Jihad Stories: Uzbekistan
Abdul Aziz
This is the land of Imam Bukhari, the great scholar of Hadith. It is also
the land of Timur, the great conqueror, and the land of countless Islamic
scholars and scientists. This is the region from where the light of Islam
reached billions - the land of Uzbekistan - home of the famous cities of
Bukhara and Samarkand, and the link between East and West.
Uzbekistan is presently ruled by one
of the 'most repressive governments'
in Central Asia*, a government which
is responsible not only for the
disappearance of 50,000 Muslims
since 1994, but also for thousands
of documented arrests, systematic
torture, repression, and the killing
of innocent Muslims.
Having a beard, wearing the Hijab,
studying the Quran and propagating
the teachings of Islam in this land,
are now viewed as criminal acts,
deserving of prison or even
execution.
But there are those who are true to Allah. Determined to make the word of
Allah Supreme and make the Law of Allah the law of the land, the Mujahideen
are prepared to sacrifice their lives for this noble cause. May Allah,
Glorified and Most High, Grant them success.
(*Source: CSCE News Release, Oct. 18, 1999: link to complete article:
http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/links/uzhr10199.html)
Geography
Uzbekistan's strategic geographic location in Central Asia has, throughout
history, made it a magnet for invasions - and it remains a target to this day.
With Afghanistan (137 km border) and Tajikistan (1,161 km border) on its
south, bordering with Kazakhstan (2,203 km) on its north, Turkmenistan (1,621
km) on the west, and Kyrgizstan (1,099 km) on the east, Uzbekistan serves as
the link between the East and the West.
Including the southern portion of the drying Aral Sea (420 km shoreline) on
the west, the region of modern-day Uzbekistan is located between two rivers,
the Amu Darya to the north, and the Syr Darya to the south. Historically, this
region has also been called 'Mawaraunnahr' or 'what is beyond the river'.
Highways, most prominently the 'Silk Route' link it to its neighbours in the
east and west.
Four-fifths of the region is flat, with the highest mountains located in the
east (highest peak 4299 m / 14,104 ft), and hills to the south-east. The
eastern region of Uzbekistan, the Fargana Valley, is a fertile plain extending
into Tajikistan and Kyrgizstan, and is surrounded by mountains.
The climate is dry and continental with low rainfall. Average temperatures
range from -12C in Jan. to 32-40C in July.
Major cities are the historical cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent,
with Tashkent being the capital. Whilst attempts are being made to
systematically remove true Islamic character from the people, the historically
significant buildings and architecture of these cities continue to bear
witness to their rich Islamic heritage. These cities have historically served
as major centers of trade and enlightenment on the crossroads of the Great
Silk Road linking the civilizations of the East and the West. However, today,
economic downfall and repression are trademarks of these once-magnificent
cities.
(Statistics and figures taken from Uzbekistan Government's web site
www.uzbekistan.org/geninfo.htm or from the CIA factbook:
http://geography.about.com/science/geography/library/cia/blcuzbekistan.htm)
People
With a population of 22,467,300 people, Uzbekistan is the most populous of
the five Central Asian former Soviet republics, its population being more
than 40% of the combined population of the other four. Major ethnic groups
include Uzbek (71%), Russian (8%), Tajik (5%), and Kazakh (4%).
(Source: www.uzbekistan.org/geninfo.htm)
The people are predominantly Sunni Muslim (88%). However, Jews and Christians
are a significant and well-received minority. In fact, if one were to divide
people by religion, then, based on recent Human Rights reports, the following
divisions would be more accurate:
*Those severely oppressed, tortured, killed, or imprisoned:
The practising Muslims, or those who appear to be practising Muslims.
*Those under constant scrutiny and threat:
Those who perform some of the basic tenets of Islam.
*Those whom the government couldn't care less about:
Those 'Muslims' who couldn't care less about Islam, as well as the
Christians.
*Those preferred by the government:
The 31,900 Jews*, who enjoy the greatest freedom and the most religious
rights. No human-rights abuses are documented against them.
More details on religious persecution are contained in the Reaction of the
Uzbek Government section and in relevant external links contained in that
section.
(*Estimated number at the end of 1993. Source:
http://www.heritagefilms.com/Uzbekistan.htm)
Islamic History
On the 13 of Shawwal 194 AH (810 CE) a blind boy was born in the city of
Bukhara in Uzbekistan. His widowed mother, the strong Mu'minah that she was,
did not lose sight of He who had the Power to cure her son. She constantly and
continuously prayed that her son be blessed with the ability to see. And
within a few years her prayers were answered. She traveled with her son to
Makkah so that he could receive an Islamic Education. She arranged that he
attend the circles of the scholars, and in those circles, he began excelling
in the science of Hadith. He traveled to distant villages in search of the
most authentic sayings of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon him]. He would pray
two raka'at before accepting a hadith. His mother named him: Muhammad ibn
Isma'il. And today he is known by the title of the book which he compiled, the
book that stands after the Quran in authenticity: Saheeh Al-Imam Al-Bukhari.
