Etidal Collaborates with Telegram to Remove Extremist Contents
Saudi Arabia’s Etidal or The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, in collaboration with Telegram, has successfully removed more than 600,000 violent extremist contents and links on Telegram.
The Asharq Al-Awsat, the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, reported that in February, the Etidal and Telegram reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism (PCVE).
Over the past 3 years, Etidal has been collaborating with Telegram in reviewing online terrorism content in Arabic. Building on their success, both organizations have agreed to expand their coordination to detect and remove more systematically material in Arabic glorifying terrorism.
A team of Etidal’s specialized researchers performs assessment of several thousands of channels suspected to host terrorist propaganda detecting patterns in their abuse of the platform’s services.
The findings were shared with Telegram to allow them to review the detected content disseminated by terrorist groups in their platform.
The coordinated action against online terrorist propaganda focused mainly on the distribution and production of terrorist material. Among items referred were media files such as PDFs, videos and audios uploaded by terrorist groups on Telegram and public Telegram channels hosting these materials.
Etidal said that extremist and terrorist groups have formed “digital squads” which focus on attracting and recruiting youth for their ideological agenda. They also did so to raise the level of sympathy and support for their ideological discourse online.
Abdullah Al-Sharif, technical director of the “Awsat” initiative, which works to clear electronic platforms of extremist content, explained that the most prominent strategies of ideological groups in luring their victims through virtual reality platforms is to focus on introverted adolescents.
“They are often manipulated into becoming a propaganda recruiter who is used to increase the circle of polarization and influence on societal groups,” Al-Sharif told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Extremist groups are exploiting the great development in social media technologies and websites to spread ideas and digitize polarizing discourses.
Reference: https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3689236/etidal-helps-remove-over-600000-pieces-extremist-content-links-telegram
Sahel Film Making Project for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism
The East African Magazine reported the "Engaging Borders Africa" project created by Nigerian novelist Richard Ali has announced the screenwriters for the Sahel Film Making Project under its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programme.
These three screenwriters are Africa Ukoh (Nigeria), Samuel Tebandeke (Uganda), and Christopher Doherty (US). They will write screenplays for three selected short films namely: This Side of the Sun, which was originally The Sound of Silence, by Lucy Wangari (Kenya); Hate is like Party Jollof, by Boládale Tèmítope Maryam (Nigeria); and Travelling, by Suleiman Aigbe Buhari (Nigeria).
“I’m pleased to announce the three stories we have optioned for our short films project, a major component of this project. Beyond your already brilliant stories, accessible on the website, the judges based their decision on three criteria peculiar to film as a medium for our counter narratives,” said Janice Malachi, the administration officer of Engaging Borders Africa, in a statement.
This Side of the Sun follows a victim of multilevel violence, sharing her traumatic story in the aftermath of her sister's death.
Maryam’s Hate is Like Party Jollof explores ethno-religious hate between the Yoruba and Hausa communities in Ibadan.
Travelling uses the metaphor of the road to animate drama around a young girl who does not know that her father has been killed by militant extremists.
Free the Neck of the Slaves
Before the advent of Islam, owning a slave was a common practice among the Arabs. Slaves were widely employed in irrigation, mining, pastoralism, and the army. Slaves were treated as an important asset in gaining more wealth and were sold in markets similar to objects of possession. However, when Prophet Muhammad received the message of Islam, he started to encourage Muslims to treat their slaves well. He said: "Allah has made some of your brothers as slaves under your care. So whoever has his brother under his care, then let him feed him from his food, and let him clothe him from his clothes. And do not give him a duty that he cannot bear, and if you give him a duty he cannot bear, then assist him with it.[1]
When Islam flourished and its followers began to grow, little by little the Prophet started to establish the rights of the slaves. “No one is allowed to say this is my slave or that is my maid. You should say this is my young man, and that is my young lady”[2]. Some other Arabs were treating their slaves like animals, they do not feed them and beat them to death. However, the Prophet warned those people, when he said “Whoever kills his slave, we will kill him”[3]
To teach Muslims that slaves were equal to anyone, the Prophet started to raise their status. He made a pledge of brotherhood for slaves such as Bilal al-Habashi (the Abyssinian), Zayd ibn Harith and Kharizat ibn Zayd and married off many of the women from noble families to the slaves.
Until the Qur-an said'' Shall I not tell you what the straight path is? It is to free the neck of the slave.”[4]
There are overwhelming verses in Qur-an mentioning great rewards of freeing a slave but terrorist groups are preaching and reviving to have one. This is contrary to the goal of Islam - to abolish slavery. Terrorists aims to have one but the Prophet aims to have none. Every time the lunar and solar eclipse occurred the Prophet encouraged his companions to free their slaves. Whoever committed a grave sin such as breaking an oath, its atonement is to free their slaves. This directly implies that the goodness in manumitting a slave overcomes the evil in something. There is clearly, then, a high moral status attached to the freeing of slaves. In Islam, the freeing of slaves is not only a noble deed, but also one that is highly encouraged, and at times, required.
