Latest news with #UthmanibnAffan
Memri
3 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Pashto-Language Afghan Outlet: 'Iran And Its Proxy Militant Organizations Were Given The Best Opportunity After The Iran-Israel War To Join The Islamic Ummah'
A Pashto-language article published by the Afghan media outlet Daily Shahadat recently accused Iran of applying a double standard in the Middle East, pointing out that Qassem Soleimani, the slain commander of the Al-Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), did not fire a single bullet at Israel despite being present in Syria and commanding a 150,000-strong militia. Titled "Iran's Deception And Its False Claims," the article claims Iran has been exploiting Shi'ite-Sunni divisions in the Islamic world, particularly in Syria, out of geopolitical interests. It notes that Iran launched propaganda against Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, despite his support for Iran during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025. The writer argues that although the war gave Iran an opportunity to join the Islamic Ummah, and to bury Shi'ite-Sunni divisions, "even now, it does not refrain from issuing threats; their irresponsible stance on the recent attacks in Syria, the unjust and extremely harsh treatment of Afghan refugees, attacks on Ahl al-Sunnah, assassinations of Sunni scholars in Yemen, and other such wicked acts indicate that Iran is once again following the same path." Following are excerpts from the article: "The Delayed Revolution Of Syria Also Fell Victim To These Same [Sunni-Shi'ite] Divisions; In Fact, Its Victory Was Delayed Because Of Them – Iran Supported Assad And Sent Shi'ite Proxy Terrorist Groups There, Giving This War A Sunni-Shi'ite Sectarian Color" "In the Islamic world, alongside the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, two ideologies were widely promoted. The Islamic world, which has been divided between Sunnis and Shi'ites, has experienced in its internal conflicts such misfortunes that perhaps its enemies had never caused it that much harm. Indeed, Islamic history has witnessed two of the most oppressed martyrdoms: one, the martyrdom of Uthman ibn Affan, and the other, the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali [grandson of Muhammad]. "The story then unfolded in such a way that the martyrdom of [the third Islamic caliph] Uthman ibn Affan was exploited by the Nasibis [those who hated the family of Muhammad] for their own political motives and goals... and the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali was exploited by the Rawafidh [rejectionist, a pejorative term for Shi'ite]. The sacred martyrdoms of these two great individuals are still being held hostage by these two groups. "Even today, they continue to manipulate these martyrdoms in political and emotional ways. These two factions have preserved exclusive rights over these two noble personalities and still take credit from them, leaving the ummah divided into two groups because of them. The roots of the Islamic world's cold wars, subsequent direct military conflicts, and even proxy wars, in one way or another, trace back to these very events. "After the Arab Spring, the delayed revolution of Syria also fell victim to these same divisions; in fact, its victory was delayed because of them. Iran supported Assad and sent Shi'ite proxy terrorist groups there, giving this war a Sunni-Shi'ite sectarian color, even though it was in reality a pure popular uprising against a non-Muslim, brutal, and tyrannical dictator. Eventually, Assad fled, Iran was disgraced, and Syria fell into the hands of a second group, whom the Iranians, out of extreme prejudice, even call 'Umayyads.'" "During The Entire Period Of Their Superman Qasem Soleimani's Presence In Syria, Along With His 150,000 Fighters... [Iranians] Did Not Fire Even A Single Bullet Toward Israel" "In any case, Iran considered this new revolutionary government to be pro-Israel and expressed an intention to react against them, while during the entire period of their Superman Qasem Soleimani's presence in Syria, along with his 150,000 fighters, they did not fire even a single bullet at Israel. "Last month [during the 12-day war, June 13-24, 2025], when Israel and the United States jointly bombed Iran's nuclear facilities and Iran came under widespread attacks, then... this same Umayyad ruler, that is, Syria's interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, very clearly stated: Although Iranian forces committed extreme atrocities against the Syrian people, we still announce our support and sympathy with them against Israel. "This same courageous stance was adopted by the