Category: Somūd Magazine

English translation of Abū Sa'īd Rāshid’s “Combating Colonialism, Between Yesterday And Today ” from Issue #56 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: To view issue number fifty-six of the Ṭālibān’s magazine al-Ṣomūd see here. You can also see other translations from issue fifty-six:

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Rabi-us-Sani 04, 1432 A.H, Thursday, March 10, 2011
 
By Abu Said Rashed
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of Creation, Who gave strength to His soldiers, supported His servants and defeated the Confederates Alone, prayers and blessings be upon his Messenger Muhammad, the Laughing Warrior, and upon his Household and Companions, and those who follow his example until the Day of Judgment.
Thereafter:
31 years ago, on the 6 Jadi 1385 Hejrah-e Shamsi, as is it is known among the Afghans, corresponding to 8 Safar 1400 AH, Soviet Communist forces invaded the beloved land of Afghanistan, and thousands of soldiers came from high and low in the dark of night, and the killing, desolation and destruction began. That night of unjust aggression, the night of tyranny and oppression lasted ten years. Through the grace of Allah, His aid and support, however, and through the sacrifices, determination and faith of the people and one and a half million martyrs, and through the support of the Ummah, the Red forces were forced to leave Afghanistan and indeed liberated from the grip of their aggression, tyranny and assault (on) both Islamic and non-Islamic states which were under the weight of Communism for years. The Afghans with the help of their Lord destroyed that Empire; the Red empire and great Communist state.
Allah, through the blessing of the Jihad and sacrifices of the Afghans, erased the Soviet Union from the face of the earth and eliminated them from the world; the Warsaw pact.
“Such were the populations We destroyed when they committed iniquities; but We fixed an appointed time for their destruction.” (al-Kahf 59).
But we say, (unfortunately) that Afghanistan with its enormous sacrifices – one and a half million martyrs, millions of wounded, and bereaved mothers and widows – is still being burned by the fire of unjust external aggression, incoming tyranny, dark and gloomy night and a black and gloomy situation.
The injustice and aggression began ten years ago on 20 Rajab 1422 AH, corresponding to 15 Mizan 1407 Hejrah-e Shamsi, with the aggression of the NATO alliance under the leadership of America. More than 150,000 soldiers came aided by all the countries of the world, or almost all of them, and attacked the land of the Afghans, a land of which has been appointed: “It is the quiver (Kanana) of Allah, if he is angry with a people he fires from it at them”.
Thousands of Afghans have been killed since that night of aggression until today. Thousands live under continuous torture and punishment in the prisons of the Occupation inside and outside the country. Other men and women have been impacted by weapons of mass destruction filled with gunpowder and gases dangerous to the public as well as beasts and animals and the barbarism remains.
We are the children of conquering warriors and we do not pay heed to these calamities if Allah is content and do not mind any of our struggles if they are for Allah and the liberation of the homeland. We adhere to the eternal and ancient covenant:
“Allah hath purchased of the Believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His Cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in Truth, through the Law, the Gospel and the Qur’an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.” (al-Tauba: 111)
To us, there is no difference between the Russians and the Americans. Each of them has occupied our country and shed our blood, destroyed our civilization, corrupted our culture and our Religion. The first, turned away and fled and the second is in the dark, trying to reach their vile goal. They will not win, Allah Almighty willing.
There is no difference: if yesterday, Russia occupied Afghanistan with its soldiers under the name of the Warsaw Pact, today America occupies it in the name of the NATO alliance. If yesterday, Russia described the battalions of liberation and Jihad and all the Mujahideen as evil, America – stamped with murder and destruction – likewise describes its unjust and evil occupation as fighting terrorism, its intervention in others countries’ affairs as building civilization and restoring woman’s rights, its obliteration of the economy as opium eradication and the sabotage of minds and ideas as education and culture.
Just as Russia yesterday tried to devour the freedom of the Afghans and hitch their government to the Kremlin palace, today America wants to swallow the freedom of the Afghans and tie their fate and their future in the hands of the White House and the notables of London and Brussels. The Royal palace – Kabul – above it used to fly a Soviet flag imputed to belong to Afghanistan. Likewise, today an American flag waves above it and is attributed to the Afghans.
Just as Russia yesterday did not consider the presence of its forces and its occupation as injustice, tyranny and aggression; America and its allies today term the presence of 150,000 soldiers as friendship and their barbaric deeds as resistance and war conducted in the interest of the country.
Yesterday, men in Afghan uniforms stood in rank with Russia were given the appellations of loyal and honest. Likewise, the indecent, treacherous, vile and wicked gang obscure from the eyes of all the wicked deeds of the occupation soldiers – random bombing; complete destruction; killing of civilians; changing and destroying culture and education; spreading prostitution; plunder; sowing fear; violating traditional Afghan and Islamic sanctities and painting those crimes as deeds done to benefit the country.
But Russia and the Warsaw pact were not able, yesterday, to fight the Afghan people and their brothers and, praise be to Allah for this, (they) did not succeed in their goals, the most important of which were: making the faithful Afghan people true communists and making Afghanistan a country belonging to the great Soviet Union. The Russians faced an historical and abominable defeat while resorting to all kinds of terrorist acts, destruction and punishment. Those forces that had rushed to swallow up Afghanistan went back; crawled away, folded up and indeed fled. Today, through the aid and grace of Allah, and the determination of the people, and the cooperation of their brothers, America has been unable to vie with this proud people. Nine years after American and NATO forces entered Afghanistan none of the goals which they wanted to achieve are achieved. Indeed, the situation becomes worse day after day. Their goals were achieving security, destroying the forces of the Islamic Emirate, establishing an Afghan army fashioned in the American and Crusader mold and capable of controlling matters and fighting the Mujahideen in the country, holding free and fair democratic elections and then withdrawing. This was to be accomplished within a year at most.
But years have passed with none of this having been achieved. Rather, unrest has increased, and the forces of the Islamic Emirate grow stronger day by day while NATO soldiers are falling dead and injured. These circumstances have placed the governments of those countries participating in those forces in a dilemma before their peoples. Demands for the withdrawal of those forces increase day by day. In Canada, Germany, the United States of America itself and Great Britain public cries are raised inside and outside parliaments demanding an end to the war and the withdrawal of forces from there, because it has become futile, confusing and consuming minds and driving some insane.
More than one fact and confession confirms that Afghanistan is the critical predicament into which the NATO alliance and the American people themselves, who are unable to do anything with NATO or without it, have fallen.
It has been revealed to all that America is standing on the brink of an abyss and will fall to ruin; destruction and death; its strength shaken; its plan weak and confused; its pride and arrogance collapsed and broken.
“But your Lord is Most Forgiving, full of Marcy. If He were to call them (at once) to account for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened their Punishment: but they have their appointed time, beyond which they will find no refuge.”(al-Kahf: 58). All praise is due to Allah.
When we recall the 6th of Jadi, its calamity, terror, its trials, misfortune, and when we condemn those who made this calamitous day and send our greetings and blessings to those who sacrificed for the sake of saving the country from the claws of the red lobster, we see that the 15th of Mizan is the calamitous follow-up in the unfortunate chain of 6th of Jadi. We wish that America and the NATO alliance are resisted to the same extent as Russia and the Warsaw Pact, in order to save the world from its evil and the evil of those in it. This is up to Allah Almighty.
So death, death to the transgressors of the 6th of Jaddi, and 15th of Mizan. Evil befall them and those who follow their model. Glory be to Allah and to his Messenger and to the patient Mujahideen believers. Allah is Most High and the Greatest!
Translated From The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan: Al-Somood Magazine Issue #56
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