(Source for information on Imam Bukhari: Articles 'Why Should I Study?' By
Muhammad Al-Shareef, and 'Life of Imam Bukhari' Al-Jumuah v12, 5/6)
Early Islamic Period
The history of Islam in Uzbekistan dates back to before Imam Bukhari [May
Allah have mercy on him] was born. Conquered by the great Muslim general
Qutaybah ibn Muslim in the early eighth century, Uzbekistan has since seen the
rise and fall of many great dynasties. Throughout it's history, Uzbekistan's
cities have served as rich centers of trade, knowledge, and culture, but at
the times when Muslims have been weak, divided, and busy fighting amongst
themselves, these cities have also been plundered, robbed, and burnt by the
enemies of Islam. Whilst Uzbekistan has enjoyed great wealth and
economic-independence, at times it has also been subjected to repression and
forced dependence. Uzbekistan continues to face repression and poverty to this
day.
Uzbekistan was first invaded by the Muslims through sporadic raids in the
middle of the seventh century during the glorious times of the Sahabah [May
Allah be pleased with them] . The conquest was completed by the early eighth
century and Islamic roots were firmly established in the region by the Muslim
victory over the Chinese armies in 750, in a battle at the Talas River. This
year also marked the beginning of the Abbasid Caliphate, which was to rule
over Uzbekistan for the next two centuries.
During the height of the Abbasid Caliphate in the eighth and ninth centuries,
Uzbekistan and its surrounding areas experienced a truly golden age. Bukhara
became one of the leading centers of learning, culture, and art in the Muslim
world, its magnificence rivaling contemporaneous cultural centers such as
Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba (Qurtuba).
It should be noted that some of the greatest historians, scientists, and
geographers in the history of Islamic culture were natives of this region,
many during and many after the Abbasid Caliphate. Among these, a few are Abul
Layth Samarqandi (a faqih, who lived around the 10th century (CE)), Abdul-Aziz
al-Bukhari (a Hanafi usuli, author of the famous usul work Kashf al-Asrar; who
lived around 14th (CE) Century). Umar al-Nasafi, (a famous scholar and author
of Aqa'id Nasafiyyah, he also wrote an entire book about the scholars of
Samarkand - not to mention those of Bukhara, Tashkent, and other regions).
As the Abbasid Caliphate began to weaken and the influence of the Shiite
tribes in Iran began to spread, Uzbekistan eventually came under the rule of
the Samanid dynasty. However, the rich culture of the region continued to
flourish. The ninth century saw the continued influx of another group from the
north. These were the Turks, who had initially been put into the armies of the
Samanid as well as Abbasid armies. However, in the late tenth century, when
the Samanids weakened, many of these soldiers assumed positions of power and
many more Turkic tribes migrated to Uzbekistan.
Turkic Rule
The last years of the tenth century saw the first Turkic state in the region -
the Ghaznavid Empire, which ruled the lands south of the Amu Darya. Under
Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi, this empire expanded to include large areas of Iran,
Afghanistan, and northern India, but was eventually overrun in the eleventh
century by two Turkic tribes. Of these, the Seljuks controlled a vast region
from the west of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq.
However, by the mid twelfth century, the Seljuk Empire had split into many
states ruled by various local Turkic and Iranian rulers. All this turmoil,
however, did not adversely affect the intellectual life in these areas, which
continued to be a beacon of knowledge and culture. In the late twelfth
century, a Turkic leader, Qutubuddin Muhammad managed to unite Khorazm (area
south of the Aral Sea), and present-day Uzbekistan through Iran under his
rule. Uzbekistan continued to flourish under his rule and the rule of his son
Muhammad II.
The Mongols - Bloodshed and Plunder
The time period 1219 to 1225, marks the worst period in the history of
Uzbekistan: This centuries-old beacon of light and guidance was destroyed - to
such an extent that it could never recover its full glory. Libraries, mosques,
and research centers were burnt; scientists, intellectuals, worshippers and
scholars were killed, irrigation networks were destroyed, and the books that
survived being burnt were thrown into the rivers.
This large-scale plundering of the centers of science and knowledge, art and
literature, and deep-rooted Islamic traditions is an event history can never
forget - not to ignore the streams of Muslim blood, and the tall structures
erected out of the skulls of the Muslims who had been slaughtered.
The perpetrator of these horrific crimes was the barbarian Chinggis (Genghis)
Khan and his merciless Mongol (Tartar) armies. Thus, the city of Bukhara and
the province of Khorazm, the leading and wealthiest centers, were shattered.