entire Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaah [the Sunni world]. Even an Iran-opposing state like Saudi Arabia firmly declared its support for them and condemned Israel's attacks. "On the contrary, when Israel heavily bombed Damascus under the pretext of supporting the Druze community, although Iran officially condemned these attacks, all the other Shi'ite groups and Iran-aligned terrorists mocked the attacks and considered them a deserved punishment. At the very least, their social media accounts repeated this narrative. This, despite the fact that they portray themselves as enemies of Israel..." "As The World Learned Of Al-Joulani's Real Name, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Iran Launched Widespread Negative Messaging – They Claimed He Was An Israeli Spy" "Iran and its proxy terrorist groups leveled a few accusations against the interim Syrian government – for example: "Ahmad al-Sharaa (Abu Muhammad al-Joulani) was accused of being an Israeli spy "When al-Joulani came to power, Assad left Syria and managed to flee to Moscow. As the world learned of Al-Joulani's real name, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Iran launched widespread negative propaganda. They claimed he was an Israeli spy; that Israel had replaced Assad with him and handed Syria over to his embrace. But this was such a foolish slander that it was practically impossible to believe. Ahmad Al-Sharaa (image courtesy: Human Rights Watch) "Israel was actually the first to express concern over the Syrian revolution. Regarding Al-Joulani and [his jihadi group] Hayat Tahrir Al-Shaam, Israeli officials clearly stated that they had only changed in appearance, but in reality, they still held the same jihadi ideology and posed the greatest threat to Israel above anyone else. "Israel sought to expand the buffer zone and did not stop there; it attacked many military targets and continued this bloody campaign. Just yesterday [in late July 2025], it went so far as to bomb the Ministry of Defense and other important and sensitive centers under the false pretense of defending the Druze community. All of this is clear evidence of the falsehood of Iran's claims." "Iranian Media Published A False Report... Claiming That Ahmad Al-Sharaa Had Fled Syria"; "Just As Israel Holds Hopes In The Druze And Alawites, So Too Do Iran And Its Rejected Proxies Hold Hopes In Them" "False rumor about the Syrian president's escape "Iranian media published a false report..., claiming that Ahmad Al-Sharaa had fled Syria. They may have mistaken Ahmad Al-Sharaa for Bashar Al-Assad. The ones who actually fled Syria were those who had come from all corners of the world under the false pretext of defending the shrine of Zaynab [the grand-daughter of Muhammad, in Damascus], swearing oaths that they would remain until the last drop of their blood. "They drank the blood of the Syrian people and gathered around their destruction; they committed massacres and then left that very shrine behind just as it was and fled. They had looked at Ahmad Al-Sharaa through the lens of Qasem Soleimani, but this Arab lion gives up his life, not his ambush. His withdrawal is not for escape, but rather to prepare for a new and dangerous attack. "The surrender of the Druze and their entry into negotiations revealed his political maneuver. The way he brought certain figures to the frontlines and then prepared them for a ceasefire was a masterpiece, you will see it in his upcoming speech! Another interesting point is that just as Israel holds hopes in the Druze and Alawites, so too do Iran and its rejected proxies hold hopes in them. Is that not interesting too?" Ahmad Al-Sharaa: "Israeli Interference In The Southern Regions And Their Open Bombardments In Damascus Have Once Again Deteriorated The Situation In Suwayda" "During the time of Sultan Baybars [the king of Syria and Egypt, 1260-1277 CE], the enemy never knew where the Sultan was; they would always be left astonished when they saw the Sultan emerging from some ambush. Exactly the same way, the Iranians and their other proxies did not know where the lion (Al-Joulani) was; and that is why they spread the lie that he had fled Syria. "The one who attempts to flee is the one whose Kaaba is either Moscow or Washington. But this lion of the Golan Mountains, moments later, appeared live from the Presidential Palace and performed the funeral rites of the Iranian propaganda. With this, he proved that he is the hope of the Syrian people in their darkest days. Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran (image courtesy: Tehran Times) "The key points of his speech were as follows: "i) The international community has advised us that they should enter Suwayda and restore the country's security; but our objective is not to invite another war in the country. "ii) Israeli interference in the southern regions and their open bombardments in Damascus have once again deteriorated the situation in Suwayda. "iii) We appreciate the role of the United States, which confirmed support and unity for Syria and restrained Israel. "iv) The honorable Druze community cannot be blamed for the actions of a few individuals. "v) The incidents proved that the residents of Suwayda stand with the state, except for a small group. "vi) We appreciate the courageous stance of the tribes and call on them for a complete ceasefire. "vii) Syria is no longer a field for separatist agendas." "The Ahl Al-Sunnah [Sunni World] Had Announced Firm Support For Iran, But Unfortunately, Iran Continues Its Destructive Policies"; "Iran Will Again Not Take Even A Single Step Beyond The Slogan Of Death To [Israel, Death To America]" "Iran and its proxy militant organizations were given the best opportunity after the Iran-Israel war to join the Islamic Ummah. During those days, Ayatollah Khamenei issued a fatwa stating that Tabarra (insulting the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) is a forbidden act. The Ahl al-Sunnah had announced firm support for Iran, but unfortunately, Iran continues its destructive policies; it shows no commitment to the boundaries of brotherhood. "Even now, it does not refrain from issuing threats; their irresponsible stance on the recent attacks in Syria, the unjust and extremely harsh treatment of Afghan refugees, attacks on Ahl al-Sunnah, assassinations of Sunni scholars in Yemen, and other such wicked acts indicate that Iran is once again following the same path. Certainly, the end of this path is failure. "The Islamic world, and especially Syria, will regain its former glory, Allah willing! We believe that the armies of Palestine's liberation will cross the Syrian borders. The Egyptian, Jordanian, and Lebanese Pharaohs [i.e., hegemonic rulers] and Rawafidh will watch this scene with open eyes and then say that this too was America's will. Iran will again not take even a single step beyond the slogan of Death to [Israel, Death to America]." Source: (Afghanistan), July 21, 2025.
Spectator
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Did you know the world's oldest Quran is in Birmingham?
Tashkent, Uzbekistan I am in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. I am standing in a historic complex of madrasas and mosques, courtyards and dusty roses, and I am staring at the 'oldest Quran in the world'. It is a strange and enormous thing: written in bold Kufic script on deerskin parchment; it was supposedly compiled by Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph of Islam, who was murdered while reading it. And so it is, as I linger here and reverently regard the Book, while scrolling my phone for more fascinating info, that I discover the world's oldest Quran is actually in Birmingham. Yes, that's right, Birmingham, England. It's probably in some obscure library, lodged between a dissertation on post-colonial emojis and a flyer for Falafel Night. I can't help feeling Birmingham should make more of this – maybe to distract tourists from Birmingham. In other words, the Uzbek claim is a fib. Or at least a fabulation, an exaggeration, a concoction. But that, in a way, sums up this remarkable country, with its history of illusions and cruelties, Islam and Marxism, terrifying materialism and lyrical mysticism. It is a place of dreams and deceptions – and all of it alongside some of the most beautiful cities on earth. Tashkent, however, isn't one of them. Designed as something of a showpiece city for communism in Central Asia, it has big wide boulevards, bragging monuments, impressive metro stations and an awful lot of concrete. Nonetheless, there are raisins of prettiness amid the stodgy architectural plov (plov is the national dish around here – a kind of meaty, slow-cooked paella: it's an acquired taste). One of these occasional beauties is Tashkent's theatre, built in Islamo-Uzbek style and designed by the man who did Lenin's mausoleum in Red Square. It's as if the Alhambra mated with a coke dealer's palace. Try and catch a performance if you can. And now, the stomach stirs. You can do an awful lot of walking in sprawling Tashkent. And when you're hungry, there is only one place to go: Chorsu Bazaar, with its concrete UFO-ish dome protecting a compelling warren of cafés, pop-ups and fruit shacks, selling pickles and plov and cumin and steaming 'Uzbek lasagne'. There are sun-god bread-wheels and sliced fresh baklava, warm spicy samosas and fresh