Peace, one and all…
I turned on BBC news this morning to be greeted with their newly unfolding story regarding a car bomb found in central London. Apparently, so the early reports suggest, members of the public reported a suspicious car driving along Haymarket (near Piccadilly Circus) at 2:00 am this morning. It seems that the driver of the car crashed it into some dustbins before running off into the night. When police investigated the situation, they found a ‘potentially viable explosive device’. In other words, it seems that they discovered a car bomb, of an as yet indeterminate size.
Although the situation is clearly unfolding by the minute, a bomb going off in the West End of London at 2:00 am would have caused serious harm. For those unfamiliar with London’s night life, this part of the city is the entertainment centre, and is extremely busy at this time of night.
Of course, our thoughts immediately turn to al-Qaeda and others of a similar ilk. At this moment in time, I’d like to make a suggestion: let’s wait and see before we jump to conclusions, and say (or especially do) anything we may later regret.
If it is the work of a Muslim, though (and it’s still an if at this stage), let me state unequivocally that I condemn such acts. The bombing of civilian targets has no place in Islam. For further useful information, see this fatwa of a leading Islamic scholar (it is rather long, but certainly worthwhile).
Ya Qahhar! Save us from ourselves, lest we destroy this world which You have made.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Tess said:
Well said.
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Tess,
Thank you. In days like these, calm heads need to prevail. Insha Allah (God willing), this will be so in the coming days, whatever the outcome.
Abdur Rahman
Nobody Important said:
Al Qaida is not in the habot of bombing civilian party.gathering spots. Every target they have ever had was a Western financial institution, a millitary institution, or Western government institution. Also, Alqaida plans well enough not to gather attention until too late – sometimes for more than a decade. If this is the work of Muslims, it is not likely Al Qaida.
Unfortunately, idiots and terrorists come from all walks of life, all causes, and all “reasonings”. Let’s be thankful they found the bomb on time.
Maya said:
Hello! I found you by way of Tess’ site, Anchors and Masts. I have spent the last half hour perusing your site and I find it immensely interesting. Beautifully done. I was very surprised to see a link to my site on your “Fellow Travelers” page and I want to thank you. What a welcoming place when often people of firm religious convictions end up at odds with one another. I will be linking to you as well.
As for the car bomb situation, there are those of us who don’t immediately think every Muslim is suspect in cases like these. I’ve lived with Muslims in my life here and abroad and I’m glad I am not subject to prejudices that rage against them nowadays.
Peace to you!
The Imugi said:
I am very grateful the bomb was able to be defused by the London Police. Would that they could so easily defuse unnecessary suspicion and resentment in the hearts of all people!
I sincerely hope and pray for the safety and peace of you and your family, Abdur, and for the safety and peace of the entire Islamic and Asian community in the U.K.
May we all learn to respond to hatred and fear with love, mercy, understanding, and forgiveness.
Amir said:
Hi,
Thank U Mr abdu rahman
of course
i’ll be happy if…
just dont erase the sign on photo
thanks
sirojs said:
Thank you for a good cautionary word on judgment. We often assume something too quickly and false assumptions can be very damanging.
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Nobody Important,
Yes. Idiots come from all walks of life, all creeds and all nations. Would that it were not so, but alas, it is. And, again, let us all be thankful that they found the bombs in time.
I know little of the workings of al-Qaeda. At this stage, given the paucity of information, I don’t think it matters who did these things. My point was just that before we all launch into another round of hasty action, let’s all pause for a moment.
Thank you for your comments. Allah bless you and all that you do.
Abdur Rahman
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Maya,
I found your worthy blog through Anchors and Masts myself. I spent a little time reading through your blog and then added you to my links page. I hope that was OK.
Most people that I’ve met are generally accepting and tolerant of different ideas and faiths. Those who are intolerant are in the minority, despite the image portrayed by the media.
At any rate, I hope that those responsible are caught soon before they hurt anyone.
Ya Allah!
Abdur Rahman
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Imugi,
Thank you for your prayers. May God bless you and yours, now and evermore.
The only way to defuse suspicion and hatred is through dialogue.
May good people everywhere come together to put a stop to this unfortunate cycle of violence.
Al hamdu lillah, for my own part, I do not live anywhere near central London (though I am originally from that part of the world).
Abdur Rahman
Abdur Rahman said:
Salaams Amir,
Thank you. Jazak Allah. I certainly won’t remove the logos.
Abdur Rahman
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Siroj,
Hasty judgements are rarely the correct ones, I’m afraid.
Abdur Rahman
akash said:
Hi Abdur ,
I am relieved that you and your family are safe.
I agree with you. Let us not get into the blaming game.
Let us not jump to prejudised conclusions.
Let us condemn the act – in one voice.
Whoever has done it was not in his/her senses.
peace ,
Akash
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Akash,
Thank you for your concern. May Allah bless you.
May God protect us all.
Abdur Rahman
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goldenferi said:
This has been a very concerning time. I am glad to see your words here as it concerns me when people rush to judgement on these things. I am not affected but one I care about deeply is. It is a source of worry for me.
Goldenferi
Abdur Rahman said:
Peace Goldenferi,
May Allah protect your loved one. May Allah soon bring those responsible to justice.
And may God lighten your burden of concern.
Abdur Rahman
Barbara said:
Salaams dearest Abdur,
After not seeing any updates on your site for a few days and then seeing this news on TV, I started praying you and your family were safe! What a scare! May Allah keep you and all your fellow brothers of humanity living in Great Britain safe.
This is amazing! I couldn’t believe two of them were doctors! I don’t know about there, but here in California, when doctor’s take the oath of becoming a doctor, it’s to save lives.
May Allah guide us all through the intentions of our loving hearts.
Barbara
Abdur Rahman said:
Salaams Barbara,
Thank you for your concern and your prayers. May Allah bless you, now and always.
Amin to your prayers.
I too feel that it is very strange for doctors to be involved in this. Ya Allah! What a strange and unjust situation. Ya Allah! Bring them to justice swiftly.
Abdur Rahman