BOKO HARAM MILITANTS:
THEY ARE TELLING THE TRUTH BUT.......
By
Salim I. Hassan (Salimullah)
Education Department, BUK.
salimanology@yahoo.com
blogwebsite: www.salimullah1.blogspot.com (http://www.salimullah1.blogspot.com)
30/07/2009
If a part of man's body is perished the doctor will say it is going to be amputated for the body to regain normalcy. The fact that one part is abnormal does not mean the detriment of the whole body. If you are very insightful you know what I mean in metaphor to 'Boko Haram' militants. Yes, of course they are telling the truth but not following the right principles and procedures to present change. Obviously, I have neither eulogy nor advocacy for 'Boko Haram' militants because they are acting insensibly and un-Islamically. They kill; and therefore, they most be killed whatever the cost might be. We may also ask ourselves here that is the government fair in its abrupt and urgent military response against 'Boko Haram' militants? We are not saying that they should be let killing innocent people but at least they should be given chance to fair-hearing. Absolutely if we are patriotic to our Nigerian brothers the urgent military response is not fair for them. Consider the case of Niger Delta militants. How may years it took the government before it set out military force to tackle the militants who have spent many years killing government officials and innocent people? In the all previous years, the government had been compromising and reconciling with them while they were amidst of massive killings of government official. But here now, just for a few days problem, the government resorted to the use of military force against our brothers. Yes, they are indeed our brothers because they are still Muslims. Furthermore, let us be fair in our attitude, whenever they say Boko is haram they are referring to only negative side of it which they perceived as contradictory to Islamic principles. Every sincere believer confesses that Western education (both natural sciences and social sciences) constitutes some element of Kufr (infidelity) which should be suppressed in our schools; and likewise Democracy and its constitutional laws. Every activist Muslim knows this fact and he need to implicate changes. It is such changes that the so called 'Boko Haram' militants set out bring however, inappropriately and violently. They failed to adhere to Islamic principles from the very onset of their action. Before I address the possible peaceful procedures and strategies to bring such a change I would like to highlight some basic heretical and anti-Islamic ideas/theories embodied in Western education (Boko). Darwin's theory of evolution, Interest theory (Riba), Capitalism, Communism, Secularism, Democracy are only a minute among the huge heretic ideas of Western education. They are all anti-Islamic and antithetical to human socio-moral values and standards. Let us go by them one after the other.
For instance, in the first place, Darwin's theory says that Allah does not exist and therefore, is not the eternal creator who creates; all mankind came to be through natural selection by nature. But, here Allah – the Most High – is telling us in the glorious Qur'an that He is only who creates. Islamically speaking Darwin's theory is a typical Kufr. It is unfortunate that this theory is till being taught in our Muslim schools worldwide. The enemies have the right to say this polytheistic idea but we (Muslims) should not be studying it in our institutions. However, thanks to the effort of Harun Yahya who wrote a lot of volumes to refute and destroy Darwin's theory which is a typical Kufr.
In the second aspect we don't need to waste our tongue on question of Interest, Capitalism, Communism and their alike; they are all prohibited according to Islamic principles. From moral standard also, they are against human norms and values. The untold poverty afflicting greater number of people in the world is due to Interest system (Riba) which is the main component of Capitalist theory. But painful as it might be to admit, Capitalism and Interest is hitherto, being taught in our Muslim schools worldwide. The detrimental consequence is that so many among the Muslims that have learned these Capitalist theories end up as greedy, misers, avaricious, and money-wizard – attitudes that are strongly discouraged in Islam. Such people values wealth and money more than spiritual and moral values of humanity.
When we move to the issue of Secularism and Democracy the situation is worst than any. Kufr/infidelity can be best described as Secularism, and Democracy is a tool or agent through which Secularism (Kufr) is imposed upon the world nations by the American super-terrorist state. Similarly, the Jews are the investors of Democracy, Capitalism, and Interest system and they are those who wield supreme power in the American senate. Secularism argues that God (Allah) has sovereignty over the heaven only; and that man has the sovereignty over the earth. This is a Boko ideology which is in sharp glaring contrast to many of the Qur'an verses. But still it is being taught to our students; why? Nowadays, the global order of Kufr, as it is headed by the West, is Secularism; and the tool through which Secularism is propagated on earth is Democracy. Despite of its imposed acceptance by many Muslim nations, Democracy is anti-Islamic and polytheistic. Firstly, it proclaims that sovereignty (Uluhiyyah) belongs to man and not God; that man alone can legislate and make laws for himself and the people whether they are compatible or incompatible with God's eternal laws (Shari'ah). Worst of all, Democrats (advocates of Democracy) assert that laws of God (Shari'ah) is injustice against the mankind. This is typical Kufr. Secondly, Democracy asserts that man-made laws as embodied in Democratic constitution are superior to that of Allah. These are only a minute of heretical and polytheistic aspect of Democracy. The problem is that most of our students do not pursue Western education with pure Islamic vision, purpose, and sense of direction. (For more please, watch out the release of my book: The Battle: Democracy Vs ISLAMOCRACY).