[1] Hadith of Jami’ Tirmidhi
[2] Sahih Muslim
[3] Hadith of Abu Dawud
[4] Surah Balad 12-13
Teacher in Sultan Kudarat Gives Free Photoshoots for his Students
The Manila Bulletin reported on June 21 that grade school teacher Salem B. Tayong from the Mamali Elementary School, Sultan Kudarat gave his graduating students a free photoshoot to show his support and care for them.
Admitting that he has no budget for this photoshoot, teacher Salem highlighted his role as a teacher and how he values the celebration as an important milestone for his students. He said, letting his students feel that this is a momentous event, making them happy, and sharing to them the opportunity to reminisce about this celebration, makes him glad and feel accomplished.
The behind the scenes of the photoshoot was uploaded by teacher Salem in Tiktok and now has more than 2 Million views and has garnered numerous positive feedbacks from netizens.
We salute these kinds of efforts made by our Filipino teachers and may this be emulated by others nationwide. As we struggle through hardships and trials, let us remember that at the end of the day, the relationships that we value and the happiness we share are the most important things in our life.
ISIS Rape Ideology: A Crime Against Islamic Law
“And having sex with her pleases God,” the ISIS member said, justifying his act of rape of a Yazidi child.
Rape is one of the world’s most heinous crimes as it involves extraordinary pain and injury to the victim, both physically and mentally.
A rape survivor encounters extreme trauma caused by the difficult and painful experience of a forced sexual assault. Aside from its common physical effects such as bruising, bleeding, soreness, difficulty and walking, and at times, unwanted pregnancy, a rape survivor, according to the Joyful Heart Foundation, also experiences more extreme trauma, as follows:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts
- Depression, including prolonged sadness, feelings of hopelessness, unexplained crying, weight loss or gain, loss of energy or interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Dissociation, including not being able to focus on work or on schoolwork, as well as not feeling present in everyday situations
In 2015, an interview with a 12-year old Yazidi girl was released by the New York Times. In the article “ISIS Enshrines a Theology of Rape”, the girl narrates her experience of being raped numerous times by members of the ISIS, who claim that this is not a sin in Islam. Because the preteen girl practiced a religion other than Islam, the ISIS member said the Quran not only gave him the right to rape her — it condoned and encouraged it.
The New York Times article stated “the systematic rape of women and girls from the Yazidi religious minority has become deeply enmeshed in the organization and the radical theology of the Islamic State in the year since the group announced it was reviving slavery as an institution. Interviews with 21 women and girls who recently escaped the Islamic State, as well as an examination of the group’s official communications, illuminate how the practice has been enshrined in the group’s core tenets.”
But what does Islam and the Islamic Law truly say about rape? The Al Hakam Organization gives us a clear understanding on this using evidence from Islamic Law.
The teachings of Islam stipulate that the state is responsible for the protection of the interests (maṣāliḥ) and rights (ḥuqūq) of their citizens. Through protecting these interests and rights of every individual, Islam has laid the foundations of a peaceful society. Based on the Holy Quran, all schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree on five main types of human interests (maṣāliḥ) which need to be protected by the state - Religion (dīn); Life (nafs); Intellect (ʿaql); Offspring (nasl); and, Property (māl).
The impairment of any one of these five constituents jeopardizes the safety and well-being of an individual. This results in the unrest and disorder in the community and the society. Islamic Law states that if a person violates any of these interests and is found guilty by the court, the state shall impose punishment on them.
What is the main goal of punishment in Islam?
The objectives of punishment in Islam are to establish justice, reform offenders, and caution other members of society.
The definition of crime in Islam is: Any act by which a person is forcibly harmed physically or mentally, whereby harm includes physical violence, bodily harm, attack on one’s honour, and death. (Imam Shāfiʿī, al Umm, Vol 6; Ibn Rushd, Bidayat al-Mujtahid, Vol 2; Imam Ibn Taymiyya, al-Siyasat al-Shariʿah).
Now let us delve deeper on how Islam defines rape.
The Mālikī, Shāfiʿī and Ḥanbalī schools of Islamic jurisprudence define rape as the forced performance of the zinā or the unlawful and mutually consensual sexual intercourse between a man who is sane and who has reached the age of puberty (bulgh) and a woman who is not his legal spouse. (ʿAlaʿ al-Din Abu al-Kasani, Badaʿi al-Sanaʿi, Vol. 7, Dar al-Kutub al-Arabi, Beirut, 1982), as coerced adultery or rape.
