Date Published: 08/29/11

The Implications of Islamic Theology, Traditions and Islamic Banking on Christians by Dr. Lewis Akpogena

This piece is adapted from the Seminar presentation of Dr. Steve Ogan, of High Callings Outreach, Port Harcourt on the occasion of Enlightment and Sensitization on Islamic Banking in Nigeria organized by Rivers State Chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in collaboration with Club 401 held at Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt on 25 th August 2011. Said he, “ The introduction of Islamic Banking in Nigeria should be of great interest to Christians and the lovers of the nation. It has been suggested by Moslems and ignorant Christians that there is nothing wrong with Islamic Banking. The justification of Islamic Banking is based on section 33(B) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 which states that “In addition of any of its powers under this Act, the bank may – issue guidelines to any person and any institution under its provision.” The assumption is that Islamic Banking is beneficial to both Moslems and non-Moslems.”

Proponents of Islamic Banking argues: “It is an alternative to the now “corrupt and unstable” regular banking system. It is a non-interest banking system which avoids greed and conspicuous consumption. There are 75 countries across the globe that practices Islamic Banking. Non-Islamic nations are making greater advancement in Islamic Banking than Islamic nations. Britain, for instance is ranked 8th in status above Muslim states like Turkey and Sudan. Between 40 and 50% of customers of Islamic Banking in UK, France and Luxembourg are non-Muslims.” That In Nigeria, “majority of the customers of Islamic Banking products in Habib Bank are Christians.” One of the major shareholders in Jaiz Bank is a Christian. “For the Moslems, it is an alternative to conventional banking, but for the Christians, it should be seen as an additional product” (NewsWatch, August 29, 2011, pp.32-33). Dr. Ogan in his presentation examined the truth or falsity of these assumptions on the basis of Islamic theology, traditions and its implications for Christians.

What is the concept of Islamic Banking? According to Wikipedia, Islamic banking… is banking or banking activity that is consistent with the principles of Islamic law (Sharia) and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. Also, the Organisation of Islamic conference (OIC) has defined an Islamic Bank as “a financial institution whose statutes, rules and procedures expressly state its commitment to the principles of Islamic Shariah and to the banning of the receipt and payment of interest on any of its operations.”

The Theology of Islam and the Dichotomy between Dar-Al-Islam and Dar-Al-Harb. The theology of Islam is fundamental to understanding the trends in the attempt to export Islamic institutions such as Islamic Banking. Western leaders and many journalists seem to be ignorant of this reality. This explains why George W. Bush declared that “Islam is peace”, immediately after the September 11, 2001 terrorist strike. Bush went further to say that “…there is nothing in the Quran that justifies Jihad violence in the name of Islam…” To put the records straight, Abu Qatada, a fundamentalist Islamic cleric rebuking George Bush declared: “I am astonished by President Bush when he claims there is nothing in Quran that justifies Jihad violence in the name of Islam. Is he some kind of Islamic scholar?” (Mark Durie, The Third Choice, p.155).

Islamic theology has created a rigid dichotomy between Dar-al-Islam and Dar-al-harb. Dar-al-Islam is the House of Islam and Dar-al-harb is the House of War. The House of Islam is the realm of success inhabited by practicing Muslims, while, the House of War is the realm of losers inhabited by non-Muslims. The Quran, as we shall later see, enjoins Muslims to wage war against Dar-al-harb, as its name indicates.“And those whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the hereafter he will be one of the losers” (Surah 3:85).

To Christians, the central problem of man is sin. But to Muslims, the basic human problem is ignorance (Jahiliyyah). To deal with ignorance, Muslims believe that Allah has provided guidance (huda) through a holy book and a holy prophet. The Problem, the Solution and the Result in Islam: The Problem in Islam is ignorance. The solution is guidance and the result of forgiveness is success. Whereas the problem in Christianity is sin, the solution to the problem is forgiveness and the result of forgiveness is salvation. The Three Mandatory Sources of Islam: QURAN, SUNNA and SHARIA. There can be no Islam without the Quran, the Sunna and the Sharia. All three indispensable sources make fighting mandatory for Muslims. The worldview in the three mandatory sources of Islam are diametrically opposed to Judaism and Christianity. It rejects the worldview of Biblical Christianity and incites its adherents against Jews and Christians with a highly polemical language.

The three options and the two submissions in Islam: To appreciate the theology of incitement against Jews and Christians, we must understand the three options that Prophet Muhammad gave to non-Muslims under the threat of conquest or annihilation. Those who receive Islam enter into Dar-al-Islam as full citizens with all the rights and privileges. They enter into the House of Islam by submitting to Allah and Muhammad, His Prophet. Islam actually means submission. The three options in Islam: Receive Islam and live, Reject Islam and die by the sword and Refuse Islam, pay the Jizya Tax and live in humiliation as a Dhimmi. The two submissions in Islam: 1. Submission of the Muslim convert: This signifies the conversion of those who accept Islam as a way of life. 2. Submission of the defeated non-Muslim: This signifies the willingness of the non-believer who chooses to retain his religion and pay tax under a humiliating and restricted system in which he cannot worship freely.

