the Religion is built upon

Aqeedah linguistically:

The word aqeedah is taken from al-‘aqd which is the connection of something.

‘Aqeedah is that which mankind practices as a religion. It is said, “He has good ‘aqeedah” meaning it is free of doubt.

‘Aqeedah is an action of the heart which is a belief the heart has for something as well as its affirmation for that matter.

‘Aqeedah according to the Sharee’ah:

It is the belief in Allaah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the last day, and belief in the qadr, good and bad. And these are called the articles of faith.

The Sharee’ah is divided into two categories: beliefs and actions

As for the beliefs: They are those matters that are not related to a manner of action such as belief in the Lordship of Allaah and the obligation to worship Him and belief in the remainder of the articles of faith mentioned (these do not have an action of the body parts related to it). This (these beliefs) is known as the foundation.

And as for actions: They are those matters that have a specific manner in which they should be performed such as prayer, zakaat, fasting, and the rest of the legislated practices. This (these actions) is called branches because they are built upon beliefs, be they correct or incorrect

So the correct ‘aqeedah is the groundwork that the religion is built upon and actions are accompanied with it as Allaah ta’ala says,

“So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord."[1]

And He says:

“And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), as it was to those (Allaah's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allaah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers."[2]

These verses and all those with similar meaning, and they are many, indicate that actions are not accepted except that they are pure of shirk. Thus we see the importance of the Messengers – may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them all – in cleansing creed firstly.

So the first thing that they called their people to was to the worship of Allaah alone and leaving off worship of all others besides Him as Allaah says:

“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allaah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taaghoot besides Allaah)”[3]

For every messenger, the first thing they told their people was:

“O my people! Worship Allaah! You have no other Ilaah (God) but Him. (Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah).”[4]

It was said by Nuh, Hud, Saalih, Shu’ayb, and the rest of the prophets to their people.

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) stayed in Makkah after being sent for thirteen years calling the people to Tawheed and correcting the creed because it is the foundation in which religion is built upon.

Many of the callers and reformers in every time have emulated the Prophets and Messengers. They begin their call with Tawheed and rectification of the creed and after that they gave attention to the other areas of the religion.

----------------------------------

1 Al-Kahf - 110
2 Al-Zumr - 65
3 An-Nahl - 36
4 Al-‘Araaf – 59, 65, 73, 85

Are Shaykhs Rabee and Ubaid from the Senior Scholars?

2007-11-21T21:34:00.001+03:00

In The Name of Allah, The Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

About a week ago our beloved father Sheikh Ahmed an Najmi visited the city of Riyadh for surgery in his eye. After completing his operation, a few students from different parts of the world visited the Sheikh in a furnished apartment. He was not giving any classes or lectures, but as he said himself: I know the love of the students will not allow them to stay away from visiting me. He did however, allow two questions. The second questioner stated:

Oh beloved Sheikh, some individuals in the west hold the view and spread that Sheikh Rabea' bin Hadee, and Sheikh Ubaid al Jabiree are not from the senior scholars, instead, the senior scholars are Sheikh Saleh al Fowzan and others on The Committee of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia. What is your comment on this statement?

He responded: If this person is ignorant, then it should be said to him: This is only your opinion. We hold them to be senior scholars. This (incorrect) statement will not harm Rabea' nor Ubaid. This is natural that people will speak against The People of The Sunnah, it will not at all harm Rabea' nor Ubaid.

-Mustapha George

Step up

2007-11-21T21:21:00.000+03:00

Typically, I have no time or concern to respond to the likes of amwaat.morg or siraatudhaaleen and its sensationalized rhetoric. However, because they involved the Salafees as a whole here in the EP in their lies I would like the coward hiding behind the name abawableson to step forward so that I may address his concerns before Shaykh Muhammad. Let us see who is speaking the truth here.

This Shaykh is NOT from the major scholars

2007-11-21T20:51:00.002+03:00

“This Shaykh is not from the major scholars”

By Shaykh Doctor Muhammad ibn Umar Bazmool

Taken from: Ibaaraatun Muhimatun (Misleading Statements)

Translated by: Aboo Abdillaah Umar Bryant

“This Shaykh is not from the major scholars”

This statement is said by some people who want to reject speech that is said by one of the mashaayikh or keep another from hearing the speech of the shaykh himself or from taking from him. Especially if it deals with the matters of forbidding evil, warning from innovation, and pointing out error.

This is from baatil (falsehood) and from the extracts of the Shaytaan which serves to prevent (people from) listening to the truth or accepting it.

This statement is rejected from the following angles:

· The foundation is that we do not reject speech simply because of the individual rather speech is accepted and will be rejected based upon its agreement with the truth or its opposition to it. If it agrees with the truth then we accept it and if it opposes the truth then we reject it. As for rejecting it simply because the one stating it is not from the major scholars then absolutely not as it opposes the principle that is: The truth is not known by men.

· The one stating the speech being from the major scholars does not denote that all of his speech is haqq (correct) and likewise, him being from amongst the mashaayikh who have not reached the level of “major scholar” does not indicate that all of his speech is baatil (false). It has come on the authority of Imaam Maalik - rahimahullaah – who said, “There is none from amongst us except that his statement is accepted or rejected except for the one in that grave (referring to the Messenger of Allaah - sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). So the matter should be returned to researching the evidence of the one making the statement and his level of agreement with the truth or opposition to it.

· Within this statement is an effort to keep the people away from the scholars as well as a belittlement of their rights so long as the scholar is unknown to them, doesn’t assists them, or has no popularity.

· This statement contains bad mannerisms regarding the rights of the scholars. It is incumbent to preserve their rights which takes into consideration their situation in relation to the Book and the Sunnah and that which the Salafus Saalih were upon.