pomegranate juice – marvellously tart and refreshing on a hot sunny day, of which there are lots. There is a sheltered hall right by the market stalls where you can eat your food washed down with Coca-Cola or tamarind squash, or maybe a cold beer from the nearest booze-friendly corner shop. There's been a market here since the 2nd century, and it's likely changed a bit – e.g. they no longer trade Circassian slaves with the Tibetans – but it still thunders along merrily. Uzbeks say a good market is like your mother and father. If so, this family is particularly welcoming – albeit very noisy. Onward to Samarkand via – I am not joking – high-speed train. Even as Britain struggles to build 200 yards of cart track in West Bromwich, the Uzbeks have linked all their main cities with high-speed rail, including the tourist honeypots of Samarkand and Bukhara, and, very soon, Khiva. The trains are clean, fast, efficient. They are also incredibly cheap – like everything in Uzbekistan – and decidedly popular. What to say of Samarkand that has not been said before? Let me have a go. The historic sites are marvellous – from the extraordinary 15th-century Ulugh Beg Observatory, which includes a huge underground sextant like the buried curving rib of a god-giant, to the 7th-century pre-Islamic murals of Afrasiab, the city under Samarkand. These intoxicating murals, now in their own museum, depict a wildly cosmopolitan, almost psychedelic vision of a lost Silk Road world – where Chinese princesses ride elephants, Koreans in fur hats bring tribute, and Indian dignitaries wave incense at Central Asian deities. Even as Britain struggles to build 200 yards of cart track in West Bromwich, the Uzbeks have linked all their main cities with high-speed rail And then there's central Samarkand. And the Registan. If you've ever seen photos of Samarkand, this is what you will have seen. By day, the Registan must be one of the most beautiful public spaces in the world. It rivals St Mark's in Venice. Harmonious with its echoing arches and minarets, its ochres, cobalts and turquoise, the three madrasas and mosques are lavishly decorated with dancing lions and spinning stars – like a trio of wonky Taj Mahals dunked in a tub of Isfahan blue paint and decorated by Van Gogh in his starry night phase. By night, the Registan is even lovelier. The Uzbeks have mastered the art of nocturnal lighting. The square becomes a swooning dreamscape, with the Sher-Dor Madrasa lit in dusty yellow and pomegranate red – shimmery and sad-sweet, even as kids play beneath the spotlights, overseen by indulgent parents licking purple ice creams. Before you leave Samarkand, there is one other place you ought to visit: the Tomb of Tamerlane, the fearsome warlord who conquered half of Asia in one hell of a life. The gilded, golden-tiled interior of the crypt rivals anything at the Registan. The great man lies forever under a slab of nephrite jade, beneath a dome of lapis. Our last stop is Bukhara – which is only fitting as this is where old Uzbekistan finally fell. The city is like the Central Asian Cambridge to Samarkand's Oxford. Softer, more delicate, perhaps sadder, more ethereal. In the centre, you'll find a mini Registan and also some excellent poolside cafés for shish kebabs and tolerable wine. From here, mazy lanes extend into the old Jewish town, full of rumours, all the way back to the Ark. But my favourite spot, it turns out, is on the outskirts – at the summer palace of Amir al-Mu'minin. The Commander of the Faithful, Khan of the Manghit Dynasty, Shadow of God on Earth, Sultan of the Faithful and Sword of Islam. And the last Emir of Bukhara. In this quixotic palace – half Islamic, half European – the very last Emir lived a quite ridiculous life. He was surrounded by eunuchs, mystics, torturers, gramophones and a harem rumoured to number in the hundreds. He believed in djinn, held séances, smoked opium and consulted astrologers before making policy. He also wrote decorous Persian poetry and kept a wind-up automaton that bowed on command. In 1920, the Bolsheviks came for him, and he fled into the deserts of Afghanistan with trunks of gold, carriages of terrified dancers and prayer books coated with poison. It is said he died in Kabul in 1944, writing poignant verses for his lost Bukhara – even as he drank English gin in total silence. Like the Emir, my time here is almost done. So I retreat to the shady side of the last Emir's last harem. Once I would have been thrown in the infamous pit of vipers and spiders for my effrontery. These days it's a charming café, beside the mulberry trees. I recommend the excellent cakes. Cox & Kings offers a 12-day tour of Uzbekistan from £2,745 per person.