Theological claims of Islam against Jews and Christians: Jews and Christians will go to Hell: “Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islâm, the Qurân and Prophet Muhammad) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)… will abide in the Fire of Hell…” (Surah 98:6). Muslims are Superior to Others: “You… are the best of people ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin… and forbid… all that Islam has forbidden… and you believe in Allâh. And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them…” (Surah 3:110). Islam is Destined to Rule the World and every Other Religion: Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, Former Foreign Minister and Hamas leader on March 25, 2007 said that “…Islam will enter every house and will spread over the entire world.” ( www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news ).

The Global Domination of Islam Demands that Muslim must Fight Jews and Christians: “Muhammad taught that when Isa, the Islamic Jesus returns to the earth, he will destroy Christianity (‘break the cross’) and make an end of legal tolerance of Christians to live under Islamic rule (‘there will be no Jizya’)” (Durie, p.48). In the End-time, every Stone will “Lend their Voices to Help Muslims Kill the Jews”: Muhammad actually taught that “…the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say, “O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him” (Sahih al-Bukahri, Book of Jihad… 4:56:2926, cited in Durie, p.49). Jews and Christians Claim that Allah has a Son: “And the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the Son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is their saying with their mouths, resembling the sayings of those who disbelieved aforetime. Allâh’s Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth!” (Surah 9:30).

Jews and Christians are regarded in the Quran as “the children of pigs and infidels”, respectively. They are those who reject Islam and Surah 4:8 says that “Those who reject Islam must be killed. If they turn back (from Islam), take (hold of) them…” (The Noble Quran). Similar injunctions are found in Surah 5:51 which says “Take not the Jews and Christians as Auliya (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Auliya of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya), then surely he is one of them” President Anwar Sadat of Egypt was assassinated by Islamic fundamentalist because he made peace with Israel. He became friends with Jews and paid the ultimate price appointed in the Quran for “infidels” and “children of pigs”.

Prophet Muhammad’s modus operandi in Mecca and Medina : In Mecca he spread Islam by word of mouth whereas in Medina he spread Islam by the sword. In Mecca He lived a priestly life of prayer and fasting whereas in Medina He lived a military and priestly life of war and conquest. In Mecca he lived with one wife, Khadija whereas in Medina he lived with 11 wives, some say 13 or more. In Mecca he fought against polytheism and idol worship whereas in Medina he fought against Jews and Christians as Chief Polytheists. In Mecca he preached peace and tolerancewhereas in Medinahepracticed war and conquest through Jihad.In Mecca he practiced Islam as a religious movement whereas in Medina practiced Islam as a religious and political movement.

In Mecca he used persuasion and did not force non-Muslims to pay tax whereas in Medina he used violence and forced non-Muslims to pay tax. In Mecca he taught love, peace and forgiveness whereas in Medina he taught retribution and retaliation. In Mecca he was largely persecuted by relations and others whereas in Medina he largely became the persecutor of Jews and Christians. In Mecca he raised funds largely from wife’s support and voluntary donations whereas in Medina raised funds largely by taxation and plundering. In Mecca he undertook the strategic withdrawal called the Hijirah as the means to an end whereas in Medina he cancelled the authenticity of the Hijirah – commanding Muslims to fight opposition.

Globalisation of Islam, Islamic banking and the imperative of world domination. At present there are Islamic Banks in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Germany, Guinea, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kibris Turkish Republic, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E., U.K., S.S.A., Yemen

The Quran in Surah 9:29 declare that for Islam to become the globally dominant religion Muslims must fight Jews and Christians: “Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad) (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) Among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued” (Surah 9:29). Number of mosques in England, 1945-1990: 1945 one Mosque and in 1990 1,000. Number of mosques in France, 1974-1996: In 1974 one mosque whereas in 1996 1,700. ( Source: Compiled from Moshay, Who is this Allah? p.21 ) Between 1985-1990, a total of 5,002 mosques where erected in Ethiopia alone. G. J. O. Moshay notes that the policy is “let there be mosques everywhere” to give a semblance of the expansion of Islam and to use them as strategic centres for executing the mandate of Islam.

