Category: Countries

New release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: "The Introduction of 'Shaykh Mawlāwī Hībat Allah Akhūnd Zādah'"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

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الحمد لله رب العالمين والعاقبة للمتقين والصلاة والسلام على اشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين وعلى آله واصحابه ومن اهتدى بهديه وسار على نهجه اجمعين وبعد! بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم (مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ رِجالٌ صَدَقُوا ما عاهَدُوا اللَّهَ عَلَيْهِ فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ قَضى‏ نَحْبَهُ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَنْتَظِرُ وَما بَدَّلُوا تَبْدِيلًا 23 لِيَجْزِيَ اللَّهُ الصَّادِقِينَ بِصِدْقِهِمْ وَيُعَذِّبَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ إِن شَاء أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ غَفُوراً رَحِيماً 24) الاحزاب Translation: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they had made with ALLAH. Some of them have fulfilled their vow, and there are others who wait, and they have not changed in the least. That ALLAH may reward the truthful for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if HE so please, or turn to them in mercy. Verily, ALLAH is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.) Afghanistan has been the graveyard for foreign invaders. It is the symbol of honor, valor and glories. It is the dwelling of heroes and epoch-makers. And it is the learning center for Jihad, martyrdom and sacrifices. Besides the epoch-making Conquerors and Mujahidin – great scholars, Muslim Jurists, Mohaddisin (i.e. well-versed scholars in the traditions of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him) and Mufassirin (exegetical writers of the Holy Quran) of this country have rendered historical services in the field of education. If on one hand, Mehmood of Ghazni, Shihabuddin of Ghore and Ahmad Shah Abdali have ruled on the Indian sub-continent and have emancipated the Muslim masses of the area from tyrannies; then on the other hand, Legists, Muhaddisin and Mufassirin like Imam Abu Da’ud of Sajistan, Sheikh Mohammad s/o Mohammd s/o Bakr of Khulm, Imam Abu Laise of Smarqand and Imam Ibn Hubban of Bust have candled various parts of the Muslim world with their narratives and knowledge. Families of brilliant-stars in Islamic Jurisprudence and other fields of knowledge have migrated from Kabul, Helmond, Herat, Balkh and various other parts of Afghanistan and have settled in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and Damascus, the renowned seats of Islamic Caliphate; by rendering historical services in the fields of Islamic Jurisprudence, traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the exegetical writings of the Holy Quran. ‘Imam Abu Hanifa’ (blessings be upon him), one of the four greatest Muslim Jurists, followed in the Muslim world, and ‘Mak-hool Shami’ (blessings be upon him), a renowned scholar and narrator of the traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), actually belonged to Afghanistan. These well-versed scholars established great seats of Islamic studies and learnings inside Afghanistan, in which, hundreds of thousands scholars were educated and trained for guiding and serving the Muslim masses throughout the history. This sequence of learning and teaching has been incessant inside Afghanistan from its inauguration in 202 Hijri era (nearly 817 A.D) till today. This process has played a vital role in reviving and promoting religious studies in Afghanistan, by training competent scholars in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence, narrations of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), exegesis of the Holy Quran, balaghat (i.e. figures of speech), rhetoric and grammar (both syntax and conjugation). The distinctive features of the scholars qualified from this system of Afghanistan are that besides religious studies, they are practically trained by their faithful teachers to defend their creed and country in the times of need. The role of these jihadi scholars is inestimable and more prominent than anyone in all those historical fighting which are fought by Afghan freedom fighters against the infidel forces either inside or outside the country. For instance, the historical conquest of major part of Indian sub-continent by Mahmood of Ghazni in 388 Hijri era (997 A.D) was undertaken under the direction and guidance of Ulema (i.e. religious scholars). During the reign of ‘Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori’ on the Indian sub-continent in 559 Hijri era (=1163 A.D), these religious scholars were holding high ranking posts in the government setup. In 1160 Hijri era (=1746 A.D), when ‘Ahmad Shah Abdali’, the great ruler of Afghanistan, sent forces to help the Indian Muslims, the motive behind it was the Jihadi inspirations and guidance of the then revered Indian scholars. In 1255 Hijri era (= 1838 A.D), the responsibility of those Mujahidin who were resisting against the English invasion of Afghanistan were bore by the Jihadi scholars of that time. In 1978 A.D, after a despicable coup of internal communist elements instigated by Russians, which resulted in the devastative invasion of the then Soviet Union over Afghanistan in 1979, the command and guidance of Afghan Mujahid masses were also in the hands of the scholars. And, in the recent past, the foundation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was also laid down by these scholars, which was first headed by the late ‘Amir-ul-Mominin’ Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) and then ‘the martyred ‘Amir-ul-Mominin’ Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor’ (may his soul rest in peace). After these two pious and courageous leaders, now the responsibility of leading the Islamic Emirate is given to the well-known and well-versed scholar of the country, Sheikh Moulavi Hibatullah Akhunzada’ (may Allah safeguard him). In the following lines, his introduction and biography is shared with the esteemed readers. His birth and early growth: Sheikh Moulavi Hibatullah Akhunza (son of Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan and the grandson of Moulana Khudai Raheem) was born in a pious and highly learned family in ‘Nakhuni’ village of ‘Panjwai’ district in ‘Kandahar’ province on Thursday 19th October 1967 (Rajab 15, 1387 Hijri era). He completed his first learning stage under the scholarly auspices and patronage of his father in his own area. His Family: The scholarly family of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ is well-known for learning, dignity and piety for ages. The actual dwelling place of this family was ‘Takhta-Pul’ district of ‘Kandahar’ province, who later shifted to ‘Pajwai’ district of the same province. The honorable ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was born in ‘Nakhuni’ village of this newly adopted dwelling place by his family. His father ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ was a famous and eminent legist and highly learned figure among his contemporary scholars enjoying a distinguished social and educational credibility. He, as a religious scholar, had a prominent role in educating and guiding the local people towards the right path. He was a teacher, a preacher and a reformer in his area, where he had prepared and trained numerous pupils to serve and defend the sacred religion. On Thursday 27th April 1978, when the local communists, headed by ‘Noor Mohammad Taraki’, seized power in Kabul in a military coup, ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ was one of the foremost valiant Jihadi scholars who rose and resisted against the communists and their infidel regime. The local Muslim masses, who had already been under the deep influence and inspiration of ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’, strongly supported him and largely participated in his Jihadi struggle. Consequently, this move was regarded as a threat and challenge for the infidel communists and their illegitimate rule; therefore, they planned to eliminate the real instigator of this Jihadi uprising. The security forces of the then infidel government, raided the house and madrassa of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ to arrest him, but he was saved by the grace of Almighty Allah; then he migrated to ‘Rague’ (i.e. the desert) area of ‘Kandahar’ province, where he launched practical struggle against the communist regime in collaboration with other Mujahidin, devoted for this cause. With the expansion and gradual success of Jihadi resistance, ‘Sheikh Moulavi Mohammad Khan’ returned to populated areas and sustained his Jihadi and educational services till the end of his life. After the death of his father and due to the increased atrocities of the then Soviet invaders, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ had to abandon his abode and village like hundreds of thousands of other countrymen and migrated to the neighboring Pakistan, and settled in the refugees camp of ‘Jungle Pir Alizai’ in the border province of ‘Baluchistan’, by accepting all the obstacles and inconveniences of life like all other refugees, for the sake of liberating his beloved homeland and establishing an Islamic sovereign rule there. His religious education: ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was the second one among the male descendants of his father who received his early education locally from his own father. He learnt recitation of the Holy Quran, grammar and literature of Arabic language, rhetoric and Islamic Jurisprudence from his revered and scholarly father. After completing his early and intermediate education, he left for the well-known regional madrassas and educational institutions for getting higher studies. There, he completed all the essential and customary studies, and in 1411 Hijri era (1991 A.D) completed his final year in Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) from celebrated and distinguished regional scholars ‘Moulavi Mohammad Jan Agha Sahib’ and ‘Moulavi Habibullah Sahib’. In this way, he accomplished his higher Islamic studies and was awarded accordingly. His Jihadi and Political struggle: When ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was near the completion of his studies, armed resistance against the then Soviet invasion was at its peak. It was a time when every Afghan, especially the youth belonging to religious and scholarly families were quite eager to participate in different Jihadi fronts for fighting against the then foreign invaders and their internal communist puppets. ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ a descendant of a learned and pious family, was more enthusiastic than anyone else to fight against the Soviet invaders and their internal communist puppets, both on ideological as well as Jihadi fronts. Even, during his studies, he had a schedule to spend time on various fronts with Mujahidin. During the annual holidays of madrassas, he used to join the group of a well-known Jihadi commander ‘Mullah Haji Mohammad Akhund’ in ‘Kandahar’ province for practical Jihadi struggle against the then Soviet invaders and their internal stooge communist forces. The Jihadi group of ‘Mullah Haji Mohammad Akhund’ was famous throughout the south-western zone of Afghanistan, in which, prominent Taliban leaders like the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace) and the deputy ministerial head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ‘Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hasan’ and several other key figures had served and fought against the Soviet invaders. In the early phase of Jihad against the Soviet invasion, this Jihadi front was linked with ‘Harkat-i-Inqilab-i-Islami’ (i.e. Islamic Revolutionary Movement – one of the seven major Jihadi groups formed by Mujahidin) headed by late ‘Moulavi Mohammad Nabi Mohammadi’. Later, it was annexed and supported by ‘Hizb-i-Islamic’ party under the leadership of late ‘Moulavi Mohammad Younus Khalis’. ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was one of the prominent members of this Jihadi front who was known and respected among all other Mujahidin for his Jihadi status and learning prestige. He had participated in joint military and Jihadi operations with both previous leaders of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, (i.e. late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid and the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor) and was also wounded in one of those operations. Though ‘Sheikh Sahib’ spent most of his time in Jihadi activities and training and educating other Mujahidin, but he managed various Jihadi groups known as ‘roommates’ in the south-western zone of the country, particularly in ‘Kandahar’ province. Even during practical participation in various Jihadi fronts, Sheikh Sahib’s main concentration was on the ideological training and awareness of Mujahidin against the infidels and other misled or astray factions; because the atheist communists and their foreign Soviet supports had not only invaded the territory of our beloved homeland, rather they had launched a widespread