Brief Analysis Of The New Bin Laden Tape
Sep 17, 2007
By Ashraf Al-Iraqi | Jihad Unspun

Every time the world’s most sought after man, Sheikh Osama Bin Laden, issues a tape, the same old conspiracy theories crank up along with a few new ones that are rooted in the enemies of Islam and should not be believed by Muslims who frankly should know better.

At JUS, we are no strangers to the conspiracy grind, sourced from the opposition and often perpetuated by Muslims who remain in a state of denial over 911 for a host of reasons, most notably that they doubt the ability of Mighty Allah. Sheikh Osama bin Laden’s latest tape is yet another case of the weakened condition of the Muslims who look for any excuse to denounce it – and true Islam in the process.

Rumours of a “fake beard”, alleged inconsistencies in the timing of the release of the tape and a further alleged “lack of threat of attacks” really makes one scratch their heads in disbelief. So before you go jumping on the conspiracy bandwagon, which is exactly what the Kufr would like you to do, here are some points to consider:

1. The source of Sheikh’s latest tape is As-Sahab Media, Al-Qaida’s multi-media arm. If you are going to disqualify their latest work then you are nullifying all of their previous work in filming the Iraq and Afghanistan jihad and Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri over the past few years. Either either all of this body of work has been staged or your are suggesting that As-Sahab has been a willing participant in an act of deceit with the Americans. Are we accusing As-Sahab of being the CIA too???? May Allah forgive us for even the thought. Ameen.

2. The allegations of a fake beard show ignorance. Most of the Ahl As-Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah would rather die than trim their beards. What they do however is they wrap their lengthy beards inside their shirts which give the appearance of a full and tidy beard when required. The fullness of Sheikh Osama’s beard shows clearly that it has been tucked inside his shirt as many Muslim men do on special occasions.

3. The coloring of Sheikh’s beard is due to henna – a recommended practice for the Ahl As-Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah. Our Prophet (pbuh) used to henna his beard as did the majority of Muslims from the first generations of Islam and is a practice that is still continued to this day. Henna not only strengthens the beard but colors the grey and white that speckle the beards of even the young men who do not cut them and it is a recommended Sunnah practice.

4. There has been much criticism over the fact that Sheikh is addressing the American people directly, something he rarely used to do. It’s time to wake up and realize that Sheikh is not trapped in the same time warp the rest of us seem to be and he is changing his tactics as the situation changes. Furthermore, while we sit on our armchairs and complain that we have no leaders, here right in front of our eyes is a Caliph who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.

5. An interesting observation is that Sheikh does not refer to the events of 911 and the “Blessed New York and Washington Expeditions” in this fresh tape as he has in the past. Showing impeccable Muslim manners, Sheikh is talking directly the American people and appears to be exercising great sensitivity by referring to 911 as only the “11th”. While indeed, these events did change the compass, six years on it is obvious to all that America’s self-imposed super power status has dwindled in even the most patriotic of minds, and it is obvious to all that America and its allies are void of principles and justice. Sheikh rightfully addresses the matters at hand.

6. With respect to the “lack of message” or the lack of “threat” in Sheikh’s latest address, it's exactly the opposite. It is a requirement of the Mujahideen to offer three things to their opponents prior to fresh engagements; the opportunity to come to Islam and keep their territories, pay Jizah (tax) and coming under the protection of the Muslims while remaining non-Muslims or face the consequences of battle. In this case, the offer of Zakat would see America trying to throw more of their valueless paper money in an effort to buy peace and this option does not meet the four corners of the Shariah in this case.

In calling America to Islam, Sheikh is honouring his covenant with Allah and carrying out every Muslim's dream of the Caliphate rising and calling the unbelievers to Islam. If America were smart, it should be even more concerned by Sheikh's latest message for it surely is a battle cry, one that America, its allies and the Muslims should not take lightly. (JUS)