Mosques in these countries are as follow: United State of America, 1900, Germany 2,600, France 2,100, United Kingdom 1,500, Spain 454, Canada 198, ( Source: Time Magazine, August 30, 2010) The compulsory emulation of Prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle and examples: Prophet Muhammad himself taught that: “A day and a night of fighting on the frontier is better than a month of fasting and prayer… swords are the keys to Paradise. Paradise is under the shadows of swords. If you find a tithe collector [clergy man], kill him. Expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula…” (Hadith of Kanz Al-Muttaqui, vol. II, pp.252-286, cited in G. O. J. Moshay, p.24). After all the massacre of non-Muslims in Persia (present-day Iran), Khomeni said: “In Persia no people have been killed so far – only beasts!”Ayatollah Khomeni’s brand of Islam is regarded as the authentic brand by the Quran, the Hadiths and the Sunna.

According to Khomeni, “The purest joy in Islam is to kill and be killed for Allah”. Moshay writes that in 1984, Ayatollah Khomeni was quoted as saying: “In order to achieve the victory of Islam in the world, we need to provoke repeated crises, restore value to the idea of death and martyrdom. If Iran has to vanish, that is not important. The important thing is to engulf the world in crises…” (Le Point Magazine, No 599, 12 March, 1984, pp.89-91, cited in Moshay, Who is this Allah? p.29). The degree to which Muslims revere Prophet Muhammad indicates the extent to which they are often willing to follow his lifestyle and examples. Guillaune in The Life of Muhammad in page 515 writes that “Muhammad married Safiya, a Jewish captive from Khaybar, immediately after torturing her husband and killing him and her father. Safiya was even led to Muhammad by Bilal past the dead bodies of her male relatives, including her husband. Later, Muhammad rebuked Bilal for his insensitivity” (Also cited in Durie, p.54). It has been noted that Muhammad’s Sunna is the foundation of Sharia law. “Ignorance about Muahmmad is ignorance about Sharia, and therefore about the human rights of people living under Islamic conditions. What Muhammad did, Sharia law commends to Muslims to emulate, and the lives of hundreds of millions are affected, both Muslims and non-Muslims” (Durie, p.54).

Six reasons why Prophet Muhammad adjudged himself superior to all other prophets from creation: Through these six reasons Muhammad celebrated his own excellence declaring that he has “…been given superiority over other prophets” in six respects. “… I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning…” In other words, the Quran may be a relatively small holy book, but it contains a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life. “… I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies)…” The injunctions to wage unrelentless war against the enemies of Allah strikes terror in non-Muslims intimidates them and makes them subject to the prophet by force. “… Spoils have been made lawful to me…” Unlike previous prophets Allah permitted Muhammad to plunder and take the spoils of war from his enemies. “… The earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship…” Every realm on earth has been sanctified by Allah as a place of worship for the Prophet. Islam can thrive anywhere, provided its tenets are strictly applied. “… I have been sent to all mankind…” Islam is not a regional religion, but a global tenet. The prophet’s mandate is to conquer and compel all mankind to submit to Allah and Muhammad, His Messenger. “…And the line of prophets is closed with me” There will never be another prophet after Muhammad. He is the last prophet with the last revelation and “a model character worthy of emulation by all Muslims” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Prayer (Kitab al-Salat) 1:4:1062).

Promises of maidens, virgins and servants in the Islamic heaven: Type of women and servants for enjoyment in Paradise: Wide-eyed Houris, 500; Virgins 4,000, Non-virgins 8,000; Servants for the lowliest in Paradise 80,000 (Source: Sh. M. Ashraf, Mishkat al Masabih, p.1204, 1990. Also, Surah 3:5; Surah 37:48; Surah 44:50-55; Surah 55:45-75) The reward of virgins and rivers of wine promotes jihad, martyrdom and ultimately a passion to see Islam conquer the whole world. Several men and even women have willingly laid down their lives for the course of Islam based on this promise.

Islamic banking and Jihad as tools for global expansion: There are three stages of Jihad Muslims are expected to execute. These are the weakened stage, the preparation stage and the actual jihad stage. At the preparation stage Muslims are in the minority and without much influence. This was the case with Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. At this stage he laid low, concentrating on his priestly function and emphasising love, peace and forgiveness. The three stages of Jihad : Weakened stage - Muslims in minority without influence. Preparation stage - Muslims still in minority but with greater financial influence. Jihad stage - Muslims in minority with power and strength to strike

Islamic banking and strategic expansion of Islam : Muslims adopt every modus operandi initiated by Prophet Muhammad for the expansion of Islam. G. J. O. Moshay in Who is this Allah writes that the policy is: “Migrate to Christian areas because they are tolerant. Pretend to be peaceful, friendly and hospitable; Begin to clamour for religious, political and social rights and privileges that you will not allow Christians in an Islamic country; Breed fast there and settle down; As you increase in a particular area, insist that there should be no Christian activities in your community; You may speak or write to discredit their religion, but they must not talk about Islam; Begin to expand your community; Christian activities should be restricted in all the places you expand to; The moment you have enough military might against these ‘disbelievers’, these Trinitarian kaferis, go ahead and eliminate them or suppress them as much as you can and be in control” (G. J. O. Moshay, Who is this Allah? p.22).