From foregoing account, one has to believe that indeed, some Western ideas/theories as contained in Boko are either Kufr or polytheism. Hence, the need to Islamize our Western system of Education and to Islamocratize our nations and governments according to complete Islamic principles and precepts. So, how can we set out to bring such a change? The answer is obviously through intellectual movement; only a brain and intellect can do this work and not the destructive weapons as resorted by the 'Boko Haram' militants. The change which the militants of 'Boko Haram' intend to bring about should not be in that orgiastic violent manner. My personal view to tackle the problem as to Islamize Western system of education in our states and nations can be best known from my propounded theory of ERIS (Educational Revolution in Islamic States) as I have detailed elsewhere in my writings. Boko Haram's approach to change the society should be suppressed by all means of force. They most be told that they are not in the right way of reaction although they are telling the truth. Their violent act is highly un-Islamic; their proposed strategy has no shred of authority in the religion. They are killing innocent people; therefore, they most be killed wherever they are met. We must tell them that if they are fair in their faith to bring change in Muslim Education let them first use their intellect, insight, and memory so as to produce Islamistic theories and ideologies in all virtually fields of Sciences and social sciences. Let them first produce and propagate volumes of books and journals containing Islamic worldview about economy, politics, government, banking, commerce, sociology and so forth and so on. Let them use their wealth and resources to built schools, colleges, and institutions. Let them design new curricular for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and present it to the government with a proposal that "this is what we intend to do for our Muslims education". If the government refuses despite of its benefits to the Muslims then, they can decide what to do next. It is only through such political means and strategies that they can overcome the problems and subdue the enemies. These are the most meaningful and peaceful means and strategic procedures employed by many national and international organizations to Islamize Western system of Education in our Muslim nations. Association of Muslim Social Scientist of North America (A.M.S.S), International Institute of Islamic Thought (I.I.I.T), The Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought (ICIT) London, and e.t.c. are typical example of such Islamic intellectualism in the field of all study. .I.I.I.T it is having a Nigerian branch at BUK old campus. You can go there and contribute with your own ideas.
Finally, to those who are anxious and zealous to Islamize the negative side of Western theories of study, to those who are ready to reshape Nigerian politics and constitution especially in favour of independent Muslims Shari'ah Ruling System, I hereby, inform you that recently, a new proposed Association (Muslim Development Thinkers Association) is striving to gain school authority approval to be established at BUK new site. It shall be and exciting and interesting Islamic, intellectual, political, and social re-orientation movement through the use of knowledge, intellect, and brain. Theirs is violent; and ours is peaceful; for this is a time of use your brain and not the time of use your gun. I respect West for only one thing: 'they value brain' – an Islamic heritage and legacy which modern Muslims have abandoned voluntarily.
Till we meet again! Submitted by Salimullah
It seems that you yrself dont understand what is meant by western education. Your arguments unfortunately are not sound. They are based on the same premise as the Boko Haram's although I am not saying that you are one. What we should understand is that any type of knowledge is knowledge regardless of its origins, or what it says or what it does. It also should be learnt by everyone and the reason for that is so that you are armed and informed to make the right choices. It is not for nothing that there is a saying that Knowledge is power. It is only with knowledge or education that you can make informed choices. There is no such thing as kufr knowledge or education. There is kufr behavior and kufr ideology. But learning about them doesnt constitute a forbidden or haram action in so far as Islam is concerned. It is not the fault of boko if we implemented capitalism or interest bearing economies. It is the fault of the muslims who decided to embrace them in their day to day affairs. Certainly simply because you gained knowledge or were taught about these systems, you shouldnt go ahead and implement them then, since Islam has an alternative system, and in any case learning about these non islamic systems vis a vis the western system should help you compare and decide which is the best system to adopt. It is no wonder these days that there are many western economists and entrepreneurs looking and adopting the Islamic banking system.