Gulf Today
06-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Public Libraries offer 15 million digital resources
In 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) celebrates its centennial anniversary and stands as a symbol of cultural and intellectual brilliance in the UAE and beyond. With a legacy rooted in preserving knowledge and fostering innovation, it has become one of the Middle East's leading cultural centres, providing access to over 791,328 diverse resources and unmatched global knowledge across various formats. Since its establishment, SPL has prioritised accessibility and the preservation of knowledge. Its collection includes rare manuscripts, books, audiovisual materials, Braille books, tapes, and videos, showcasing an extraordinary heritage serving local and international communities. Today, SPL has embraced advanced technologies, evolving into a global platform with over 15 million digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, journals, dissertations, and maps in more than 10 languages. The library's inclusivity shines through its offerings in 40 foreign languages, in addition to the Arabic and English, which meet the needs of a diverse audience of over 117 nationalities. One of SPL's standout features is its rare manuscripts section, which contains 3,102 unique works and houses 912 ancient books and manuscripts in five languages, including Arabic, English, French, Persian, and German. Among the treasures is a historical copy of the Holy Quran, believed to belong to Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, a replica of a copy preserved in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum. To make these invaluable resources widely accessible, SPL has developed a comprehensive digital database, allowing researchers to access historical manuscripts, books, maps, and documents from anywhere in the world. Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, SPL has taken significant strides to serve visually impaired individuals. A specialised hall has been established, offering Braille books, e-books, and assistive devices that create equal opportunities for learning and exploration. These advancements underscore SPL's mission to ensure that knowledge is a right available to all. SPL has redefined the library experience with comprehensive digital services, including electronic borrowing, membership registration, payment, and book returns, all designed for ease and efficiency. The introduction of 24/7 services, such as drive-through book returns and smart lockers, ensures that resources are accessible whenever and wherever they are needed.
Gulf Today
04-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
15m digital items highlight legacy of Sharjah Public Libraries
Sharjah: In 2025, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) celebrates its centennial anniversary and stands as a symbol of cultural and intellectual brilliance in the UAE and beyond. With a legacy rooted in preserving knowledge and fostering innovation, it has become one of the Middle East's leading cultural centres, providing access to over 791,328 diverse resources and unmatched global knowledge across various formats. From manuscripts to digital marvelsSince its establishment, SPL has prioritised accessibility and the preservation of knowledge. Its collection includes rare manuscripts, books, audiovisual materials, Braille books, tapes, and videos, showcasing an extraordinary heritage serving local and international communities. Today, SPL has embraced advanced technologies, evolving into a global platform with over 15 million digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, journals, dissertations, and maps in more than 10 languages. The library's inclusivity shines through its offerings in 40 foreign languages, in addition to the Arabic and English, which meet the needs of a diverse audience of over 117 nationalities. A treasure trove of history One of SPL's standout features is its rare manuscripts section, which contains 3,102 unique works and houses 912 ancient books and manuscripts in five languages, including Arabic, English, French, Persian, and German. Among the treasures is a historical copy of the Holy Quran, believed to belong to Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, a replica of a copy preserved in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum. To make these invaluable resources widely accessible, SPL has developed a comprehensive digital database, allowing researchers to access historical manuscripts, books, maps, and documents from anywhere in the world. Pioneering accessibility for the visually impaired Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, SPL has taken significant strides to serve visually impaired individuals. A specialised hall has been established, offering Braille books, e-books, and assistive devices that create equal opportunities for learning and exploration. These advancements underscore SPL's mission to ensure that knowledge is a right available to all. Seamless digital services SPL has redefined the library experience with comprehensive digital services, including electronic borrowing, membership registration, payment, and book returns, all designed for ease and efficiency. The introduction of 24/7 services, such as drive-through book returns and smart lockers, ensures that resources are accessible whenever and wherever they are needed.