The Rule of Timur - Conquest and Prosperity
After a long dark period of Mongol rule, in the early fourteenth century,
Uzbekistan saw a ray of light in the form of Timur (Tamerlane) (also known as
'Timur Lung' or 'Timur the Lame', due to the fact that he had lost a leg). A
local tribal ruler, he soon emerged as the dominant force in Uzbekistan and
further conquered all of western Central Asia, Iran, Asia Minor, and the
southern steppe region north of the Aral Sea. He also invaded Russia before
dying, during an invasion of China in 1405.
O Muslims! Are there any among you who will make history like him today, and
crush the likes of Ghenggis and his descendents?
Timur made Samarkand the capital of his great empire. Numerous scholars,
artisans, scientists, and architects were brought here during reign of Timur
and his immediate successors. Many magnificent construction projects were
undertaken in Samarkand and other population centers during and after his
time, some of which can be seen even today (See:
http://www.unesco.org/webworld/asicent/uzbkslid.htm).
Timur also patronized scientists and artists; his own grandson, Ulugh Beg, was
one of the world's first great astronomers.
The Uzbek Rule
After Timur's death, his great empire split into two. Much internal fighting
ensued, which led to the conquest of Central Asia including Uzbekistan (in
1510) by the Uzbek tribes from the north. Their most powerful state, the
Khanate of Bukhara, led by the Shaybanid Dynasty, centered around the city of
Bukhara, returning some lost glory to Bukhara. However, internal fighting
amongst Muslims - in this case, mainly against the Shiite Safavid Dynasty in
Iran, and constant raids from the North by the Mongols and Kazak nomads led
to the weakening of the Uzbek Khanates.
Russians and the Fall of Uzbekistan
While the Uzbek rule was at its weakest, a new group, the Russians, emerged on
the scene as merchants mainly in present-day Kazakhstan. By the early
nineteenth century, Russians had gained control of the Kazak steppes on the
north, and a British position had been established in Afghanistan in the
south. Thus, Central Asia got caught up in what is referred to as "The Great
Game", with both the British and the Russians trying to add it to their
respective empires. The Muslims of Central Asia, who did not realize the
dangerous position they were in, continued to waste their strength in wars
amongst themselves and in pointless campaigns of conquest.
Thus the latter half of the nineteenth century saw the fall of the Uzbek
Khanates to the Russians, bringing an end to the glorious chapter of Islam in
Uzbekistan. Allah Willing this was only a temporary 'end,' just a pause, and
not a finality- hopefully it is only a night that will soon pass, to make way
for the dawn of Islam which will shine down upon the people of Uzbekistan
again.
A glimpse of Uzbekistan's long and rich Islamic history reveals one important
trend - the times when Uzbekistan has been plundered and taken over by
disbelievers coincides with the times the Muslims have been weak in their
faith and divided.
O Muslims of today! Will we not learn the lessons from the history of this
glorious land? History repeats itself and carries with it lessons - if only we
open our eyes, ears, and hearts - and if only we understand!
(Source of historical 'facts': http://www.emulateme.com/history/uzbekhist.htm)
'Post-Islamic' Uzbekistan
Under Russian Rule:
Under the Russians, Uzbekistan suffered economic downfall and religious
repression. The economic problems arose mainly out of the Russians'
over-emphasis on cotton production. This was done at the expense of creating
an agricultural imbalance, with Uzbekistan now forced to rely on other areas
for its own food supply. The Russians used Uzbekistan as a supplier of cotton
to the rest of their huge nation at the expense of the Uzbek Muslims' own
prosperity and self-sufficiency
(Source: http://www.emulateme.com/history/uzbekhist.htm).
Additionally, this led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water
supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain
rivers semi dry. It should be noted that the drying up of the Aral Sea in the
West is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural
salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed
and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and
the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health
disorders; increasing soil salination; and soil contamination from
agricultural chemicals, including DDT.
(Source:
http://geography.about.com/science/geography/library/cia/blcuzbekistan.htm)
History of Jihad
Since ancient times, Uzbekistan has been a land of legendary conquests and
constant invasions. However, much of this has apparently been the result of
power-struggles between and within different tribes and ethnic groups, and
would not be considered Jihad per se. Jihad by definition is the struggle
where personal gains are not sought after, and Jihad entails that the
intention be solely to make the Law of Allah supreme.
The first Jihad which brought the light of Islam to Uzbekistan was waged
during the times of the noble Sahabah [May Allah be pleased with them] - the
companions of the Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon him]. The conquest of what
is present-day Uzbekistan was completed by the great Muslim General Qutaybah
ibn Muslim in the early eighth century.