As for Darwin's theory of Evolution came about simply because the muslims STOPPED researching and learning and left it to non muslims to do so. Darwin's findings about specialization of species and the fact that species adapt to their environments to take advantage of them was correct. The Galapagos Island species as he found them were his strongest evidences in which the same species were found on the different islands of the Galapagos and each of them was adapted physically to that particular island so as to take advantage of the environment when it comes to feeding. We find similar examples else where although I cant delve into them as it means I have to go and do a lot of research.
What I am trying to point out with Darwin's theory is that Darwin reached his conclusions based on his beliefs or lack of them as he was an atheist to start with anyway. If Darwin had been a Muslim, he might have reached vastly different conclusions based on his findings. If he had been a christian he might have also reached some other conclusion which will not be at loggerheads with his christian beliefs. So in effect, his findings and the findings of those who are pro theory of evolution are not incorrect findings. What is incorrect are the conclusions they arrived at based on those findings. As Darwin was not a muslim, he was unable to appreciate the evidence of God's existence from what he saw. He therefore attributed them to what he thought was the most likely explanation which is that the environment plays a role in how species evolved.
What you must remember is that only Allah is One, but everything comes in twos or pairs. Thus even the limited will that Allah Gave to us we can either use it to worship Him or to reject Him. Allah SWT subordinated every thing in creation to the service of mankind in order to facilitate mankind in the worship of Allah, (since that is PRIMARILY the reason for our being on this earth, i.e. just to know and worship Allah), because of the pact mankind made with his Lord at the time of the creation of mankind. Likewise we know that Allah SWT Taught every kind of knowledge to Prophet Adam, and Made Adam repeat what he was taught to the angels. Probably not all the knowledge that Adam posseses will be made manifest to mankind from this time to judgement day, since if we look at suratul aali Imran, we are told not to delve into allegories that we know nothing about. But what ever is being made manifest in this world today in terms of knowledge is part of what was made known to Adam by his Creator, and till the day of Qiyama, this knowledge will continue to be make itself known to those who bother to look for it.
Thus with knowledge of whatever kind, you can either use it positively to worship Allah (since that is its primary use for mankind), or you can use it negatively to worship other than Allah.
Another point to make is taken from suratul baqara ayah 102 where the two angels Haarut and Maarut were admonishing ppl who came to them in Babylon looking for secrets in magic and the black arts. In the Quran we are made aware that they did teach this kind of knowledge to the seekers of them, but also warned them not to disbelieve in Allah in the sense that they should not use the knowledge negatively thus exempting themselves from being accountable for what the seeker of the knowledge does with it.
If we take this example alone, we see that learning and knowing the secrets of the black arts itself did not constitute kufr, it was what was done with the knowledge that made the actions of the doer kufr. As the angels warned, dont disbelieve, which can be taken as use the knowledge wisely and positively.
I think if you are going to form an islamic think tank on how education is taught at schools this is very good. What we should keep in mind is that it is not the knowledge contained in the education itself that is haram, it is how we make use of it in the end. Thus for me, what one should do in this case is not deny students the chance to know about riba and capitalism and all the other type of secular knowledge, we should educate them to know what is right and wrong about them or how they can best make use of the knowledge to their advantage both in this world and the next.
A very well composed reply.
I really appreciate your attempt. but the problem is that the in Western education, those heretical theories are higly emphasized and they influence our people most thatn our religous moralities. but they would be only studied for the purpose of knowledge la ba'asa. sai dai kuma cewa at end they usually affect our religion. what would you do for a false knowlege like that of darwin which has been secintifially proved drastically wrong. i think it is more important to suspend it. you should appreciate the fact anything that led to astray must Haram. for that i say all those negative sides of western education should eleminated as far as they are leading some our people astray. some muslim student in the world have been becoming atheists as a result of the impact of such negative side of western education. it is important to apply the positive side and build upon, from our Islamic perspectives, some to replace the negative ones. i agree to say that the problems is the Muslim leaders; but the reason why they behave in this way is that they have been threatened by the Western worlds to implement thier own civilizations. i need your e-mail address please!
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on August 06, 2009, 12:36:09 AM
A very well composed reply.