anti-religious propaganda to mislead our pious Muslim masses; and on many occasions, defying ideological invasion becomes even more essential and difficult as compared to military invasion. This was the main reason, that both in war front as well as inside madrassa, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was deeply focused on the mental and ideological training and vigilance of Mujahidin, thus playing a magnificent and key role in this regard. His distinction in teaching religious studies: ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ has been excellent and well-versed in teaching religious studies especially Islamic jurisprudence, exegesis of the Holy Quran and Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). After completing his studies in 1411 Hijri era (1991 A.D), besides all other Jihadi and administrative activities, he has been constantly teaching these subjects and has imparted knowledge to numerous students who came to seek it. He has been entitled as ‘Sheikh’ which means that he is well-versed in teaching ‘As-sihah as-sitta’ [i.e. the six most trustworthy and authentic collections of the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)]. His chain of narrators, on which Traditions are based, un-interruptedly reaches to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) via ‘Sheikh-ul-Hadith Moulavi Mohammad Jan Agha Sahib’ and ‘Sheikh-ul-Hadith Moulavi Habibullah Sahib’. His founding role in the Islamic Movement of Taliban: After the withdrawal of the then Soviet invaders from Afghanistan and the collapse of communist regime, unfortunately inter-factional fighting erupted in various parts of the country. But ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’, like other pious and sincere Mujahidin of his group, took no part in these factional fighting, and resumed their educational and reformation activities. Though ‘Kandahar’ province was a boiling center of these factional fighting and several local commanders were involved in it, but ‘Sheikh Sahib’, as a teacher and director of a Jihadi front, resumed his actual task of teaching and guiding the people to the right path. When the Islamic Movement of Taliban was founded under the leadership of late ‘Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace)’ against factional fighting and anarchy, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’, from the very beginning, shouldered the founder of this movement as a devoted and sincere Jihadi companion. With the rapid advance of the Islamic Movement of Taliban in south-western zone of the country and with the revival of administration there, military courts were also restored in ‘Kandahar’ province. In these courts, prominent and skilled figures on the national level were designated, and ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ was one of them, as he was known to the leadership of this movement for his high learning, keen legal perception and piety even in previous Jihadi-era. His appointment as head of the military court: In 1996, when Kabul, the capital city, came under the control of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ was appointed as the head/director of military court in Kabul by a special decree of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace). Having disciplined these courts and achieved necessary reforms inside Kabul city, he was appointed as head/director of military court in the eastern zone of the country. After the revival of military court in the eastern zone, especially in ‘Nangarhar’ province, and actively serving there for two years, he came back to Kabul as directed by late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid, and served there as the head of military court till the end. Why as in-charge of the military court? One of the distinguishing features of the Islamic Emirate was the implementation of law and order and the restoration of peace inside the country, which was an undeniable fact even confessed by the enemies of the Islamic Emirate. Besides other reforms, the implementation of ‘Hudud’ (i.e. the prescribed punishments) had specific role in the restoration of peace and stability in a war-stricken country. In the beginning, heads of all organs including admin, security and judiciary were inexperienced and the security situation was fragile, but it was only due to the implementation of those ‘prescribed punishments’ which restored peace and stability in a country ravaged by war and anarchy for nearly two decades. The execution of Sharia law can only guarantee the restoration of peace and stability, if it is implemented according to the true spirit of Islamic rules and regulations. Therefore, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate was deeply concerned in appointing efficient and skilled people as the head of courts and judiciary, who should be qualified and well-informed about the purpose and philosophy of Sharia law in the implementation of ‘prescribed punishments’ in the light of the Holy Quran, Traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and the Islamic jurisprudence. ‘Sharia courts’ were responsible for the supervision and implementation of the ‘prescribed punishments’; whereas military courts were responsible for checking and controlling military and security forces of the Islamic Emirate in various Jihadi fronts. So it was quite essential to appoint someone as head of the military courts who has been talented with professional skills and discerning power in judging and executing rules of Sharia Law. On the other hand, two criteria are indispensable for appointing someone on crucial executive posts, one is his Jihadi record and the second is knowledge. ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’, as admitted and confirmed by his professional colleagues, was endowed with both these qualities; therefore, he was appointed by the late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) for the crucial and sensitive task of the military courts.  There were some considerations and expediencies in this selection of late Amir-ul-Mominin (may his soul rest in peace) which are specified as under:
  • Military court was the most crucial organ in the capital city Kabul which was designated with the implementation of ‘prescribed punishments’.
  • On one hand, the execution of ‘prescribed punishments’ was essential for the restoration of peace and reformation of society; on the other hand, the learning, legal perception and precision of the executor was equally essential.
  • Similarly, besides the above talents, the executor should be a considerate and a sympathetic person.