· This statement has become a tool of destruction amongst the people of innovation in order to discard the speech of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah. Thus, every scholar who warns against innovation, they insult him and if warns against error they oppress him and repel his speech. He is then cautioned against simply because he is not from the “major scholars”. So it is a must that there be opposition to the people of innovation as well as cautioning from their ideologies which serve only to fight the truth and its people.

· The meaning of such a statement is that there is no right to repel an error in which these
“du’aat” (referring to the hizbee callers) fall into, be they individuals or groups, except that he be (according to them) from the major scholars and this is incorrect. It contradicts the general statement of the noble Messenger - sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam – when he said, “Whoever from amongst you sees a munkar (evil deed) then let him change it with his hand and if he is unable to then with his tongue, and if he is unable then with his heart and that is the weakest of faith.”

· Allaah has commanded returning to the people of knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah – Ahlu Dhikr – and has not made it a condition that they be well known (popular) or from the major scholars. He says, “And We sent not before you any but men, whom We inspired, So ask of those who know the Scripture if you know not. With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad - sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) the reminder and the advice (the Qur'aan), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.”(An-Nahl 43-44)

· When a scholar mentions to you that something is an innovation or an error that such and such a man has fallen into then he is indeed informing you of his affair and the narration of a trustworthy individual is accepted unless a similar statement (from a scholar) contradicts it. There is no condition that suggests that this individual be from the well known scholars or be from the major scholars. Such (a condition) has never been mentioned by any of the scholars regarding the acceptance of a narration and thus suggesting it would be leaving off that which the people of knowledge have already affirmed.

· The reality of the one making this statement indicates that he only wants to affirm innovation and leave off repelling (evil). Even if you were to come with a statement from the major people of knowledge refuting the innovation, the false statement, or clarifying and error of such and such a man he would reject it as well but with other statements such as:

o Akhi, this Shaykh is influenced by those around him

o Akhi, do not look into the beliefs of the people or their mistakes

o Akhi, bringing down (by refuting) well known figures is not an easy task

o I am not obligated to followed the speech of that Shaykh

And other similar comments.

And the outcome: falsehood will continue, calling to a particular individual and his innovation will continue, the callers of falsehood will teach and shine over the Sunnah and its people which will deceive them. The people of knowledge will return and the people will not know them nor seek what they hold from truth. The people will not know the Sunnah and therefore that which is good shall be considered evil and that which is evil shall be considered good.

Wa Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwata Illa Billaah Wa Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raaji’oon!

What is the EP?

2007-11-21T20:51:00.001+03:00

The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Amwaat.morg

2007-11-21T20:48:00.001+03:00

This was my original response to the filthy backbiters, slanderers, and tale carriers of AMWAAT.MORG. Unfortunately it was edited by salafitalk.net without my consent and that is their right and I hold nothing against them for doing so. I do believe however that the zubda was left out.
I coined the phrase amwaat.morg because it is a website full of dead, cold, vengeful individuals who have no life other than to insult, lie, and malign anyone who stands in their path of Hizbiyyah. Ironically these are the same people who have established this site to combat "the ghulaat". Are they not Ghulaat????

My response:

While I am not qualified to discuss the on goings of SP and Green Lane masjid, I can without a doubt say that there are definitely liars and cowards hiding behind pseudonyms attaching themselves to well known scholars.

Upon translating an article by Shaykh Muhammad Bazmool in defense of Shaykh Ubaid I was met with lies and allegations from individuals who I have neither met, know personally, or interact with. Apparently they assumed that my translation was a defense of SP. I did not translate that speech to defend SP as people of far greater virtue, merit, and knowledge have already done so. I translated the statement in defense of Shaykh Ubaid specifically and in defense of other scholars and students who are sure to be on their hit list. The material translated should have benefitted all of us but it would seem that the hatred, rancor, and disgust runs too deep amongst some. Indeed I seek the refuge of Allaah!

These strange allegations were directed at me personally and at the Salafees of Ash-Sharqiyyah in general on their infamous website (amwaat.morg). When I narrated these baseless statements to other brothers here in Ash-Sharqiyyah they were just as dumbfounded to hear them as I was to read them. What is the source of such allegations? Who are the men in the chain?

Those who REALLY sit in the lessons here sincerely would know fully that we can care less about the on going drama in the UK between SP and Green Lane and frankly, some of us would prefer it not be brought to this area as it does not concern us or the knowledge we are trying to seek.

The usloob, adab, and motive of this website is far from the methodology of Shaykh Wasi'ullaah, Shaykh Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad, and any of the other scholars they are attempting to align themselves with. By Allaah if anyone translates some of their distasteful statements made over the YEARS to the scholars their matter will surely be known.

We do not find any scholars or students here in KSA insulting one another, belittling one another, lying upon one another, throwing false allegations at one another, or exposing the sins of one another and furthermore subjecting the innocent laymen to it as we see some of the posters of (amwaat.morg) audaciously doing. So I ask, these people, where exactly does this sort of arrogant behavior stem from? What knowledge based principles is this website established upon? What causes a man to boldly make up false allegations and lies? There must be some sort of psychological problem here in addition to the sheer lack of fear of Allaah. I simply cannot understand how a man can actually lie upon someone they’ve never met and do it with such earnest as if Allaah is not As-Samee’ Al-Baseer. The thought of such behavior sickens me and I do not think I would be able to restrain myself if I ever met these cowards head on.

So I am yet another victim of these people and further proof that they are indeed LIARS! What was my crime? Defending a man who I love for the sake of Allaah. What was the punishment? Character assassination against me and the Salafees of Ash-Sharqiyyah. Will they cease in their lies and shameful behavior? Probably not. Will Al-Aadil judge all parties fairly in this matter on the Last Day? Absolutely!