English translation of Abū Muthannā‎ Bādir’s “The Fifth Column Embraced In Sinful America’s Lap, Spreading The Lying Buzz Of Negotiations” from Issue #57 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: To view issue number fifty-seven of the Ṭālibān’s magazine al-Ṣomūd see here.
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Rabi-ul-Awwal 21, 1432 A.H, Friday, February 25, 2011
By Abu Muthanna Badir
For months we have been hearing the startling and stunning buzz of negotiations, reports of which have been seen increasingly spread in an urgent and polished style by the ignorant Western news agencies, glossed with a hue of truth and veracity. This buzz has been repeated and spread until it was said: a high-ranking delegation from the Islamic Emirate met with officials of the lackey, mercenary government at the Sarina Hotel here in the Afghan capital Kabul. This was corroborated from the mouth of the snake-charmer president of this government in one of his interviews with the CNN satellite network.
Unfortunately, I have heard this false claim on the tongues of some naïve and stupid countrymen of ours, as well as those who wear the garb of the praiseworthy and innocent lamb who corroborate their words and bear witness for them because of the existence of common interests which they share with them, but at heart they have a faith that is weaker than the spider’s web.
We must not wonder at these biased (reports) and fabricated deceptions on the part of the enemy. Such contrivances are nothing but the practice of Americans and Westerners and the habit of the hypocrites and mercenaries. Whenever they fail in a conspiracy, they immediately resort to the next one – like a drowning man who extends his hand to even (pond) scum, hoping it will save him even though it is impossible for it to help him. The Afghans generally and the Mujahideen especially are fully aware of the tricks of the occupying enemy and his wicked plots. They have been hardened by wars and military plots throughout the past three decades which they have spent fighting foreign invaders and occupiers, and they have mastered all kinds of war. They will be not be duped by these farcical lies issued by the enemy even though these lies are deceptively coated as truth. The enemy has today retreated to the military invasion due to the heroism of the Mujahideen and the resistance of the Afghans. They resort to this toxic discharge among naïve circles of Muslims, with the intention of shaking their bright ideas, driving away their strong zeal, diminishing their religious awareness, causing their determination to slumber, and intoxicate their clear minds.
It is logically impossible for negotiations to be conducted with the lackey government and the fifth column so long as it is embraced in the lap of wicked America and while American flags are flapping above the peaks of this Muslim land.
How is it possible? The Mujahideen have embarked on Jihad and given themselves and their souls to Allah Almighty. They have refused to have anything to do with this artificial life, and have chosen death over life. They have made countless sacrifices in these past three decades. They have turned to face and banded together against the pharaoh of this age (criminal America) with overflowing might and rushing zeal, bearing on their backs the responsibility for defending the frontlines of Islam and defending the territory of Islam in this blessed land against those criminals who have swept through many Afghan territories and committed repulsive crimes that send a shiver down the spine, especially in the south which they have occupied and where they have shed the blood of its innocent people until this day.
No matter how they spread the spirit of defeat and (try) to shake trust in the spirits of Mujahideen via their lying rumors and trying to shatter their solid wills; break their backs; destroy the optimism of Muslims in supporting the Religion and its people; spread their exaggerations and dull their senses. No matter what…no one will believe them (Allah willing) nor accept their false rumors.
This is because the policy of the Islamic Emirate is as clear as the afternoon sun. The Emirate summit has more than once declared in its media statements that negotiations with the lackey government are not possible so long as Western armies are present here and while it remains the candidate of the first rank of collaboration, treachery and perfidy towards this country and its people. This is and remains the Emirate’s policy, and there will be no concession or compromise on this.
What type of negotiations are these? The government has thus far been unable to make any statement in the name of any actual Emirate officials. They are just random words thrown about here and there.
Unfortunately, some naïve individuals believe their words and vouch for them on their positions without knowing whether the basis for the reality for these positions are true or false. This just (reflects) the old understanding between them and the dissolute hypocrites and the presence of personal interests between them. Those stupid ones who are drawn by sentiment or an old understanding – as it seems to me – come appearing as servants of Allah SWT, but at heart their faith is weaker than the web of the spider. If they had truly read the glorious Qur’an then they would have denied the false rumors. Recall the words of Allah SWT:
“O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done”. (Al-Hujarat: 6).
Finally, I wish to gladden the hearts of dear brothers and lovers of Islam and Muslims; falsehood no matter how it grows and multiplies, and no matter how its roots and branches lengthen, there will (be) a hand of the people of truth to pluck it out. So, do not fear or be troubled. The glad tidings of victory appear on the horizon.
“Already has Our Word been passed before (this) to our Servants sent (by Us), that they would certainly be assisted, and that Our forces, – they surely must conquer.”(Al-Saffat: 171-173).
So rejoice followers of Allah. Rejoice, soldiers of Allah:
“So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith” (Al-i-Imran: 139).
Discouraging words should not deter your determination to do good deeds. False news should not stop you so that you remain in the same place, not moving forward or producing any effect. Cling fast to the rope of Allah and trust in the victory of Righteous Allah.
“Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight” (Al-i-Imran: 101).
Place these false rumors behind your backs, for they are from the soldiers of Shaytan:
“It is only the Evil One that suggests you to fear of his votaries: Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have faith,” (Al-i-Imran: 175), because he frightens us with his men at times and with his words at others and by making us despair at others. Allah only suffices for us; He is our Supporter and He is “the best to protect and the best to help”.
Translated From The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan: Al-Somood Monthly Magazine Issue #57
The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan

English translation of an Interview with 'Abd al-Sattār Maywand, the Administrator of the Islamic Emirate Website, from Issue #55 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: There is also an English translation of Ikrām Miyūndī’s “The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan And Its Successful Administrative Policy” from issue fifty-five of al-Ṣomūd Magazine, which you can read here.
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Sunday, 12 December 2010

Dear Readers!

In the series of al-Somood interviews with officials of the Emirates, we present to you this time an exclusive interview about the Jihadist media activities of the Islamic Emirate with esteemed brother Abdul Sattar Maiwand, who is responsible for the al-Emarah website on the global internet. We invite you to read it.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.

Al-Somood: To begin, we wish you to provide the readers of al-Somood with a summary of the media activities of the Islamic Emirate.

Maiwand: Praise be to Allah. Blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family, his companions and all those who followed him. Thereafter:

Among other committees, the Islamic Emirates established a special Media Committee to spread (news) about Jihadist activities in different fields and chase away the voice of the unjust enemy who, before the entire world, was distorting the image of the Jihad in Afghanistan and was claiming false victories here and there over the Mujahideen. Need called for the existence of a media agency to take responsibility for the Mujahideen in Afghanistan; speaking on behalf of the Islamic Emirate; delivering news of its victories on the battlefield to its friends and to the world; exposing the falsehood of its enemies and their media; responding to the claims and its daily changing deceptions; and delivering to the world the voice of truth and jihad and its point of view about current Jihadist events in the land of Afghanistan.