The next Jihad against clear infidels was the resistance against the Mongol
invasions in the thirteenth century, which was crushed easily, but only to
rise again a century later under Timur. Timur waged a wide Jihad and
conquered many lands throughout Central Asia, bringing them into the fold of
Islam.
After Timur, the land of Uzbekistan saw many changes of leadership and many
invasions, mostly of one Muslim dynasty or tribe over another. Which of these
battles were "Jihad" and which were not would be determined by a detailed
analysis of the circumstances around each conquest and the specific aims of
each conquerer. In the absence of such detailed information, we abstain from
judging them and hence we do not include them in this section. A brief
mention of the different ruling dynasties is contained in the section on
Islamic History.
It should be noted that some history books mention the "Basmachi Movement" or
the "Jadidi Movement" in the 1920's in Uzbekistan to be a "precursor" to the
recent "Mujahideen Movement" and place the roots of the present Islamic
Movement in these earlier movements. However, while the Jadidi uprising was
clearly against Soviet Rule, it was not really in order to establish Islam.
It seemed to be more influenced by other Western secular ideologies, such as
those that took over Turkey in the 1920s. The later "Basmachi" uprising ended
in an almost decade-long guerilla war against Soviet rule. However, by the
end, most of the leaders 'cast their lots with the communists' and the
movement died down.
It should be noted that true Mujahideen are solely motivated by a desire to
serve Allah (Glorious and Most High is He) and establish Islam. Their roots
are in the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet [Peace be upon him]. Any movement
or invasion, which is not motivated by these factors will not be considered
to be waging Jihad, even if it is 'Muslim.'
Current Jihad
What Is The Goal?
To defend Muslim blood, property and honour firstly, and then to remove the
oppressive Zionist regime of Islam Karimov, replacing it with a Shariah
Government.
Who Is The Enemy?
The Mujahideen have made it clear: "We are not fighting Muslims and are not
fighting civilians. The President (of Uzbekistan) is a Zionist Jew and his
army are communists who know what they are doing. They are not just obeying
orders under pressure, but actively taking part in oppressing their 'own'
people, the Uzbek Muslims."
This battle is clearly one of Islam versus Kufr (disbelief), and justice
versus tyranny. Actually, it is a battle of Islamic forces in Uzbekistan
against a coalition of disbelieving nations backing Karimov (See: "Response
of the International Community" ). The Mujahideen are aware of this, and have
prepared, and are preparing accordingly. We ask Allah to grant the Mujahideen
a speedy and magnificent victory.
Development Of The Current Jihad
After the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1991, until 1994, the Muslims of
Uzbekistan tried non-military means to establish Islam in Uzbekistan. Their
efforts were met by a severe, oppressive response from the Karimov regime.
When Karimov banned all Islamic political parties in 1994, and embarked on
his large-scale oppressive campaign, the Muslims were left with no choice but
to resort to arms against his open tyranny. However, major military
operations did not begin until 1998.
Events of 1999
[Map of Uzbekistan and Surrounding Areas - Taken from CIA World Factbook 2000]
In the summer of 1999, 400 Uzbek Mujahideen under the command of Juma
Namangani entered Tajikistan, then Kyrgyzstan en route to Uzbekistan. Fierce
battles raged in Uzbekistan for a few weeks then the brothers withdrew into
Kyrgyzstan. There they were attacked by both Kyrgyz forces and Uzbek fighter
aircraft and helicopter gunships. Both the Kyrgyz and Uzbek forces suffered
large losses at the expense of only eight martyrs from the Mujahideen's side.
During the battle with Kyrgyz forces, the Mujahideen captured their General.
Once he realised who the Mujahideen were and why they were fighting, he
joined them. He then returned to Kyrgystan to join the Kyrgyz Mujahideen.
The Mujahideen then withdrew into Tajikistan where they stayed for a couple
of months. The Uzbek Government warned Tajikistan to expel these Mujahideen
or they would attack them. The Mujahideen braced themselves to fight, but
during peaceful discussions with Abdullah Noori, Juma Namangani agreed to
withdraw into the mountains of Afghanistan.
The 1999 events are documented by Western sources as well. The following
account is particularly interesting: (excerpts paraphrased from "Where is
Juma Namangani", EurasiaNet Aug. 17, 2000):
'The Mujahideen demonstrated their ability to wreak havoc when
several hundred militants invaded Kyrgyzstan (the Batken region
specifically) - twice - taking hostages in August 1999. These
hostages included Kyrgyz officials among others, and were released
after payment of a large ransom. This exposed Kyrgyzstan's military
as being unprepared to handle such a security challenge, as well as
the government's poor negotiating ability. Moreover, it has been
reported that the Mujahideen freely liberated all hostages who
could read Arabic, the language of the Quran. The Mujahideen also
reportedly provided financial support to a population that is
starving under secular rule, and where 92 percent of graduates are
unemployed. A legend circulates that the Mujahideen paid $100 to a
peasant for a sheep. Since the Mujahideen's successful operations
last year, young students are reportedly paying more attention to
learning Arabic and the Quran than to their studies in school.'