According to Ḥanafī jurisprudence, ightiṣāb or rape is defined as coercing a woman to commit adultery against her will, and also includes determining whether or not the plaintiff incited the defendant to commit this act.
Thus, the definition of rape in Islam is:
“Forcible illegal sexual intercourse by a man with a woman who is not legally married to him, without her free will.” (Such definitions are generally agreed on in Islamic countries, for instance Pakistan, where section 6 of the Enforcement of Ḥudūd Ordinance (VII of 1979) defines it on similar lines)
It is clear from above evidences that rape in Islam is strictly forbidden and is considered as one of the most heinous crimes in the religion. While the Holy Quran and the Islamic Law ordained the protection of the rights and interests of its citizens, the ISIS have strongly defied and twisted this divine and sacred ruling. Therefore, ISIS are nothing but barbaric criminals who continue to disrespect the divine law and taint the hearts and minds of the innocent members of our society.
Let this be a strong indicator that nothing is worth recognizing or emulating from these destructive, cruel, and evil people.
Ang Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa ay Walang Kulay - Macrina Morados
As the Philippines enter another era of a new administration, we cannot help but notice several of our countrymen expressing discontent and frustration at the loss of their desired candidates for presidency and vice-presidency.
While discontent and frustration are two normal human emotions, we have seen people channeling these negativities to sway and influence other people to fight with their friends, relatives, and colleagues. So much of this toxic energy can be seen and felt in the social media, where people have been severing relationships because of differences in beliefs.
However, Associate Professor and UP Institute of Islamic Studies Dean Macrina A. Morados, Chairperson of the 17th Shari’ah Bar Examinations, has written advice for her fellow Muslims on how to get over these frustrations and develop a mindset that we are in one country and that we should all be united.
Below is the advice of Professor Morados:
“Ang kapayapaan at pagkakaisa ay Walang Kulay…
Paano ba ang isang Muslim mag move on sa mga frustrations? Simple lang ang steps. Una, balikan lang natin ang isa sa mga 6 articles of faith na ating pinaniniwalaan, No. 6 to be exact, belief in Al-Qadar or predestination. With this, we return everything to Allah swt and acknowledge our limitations - there are things beyond our control. Then, Remember, the ayah in the Quran : “ Allah swt is the best planner” so we just have to fully submit to His Divine Will. Kahit anong plano gagawin natin at the end of the day Allah swt’s plan will prevail. He alone knows what is good for us - that is the bottomline.
By this time, huwag na natin hayaang magkawatak watak at magkagulo dahil sa mga bagay na di naman natin kayang idikta. Yong konseptong majority rule or consensus may basis yan sa Islam kaya ang pwede natin iambag sa ngayon para makamit ang kapayapaan tungo sa pag unlad ay pagsuporta sa ating mga leaders mula national at local levels na hinalal ng karamihan. Hayaan natin silang ipakita ang kanilang kakayahan tungo sa pagbabagong ating inaasam asam. Let us find comfort in our strong belief that God is all-knowing and most compassionate. Laging may pag asa at magandang bukas na naghihintay.
Kaakibat ng pagsunod sa ating mga leaders ay sinabi ng Allah swt na “enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong” hindi rin tayo matutulog sa gitna ng katiwalian at injustices —yan ang turo ng Islam. Magsama sama tayo para sa katiwasayan lahat tayo ay may kanya kanyang mga tungkulin kaya tulong tulong tayo.
Mula ngayon kaanib na tayong lahat nagmula man sa ibat ibang kulay ang ating naunang sinoportahan. Iisang kulay, iisang minimithi at iisang adhikain… Para sa nag iisang Bansang ating Minamahal.”
May we all find comfort in knowing that God has perfect plans for each and everyone of us. Let us put aside our differences and do our best to embrace unity for our nation and countrymen.
Ihsaan Foundation Inc Conducts Seminar on Women’s Role in Nation-building as part of PCVE
The Ihsaan Foundation Inc conducted a seminar on women and their role in nation-building as part of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) on May 6, 2022 in Sumisip, Basilan. Said seminar was attended by 15 women from Bgys Sahaya Bohe Bato, Look Bait, Manaul, Buli-Buli, and Basak, all in the same municipality.
Among the topics discussed during the seminar include women’s right to suffrage, emphasizing that “women’s voice is the vote of our future”. The Ihsaan Foundation Inc. reminded participants on ways to prepare before the day of the election like writing in a piece of paper their list of preferred candidates, wearing facemask, bringing vaccination cards, and voter’s ID. They also discussed the different laws for women which includes the Right to Suffrage, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Bill of Rights, and respect to the Philippine Constitution.