Wars today cannot be won without media. (Media) is directed to the heart rather than the body. The weapon is directed to the body. If the heart is defeated the battle is won and the body is defeated. In the beginning, with the fall of the Islamic Emirate, the enemy thought that the field was completely open before them, and they spread their lies and falsehoods that they had destroyed the Islamic Emirate and its Mujahideen and that their victory in the land of Afghanistan was complete. All of their resources, especially their media were directed towards changing the ideas of Afghans and injecting defeatist thought into them and instilling in them a petrifying fear of the new occupiers. First through the grace of Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, then through the victories of the Mujahideen and their rightly guided leadership; and after defeats were inflicted on the enemy on the field of battle, a media committee was established to contest with the enemy in the (media) field.

Therefore, the media ranks of the Islamic Emirate were re-formed under a special committee that reflects the tangible reality on the ground in Afghanistan. Among its most important accomplishments in the beginning period was the inauguration of the Islamic Emirate website under the name “Voice of Jihad”.
The website specializes in conveying field reports from the combat zones and publishing the statements of the Ameer ul-Momineen and the statements of the Command Shura Council about different issues pertaining to Jihad, in addition to articles and official analysis. They have many sections: for example there’s an Islam page, a magazines page, and a page for films produced by official studios. We also print magazines and statements and distribute them in popular circles at home and abroad. Additionally, we produce different publications and regulations and distribute them among the Mujahideen. There is also a “Voice of Shari’ah” that broadcasts news and official statements day and night.

The Media Committee has also appointed official spokesmen to speak in the name of the Islamic Emirate to local and global media regarding the course of affairs.

Al-Somood: How do you gather news and field reports from Afghanistan and publish them on the website?

Maiwand: Yes, through the grace of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala the Committee employees correspondents in all the provinces of Afghanistan to cover news of events and prepare reports on them.
They make every effort to follow news of operations in detail and keep abreast of developing situations, and they send reliable and precise reports of ongoing operations immediately to the official spokesmen of the Emirate; Zabihullah Mujahid and Qari Yusuf, who review the news and then send it to the news department of the website after an in-depth scrutiny and examination.

Al-Somood: News, official statements and analysis are published simultaneously or in near time in five different languages. How is that so?

Maiwand: Yes, as you were so kind (to mention), news and other things are published in five different languages almost simultaneously. These include local languages such as Pashtu and Farsi as well as Urdu, Arabic and English. The website first publishes new and other media in Pashtu and after that, translates it directly into these other languages and publishes in their special sections.

Al-Somood: Are there ways to publish the news other than through the al-Emarah website?
Maiwand: Yes brother, we send the news to journalists and global news agencies immediately after it occurs and is posted on the website. We have many email lists to which we distribute news and official statements. These lists include journalists and others concerned with the issue of Afghanistan. We are also active on Facebook and Twitter where we publish the news every day and reach thousands of people. We also daily send news via cell phone text messages to many people.

Al-Somood: Could you please clarify that last sentence? How do you send news to many people via cell phone?

Maiwand: The news that is posted on the website is converted to SMS messages and sent to a number of people, who send it to other people. Each of them sends it to his acquaintances inside and outside Afghanistan and so a chain of dissemination begins. Each ones tries to spread the news more and more. We have seen many people requesting their friends and relatives to forward the news they receive to at least 20 other people, etc…and so this news becomes widely circulated in popular circles. Through the grace of Allah, we have seen many among the general populace rejoice when news reaches them of the victories of the Mujahideen over their enemies.

Al-Somood: Could you please explain for us some of the other activities of the Media Committee beyond the Islamic Emirate website?

Maiwand: The Media Committee has other media pulpits including: the Jihadi Studio which publishes Mujahideen operations in live video. Through the grace of Allah Almighty it has created some good products in this field.

In addition to publishing live images of Jihad and battles, the Jihadi Studio also produces films to preach (da’wa) and reform with the goal of illuminating the minds of the Mujahideen and making them ideologically aware. These films have so far had a good impact in Mujahideen circles.

There is also a Pashtu-language radio broadcast called “Voice of Shari’ah”, which is transmitted via the internet. It broadcasts daily news and reports, political commentary, Islamic and Jihadi nasheeds which have a direct impact in raising the morale of the Mujahideen. The Voice of Shari’ah programs are broadcast during morning and evening periods. In addition to audio and video information there is print information in Arabic, Pashtu and Farsi languages. The print media is represented by the monthly magazine al-Somood (Steadfastness) in Arabic; and theShahamat (Gallantry), Sarrak (Gleam of Light) and Morgil (The