This shows that the kind treatment of the Mujahideen towards their poor
Muslim brothers during their brief stay in the region has won more support
for the cause of Islam - more In Sha Allah than that which the government can
suppress! Allahu Akbar!
Indeed, true believers are "Strong against the Unbelievers, and merciful
amongst themselves. You see them bowing and falling prostrate (in prayer),
seeking bounty from Allah and His Pleasure?" [Quran, 49:29]
After the Mujahideen's successful attacks, the Uzbek Government oppressed the
civilians even more, continuing rampant arrests, torture, and detentions.
Additionally, they forced hundreds of them to flee into Tajikistan. Both
Russia and the Uzbek Government forced these refugees to leave Tajikistan and
go to Afghanistan. They remained for a few months in Mazar Shareef. Soon
after this fighting, the Turkish President visited Uzbekistan and offered
them support in the fight against 'terrorism' in Central Asia. Soon after his
return, Allah humiliated Turkey with the large earthquake that killed large
numbers of Turkish military personnel. Both Israel and the U.S. sent
emissaries to Uzbekistan offering their help. A few months later, China,
Russia and the Central Asian countries participated in a conference in Bisk
(capital of Kyrgyzstan) to agree to jointly fight 'terrorism' in Central
Asia. (However, there was no mention of the terrorism inflicted by these
governments on their own people.) The enemies continue to plot and plan even
to this day (See section: "Reaction of the Uzbekistan Government" below for
more details.)
Current Jihad Since August 2000
In early August 2000, whilst the Mujahideen were in the process of
preparation and transferring supplies and men to strategic locations in
Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan Government attacked them. A huge battle took place
in the Fargana Valley (see below) lasting several days and the enemy suffered
substantial losses. Fighting is still raging on at this time though less
severe than when it started in August.
The fighting now is predominantly guerilla warfare in nature with thousands
of Mujahideen on one hand, and the Uzbekistan Government on the other - using
aeroplanes, helicopters, artillery and fighting vehicles against the
Mujahideen. While only Allah knows how long the battle will last, the
Mujahideen have made the following very clear:
"We are prepared to fight and fight until victory, even if it takes 50 years
to do so."
It should be noted that the recent fighting (initiated in the last week of
September 2000) in Northern Afghanistan, and the visit (Sept. 28, 2000) of a
Russian envoy to Pakistan are all attempts to block what the enemies think
are support channels to the Mujahideen. This is evidenced by their own
reports (See for example:
http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/hypermail/news/). These and
other similar happenings are not unrelated to the developing situation in
Uzbekistan.
The Region In Focus
The fighting presently involves the region encompassing northern Tajikistan,
south-western Kyrgyzstan, and eastern Uzbekistan - a fertile agricultural
zone called the 'Fergana Valley'. Surrounded by high mountains, this valley
had historically been one piece. It was divided into different administrative
zones by the Soviets with no consideration given to the ethnicity of its
occupants. Thus, amongst other ethnic groups, we find Uzbeks in the
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan portions of this valley and vice versa, making the
Fergana valley a natural ethnic and cultural link between the different
countries.
Today, many civilians of the Fergana valley are not content with the ruling
governments and their repressive policies. Many of them, particularly those
in Uzbekistan, have suffered greatly at the hands of their governments. They
are, thus, supportive of the Mujahideen despite severe crackdowns by their
worried governments. (Source of information on Fergana Valley:
http://www.cpss.org/updates/cacupd.htm).
It should be noted, though, that whilst fighting is going on in Tajikistan
and Kyrgyzstan, these two countries are not the target of the Uzbek
Mujahideen. Rather, they are merely logistical routes into Uzbekistan.
Reaction Of The Uzbek Government To The Current Jihad
As of August 2000, the Government of Uzbekistan's top priority has been to
try to crush the "Islamists". It has reacted in a number of ways, employing a
wide range of plots and strategies to fight the Mujahideen at all levels.
Some examples of their recent activity, taken from their own media sources,
are given below:
1. The Cowardly Response: Further repression, arrests, Nazi-style torture,
and baseless detention of thousands of defenseless civilians. For an example,
see the article (Sept. 22, 2000): 'Rights observer sees no end to religious
persecution in Uzbekistan', where Acacia Shields, who heads the Tashkent
office for Human Rights Watch, reports of more torture, detentions, arrests
and atrocities against Muslims
(http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/recaps/articles/eav092200.shtml ).
2. Ongoing military response - for example, bombing of suspected mujahideen
bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and military buildup along the
Uzbek-Kyrgyz, ad Kyrgyz-Tajik borders.