Another topic discussed by the group is women’s role in government office. Women constitute almost half of the population in the country which greatly contributes in the electoral process, thus should be given equal rights to hold public office since leaders, regardless of gender, are not born but made. Society should also create an enabling environment for women for access to education and relevant training to enable their full potential and maximize their contribution to the country’s national development.
At the end of the seminar, Ihsaan Foundation Inc. encouraged Muslim women to exercise their right to vote during theMay 9, 2022 national elections, keeping in mind that they play an instrumental role in nation building.
Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc. Seminar on “Social Enterprise Training on Baking and Pastry for Vulnerable Solo Parents”
The Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc. conducted a seminar titled “Social Enterprise Training on Baking and Pastry for Vulnerable Solo Parents” at the Jolo Municipal Day Care Building in Sulu on May 19, 2022. Said effort is part of the group’s advocacy on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). The activity was attended by around 35 female Muslims from Bgys. Bus-Bus, Takut-Takut, Tulay, San Raymundo, Asturias, Chinese Pier, Alat, and Walled, all in the Municipality of Jolo.
Aside from discouraging participants to join violent extremist groups by providing social livelihood training, the activity also aims to promote the local delicacies in Jolo to local and foreign tourists. As future entrepreneurs, participants should also be open-minded to new and innovative ideas, focusing first on earning a few profits but with consistent growth through time. The lecture also emphasized on the need for vendors to have a good moral attitude towards clients to encourage more potential customers. The promotion of livelihood training of the Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc. is likely to provide a good opportunity to dissuade and deter Muslim women from joining or supporting violent extremist groups.
Fighters to Farmers Program in Sulu for Former VEs
The Philippine Army, in January, launched a program in Sulu dubbed “Fighters to Farmers” aimed at providing former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group with livelihood for their families and their community.
The Philippine News Agency reported that the former violent extremists (VEs) who hailed from Talipao, shall undergo a series of agriculture workshops that the military will be facilitating. Said workshops will include traditional farming and the use of modern farming techniques.
“This food on the table concept was a success in empowering communities in Basilan. We believe that this will also boost our PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) efforts here in Sulu,” Lt. Col. Benito Ramos Jr., 2SFBn commander, said in a statement.
“This kind of initiative showcases how committed and professional our modern Army is. We strive to become experts in project development and community organizing through the aid of our partner agencies,” said Gonzales, who is also the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander.
The Story of Aimen Dean; An inspiration to all Muslims
Al-Qaeda is considered as one of the notorious and well-known violent extremists ever existed. It came to spotlight when they conducted a series of bombing attacking civilians and American citizens, to prove their worth and their ideology to the world. Unbeknownst to them, one of their former members broke to their rank and turned back against them. This is the story of a man who defied all odds, just to make the world safe, and made a decision based on his moral obligation as a Muslim. His name is Aimen Dean, a former Al-Qaeda student, and operative.
Aimen Dean was born in Saudi Arabia. While growing, he was inspired by the book In the Shade of the Koran, a writing of Sayyid Qutb, who is considered as a “Father of Salafi Jihadism”. He is also knowledgeable in Islamic Studies, Quran on being Hafiz (the one who memorized Quran), and other Islamic-related subjects. His knowledge increased when he became student of Yusef al-Ayeri (considered as first-ever leader of Al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia) in Islamic Awareness circle.
At young age, he left Saudi Arabia and went to Bosnia to join the war, where he became a mujahideen. He also made his way to Afghanistan and the Philippines. After his Bosnian journey, he was invited in Afghanistan in 1997 to swear an oath of allegiance personally to Osama Bin Laden. During his time in Al-Qaeda, he trained recruits in Islamic theology, religious practices, and history. His extensive knowledge in Islam and capability in public speaking made his way to preach also in camps, recruit, and fundraise to various countries.
When the US Embassy Bombings in East Africa occurred in 1998, Dean became worried and questioned the motives of his group who was responsible for the attack. This is the time that he started breakingaway from the group, learning that their motives were not the real meaning and intensions of Islam.
After this event, he left the group and was arrested by the authority. This is the opportunity where he cooperated with the government to work against his former group which is Al-Qaeda.
By his cooperation and work, although it is considered as dangerous and life-threatening, he saved a lot of lives by preventing terror-related incident which was his old way. By the time of his work with the government, he was considered an asset who can prevent terrorism.
It is hard to imagine that a former terrorist will turn his back against his old habits and his former group. According to the interview conducted by Channel 4 News, when he asked if he has regret that he betrayed his former friends (Al-Qaeda), Aimen Dean answered according to Hadith 8054 of Imam Ali, “Loyalty to the treacherous is treachery in the eyes of God. Betrayal of the treacherous is true loyalty in the eyes of God.”
The story of Aimen Dean serves as an inspiration to others, especially to Muslims, that it is not too late to change for good and help humanity by following and doing the right thing (promoting peace) according to the real meaning of Islam.