English translation of ʼIsmāʻīl al-Suhaylī’s “A Brief Glance At The Jihadist Situation In Paktīkā Province” from Issue #56 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: To view issue number fifty-six of the Ṭālibān’s magazine al-Ṣomūd see here. You can also see another translation from issue fifty six of Fidā’ī’s “The Afghān Jihād Is The Reason For The World’s Salvation And Especially The Islamic World.”
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Safar 25, 1432 A.H, Sunday, January 30, 2011
By Isma’il al-Suhayli
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.
Geographic Situation: Paktika Province is located in the southeast of Afghanistan and is bordered by Paktia and Khost provinces to the east; Ghazni to the north; Zabul to the west and the Waziristan region to the south. 393,800 people live in the province, the capital of which is the city of Sharan. It is situated 2118 meters above sea level.
(Paktika) was separated from greater Paktia and is composed of 23 districts: Mata Khan, Yosuf Khel, Yahya Khel, Omna, Sar awda, Zarghun Shahr, Jani Khel, Gomal, Sarobi, Urgun, Ziruk, Nika, Dila, Khushamand, Waza Khwa, Terwa, Barmal, Gayan, Kherkut, Remami, Yek Khel and Jarbaran.
The life of the people in Paktika province is a tribal life like the rest of the Pashtun tribes, characterized by religiousness, hospitality, patience, forbearance, respect for their chiefs and honor for scholars.
Educational Situation: The continuous wars in Afghanistan have impacted all aspects of life. The educational aspect has been greatly damaged and the residents of Paktika have been denied the blessings of education. There are undoubtedly causes for this deprivation, at the forefront of which is the foreign occupation which has left its negative impression on the Afghan people, especially the people of Paktika province.
Paktika province was one of the main battlefronts during the Soviet occupation and remains in the front line of fire in confronting the Crusaders. The residents of Paktika still defend Islam and its people with self-sacrifice and devotion as they break the backs of the tyrannical aggressors. Due to their death-defying defense and heroic stand, the haughty aggressors destroy their schools by their continuous shelling of villages and their barbarous campaigns. Because of this, the educational infrastructure is being demolished and the people of this province are denied their right to an education.
Health Situation: Undoubtedly whenever a country is afflicted by the flames of battle, there is a detrimental impact on and degeneration in the basic necessities of people’s life. Public health is one of those necessities (of life) that has been greatly damaged in Afghanistan. The health situation in Paktika province is very low. Some Arab charitable foundations used to be concerned with the health situation in Paktika province but, after the American occupation, all projects connected to the health situation in the region collapsed and matters went from bad to worse. A routine illness that used to be treated immediately, now, because of the lack suitable clinics for treatment, become chronic illnesses. The situation is aggravated by the fact that Paktika province lacks a working hospital and a single specialist who can treat these routine illnesses!!!
The Role of the People of Paktika in Confronting the Crusader Occupation: The people of Paktika province, as mentioned before, are a prohibitive barrier in confronting the occupiers, always conducting their Jihad to defend their religion. The pages of the history of Afghanistan bear (the stories of) the heroes of Paktika who confronted both the English and Russian occupation. After the American occupation of Afghanistan and the maligning of our Islamic values, Paktika was among the first provinces to declare Jihad against the American forces. The famed Shahi Kut mountains in Pakistan witnessed one of the epic battles in the land of Afghanistan under the leadership of the Shaheed Saif al-Rahman Mansour, may Allah have mercy on him. This extraordinary commander began his campaign against American forces, taking the Shah-i Kot mountains as a base to launch his Jihadist operations and reminded the occupiers of the black days of Vietnam.
From the epic battle of the Shah-i Kot mountains till this day, Paktika province has been a lofty fortress of Jihad. The sacrifices of its people are always increasing. The people of this proud province are determined to continue their Jihad until Afghanistan is liberated from the filth of the Crusaders and the banner of Islam flutters in its sky!
Paktika province is one of the provinces in which the Mujahideen were able to kidnap an American soldier from inside an American military base in broad daylight and transport him to a secure location. This demonstrates the cooperation of the people of Paktika and their standing by the side of their Mujahideen brothers because such an operation cannot be conducted without the cooperation of the local people.
Paktika province is considered one of the most important bases of Jihad in the southern regions and the operations of the Mujahideen in this province are conducted with the cooperation of its residents. Its zealous people stand in the ranks of Jihad in confronting the occupiers and their lackeys. For this cause, they, like the rest of the people in the other provinces of Afghanistan, offer the greatest examples of heroism and sacrifices.
This year, Paktika province, in comparison to neighboring provinces, offered many martyrs, may Allah Almighty accept them. Yet, Jihadist operations have not ceased. Rather, they are on the continuous increase. In each of its districts, the Mujahideen launch their attacks on enemy bases. The enemy has tried his sword (against them) time and time again but they remain nothing but a shamed loser, bearing enormous losses in lives and equipment.
The martyrdom-seeking military operation which was recently carried out by nine Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate against a border base in the Urgun directorate resulted in the destruction of almost fifty infidel occupiers, is the best evidence of what we said. The pace of Mujahideen operations against the supply convoys of the occupation forces is continuously on the increase. The people of Paktika have not, and will not permit these military convoys to cross the lands of Paktika in peace! They lie in ambush for them and offer themselves; their wealth and their sons as a sacrifice for the Deen of Allah Azza wa Jall and will not let the filthy feet of the occupiers tread on their lands. Despite all the efforts of the enemy to control Paktika province and annihilate the Mujahideen, the Mujahideen, through the grace of the All-powerful and Omnipotent, have liberated a large area of this province from the filth of occupations and its lackeys. The flag of the Islamic Emirate flutters in the sky over 85% of the lands of Paktika, praise be to Allah. The occupiers and their lackeys have become besieged in their bases and even the areas adjacent to these bases are under the control of the Mujahideen.
Most of the occupiers in this province are American, but there are also some soldiers belonging to other countries who work on American bases under the direct supervision of the Americans. The number of occupiers is around 10,000 soldiers.
The presence of this huge number of occupiers armed to the teeth with the most modern and destructive of weapons has not had a negative impact on the morale of the Mujahideen. Rather, the morale of the Mujahideen is high, because it is based on lofty principles and their ardor built upon true and passionate sentiments. Indeed, the Mujahideen rejoice in this great number of occupiers because military targets have therefore spread out and increased.
Because of his inability to destroy the Jihadist movement in the region, the cowardly enemy has resorted to base methods in targeting the people; destroying their houses and raiding their homes at night in order to take their revenge against the Mujahideen and spread a climate of fear and terror in the province. This, however, has no effect on the morale of the people of the province and strong cooperation in the cause of Jihad. Rather, this barbarism makes them more committed to the Mujahideen and ignites in them the spirit of vengeance and retribution against the occupiers and their cowardly agents. The increase in Mujahideen operations in this province and in their campaigns there is evidence of this reality. Indeed, because of these operations, the Paktika theater has become oppressive for the occupiers.
Praise be to Allah, first and finally.
Translated From The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan: Al-Somood Magazine Issue #56
The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan

English translation of Fidā’ī’s “The Afghān Jihād Is The Reason For The World's Salvation And Especially The Islamic World” from Issue #56 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: To view issue number fifty-six of the Ṭālibān’s magazine al-Ṣomūd see here.
—

Safar 23, 1432 A.H, Friday, January 28, 2011
By Fida’i
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful.
Allah Almighty creates a reason for everything, whether for the existence or continuation of something or for its non-existence or disappearance. The Almighty is He who causes effects. When He wants to bring something into existence or remove it, He appoints a cause or causes for that. Two decades ago, the world witnessed, with the permission of Allah SwT; the world, and most especially the Islamic peoples, the salvation of the world from the great evil; the evil of the Soviets, who wanted to spread their control over the earth. To achieve this goal they attacked a country which had been crowned more than once with the medal of heroism in breaking tyrants, conquering the haughty and expelling evil transgressors. Their doom was sealed when they chose to attack this country.
To wit, they destroyed themselves! Yes, this great event confused the entire world which did not expect this occurrence, because this country did not have to its credit great discoveries, inventions and technologies. Yet, Allah SwT willed to make the sacrifices of thisproud and zealous people the cause for the liberation of dozens of countries occupied by that tyrant. Additionally, it became a cause for removing their occupation of other Muslim lands, especially those countries neighboring Afghanistan. More important than all of this is that America – which has committed the same crime as the Soviets against this proud and zealous people – was itself saved by virtue of the Jihad of the Afghans – from those misfortunes which were expected to befall it – as if Allah SwT desired for those misfortunes to later befall it at the hands of the Afghans themselves and they therefore decided to stand by the side of Afghan Muslims, not because they loved the Afghans and the Muslims or because they wished them well. Rather, they sought after their own self-interest. It was therefore reasonable for the world to thank the Afghans.
Yet, unfortunately, they were ungrateful for the favor with an ingratitude that never occurs to anyone’s mind! After the defeat of the Russians, who left dragging their tails in shame and failure, some of those countries, which Allah had fated to continue to exist by virtue of the Jihad of the Afghans, toyed with the accomplishments of that great people. Indeed, they had a main role in creating problems and afflictions never before witnessed in the history of the country.
Today, the same tragedy is being replayed, but at the hands of another tyrant. Shaytan has enticed this (tyrant) into attacking that people who were the reason he still existed on the face of the earth, forgetting that favor that deserved thanks and a good turn; and not ingratitude and ungraciousness. Indeed, Allah SwT has here ordained the same fate He ordained for the Soviet attack on Afghanistan, which is the salvation of the world and especially the Islamic world from the grip of a tyrannical transgressor.
America wanted, as did its contemporary Soviet Union, to extend its control effectively over the entire world, and re-make it in its own image. Its wealth and its power seduced it into dreaming this dream but achieving this disgraceful dream was completely unreasonable – it is a morass from which it will be happy to escape half alive! Thus, we see today that America has retreated from all its goals – and more – for the sake of which it plunged into the unjust war, the certitude of which was a matter on which no two disagreed! Neither has it been able to take hold of the matter they thought they had a grip on from one day to the next, nor to obtain a guarantee for the security of its people! Rather their terror increases day after day and now it (America) wants to retain its self-respect and nothing more – and this is its great victory, but will it be able to do even that? They are like one who has attacked a person unjustly. When that person grabs them and shakes them, they say to him: “leave me alone and I will leave you alone!”
It is impossible for it now to be seduced by its dream of arrogance, aggrandizement and tyranny, or to spread its influence in the lands of others, or extend its control there. Rather its most pressing concern is to preserve what its forefathers gained!
Because of this the entire world and especially the Islamic world is indebted to the Afghan Jihad. Because of this Jihad, the snake has become preoccupied with itself rather than thinking about swallowing them. When Afghanistan has become a thorn in its throat it cannot advance and cannot return back!
The world has been saved from American aggression and barbarism in all fields: political, economic and security. America had wanted to spread its influence in Eurasia, half of which includes the Islamic countries, then extend their political and economic control over them, and take their affairs firmly in hand. If they were able to do that, then no one on the other continents could stand and face them. But Allah desired other than what America desired. If they had been able – Allah forbid – to realize their initial goals then subsequently it would have been very easy to swallow and digest the Islamic world. This was a turn of events for which it waited impatiently and for which sake it spared no expense. But through the grace of Allah first and then through the sacrifices of that proud and zealous people, it was not able to realize its dream. Rather, the entire Islamic Ummah was saved from those plots which those iniquitous hands wove in the world of fantasy.