You may speak or write to discredit their religion, but they must not talk about Islam; Begin to expand your community; Christian activities should be restricted in all the places you expand to; The moment you have enough military might against these ‘disbelievers’, these Trinitarian kaferis, go ahead and eliminate them or suppress them as much as you can and be in control” (G. J. O. Moshay, Who is this Allah? p.22). Muslims believe they must claim a right to be building mosques everywhere in the West while it is legally unimaginable to allow churches in their own countries.It is a pretension of liberalityfor our Lawmakers to take with levity the Islamic threats and terrorism in the West. If we take the attitude of ‘live and let’s live’ towards Islam, it will surely live; but it will live to destroy us!” (G. J. O. Moshay, Who is this Allah? p.44).

Description of the three stages of Jihad:Weak stage versus Preparation stage – 1. Muslims are in the minority and are not yet influential. Muslims are still in the minority but are now more influential 2. They live in a non-Islamic society hoping to eventually turn it into a Muslimsociety. They strategize on how to directly confront the enemies . 3. No call for overt Jihad or violence by military action. Muslims gather the infrastructure for jihad, financially and militarily. 4. Muslims submit to the laws of the land while hoping to one day introduce Sharia. Muslims strike terror in the hearts of the fearful. 5. Muslims strive to increase their numerical strength by immigration and procreation. They use verbal and physical threats to intimidate. 6. Muslims are guided by Muhammad’s emphasis on love, peace and forgiveness in Mecca. Muslims are obligated to raise an army or militia to initiate jihad at the right time. 7. Muslims declare that there is no compulsion in Islam based on abrogated Surah 2:256. They are encouraged to indoctrinate Muslims to be ready to die for Allah. 8. Muslims practice peace, love and forgiveness. The doctrines of martyrdom and reward in heaven are taught.

Preparation stage versus Jihad stage – 1. Muslims are still in the minority but are now more influential. Muslims may still be in the minority but with power andstrength. 2. They strategize on how to directly confront the enemies. Direct effects to overthrow the non-Islamic system. 3. Muslims gather the infrastructure for jihad, financially and militarily. Muslims are commanded to overthrow and kill the pagans. 4. Muslims strike terror in the hearts of the fearful. Muslims are obligated to kill those who resist conversion. 5. They use verbal and physical threats to intimidate. They are commanded to force Muslims to kill those who resist conversion. 6. Muslims are obligated to raise an army or militia to initiate jihad at the right time. Muslims wage jihad locally and internationally with no territorial limits. 7. They are encouraged to indoctrinate Muslims to be ready to die for Allah. Jihad is waged with vigour with a view to turning the Muslim minority into a majority. 8. The doctrines of martyrdom and reward in heaven are taught . Muslims ultimately expect the non-Islamic people and their cultures to be wiped out.

Justification of lying, treachery and deception as legitimate tools for advancing Islam: The Islamic worldview suggests that war and deception go hand in hand. For Dar-al-Islam to overcome Dar-al-harb, deception is indispensable. It has been noted that lying is an important element in Islam “especially when dealing with unbelievers. Abi Hamid Al Gahazah, the founder of Safism once stated that “…lying is not sin by itself, but if it brings harm to you it could be ugly. However, you can lie if that will keep you from evil or if it will result in prosperity.” The justification of lawful lying in Islam is the direct opposite of the prohibition of all types of lies in Christianity. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

Circumstances when lying is legitimate in Islam: Lying to Non-Muslims - In The Sword on the Neck of the Accuser of Muhammad, Ibn Taynuyal (1263-1328) argued that “… Believers should lie to people of the Book to protect their lives and religion.” Lying when Muslims are in the Minority in Non-Muslim Nations - This is based on an Islamic proverb: “If you can’t cut your enemies hand, kiss it”. “The peaceful lamb of Mecca, after immigrating to Medina, became a roaring lion that threatened the whole Arabian Desert” (Mark A. Gabriel, p.92). Lying when Signing Peace Agreements - It has been noted that “Muslim groups will use peace talks or peace agreements to buy time so they can make new plans, prepare and position themselves for victory. Muslim Military leaders will tell the other side whatever it wants to hear to buy time, but when it comes time to deliver what is agreed on, you will see a different story” (Gabriel p.92-93). Lying by Denying the Islamic Faith to Gain an Advantage - Muhammad commanded his close friend Amar Ben Yasser who denied the Islamic faith and Muhammad when he was captured and tortured by the Quraysh tribe. He later went back to the Prophet after he was released and was commended for lying to escape death.