Thanks Dave. Seems like I think more clearly early in the morning ;D
Mai Halin Girma, I still dont agree with you. If heretical theories are highly emphasized that is because we as muslims have not got round to researching and disseminating information to the extent that we can influence our own ppl and turn the tables round. On the other hand as you pointed out in your earlier post, Harun Yahya has discredited Darwin's theory based on his Islamic knowledge of creation and he has gained wide acceptance within the Islamic communities and I am sure also beyond that because not every non muslim believes in Darwin's theories of evolution. This is a step in the right direction and it is what muslims ought to be doing in order to redress any shortcomings which are engendered by ignorance of Islamic teachings more than anything else. We ought to get more muslim researchers who will research into the same areas as other non muslim researchers and come up with conclusions which are compatible with what the Qur'an teaches. This is what we should do rather than say we should eliminate some sides of western education which leads ppl astray.
As for the western education leading a muslim astray, this happens because the muslim who is led astray doesnt know much about his own religion and is not well versed in it at all. This starts normally from childhood when parents are neglectful of the children's Islamic education. When a child has little or no working knowledge of what his religion entails, he is more likely to believe about the religion, what ever he is told later on in his life. He will be like a floating twig which is tossed in which ever direction ocean currents happen to flow. He will be rootless and directionless, and more easily converted away from Islam. So dont blame it on the western education he receives; rather blame it on the negligence in getting a good grounding in Islamic education at his earlier more impressionable age.
you should be able to reach equilibrium by now, i dont think
the email exchange will do any good to your readers, so let
the discussion continue on the board.
Really it beats me how some people are trying to somehow justify the Boko Haram "philosophy". I mean no matter how you look at it, it is a wrong. The whole thing is faulty, and so way would you honestly try to tell me that 'boko', or whatever type of education you seek, is sinful or prohibited in Islam. Like husnaa said, it all depends on your intention for studying it, how you understand it and, mostly importantly, how you apply it.
What 'truth' is Boko Haram telling?? I think even Alquaeda could lay claim to a more legitimate cause than these guys! ::)
Utlub il 'ilma wa law fis-Sin.
Nemi Ilimi ko a birnin Sin.
Seek knowledge even in China.
Husna I really, once again, appreciate your impartial and highly obejective appraoch to my thought. I wholeheartedly endorsed your opinion when you wrote that "We ought to get more muslim researchers who will research into the same areas as other non muslim researchers and come up with conclusions which are compatible with what the Qur'an teaches. This is what we should do".. WALLAHI THIS IS EXactly WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IN MY ARTICLE. I DID NOT MEAN THAT THE NEGATIVE SIDES THOERIES OF WESTERN EDUCATION SHOULD BE ELIMINATED WITHOUT SUBSTITUTION FROM OUR POSITIVELY ISLAMISTIC ONES. IT IS NOW CLEAR TO ME THAT YOU GOT ME RIGHT UNLIKE OTHER REPLIERS WHO DRASTICALLY MISCONCIEVED MY OPINION. PLEASE I WANT YOU TO HELP ME EXPLAIN WELL , MY OPINION FOR SUCH MISCONCEIVERS TO UNDERSTAND. ALL WHAT I MEAN IS THAT MUSLIMS SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT THINKERS LARGELY DEPENDED ON THEIR ISLAMISTIC THOUGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES.
I am glad we are on the same side then. They say great minds think alike ;) ;) ;D
Assalamu alaikum,
Maybe I should have talked here because of one or two reason(s) (which am not going to mention either), but I have a hard time reading excessively long posts (I'm sure I'm not alone). That inevitably kept my reply absent here, for I have just gone through the thread and the followed replies.
Well, regarding either Boko Haram sect followers are telling the truth or falsehood, I can briefly say they are partly. And are not partly, as well. This (at least my meaning of so saying) has aptly been affirmed and re-affirmed by Husnaa's and Mai Halin Girma's posts. But what can be a conclusion point? Thats the case here, right?
We can draw conclusion by simply checking up some ahadeeth from the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention. There is one I recently came across in Saheeh Muslim's collection. The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Destroyed are those who are extreme (in religion)." He (S.A.W) said it three time. Muhammad Yusuf and his followers are irrefutably sooo extreme. I know this very fact from what I heard of them and personal contact, for I know many of them. More so, one of my elder brother know Yusuf mutually. They had had many arguments and defeated him (Yusuf) flatly here in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.
Further still, we, who accept Western education, do not wholly believe in everything it contains. These misguided fellows fail to fathom that.
Have to stop from here. Hope my words do make sense.