Among the most prominent gains made by the Afghan Jihad for the Islamic Ummah which can be indicated here is the protection of the Holy Quran from fire and abuse, four months ago at the hands of a lunatic American: that vile minister who intended to burn a copy of the Glorious Quran in revenge for the events of September 11. Yes, what happened there with that idiotic man was not personal or unique to him, rather it was the voice of many of them and evidence was that they did not refrain from committing that crime out of respect for the sacred things of others or for human dignity! Rather, it was to preserve their bravado and prestige by protecting the lives of their soldiers deployed on the field of battle and to be precise; to avoid receiving the combat strikes of the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate! Which they were certain to receive if they did not take that crazy man into their foolish hands! The commander in chief of the NATO Alliance, David Petraeus and others warned of the consequences of that action and stated that it would cause calamities for their soldiers present in Afghanistan. The lunatic minister therefore had to reconsider his plan and back down. He in his turn was more concerned with the defeat of his co-religionists and kinsmen, than in venting his anger against Muslims by burning the Noble Quran as if he considered – if the expression is apt – that the cost of this heinous act would outweigh its benefit. Here we must draw attention to certain points:
1. There are no doubt in the Islamic Ummah has many ideological, political and religious parties; and there are undoubtedly in Islamic countries (many) regimes that rule them – and there are more than 50 governments! But neither America or NATO or its commander in chief were troubled and they did not say that (these) regimes and rulers of Islamic countries or their varied and diverse parties and movements would cause problems for America or weaken it if that great crime were committed! For one reason: they had cast Jihad behind their backs!
2. Then why do the Americans fear the Mujahideen? What that commander stated means that those different parties and diverse movements in their great number and those governments armed to the teeth with even nuclear weapons(!) did not and will not be considered to constitute a threat to them! There is therefore no need to warn against them! As if they understood well that the Mujahideen were those who would avenge their sacred things. This is a matter that truly conforms to reality and fact. This is the reason behind infidel attacks launched against Jihad and its people over the course of time in all corners of the earth and in all rounds they struggle, and especially in this modern era. They are convinced that Jihad is the apex of the pinnacle of Islam, as was said by that leader of the Mujahideen, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (SAW). Meaning Islam is protected by Jihad only! The enemy is therefore terrified of Jihad and the Mujahideen, and tries with all the capabilities he possesses to mar the image of Jihad and the Mujahideen one way or another.
3. The commander’s statement that the burning of the Noble Quran would cause problems for his soldiers in Afghanistan only(!) – although Jihad continues through the grace of Allah SwT in other countries as well – indicates that the occupiers have learned through living in the hills and rugged mountains of Afghanistan over the past nine years; the message that the soldiers of the Islamic Emirate are at the forefront of the legacy of Islam,

English translation of Ikrām Miyūndī's "The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan And Its Successful Administrative Policy" from Issue #55 of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's al-Ṣomūd Magazine

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin


It is patently clear from the experiences of those who preceded us and firmly established from our own observations that the success of Islamic governments, as well as democratic and despotic governments, and the prosperity of religious; educational; governmental and other establishments lies in the superiority of its administrative regime in heeding its important elements (lofty aims, the abilities of its leader, having a righteous entourage around him,etc.). Complete victory in this field requires diligent efforts from those heading it to implement decisions issued; established regulations and fixed principles. Attention must also be paid to the impartiality of the administration through the good selection of personnel who are recruited to work there.

I do not intend to list the components of successful administration or to declare the characteristics of an Islamic Administration. What concerns me here is to shed light on the Islamic Emirate’s policy in the realm of administration and coordination despite the difficult circumstances surrounding it connected to its heavy involvement in the Holy Jihad and the bitter war against the Americans and their partners in their repulsive crimes. I also strive to place before you, as Allah enables me, simple information regarding the order of the Islamic Emirate – or the Taliban regime, as they say, so that perhaps it will benefit the readers of our heroic magazine “al-Somood” to”heal the breasts of the Believers” and “Nor is that for Allah any great matter”.