Lying to Other Muslims in Situations of War - “…Mubarak visited Hussein in Baghdad on the day before Iraq invaded Kuwait. Hussein promised Mubarak that he would not invade Kuwait, yet, no sooner had Mubarak arrived Cairo than he heard that the invasion took place” (Gabriel p.94).

The implications of this legal justification of lying in Islam are far reaching, especially given the goal of the House of Islam to conquer the House of War. Truth can never really be the foundation of any peace negotiation between fundamentalist Muslims and non-Muslims. A worldview that justifies deception and falsehood to achieve a utilitarian objective will always be at variance with a worldview rooted on righteousness and justice.

The lies of Sanusi Lamido – Sanusi on Islamic Banking: The lie or half-truth that there is no interest in Islamic Banking when profit and loss sharing actually involves interest. The fact that “Present Islamic Banks… are not rid of interest and most of their earnings come from interest – like fixed returns.” (Kexter E. A., Donald Jnr.) The fact that Naiwu Osahon has proven that “Iran has since withdrawn the interest free content of the product by allowing her Islamic Banks to change between 4-8% interests on loans.” He argued that, “If Iran is charging interest on its Islamic banking loans, why would a non-Islamic or Arab country like Nigeria, be desperate to adopt the system jettisoned by the most radical Islamic country in the world, if not for mischievous purposes?” The claim that “interest free banking is the answer to Nigeria’s economic ills…”The crafty replacement of “Sharia Advisory Counsel” with “Advisory Counsel of Experts” In the new CBN regulations for Islamic Banking.The fact that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is engaged in what the Quran and Hadit calls al-Taquiyya which is “concealing or disguising one’s belief, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions… or strategies at time of eminent danger… to save one’s self from physical… or mental injury.” This is also called Dissimilation (Kexter E. A., Donald Jnr. “Sanusi’s Islamic Banking: The Untold Truth” (www.saharareporters.com/article

Dhimmitude and the imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims: The Quran in Surah 9:29 established the legal foundation of the Dhimma pact. “Fight against those who do not believe in Allah… of those who have been given the Book (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizya (tribute) out of hand and are humbled.” The Dhimma pact established the legal, social and economic status of the non-Muslim people living under Dar-al-Islam. The Dhimma pact is a covenant of liability between Muslims and non-Muslims, based on how Prophet Muhammad dealt with the Jews of Khaybar, who unlike the Jews of Qurayza, were spared on the ground that they relinquished right of ownership to their land and paid the jizya tax in exchange for being spared. They agreed to submit to the “protection of Muhammad” with limited rights to continue to practice Judaism.

There was an established procedure of “ritual ridicule” through which dhimmis prayed their Jizya tax annually. Durie outlines some of these procedures as follows: The dhimmi came to the place of payment walking, not riding a horse. He approached on his hands and knees Payment was made standing, while the receiver, a Muslim is seated. The dhimmi is expected to dramatise a simulated state of shaking violently as if in great agitation for fear. The Muslim receiving the Jizya tax has a whip in his hand. The dhimmi is ordered to pay the tax, even though this is what he is already doing. The dhimmi paying the jizya is beaten up. He is dragged forward by the throat with clothes pulled together or with rope tied around his neck. He is struck on the back of the neck. He is struck under the ear (or on the jaw under the ear). He is pulled by the beard. The Muslim places a foot on the dhimmi’s neck. The entire process enacts a ritual beheading process, with gestures of execution and ritualized decapitation akin to what Islamic fundamentalists actually do to non-Muslims captured in the act of terrorism. Daniel Pearl, the Jewish American journalist who was decapitated in Afghanistan was killed in this manner.

Twentieth century jizya payments in some nations: Morocco 1903, Tunisia 1908, Yemen 1948, Iran 1949, Afghanistan 1950. The jizya tax may have been officially abolished in many states, but the social status of dhimmis persists in humiliation and discrimination. The Taliban in Afghanistan restored the neck-seals worn around the neck to identify the dhimmis. Many non-Muslims in several nations are literally living under Dhimma regulations and restrictions because of the inherent discriminations imbedded in the Quran.

Dhimmitude and implication of Islamization for Christians: Conversion - Dhimmi’s cannot convert Muslims to Judaism or Christianity, but can be converted to Islam. Marriage - A Dhimmi man cannot marry a Muslim woman but a Muslim man can marry a Dhimmi woman who automatically becomes a Muslim. Worship - Dhimmi’s cannot build new churches after their conquest. Damaged churches cannot also be renovated. Public Display - Religious symbols such as crosses, funeral processions, bells and loud singing are forbidden. Publishing Books - Dhimmis are prohibited from printing and selling Christian literature. Opposition to Muslims - No Dhimmi can raise his hand against a Muslim. Punishment is death.