Muhsin
Muhsin, my school mate, as you said: "we, who accept Western education, do not wholly believe in everything it contains". Those contents which you do not believe such as Darwin's Theory of evolution, I think it is because they are against your principles of Islam. hence, it is necessary to replace such ideas with your own which are compatible with Islamic principles, and eliminate all those negative contents as presented to you by the Western enemies. My posted article is revolving around this concept. Husna, whom I may call 'Extra Brilliant' woman, has got my thought right. Muhsin this is what we mean; if it suits your opinion then, husna, you and me are on the same foot.
Opinion seconded.
i have had the oppurtunity, while i was at school, to attend some M Yussuf's lectures. All he does is quote from Qur'an and authentic Hadith then gives (some say) extreme uncompromising interpretations.
His early audience comprised of mostly young people in sincere search of truth and guidance in our corrupt society.
His anti establishment sentiments appealed to us then considering the type of leaders we had/have.
i remember, about 2002-2003 perid, just before democratic elections how he used to argue that democray, Nigerian Constitution and all man made laws that contradicted the Shariah was Tagut-fales gods.
At that time also, i remeber, there was this Jamaican born British Islamic Scholar, Faisal whose tapes and sermons were in wide circulation amongst Yusuf's follwers.
He (Faisal) like Yussuf gave uncompromising fatwas based on Qur'an & Sunnah againts nationalism, democracy, constitutional law, love for non-muslims, Saudi govt and its monarchy and even the Saudi Ulamas for supporting govt to allow US presence in the Kingdom.
These personalities gave very convincing sermons, especially to the oppresed and seekers of guidance and good leadership.
My point is there was some 'truth' and justification to the 'Boko Haram' movt.
(They actually called themselves Shabab).
i beleive just like al Qaeda, the Media exagerated some about Al-Shabab.
But for the record i belive there are more wrong than right.
neozizo Thank you very much for your first-hand contact information regarding this group. This has provided further insight into this group. As usual people like this have great speaking and persuasive gifts and when coupled with environment that has extreme unemployment, it becomes so easy to make an impression on young people. Allah ya sauwake.
Apparently Boko Haram are back and not in the most charitable mood:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/14/boko-haram-ressurects-declares-total-jihad/ (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/14/boko-haram-ressurects-declares-total-jihad/)
Is there still 'truth' to be found in them?
Neozizo, I endorse your own thought as I did for the Husna. These people, the so called boko haram, thei main goal of their message is to restore Shari'ah government in the Muslim societies of Nigeria as well as to improve Islamic principles in their schools of Western/worldly education. They were just given this evil name (Boko Haram) by propagandist media control by the government. Any movement for the re-establishment of shari'ah of Allah is ISLAMICALLY justifiable; and therefore, must be opposed by the secularist government. This is the truth worldwide. Let me also highlight some misconception by the people. If they say some part of boko is haram they are not destroying knowledge in general. Knowledge is Knowledge alone, and Boko is a process among many ways of seeking knowledge, and it can be correct or wrong by the purpose it was set up. So, what is the hidden objective behind the introduction of Boko in its explicit western culture? An intelligent sincere believer knows very well, this answer. Hence those who try to quote the Hadith 'Seek knowledge even to china' they are defeated. Yusuf's movement did not call to stop seeking worldly knowledge but to know the correct ways to pursue it. If Boko process of seeking knowledge were to be re-designed based on Islamic principles and Muslim perspectives then, it will be welcomed even by late yusuf. And this is exactly their real message regards Boko. But government is powerful to distort the image of any Islamic movement. Please Neozizo, explain to the people to understand fully our own opinion about this fact. I must, with deep respect, appreciate you and Husna for your broad-minded heart to understand people's own thoughts and ideas.
Quote from: Cekenah on August 14, 2009, 10:15:40 PM
Apparently Boko Haram are back and not in the most charitable mood:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/14/boko-haram-ressurects-declares-total-jihad/ (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/14/boko-haram-ressurects-declares-total-jihad/)
Is there still 'truth' to be found in them?
I wonder how fraudulent news spread in Nigeria more than even a bush fire in winter.
Too bad for the development of the country.
Wish we'll get more serious and rational towards such volatile issues.
Mai Halin Girma, It is one thing to have your own ideas, beliefs and practices, and it is quite a different thing to go around attacking and killing other people, because they do not share your own ideas, beliefs and practices! This group does no good to its cause by attacking and killing other people that do not exactly believe the way they do.