Late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid (may his soul rest in peace) had already discerned these potentials in ‘Sheikh Sahib’, therefore, he was designated for this vital post. Before the implementation of ‘Qisas’ (i.e. retaliatory punishment) by judges and professionals of military court, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ personally used to ask the heirs of the murdered for remittance and forgiveness for the murderer by reminding them teachings of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) related to clemency for the murderer.
In this process, he used to ask the elders and white-bearded people present on the occasion to assist him in convincing the heirs of the murdered person by interceding them on behalf of the murdered for mercy and forgiveness.
He used to ask the heirs of the murdered person not as an authority, but as a religious scholar and dignitary to pardon the murderer. In most cases, due to his constant efforts, the people who were indicted for retaliatory punishments, were pardoned by the heirs of the murdered person; thus finding a new chance of life.
Similarly, in criminal cases, whenever a decision was taken by related judges, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ used to leave no stone unturned by analyzing the rules and regulations of Islamic jurisprudence and taking full advantage from the concessions given therein. He used to pave for closing down the execution of such punishments by using the well-known rule which says that retaliatory punishments are annulled for suspicions.
The above description shows that ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ has played his role quite successfully and faithfully as a vigilant, careful, self-controlled, sympathetic and compassionate in-charge, in the implementation of Sharia rules and regulations, in one of the most authorized judicial organ of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Even today, having these talents and potentials, he is faithful and committed to accomplish the sacred objectives of Jihad by following and executing rules and regulations of Islamic Sharia Law.
His vital role in re-launching Jihad against the foreign invasion:
In 2001, when Afghanistan was invaded by American invaders, collaborated by their western allied coalition forces, and the leadership of the Islamic Emirate resumed the organization and co-ordination of Mujahidin after a short tactical interval; ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’, supported and accompanied by other responsible people, played an effective and leading role in the revival and organization of Jihad against the new foreign invaders.
In the beginning, due to strict surveillance and tracing of American invading forces, it was nearly impossible to carry out any Jihadi activity, but ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ untiringly worked hard along-with some other heroic scholars and dignitaries at that critical and challenging stage in gathering and organizing Mujahidin to stand once again in front of the new tyrants and brutal invaders.
Late ‘Sheikh Ghulam Haider’, ‘martyred Sheikh Abdul Salam’ and ‘honorable Sheikh Abdul Hakeem (may Allah protect him)’ were the main and heroic figures who worked indefatigably with ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ to invite and unite the Muslim masses of our country to resist and fight against the infidel crusade invaders. Due to his deep learning, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was quite successful in inviting and convincing the people in the light of Quranic teachings and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) by telling them that defending our creed and country is one of the foremost obligations which cannot be avoided.
Convincing and bringing together the empty handed and war-wearied people to confront and fight against the coalition of crusaders headed by brutal American invaders and armed with sophisticated weapons and modern technology, was not an easy task.
Though the heroic Afghan people fought bravely against the former Soviet invaders; nearly one and a half million were martyred; seven millions became refugees; and millions more were incarcerated, wounded and crippled; but unfortunately, due to the resentments among some group leaders which gradually resulted in inter-factional fighting, all these sacrifices went in-vain; thus making the Muslim Afghan masses deeply frustrated and disappointed.
But it was the courage and determination of ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ and his devoted colleagues who untiringly worked hard and persuaded the Afghan people through their constant efforts, scholarly speeches and logical arguments which inspired a new courage and enthusiasm among the wearied and frustrated Afghan masses to confront and resist against the international infidel alliance headed by American invaders.