3. Implementation of the Visa requirement between Tajik and Uzbek borders
(effective Sept. 18, 2000), and several other border agreements with
neighbouring countries. This is in an effort to provide increased security
along the borders and try to limit the movement of the Mujahideen.
4. Tours, meetings, and talks with government leaders of other countries, the
most recent (as of Sept. 28, 2000) of such visits by Islam Karimov on Sept.
27, 2000 to Kyrgyzstan.
5. Signing of various new pacts of cooperation with neighbouring countries,
particularly Kyrgyzstan, for increased cooperation in fighting against the
Mujahideen.
6. The Underhanded Response: Seeking to "Divide and Conquer" the local Muslim
population: By introducing "Naqshbandi Sufism" as a replacement of Islam, or
more accurately, introducing the government's own version of "sufism" against
"fundamentalism", the government seeks to spread hatred between Muslims and
reduce support for the Mujahideen. As detailed in an article written by Paul
Globe, reported on the Eurasianet, Sept 12, 2000:
"Tashkent is actively promoting the ideas of an Islamic sect with
deep roots in Uzbek society in order to render its citizens immune
against the appeals of Islamic fundamentalism. This use of a
mystical trend in Islam to fight an inherently political one
appears to have achieved some success, but it may ultimately
backfire on the Uzbek authorities?."
The same strategy was successfully employed in Chechnya, and is now openly
being pursued in Uzbekistan. The recent Chechen war has made clearly obvious
the hypocrisy of many individuals involved-yet some of the same individuals
(e.g. Hisham Kabbani from the U.S., who visited Uzbekistan recently) are now
trying to spread the same poison again - and so openly!
Have the Muslims learned the lesson of Unity and Brotherhood yet? If not,
then what more are we waiting for? Have we forgotten the Hadith of the
Prophet [Peace be upon him] that a Believer is not bitten from the same hole
twice? Have we forgotten all the verses in the Quran about Unity and
Brotherhood? How long are we going to remain so ignorant?
The Childish Response - 'name calling', labeling, and disillusioning: By
labeling the Mujahideen as extremists, 'monsters' (speech of Uzbek President
in Kyrgyzstan Sept 27, 2000), and terrorists, the government seeks to
disillusion the local and international population. However, when children
call names, adults are unaffected, so too will the true believers remain
unaffected Allah Willing, by this ploy of the government.
7. Hiding the Truth - Refusing negotiations: As reported by Western sources,
Uzbekistan is 'hiding their weakness' by refusing any kind of negotiations
and putting up a strong 'front'. By the Will of Allah, He will expose their
weakness soon and they will realize that fighting the laws and the soldiers
of Allah is futile!
8. Approaching other governments with 'intelligence' information about
alleged Mujahideen bases and networks in their respective countries and
seeking to have them removed. For example, The Uzbek President's meeting with
Pakistan's General Musharraf earlier this year, and personally handing him
detailed information of "terrorist bases" in Pakistan.
9. Internally, trying to involve all government bodies and NGOs in battling
the Mujahideen on all levels. See for example, the news report "Uzbek
political parties adopt programme of action to fight 'terrorism'"
(http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/hypermail/200009/0042.html).
(Source of information: Eurasianet news archives and insight articles related
to Uzbekistan: www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/ - and Mujahideen
sources)
Response Of The International Community
Typically the response from the international community to the situation in
Uzbekistan has been one of open support for the harsh kuffaar government,
mainly the following countries and establishments:
U.S.A.
Reports Interfax (Sept. 12, 2000):
" On his return from the UN Millennium Summit in New York, Islam
Karimov told journalists that U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright had assured him that Washington considers the banned
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan a terrorist organization. The
Russian agency quoted Karimov as saying Albright told him the U.S.
is ready to offer political, moral, and, if necessary, material
assistance to fight the militants."
Further proof, as reported by the RFE/RL news agency:
Meeting with Kyrgyzstan's Defense Minister General Esen Topoev in the
nation's capital, Bishkek, on 25 September, the U.S. Central Command
Commander-in-Chief General Tommy Franks said,
"Washington is concerned about the incursions of Islamic militants
into Kyrgyz territory during the summers of 1999 and 2000? the U.S.
will continue to provide Bishkek with unspecified military
hardware."
Russia
Russia had been issuing warnings of imminent attacks to the Uzbek President
even before the first Mujahideen attack, and has since been extremely
concerned about this Jihad. It is willing to provide military and other
assistance, as was officially announced on 8/26/00 and again on 8/28/00
(Interfax and ITAR-TASS). Moreover, DAWN International reported (August 31,
2000), that Moscow was to send 30 million dollars worth of weapons to
Tashkent. Russia's extreme concern over this Jihad is obvious. For one,
Russia is trying to increase its own control over the independent CIS
republics including Uzbekistan. Second, with its bitter experiences in
Afghanistan and Chechnya, Russia can not tolerate another Islamic government
in Uzbekistan, so close to the Caucasus.