Quote from: sdanyaro on August 15, 2009, 03:03:22 PM
Mai Halin Girma, It is one thing to have your own ideas, beliefs and practices, and it is quite a different thing to go around attacking and killing other people, because they do not share your own ideas, beliefs and practices! This group does no good to its cause by attacking and killing other people that do not exactly believe the way they do.
Quite right admin.
I would urge Mai Halin Girma to stop
trying to justify the ideals of the Boko Haram sect. In the first place, they were not given an evil name by propagandists. They are the progenitors of the term Boko Haram and they are being identified by their ideology and hence the association of the sect with the name Boko Haram. I cant see how that equates with propaganda, but I'd like to know what you'd prefer that they be called.
Secondly, like our esteemed admin, SD informed you, one cannot go about killing ppl who disagree with one's views. one will never ever gain legitimacy that way. Even if the boko haram sect is 100% correct in what it is saying (and I for one firmly disagree with everything they stand for), the majority of ppl will not sympathize with the members because they are at loggerheads with the way the Prophet SAW went about trying to change the attitudes and beliefs of the ppl of his day, and they (boko haram sect) purport to be following the ways of the prophet SAW
Thirdly, you are not convincing in yr efforts to try and explain what the boko haram stand for in terms of their beliefs and ideology. You are asking about the hidden agenda behind setting up an explicit western culture (presumably in our societies) and instead of giving the answer you sidetrack it by writing that an intelligent sincere believer knows that answer. I think you should answer the question, since all sincere intelligent believers have different mental and intellectual capacities and are not likely to arrive at the same conclusion or even agree with each other once they have arrived at their own relative conclusions.
I personally believe that the initial aim in bringing western education in our society, was simply to make it easier to access our vast natural resources with the least possible resistance from us. That was the West's hidden agenda, as far as I am concerned and to a certain extent it still is today in whatever form it happens to be.
Teaching about Darwin and other views which are not in sync with Islam are incidental as they form part of a vast pool of knowledge one must know in order to have an understanding and appreciation of the physical world around us. Like I wrote elsewhere, the findings or data derived from research done by non muslim scholars of secular education are in the main correct. The conclusions drawn from these philosophical and scientific thinking and experimetation by these non muslim scholars are shaped by their beliefs. In many cases, the research itself is of the nature that doesnt contradict Islamic teachings at all, for example results of embryonic studies are corroborated by some verses of the Qur'an in Suratul Alaq and Suratul Hajj, to name a few surahs. Likewise, the concept of planetory bodies suspended in space and rotating on their axes and revolving around the sun, the concept of all life starting from water, the gaseous beginning of the universe, Einstein's theory of relativity, the constant expansion of the universe, the existence of subatomic/nucleic particles, the uniqueness of the finger print, the fact that sea water can not mix with fresh water are all phenomena one will find mentioned in the Qur'an. These are all phenomena discovered by scientists in the 20th century and non of them I believe was a muslim but they were not WRONG!!!! and they disseminated that knowledge freely and muslims who've read the Qur'an and known of these and implicitly believed in them because of their Tawheed and not becaus of any evidence to be found previously, rejoiced at these findings and many more!
Presently,this information is only accessible through Boko. Isnt that an irony? The tragedy is that while we see this knowledge as a part of boko, it really has nothing to do with boko. It is knowledge without any taxonomic affiliation and is there to inquire into on a first come first served basis. If you get to the answer before anyone, you get to be the first to tell the world about it. It doesnt matter whether you are black, white, chrisitian muslim, Jewish buddhist animist hindi etc. It doesnt matter what your cultural values are either. The rest of the world never accepts the findings arbitrarily either. Many others in the same field of study will conduct years and years of research until finally no one can dispute with the facts initially presented and then the propounder of the theory/law is hailed as a laureate.
Despite all that, there is still no compulsion to accept or even make use of any research findings. You either adopt or neglect based on your own beliefs. If you choose to adopt then you shouldnt blame the medium of dissemination of that knowledge for failures, if the consequences of the adoption are at a tangent with your religious beliefs. And if like the boko haram guys, you cannot effect any meaningful change within the sphere of yr society, you can do what the Daral Islam guys did, form a peaceful enclave within yrselves and practice your beliefs without causing distress to yr neighbours.