The loftiness of the desired objective and the sanctity of the anticipated goal – combined with the firm anchoring of this sanctity within those who belong to this administration after they are made fully aware of it – are together a strong factor in successfully achieving the declared and sought-after goal. It is also the secret behind reviving the spirit of altruism, dedication and sacrifice in the spirit of the staff (members). When they are convinced of the importance of their jobs they will compete in rushing to complete their assigned tasks and exert the utmost of their efforts for the sake of achieving the highest objective and sacred goal, because they will see the laudable results and great benefits behind their activities and above the ceiling of their own invaluable works. As Allah Almightysays in this regard:“They are those who, if We establish them in this land , establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of all affairs.” (al-Hajj: 41).

Moreover, concern must be paid to attracting trustworthy and competent persons, and choosing specialized cadre; contingent upon piety and impartiality. Specialization without piety corrupts an administration and piety without competence weakens it. In the event of a contradiction, the pious one is given preference, because he is like the shepherd whose legs are tied and is unable to benefit the flock or serve the people. But the corrupt one is a ravenous wolf spoiling the earth and harming others. Preventing damage takes priority among wise men and in any event the selection of righteous people is a strong element of successful administration. This is in accordance with the words of the Almighty: “Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due”(al-Nisa: 58)and “Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” (al-Hujurat: 13).

The capacity of the personality of the leader who directs the people religiously, politically and ideologically is no less important than any of the above. Indeed, it is considered one of the most important elements of successful administration. The leader is the axis around which matters pivot. He employs the community to achieve his goals and directs people to goodness and happiness. He warns them against evil and danger according to his lights. Among the duties of the leader – after trust in and reliance upon his Lord and Creator – is to make a diligent effort in directing the activities of all the employees and volunteers who assist him – in an atmosphere of cooperation – towards the fixed goal. He is also responsible for creating strong feelings among the people to move quiet hearts and slumbering eyes, and energize the human power for self-sacrifice for the sake of achieving high and lofty goals. It is notable that among the qualities of the successful leader are that he is free; male; of sound mind and emotion; with knowledge; vision; strength; courage; wisdom; organizational skills and other qualities mentioned in the books of fiqh and ‘aqidah. So seek it where you would expect to find it.

1. After this pleasant introduction, I take you to the subject of this study by saying: In its entire organization, the Islamic Emirate relies on the Book of Allah Almighty and upon the Sunnah of his Messenger (SAW), the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs and the sayings of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all. It utilizes the fatwas of the followers and the opinions of mujtahid scholars, may Allah Almighty have mercy on them. The Emirate borrows from the history of bygone nations and its system consists of the components of a successful administration balanced with the sanctity of its goals, the vision of its leader, and the strength of its faith and the qualifications of its workers with regards to piety; devotion; trust; competence, etc.
2. Based on this, the Administrative System of the Islamic Emirate is based upon the principles of the Islamic Caliphate from the era of the rightly guided Caliphs, may Allah be pleased with them, in dividing the country into provinces, appointing pious and righteous governors, guiding workers to piety and justice, encouraging the establishment of a religious and worldly policy, tending to the needs of the people, instructing them in matters of religion and encouraging them to make the utmost effort in promoting virtue and preventing vice. Regulations have been drawn up for the guidance of the Mujahideen fi sabeel Allah. Messages are constantly sent for this purpose to guide them; direct their deeds; illuminate their thoughts and have them follow in the footsteps of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, spoke to the people thus, saying ”O people, by Allah I do not send you governors to flog you or take your wealth but I send them to teach you your Religion and the way you should follow (sunnah). If anything other than this is done to anyone, he should refer the matter to me. By Him in whose hand is Umar’s soul, I will provide justice for him.” (History of Islam/Dr. Hasan Ibrahim/part 1, page 455).

Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, wrote to his governors in the provinces, saying: “Allah has decreed the imams to be shepherds, he did not ask them to be tax collectors. When this Ummah emerged, they were created as shepherds; they were not created as tax collectors. Your imams are on the verge of becoming tax collectors and not shepherds. If that happens, diffidence, fidelity and loyalty will be torn apart. The best course is to look to the affairs of Muslims and what is requested of them. Give to them what is their due and take from them what you ought”.(Previous reference/part 1/page 455).
3. The area of our Muslim country of Afghanistan is approximately 650,000 square kilometers with an estimated population of at least 33 million people. The country is divided into 34 administrative units, each named a province such as Qandahar, Helmand, Herat and Balkh province. Moreover, each province is divided into multiple directorates, big and small such as Marjah in Helmand province, Arghandab in Qandahar province, etc. Each directorate contains beautiful areas and numerous villages. There are a total of 400 provinces, while there are tens of thousands of villages.

4. In each village, there is a faithful leader (appointed) by the Emirate and who is responsible for civilian and military affairs. He has around him from 10 to 50 Mujahideen depending on the prevailing circumstances. A new leader is selected from among them if the previous leader is martyred or is unable to continue to lead for any reason. In case of a disagreement, the matter is elevated to the amirs above them. This battalion – called a front – is ready for combat and to fight against the enemy night and day. They are also recourse to which people