Legal Disability - The testimony of a Dhimmi is not valid against a Muslim. Legal Liability - Where a Dhimmi kills a fellow Dhimmi, he escapes liability if he converts to Islam. Discrimination in Housing - Dhimmi houses must be smaller and lower than those of Muslims. Public Conduct - A Dhimmi must leave his seat for a Muslim. (Source: Compiled from Mark Durie, The Third Choice, p.143-144)

Lies and Misconceptions of the Dhimma pact and response to them: The Dhimma pact was not introduced by Prophet Muhammad. The prophet himself introduced the Dhimma pact with the Jews of Khayabar. The jizya tax was just like other taxes. The jizya tax was humiliating, discriminatory and a source of economic slavery. The jizya tax was a means of exemption from military service for non-Muslims. Dhimmis who paid this tax were forbidden to bear arms and fight in jihads. There is no relationship between the Dhimma pact and Jihad. The Dhimma pact was imposed on Jews and Christians conquered through Jihad.   Non-Muslims entered the Dhimmi pact voluntarily. The Dhimma pact was the only alternative to conversion to Islam or death by the sword. The jizya tax was paid according to the economic capacity of non-Muslims. The jiyza tax was very heavy and led many non-Muslims into bankruptcy. Islamic states were good examples of multi-faith co-existence. Islam actually has a global agenda to eventually wipe out all other faiths by force. Islamic states where models of equal rights for all citizens. Islamic states actually discriminated against non-Muslims. The Dhimmi pact was a covenant of protection of non-Muslims living in Muslim societies. The Dhimma pact was a source of humiliation and liability rather than protection. The jizya tax was the equivalent of zakat tax which Muslims had to pay. Muslims did not go through the ritual decapitation process which Dhimmies were subjected to. The Quran does not in any way encourage the Dhimma pact. In the Quran, Surah 9:29 was the basis of the Dhimma pact. ( Source: Compiled from Mark Durie, The Third Choice, p.167-171)

Contemporary attempts to re-introduce the jizya tax: Mark Durie in his book, The Third Choice also outlines efforts by contemporary Islamic voices to re-introduce the jizya tax for non-Muslims. Some of the attempts can be found in the following regions. Saudi Arabia: The Imam of the King Fahd Defence Academy, Sheikh Muhammad, in 2002 declared that “We will control the land of the Vatican; we will control Rome and introduce Islam in it. Yes, the Christians… will yet pay us the jizya in humiliation, or they will convert to Islam” (Steven Stalinsky, Frontpage Magazine.com, April 14, 2005, cited in Durie, p.192). Palestine: The representative of Hamas in the Municipal Council of Bethlehem, Hassan El-Masalmeh in 2005 declared that “We in Hamas intend to implement this [jizya] tax someday. We say it openly – we welcome everyone to Palestine but only if they agree to live under our rules” (The Wall Street Journal, December 23-26, 2005). Algeria: An Al-Qaeda leader in Algeria issued the following fatwa in March 2008, entitled ‘The Severe Cutting Sword upon the Necks of Algerian Christians”. In it, Abu Turab Al-Jaza’iri state that “Allah commands us not to remove the sword from them until they pay jizya, which must be taken by force because while we take it from them, we have the power and upper hand over them, and Allah commands us to humiliate them at the time we extract it from them…” Philippines: Catholics in July 2008 received the following letter from Muslim fundamentalists “The Quran’s instruction is that if there are Christians living in a place for Muslims, they have to be converted to Islam, they have to pay the jizya. If they refuse to pay, they can be subjected to violence. We are giving you 15 days to respond. If we don’t get an answer from you, we will consider you our enemies” (Religious Liberty, Prayer Bulletin, No.489, 23, July 2008). America: An Islamic street preacher, Younus Abdullah Mohammad in New York made the following proclamation in 2009. “We ask that Allah give victory and collect the jizya from the Jews and the Christians and establish Islam all over the dunya (world) during our lifetime” (Cited in Durie, p.194).

Contemporary manifestations of dhimmitude: The concept of Dhimmitude has manifested in many contemporary contexts. Its inherence in the Quran, the Sunna and the Sharia has emboldened many Muslim leaders to implement it within their domains.

Genocide by Muslim Turks against Armenian Christians: Bat Ye’or in The Decline of Eastern Christianity under Islam has demonstrated that “The genocide of the Armenians was a jihad… Despite the disapproval of many Muslim Turks and Arabs, and their refusal to collaborate in the crime, these massacres were perpetrated solely by Muslims and they alone profited from the booty: the victims’ property, houses and lands granted to the mubajirun, and the allocation of them of women and child slaves. The elimination of male children over the age of twelve was in accordance with the commandments of the jihad and conformed to the age fixed for the payment of jizya. The four stages of the liquidation – deportation, enslavement, forced conversion and massacre – reproduced the historic conditions of the jihad carried out in the dar-al-harb from the seventh century on” (Durie, p.160).