If you still choose to effect a sort of change, then start by educating yrslf on every aspect of the knowledge which you think is undesirable. Get to know it inside out; dont avoid it. At the same time get educated fully on what you consider as the right sort of knowledge. That should give you an insight into the faulty aspects of the unwanted knowledge and how they can be remedied. This now gives you a basis for comparison and convincing ppl on what should be taught and learnt and how it should be taught and under what circumstance it should be taught. Eventually you will get to change ways and ppl in a positive way, instead of killing them and thinking that that automatically makes you a candidate for paradise simply becos you are trying to do it for the Sake of Allah.
Mai Halin Gari quoted somewhere that
If Boko process of seeking knowledge were to be re-designed based on Islamic principles and Muslim perspectives then, it will be welcomed even by late yusuf.There is one basic flaw to yr argument and that is that since Yusuf himself never had any formal boko education, how would he know anything about redesigning boko to fall in line with Islamic values? He has to have experienced boko first in order to know what should be done about it. It is possible that the fact that he didnt have any formal boko education robbed him of the capacity to think of any solution other than killing in order to achieve his misguided aim. That in itself is a reason why we shouldnt summarily dismiss boko so disdainfully.
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ALL-ENCOMPASSING REPLY:REMOVING MISCONCEPTIONS
I have never thought that my previous article would create so much trouble in the mind of some readers. However, those who understand me know what I mean. The problem is that some repliers make critic only to a single point of the article. I do not say I don't like criticism; but it should be meaningful. A meaningful reply or critic is that which centers on the central points and ideas of the subject as the one Husna did. Such people linked all my ideas from one point to another and thus, they understood my article very well. What are the essential themes of my article? This is a very important point to explain. The first theme is that Yusuf's followers deserved a fair-hearing as it was granted to Niger-Delta's militants despite of their massive killings of government officials. Those who read the summary of this article in Daily trust (dated 4/8/2009) understood it by its title "Boko Haram Millitants deserved a Hearing". The second theme of my article is that Muslims need to Islamize some heretical ideas and theories as embodied in Boko curricular so as to make them compatible with Islamic principles and thoughts. As such I proposed that those negative ideas as constituted in Western theories should be replaced by pure Islamic ones. Thirdly, I have expressed my attitude toward Yusuf militant's violent act which I said I have neither eulogy nor advocacy for their violent decision. And finally, I have suggested the possible procedures to bring about mental and intellectual revolution in Muslims' curriculum of Western education in which I cited examples of the IIIT's movement, AMSS's movement, ICIT's movement and so on, all of which are international intellectual institutions working to bring about Islamization of Muslim's quest of worldly education especially Social sciences. So then, what is the fault of my point of view? I also opined that my perception about Yusuf's claim that Boko is haram is not less than those negative sides as are contradictory and even opposed to Islamic principles. To my understanding they are not destroying Knowledge at all; but they are opposing the current Boko process of pursuing worldly knowledge as regards the Muslim Ummah. The whole of my article dedicated to explain this thought of mine. However, many readers misconceived me with the exception of few of them like my respected Husna. For those people who have misconceived me for mentioning that some contents of Boko curriculum should be abolished and replaced with Islamic ones or for my justification that some of its ideas are sin, they should know that I am not destroying knowledge at all as some misconceived. As Yusuf's movement declared that Boko (some of its contents) is Haram they are not destroying knowledge in general. Knowledge is Knowledge in itself, and Boko in itself is a process among many ways of seeking knowledge, and it can be correct or wrong by the purpose it was set up. Hence those who are trying to quote the Hadith 'Seek knowledge even to china' are defeated here. Yusuf's movement did not call to stop seeking worldly knowledge but to know the correct ways to pursue it and its reliably authentic contents. If Boko process of seeking knowledge were to be re-designed based on Islamic principles and Muslim perspectives then, it will be welcomed even by the late Yusuf. And this is exactly their real message as regards Boko. But the government's control over the media is powerful to distort the image of any Islamic movement. I am still trying to explain to the people to understand fully, my own opinion about this fact. I must, with deep respect, appreciate Husna for her broad-minded heart to understand people's own thoughts and ideas. The reality of my attitude is that Yusuf was not right if he was responsible to initiate the attacks on security forces. But if the government forces were the instigator and initiator of the violence then, the government must be blamed. Another aspect of focus is that: is the government objective and fair in its decision to overcome the threat of Yusuf's violence? If it was really just and objective it would apply the same decision to overcome the problems of Niger-delta militants and that of Yelwan Shendam who have been hitherto expelling and massacring our Muslim brothers in Jos. If there Justice is to be done in all sides those leaders in Niger-Delta and that of Yelwan Shendam genocide must arrested and killed under the law. Hence, the government's abrupt military decision against Yusuf's movement must have become suspicious if it fails to arrest above mentioned leaders. This is only my personal thought which I have the right to express under the rule of freedom of expression. What I want to know from my discussant brothers especially Danbarno, who was an indigene of Maiduguri is: what actually caused the immediate violence in Maiduguri? I have been informed that since years ago, there had been what Hausawas called 'Takun Saka' between Yusuf and Modu Sherif government. Please I need to know what the main cause of the previous skirmish is.