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Several border agreements, new defense cooperation pacts, and military
coordination agreements have been made in an effort to 'unite' their
resources against the Mujahideen.
China
According to the Interfax news agency (August 24, 2000), China was to send
$365,000 "as a goodwill gesture" to Uzbekistan to fight the Mujahideen.
Turkey
On September 19, 2000, Turkey also openly announced its readiness to provide
security assistance to Uzbekistan. Apparently, the massive earthquake in 1999
did not teach the Turkish government a lesson! The response of the rest of
the world is easy to predict, but is yet to be seen as the situation changes
and develops.
The above should make it clear that this war is actually one of Islam against
Kufr (Disbelief), with the major powers of disbelief uniting against those
who seek to establish Islam.
(Source of information: Eurasianet news archives and various insight articles
related to Uzbekistan: www.eurasianet.org - unless indicated otherwise)
Response of the 'Muslim' World: Silence (at present).
The response of the Quran to the world's response:
"If Allah is your helper, none can overcome you. And if He withdraws His help
from you, then who is there who can help you? So in Allah let the Believers
put their trust." [Quran, 3:160]
True Mujahideen will be unaffected with whatever their enemies may be
planning and amassing against them, for they - Allah Willing- will be the
description of what Allah - Glorious and Most High - has revealed:
"And when people said unto them, 'Indeed, people have gathered much against
you, so fear them', it increased their faith, and they said: 'Enough for us
is Allah. Most Excellent is He, in whom we trust!" [Quran, 3:173]
Also, the collusion of the disbelievers and hypocrites against Islam is a
manifestation of clear Quranic verses containing valuable lessons and
instructions for Muslims:
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for friends. They are
friends one to another. He among you who takes them for friends is (one) of
them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people? Your friend can be
only Allah; and His messenger and those who believe, who establish worship
and pay the poor-due, and bow down (in prayer). And whoever takes Allah and
His messenger and those who believe for friends (will know that), Indeed, the
party of Allah, they are the victorious!" [Quran, 5:51, 55-56]
O Muslims, will we learn this valuable lesson? Will we support the cause of
Islam and be victorious, or will we remain silent spectators as more and more
Muslims are tortured and killed, or will we side with the hypocrites and
disbelievers and be eternal losers? The choice should be clear. So are we
ready to purchase eternal Paradise at the cost of this worthless temporary
world?
"Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the
other. Whoever fights in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious,
on him We shall bestow a vast reward." [Quran, 4:74].
A Message From The Mujahideen
"This region of Khurasan in Central Asia was the subject of several
ahadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad - Peace be upon him)
stating that the victory of Islam will come from this region.
Therefore we ask the Muslims to support not only us, but their
Mujahideen brothers in East Turkestan (China), Tajikistan,
Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Chechnya since we are all working
together for the same goal, to liberate this region from Kufr and
establish Islam. We ask Allah to help us and give us Victory from
Him."
Personalities
1. Muhammad Tahir Jan - The Leader of the Mujahideen
Currently residing in Afghanistan, Muhammad Tahir Jan is the Ameer of the
Mujahideen in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
He was a member of an Islamic political party after the breakup of the Soviet
Union and Karimov created many problems for him.
He studied Islam for several years in Tajikistan. He fought in the Jihad of
Tajikistan against the regime there and was a member of the Shura Council of
Hizb-Wahdat under the leadership of Abdullah Noori. He was injured there.
When the Mujahideen of Tajikistan left for Afghanistan in 1993, he left with
them and has been there ever since.
2. Juma Namangani - The Military Commander of the Mujahideen, and Leader of
the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
Juma Namangani was also the Commander of the operations in 1999 and the
recent operations in August 2000.
3. Abdullah Noori - He is the former head of the Tajikistan Hizb Wahdat
Islamic Party
He later made debatable peace with the Tajikistan Government. He is not
directly a part of the jihad in Uzbekistan, but is a key Muslim figure in
Tajikistan. Due to the proximity of the two countries, he can potentially
play a significant role in the on-going Jihad in Uzbekistan, as he did in
negotiations in the operations of 1999.
Caravan of Martyrs
Eight Mujahideen were martyred in the operations in 1999, and amongst them was
a mujahid by the name of Abdul-Aziz. More information on martyrs in this Jihad
is currently unavailable, but Allah Willing, such information will be added
upon availability.
Source: Azzam Publications
Jacob T.
> Jihad Stories: Uzbekistan
Aren't many Northern Alliance soldier from Uzbekistan?
