Alshabaab hands are dripping with Muslim blood; they do not represent Islam and Muslims

It is no doubt last night dark fall was preceded by a dark day after dozens were brutally killed at the Westgate mall. Kenyans ushered in the night with grief and fear. I slept while the situation was still fluid. Hostages were still in the mall with the blood thirsty killers. Security forces cordoned the area in a tense face off with the attackers. I woke up twice from my sleep to check my timeline on twitter and facebook to see if the situation is under control. I feared for those not safe yet. I feared the killers may blow up the mall with those trapped inside if they are cornered. Earlier images of children, women and innocent shoppers lying in a pool of blood or scampering for safety kept whirling and tormenting my mind.

As Kenyans, this brazen and barbaric attack is an attack on all of us. But as a Muslim, I have been attacked from two fronts; I have been attacked as a Kenyan and I have been attacked as a Muslim. Alshabab have claimed responsibility for the heinous crime and they are claiming to have done it in the name of my religion. Some people believe them because they have a little understanding of Islam. This pains me more than if those fanatics who attacked the mall drove a nail in my head and mutilated my body like they have done to so many Muslims in Somalia. It pains me to see Islam and Muslims being made to carry the responsibility of crimes that they have suffered for more than anybody else. THE RECORD MUST BE SET STRAIGHT.

THE POSITION OF ISLAM

Islam prohibits in the strongest terms possible the killing of any innocent life. This is mentioned in numerous verses but is summed up by one verse which says ““Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation (in legal punishment) of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” - Al Qur’an, Surah Al-Maidah, Verse 32. The verse is in reference to the son of Adam killing his brother.

Even in times of war the Muslim armies were given express instructions to only fight those who directly fight them. They were told not cut down trees, not to slaughter animals except that which they wish to satisfy their hunger with, they were told to spare churches and those who run and take refuge in their homes after the enemy army is defeated. These are the etiquettes of war in Islam.  No mass destruction of the land, no killing of the innocent and those who surrender and no targeting of worship places even after the enemy are vanquished. Suicide bombing and collateral damage is totally prohibited.

The sanctity of life is very clear in Islam and need no emphasis.

ALSHABAB;

The hands of Alshabab are dripping with Muslim blood. They have killed more Muslims in Somalia and elsewhere than any other faith adherents. The president of Somalia in his condolence message said “Somalis know too well what our brothers in Kenya are going through” How can they be fighting for Muslims and Islam when their biggest casualties are Muslims? They have engaged in wanton destruction of innocent lives and property. Their actions have nothing to do with Islam but have everything to do with politics and thirst for power. Their thirst for power is insatiable. They are quenching it with innocent blood.They can claim to represent whatever but let us judge them for what they are and not be swayed by their rhetoric.

The despicable nature of Alshabab activities need no over emphasis.

WE ARE ONE;

Kenyans have shown they can overcome any situation that is meant to tear us apart. The over pouring of support, sympathy and prayers for the victims is overwhelming. Kenyans will emerge from this stronger.Hard questions that need urgent answers linger in many Kenyans minds. But this is not the time to apportion blame. All prayers and efforts must be directed at those who are still in danger in the mall.