Finally, what is the hidden objective behind the introduction of Boko in its explicit western culture to the Muslim nation worldwide? Who are the inventors of Boko and modern global world order of democracy and the so called capitalist, socialist, and communist economy? For the purpose of this answer I promise to present to my beloved readers my article "The Jewish Conspiracy and the Muslim youths" in the near future. From here, I have finished with the subject of boko haram; and I have diverted to new course of discussion.
Till we meet again.
One of the reasons why the govt came down heavily on the Boko Haram sect is that they broke out like rashes all over northern Nigeria, unlike the Niger delta and the yelwan shendam conflicts which are contained within certain radii of the country. That alarmed the govt and sent it into overdrive. If the boko haram had not been swiftly dealt with, the havoc they could have wreaked would have been far greater than the niger delta and yelwan shendam's in terms of a death toll.
PS, do not be upset for generating a heated debate. You should be proud. It is good to bring contentious issues for which ppl feel strongly about. It keeps the board alive and kicking otherwise ppl lose interest over boring subjects.
Muhsin, Goga, Husna, Myself, etc....kwana biyu!
This issue under discussion, to me really, it is not worth it. Those people, boka haram, could not be placed any where in the scheme of life. They were just a bunch of tiny, blue black blood sucking insects! Kwanansu ne ya kare, ya sa suka fito da wannan haukar, rudu da dabbanci. I believe we shouldn't go for each other's throat on them or their crooked ideology. However, we can continue the discussion on the path of educating our readers on the ways to avoid thinking and acting in the boko haram way.
Assalamu alaikum,
Welcome back, Waduz.
I kinda feel I will defy your words--saying that Boko Haram sect is not worthy of such a discussion. To me it is, even very much, for people are in great need to be informed, enlightened and educated on who really are those folks. Are they how medias both national and international portray them as or something else? Are their actions justifiable, as they claim, or not? Did they FG do fair, just and right action by annihilating them, killing the sect's leader summarily or not? etc, etc, etc. More so, there is no northern based internet discussion forum (that I at least know) other than this one. Then why should we stay mute while forums like nairaland, NVS and the likes are busy biasedly, harshly, and mockingly discussing the same issue? And much more myriad reasons.
Any way, to the thread: my friend Salim, I very well understand what you are trying to say. Actually hadn't done so until now after you elaborated it more. You certainly presented a cogent argument/point. And I once came across that IIIT's meeting proceedings. Dr. Salisu Shehu, Dr. Aliyu Dauda, Dr. Galadanchi and others have done a praiseworthy work there. I recommend the book to all KanoOnliners, especially Husnaa, who I see have much interest on the issue here.
May Allah, the Exalted, guide us to the right path, amen.
MUHSIN, I am glad that you have now got the opinion right. I have made a slight mistake by assuming that Yusuf's idea that Boko is Haram' can be equated with our noble intellectual movement of Islamization of book curriculum. Even though I have now give up that assumption, I still believe that the issue of Boko curriculum I relation to Muslim Ummah is matter that demand a great correction and review from Islamic perspectives. I finally appreciate all the members who share with my thought. I am now greatly indebted to your thoughts vices versa. My earlier argument to justify Boko Haram's idea is just a matter of testing my ability in intellectual argument being my first time to join this board of discussion. Let us keep on. Many more are to come with hot and cold. I if you are to confront withmy ideas; I am also ready to take the bull by the horn. I promise to never flip my lid; an I hope you in the same way. My eulogy once again, to Husna and Neozizu. And wait for my next article "The Jewish Conspiracy and The Muslim Youths".
Salam, after a very..very...very...long time.
I heard wa'azin Malam Jafar where he finished Boko Haram.
It was recorded not long before he was killed and kano taliban uprising.
I 101% believe that he was killed by them.
Allah zai bayyana real killers din Malam da yardarSa.