During this resistance process, the Muslim Afghan masses proved that even though they are exhausted and empty handed, but they can and they will fight and participate in Jihad against the new foreign invaders as they are confident and assured that the eventual triumph will be theirs, as promised by Almighty Allah.
Actually it was the courage and strong determination of brave leaders like ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ and his faithful colleagues that encouraged and inspired Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate and the Muslim masses of our country; which resulted in a humiliating and embarrassing defeat for American super power and NATO – the greatest military alliance of crusade forces in the world.
In the last fifteen years of this successful resistance and Jihadi struggle against the foreign invaders, ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada’ has served in various organs of the Islamic Emirate, like ‘Invitation and Guidance’ commission and the general directorate of court of cassation, etc.
As deputy head of the Islamic Emirate:
In 2015, when the passing away of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid was revealed and the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may their souls rest in peace) was announced as the new Amir (head) of the Islamic Emirate, then ‘Sheikh Hibatullah Sahib’ was appointed as the deputy head.
The martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor was bestowed with an extraordinary sense of discerning the capable and talented people. He knew all the key figures working in different organs and ranks of the Islamic Emirate and had designated them in posts corresponding to their skills and proficiencies.
‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was one of those dignitaries whose learning and working abilities and his popularity among all ranks of Mujahidin was realized by the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace). Therefore, in the new setup, ‘Sheikh Sahib’ was appointed as the deputy head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, for taking maximum advantage from his academic and administrative skills.
This appointment was quite accurate and successful, because it largely helped the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin to keep all admins and field Mujahidin united and saved them from disintegration.
‘Sheikh Sahib’ worked actively as the deputy head of the Islamic Emirate for complete ten months. In the meantime, threats and pressures of the wicked American invaders and their supporters were intensified against the leadership of the Islamic Emirate.
After formally announcing the passing away of the founding leader of the Islamic Emirate, a few persons did not agree with the appointment of the new leader. At that time, it ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah’ who played a significant and constructive role in convincing the differing elements and keeping all of them integrated.
At that historical juncture, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ left no stone unturned to keep Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate united. For this purpose, he held several meetings with renowned scholars, national figures and Jihadi commanders, in which, he was concentrated on the benefits and strength of unity under one leadership.
These efforts proved successful, and Mujahidin were saved from division as they remained united under the leadership of the martyred Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may his soul rest in peace). All key figures and field commanders of Mujahidin unanimously supported the new Amir and pledges of allegiance and an oath of fighting against the savage American invaders and their foreign allied and internal mercenary forces, were received from all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.
As the new head and Amir-ul-Mominin of the Islamic Emirate:
On Saturday 21st May 2016, when ‘Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansoor’ (may his soul rest in peace) was martyred in a drone strike of the American invaders, ‘Sheikh Sahib Hibatullah Akhunzada’ was appointed as the new head (Amir) with the unanimous consent of all members of the leading council of the Islamic Emirate; while ‘Khalifa Sahib Sirajuddin Haqqani’ and ‘Moulvi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid (son of late Amir-ul-Mominin Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid)’ were appointed as the deputy leaders of the Islamic Emirate.
The appointment of ‘Sheikh Sahib’ as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate is one of the main causes and assurances for sustaining the ongoing Jihad against the savage American invaders and their allied forces, by keeping all ranks of Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate united