I'd say the greatest Jihad is when these soldiers allied themselves with the
great USA, and put their efforts behind America's task of killing Taliban
and liberating Afghanistan from Taliban oppression.
Wouldn't you agree?
Spark
studying the Quran and propagating
the teachings of Islam in this land,
are now viewed as criminal acts,
deserving of prison or even
execution.
And how is this different to the Taliban you defend?
Thadeus Margrove
"Spark" <nos...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3bfe73bd$0$8509$ed9e...@reading.news.pipex.net...
As they both violate the primacy of the individual conscience and freedom of
speech and action over that of the 'group' they are both wrong.
>
>
NoReligion
> of the 'most repressive governments'
> in Central Asia*, a government which
> is responsible not only for the
> disappearance of 50,000 Muslims
> since 1994, but also for thousands
> of documented arrests, systematic
> torture, repression, and the killing
> of innocent Muslims.
Oh, what a load of crap!
They just got sick and tired of extremists, who
bring nothing but trouble.
I guess, for you the taliban is also "innocent muslims".
Uzbekistan government (and majority of people)
just seem to have more brains than arabs are giving them credit for!
Jacob T.
> No, the greatest Jihad is when a person battles his inner self in
> order to cleanse and purify it: cleaning it from hatred, prejudice,
> anger, revenge, self-worship, attachments of material things, etc. in
> order to become selfless, giving, respectful of others, and peaceful
> and enlightened.
Yes, sounds like a noble goal.
Adhabuhu
> Oh, what a load of crap!
> They just got sick and tired of extremists, who
> bring nothing but trouble.
> I guess, for you the taliban is also "innocent muslims".
> Uzbekistan government (and majority of people)
> just seem to have more brains than arabs are giving them credit for!
>
Karimov the president of Uzbekistan is the friend of the USA. He has only
one party in his country. All other parties including the IMU (Islamic
Movement of Uzbekistan) are not supposed to exist. Another friend of the USA
proving that USA is a MONKEY DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Adhabuhu
Robert
> Hey Dummy,
>
> Karimov the president of Uzbekistan is the friend of the USA. He has only
> one party in his country. All other parties including the IMU (Islamic
> Movement of Uzbekistan) are not supposed to exist. Another friend of the
USA
> proving that USA is a MONKEY DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Adhabuhu
And Islam is a sewer religion. I think that about covers it.
Shrubs A Small Power-Hungry Weasel
<Adha...@dhehannama.com> asseverated arrantly:
::Karimov the president of Uzbekistan is the friend of the USA. He has only
::one party in his country. All other parties including the IMU (Islamic
::Movement of Uzbekistan) are not supposed to exist. Another friend of the USA
::proving that USA is a MONKEY DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!
America hates most the democracies that oppose it. That's why none of
its staunch allies in the region are democracies.
Hiscoming
"Jacob T." <Telli...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:c9xL7.207625$W8.77...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
outwards look noble, but inside is full of dead works and bloodshed. Ask
Salmon Rushdie.
ZyCl0Ne
but the heedless <Salmon Rushdie(s)> are as good as dead.
Mike
Shrubs A Small Power-Hungry Weasel <an...@whore.com> wrote in message
news:gobvvt80bfmatr6j1...@4ax.com...
Turkey and Israel are "democratic" and are Us allies. Can you think of any
other democracies in the Middle East?
Note: because of sloppy thinking, most people use the word "democracy" when
we really mean "republic". The US is a republic, and has never been a
democracy. Democracy is when 51% of the people can decide to enslave the
other 49% and steal all their property, and is not a good idea except for
homogenous civic clubs.
Even a democratic republic can only work if the people are educated and
public spirited, and willing to make sacrifices for the common good. I think
many places are not ready for self-rule, but it is not for us to judge who.
I think it is also wrong for America to try to impose "democracy" anywhere.
Look at what happened in the Phillipines. All the governments after
Marcos have been far more corrupt than his, and it is so bad that the
infrastructure is collapsing like in many African countries. The Phillipines
is a lot like Afghanistan, where real power resides with local warlords.
Marcos had little real power, but was good at negotiating with local chiefs.
Shrubs A Small Power-Hungry Weasel
<meflyn...@homeNOSPAM.com> asseverated arrantly:
::Turkey and Israel are "democratic" and are Us allies. Can you think of any
::other democracies in the Middle East?
Israel isnt an "ally". They are welfare freeloaders and people who
tell us what we may and may not do. Turkey wavers back and forth
between military and civilian rule. Besides, by most definitions,
Turkey isnt in the Middle East. It is Asia Minor. Not all Muslim
states are Middle Eastern. Bangladesh and Indonesia are Muslim. So is
Uzbekistan.
Robert
"Mike" <meflyn...@homeNOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:AidM7.102219$8a.75...@news1.rsm1.occa.home.com...
Marcos is dead too.