Abduction and Forced Conversion of Children in Pakistan: This is aggravated by the doctrine that everyone is born a Muslim. In June 2007, Anila and Saba Younas, two Pakistani Christian girls 10 and 13 years respectively were kidnapped while on a journey to visit their uncle. “They were illegally converted to Islam, and quickly married off to Muslims. After their uncle took legal action to restore custody of the girls to their parents, Judge Mian Muhammad Naeem ruled that the two sisters ‘converted in a legitimate manner to Islam and for this reason, they cannot be restored to their family of origin’. The judge also confirmed the validity of the girls’ marriages. The kidnappers refused all requests to produce the girls to the court so the judge made his findings based upon the testimony of Muslim ‘guardians acting on the girls’ behalf” (Qaiser Felix, Underage Christian Sisters Kidnapped and Forced to Marry Muslims, June 14, 2008, Asia New, June 8, 2009, cited in Durie p.165-166).

 Kidnapping and Sexual Violation of Jewish Women in Iran: This has been a prevalent situation with Iranian Jewish women. A Muslim man can abduct rape and compel Christian or Jewish women to convert to Islam. These men often evade conviction because they force their victims to convert to Islam before two witnesses. A Mullah’s quickly issues a certificate which confirms the change of faith. This automatically abrogates and annuls the woman’s marriage after which the very man who successfully abdicated and raped her can then legally take her as his wife. In this way, the Sharia in war situations legalises the taking of women as booty of war.

Forced Confiscation and Seizure of the Property of Christians in Bethlehem: This is a regular occurrence today in Bethlehem where Christ was born. Samer Qumsyeh, a Christian in Bethlehem writes that Muslims “… go to a poor Christian person with a forged power of attorney documents, then they say, ‘we have papers proving you’re living on our land’. If you confront them many times the Christian is beaten. You can’t do anything about it. The Christian loses and he runs away” (Aawn Klein, Schmoozing with Terrorists, p.137). Christian Businessmen in Egypt are constantly intimidated, harassed and money extorted from them. Many are killed for refusing to comply with the demands of their Muslim molesters.

  The Demographic Devastation of Christian Minorities in Iraq: When the kidnapping, extortion and rape of their women go on without legal protection by the state, most Christians either convert or migrate to safe environments. This creates a demographic depletion of the Christian or Jewish communities. This is the current scenario in Iraq today. The Christian community is almost wiped out because of the harassment and intimidation. Many Christian communities have completely disappeared largely because of the harshness of the Dhimmi pact and its sustained persecution of non-Muslim. North-East Africa used to be populated by Christians. The same was true of Southern Arabia and Afghanistan. The Coptic Christians of Egypt were forced to change their language. They now speak Arabic.

Imposition of Psychological Fear, Terror and Violence on Christians in Jos: This has been the lot of many Christian minorities in Northern Nigeria. Jos is a largely Christian enclave which the Muslims desire to overrun. They have used psychological fear, terror and violence to achieve this. Entire villages have been sacked with thousands killed.

Islamic fundamentalism and the numerology of judgment: Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian Liberation organisation through lies, deception and subterfuge made the world to believe that he was ready to make peace with Israel. He was publicly talking about peace but privately preparing and engaging in war. His deception of the entire world led the Nobel Prize Committee in Oslo to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. A man of war was given the prize of peace. Men rejoiced as if God could be deceived. Arafat became incapacitated and eventually died on a date divinely encoded to show, that his removal from the scene was a divine act of judgment against lawlessness. Yasser Arafat died on the 11 th day of the 11 th month in 2004. Several such divine encoding can be seen in the symbols of Islam. The Islamic calendar of 12 lunar months is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Prophet Muhammad died in 632 AD – 6+3+2=11. The prophet also married 11 wives (Al-Bukhari, p.165). Some authors say he had 13 wives. Anwar Sadat made peace with Israel by symbolically visiting Jerusalem in the 11 th month of 1977. Islamic fundamentalists killed him for this 11 th month journey to Jerusalem, the city of peace. On September 11 th 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City.

