Aafia Siddiqui a political prisoner and prisoner of war being held under conditions that violate the U.S. Constitution's theoretical guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment :El-Hajj Mauri' Saalakhan (The Peace Thru Justice Foundation)
The Name of The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful
Solidarity Statement with the International Campaign
For
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
On the occasion of the second anniversary of the wrongful conviction and sentencing of a committed Muslimah by the name of Aafia Siddiqui – a political prisoner and prisoner of war being held under conditions that violate the U.S. Constitution's theoretical guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment, and Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which theoretically guarantees "Freedom from torture and degrading treatment" – we salute the men and women of conscience who gather at the U.S. Embassy in London (and other venues in the global community) to raise their voices on behalf of the voiceless.
Sheikh Ibn Taymeeyah (may ALLAH be pleased with him) correctly noted many generations ago:
"Civilization is based on justice, and the consequences of oppression are devastating; therefore it is said, ALLAH aids the Just State even if it is non-Muslim; yet withholds His Help from the Oppressive State, even if it is Muslim." With this in mind, it is self-evident that the action you are taking for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is an action you are taking for us all. May ALLAH bless you for it!
Of particular note, I wish to thank The Justice For Aafia Coalition (JFAC) for the phenomenal work they have been doing, on a consistent basis, to help lead the global campaign for our sister's release and repatriation; and I pray that they receive consistent communal support commensurate with their noble efforts.
For those in England (and beyond) who are still fence-sitting on this extremely important issue of international precedent-setting consequence, I end with the memorable words of white South African Alan Paton in Cry the Beloved Country:
"I shall no longer ask myself if this or that is expedient; only if it is right. I do it not because I am noble or unselfish; but because life slips away, and I need for the rest of my journey a star that will not play false to me, a compass that will not lie. I do it because I can no longer aspire to the highest with one part of myself, yet deny it with the other."
Standing UP for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is the right thing to do! May ALLAH bless your noble efforts on the occasion of this dark anniversary, and may it be an elevating inspiration for us all.
In the never-ending struggle for peace thru justice,
El-Hajj Mauri' Saalakhan
The Peace Thru Justice Foundation
United States of America
Dhul Qidah 1433 A.H. (Sept 23, 2012)