Weekly Eye on ISIS in Libya Update – December 13, 2016

Posted on by libyaanalysis

ISIS in Action
On 6 December, the Government of National Accord (GNA)-aligned Misratan-led al-Bunyan al-Marsus (BM) forces celebrated the takeover of the final ISIS held area in Sirte (al-Jiza al-Bahriya).  Footage and photographs showed BM forces rescuing the last groups of women and children who had been held by ISIS in this area. BM forces also arrested Fozy al-Ayat, the ISIS commander of al-Jiza al-Bahriya, and the brother of Waleed al-Furjani, an important ISIS commander.  This marks the territorial defeat of ISIS in Sirte, however full control has not yet been formally announced. The search for any remaining ISIS fighters in the area is ongoing and there are still a high number of mines and IEDs littered throughout the city. There is a high risk of ISIS fighters conducting guerrilla or terrorist-style attacks in Sirte and the surrounding area.
As the bodies of ISIS fighters are collected in Sirte (over 400 bodies have reportedly been collected in the past few days), many are being identified as being from Derna. These are likely to be ISIS fighters who were originally stationed in Derna but withdrew on 19 April from the battle against the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council (DMSC) and Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) in the city. However, local informed sources say that there are still a large number of Dernawi fighters who remain missing and unaccounted for, indicating that these fighters may have escaped from Sirte and may still present a threat to Derna.
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A weekly update of ISIS’s actions, the Western response, and developments pertaining to Libya’s other militias is available by subscribing here.  To read about Western countries’ responses to ISIS in Libya this week, click here. To read the Eye on ISIS in Libya Team’s blog post about the actions of other jihadi actors, click here. And to read their explanation of the developments within the anti-ISIS Coalition of Libyan militias, click here.
To read all four sections of this week’s Eye on ISIS in Libya report, click here. To subscribe to receive this report weekly into your inbox, sign up on the subscribe page.
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New issue of Anṣār al-Sharī’ah in the Arabian Peninsula’s newspaper: “al-Masrā #33"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

For prior newspapers see: #32, #31, #30, #29, #28, #27, #26, #25, #24, #23, #22, #21, #20, #19, #18, #17, #16, #15, #14, #13, #12, #11, #10, #9, #8,#7, #6, #5, #4, #3, #2 and #1.
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Click the following link for a safe PDF copy: al-Masrā Newspaper #33
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To inquire about a translation for this newspaper issue for a fee email: [email protected]

Check out a new United States Institute of Peace paper based on a working group I was in: "The Jihadi Threat: ISIS, Al Qaeda and Beyond"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin
cover Cover Photo: ©Zabelin/iStock The Jihadi Threat: ISIS, Al Qaeda and Beyond The West failed to predict the emergence of al- Qaeda in new forms across the Middle East and North Africa. It was blindsided by the ISIS sweep across Syria and Iraq, which at least temporarily changed the map of the Middle East. Both movements have skillfully continued to evolve and proliferate— and surprise. What’s next? Twenty experts from think tanks and universities across the United States explore the world’s deadliest movements, their strategies, the future scenarios, and policy considerations. This report reflects their analysis and diverse views. This report is a collaboration by 20 experts on the Middle East, Islamic extremism, and jihadism who held a series of conferences between August and November 2016. “The Jihadi Threat” reflects the broad— and often diverse— views of the coauthors. Not every one agreed on all points, but the variety of findings, trend lines, and scenarios for the future covers the best thinking about the evolution of the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and their affiliates. The United States Institute of Peace was the primary sponsor of this initiative, with the backing of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Fifteen other think tanks and universities were represented in the Working Group on Extremism. The goal was always to reflect the widest expertise and the full spectrum of views.

The navigation bar along the right side includes links to six sections of the report. The first is an overview examining the future of extremism. The second, third, and fourth sections profile ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, respectively, and lay out future scenarios for each group. Part five is an analysis of key drivers of extremism ― state frailty, ideological upheaval, conflict zones, foreign intervention, socioeconomic factors, and technology. The sixth and final section outlines policy considerations for dealing with jihadi movements.
Click here to read the full report.

New statement from Sarāyā al-Dafā' 'an Binghāzī: "Eulogy for the Commanders and Individuals from the Brigade"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

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Click the following link for a safe PDF copy: Sarāyā al-Dafā’ ‘an Binghāzī: “Eulogy for the Commanders and Individuals from the Brigade”
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