It is interesting to note that the 911 chapter of Bible is Haggai chapter 2 and verse 6 and 7 of this chapter says, “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Nature of the divine judgments against lawlessness in 2011 and beyond: J. O. Moshay in Who is this Allah? gives us a picture of the type of divine judgment that will visit instruments of fundamentalism in this season. We shall take the liberty of letting him describe what happened in Ibi town in Taraba State, Nigeria. “Late in 1987, a Muslim decided to bulldoze the graves of certain white Christian missionaries in Ibi town in the Wukari Local Government Area of the present Taraba State of Nigeria to extend his estate. God spoke to a Christian to tell the Emir of Ibi to warn the man. The Emir was reluctant because of his religious leaning. On December 24, the graves were bulldozed. Immediately, a mysterious fire started operation. The bulldozer was the first victim. From the bulldozer, the fire selectively burned the property of several Muslims in the town. Only little children could see the approach of the fire to any of its targets. The invisible fire continued until March the following year. By January, the fire had gutted about 400 houses, according to a report by a Northern Nigerian based secular newspaper, The Reporter, of January 30, 1988. By March, the number of houses affected had grown to about 3,000. Some Muslims who had not been affected and were quick to realise that the fire was selective, went to hide their belongings in the nearby town and villages.

But the fire could identify the properties from Ibi town and did justice to those properties leaving those of their hosts in the same houses intact! No Christians were affected. But a few Christians who dared sympathise with their Muslim friends immediately had a brush of the show. A Muslim parent who beat his child for joining some Christians in prayer meeting, had his house gutted that very evening… When all efforts, sacrifices and prayers sought by the Emir failed to stop the operation of the fire, it became obvious that the Christian God was defending even the dry bones of His servants who had died as far back as 1904 and 1905. Even though the Christians realised they must not sympathise with the Muslims, yet they did not rejoice over what happened. All they did was to summon the people together and preach the gospel of peace and love to them. A Christian organisation, Love Divine Ministry, based in Kaduna was there. Over 400 people (most of them Muslims) where converted; and some of them came forward to say God had healed them of certain physical diseases and disablement. The three-day visitation of the Holy Spirit in the area has been described as a rain of revival” (Good New magazine, April/May, 1988, Kaduna, Nigeria, cited in G. J. O. Moshay, Who is this Allah? pp.49-50).

Islamic banking in the context of the words of Muhammad and the words of Jesus: Pagans – Muhammad : “Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)…” (Surah 9:5, Ali Translation). Jesus Christ: “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right check, turn the other to him also” (Luke 5:39). Rejection – Muhammad: Those who reject Islam must be killed if they turn back (from Islam), take (hold of ) them and kill them wherever you find them” (Surah 4:89, The Noble Quran). Jesus Christ: “And whoever will not receive you when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them” (Luke 9:5, New King James Version). Unbelievers – Muhammad: “So, when you meet (in fight-jihad in Allah’s cause) those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly {on them, i.e. take them as captives}” (Surah 47:4). Jesus Christ: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not kill, and whosoever kill shall be in danger of the judgment”, but I say unto you, whosoever shall be angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22).

Love – Muhammad: O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you; and know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” (Surah 9:123, The Noble Quran). Jesus Christ:“…But love your enemies, and do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return, and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:32-33, 35). Proselytising – Muhammad: “And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and polytheism, i.e. worshipping others beside Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah alone…” (Surah 8:39, The Noble Quran). Jesus Christ: “… Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15). Enemies – Muhammad: “Take not the Jews and Christians as Auliya (friends, protectors, helpers). They are but Auliya of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya), then surely he is one of them” (Surah 5:51). Jesus Christ: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Weapons – Muhammad: “And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery) to threaten the enemy of Allah…” (Surah 8:60, emphasis added). Jesus Christ: “Then said Jesus unto him, put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matthew 26:52, King James Version). Jews – Muhammad: “Fight against… those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the jizya (tax) with willing submission and feel themselves subdued” (Surah 9:29, The Noble Quran) Jesus Christ: “But whatever house you enter, first say “peace to this house and if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it, if not it will return to you” (Luke 10:5). Adultery – Muhammad: A woman was brought to Muhammad who had committed adultery. They asked him, what shall we do with her? Muhammad said “Go away, bring her after the baby is born… after two years, they brought her back to the Prophet of Allah, and he said ‘take the baby from her and kill her’. They did exactly that” (Kitab al-Hudud, The Book Pertaining to Islamic Punishments. Section 3:15:4206). Jesus Christ: A woman was brought to Jesus who was caught in the very act of adultery. “Shall we stone her according to Moses law?… Jesus asked the woman “where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you? She said ‘no one Lord’ Jesus said to her “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” (John 8:3-11). ( Adapted and recreated from The Sickle, Vol. 4, p.7, 2009)

The eleven proclamations of dealing with the challenges of Islam and Islamic banking: God commanded Pharaoh to make 11 proclamations when Pharaoh pursued Israel and fear came into the camp. “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:13-16). “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15:1). The eleven proclamations: Fear not. Stand still. See the salvation of the Lord. The wicked throne you see today you will see them no more forever. The Lord will fight for you. You will hold your peace. Go forward. Lift up your rod. Stretch forth your hand over the seas. Divide it. Sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously, the horse and its rider has been thrown into the sea (Exodus 15:1).