Thursday, February 15, 2007

Mahjoub to be Released

I was 14 when Mohammad Mahjoub was first taken into custody. Fourteen. His family has been waiting for over seven years to see the "evidence" against him. And now, under strict conditions, he's finally being released. How long, really, is seven years?

It baffles me when I think how easy it is for governments to hurt and demoralize people. "Mahjoub's wife, Mona Elfouli, told the CBC Thursday she has been getting calls from friends, supporters and the media all day.

Elfouli said she cried Thursday morning when she was told that her husband will soon come home to their two children."

I've watched her family pour everything they have into fighting this injustice. Their two sons grew up without a father. And yet, never did his family falter in supporting him, and in having hope that he would be able to come home. So this is the absolute best news I've heard in a very, very long time. Alhamdulillah.

"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance." (Qur'an 2:155-157)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was so happy to hear this news. It's been a long time and I wish them all the best.

Anonymous said...

its sad that the media covers it now. where were they for the last 7 years? i mean i never heard of this guy. until now.

Stylus Virus said...

Assalamu aleikum,

Alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah...good news indeed, but rather sad news if you think about it. It's not the media's responsibility to move us into standing up for justice and our community; the better question is, "where were the Muslims?" The only reason the Maher Arrar case got spotlighted in the first place was because his wife made a very, very loud noise (and rightfully so), until it became too embarassing for the media to ignore it. It's pathetic that we Muslims shy away from getting "involved" - these men were/are held FOR NO REASON with NO EVIDENCE; we are in no way any different, none of us should feel exempt from being in exactly the same unjust predicament. The next thing you know, you'll be guilty until proven innocent.

Good news, but not good enough. For those who don't know: many more are still being held, with no charges, no trial, no help, no voice. Mahmoud Jaballah has been there for just as long, currently on hunger strike.

Fa sabbrun jamil.

'liya said...

Like the last person said, "For those who don't know: many more are still being held, with no charges, no trial, no help, no voice. Mahmoud Jaballah has been there for just as long, currently on hunger strike," his son spoke at Zafar's mosque this evening and said how after 60 days of being on a hunger strike, if you haven't already died, your internal organs begin to. I can only imagine how hard it must be for him and his family to be seperated from their father. Don't forget them in your prayers either...

Anonymous said...

shajara is right.

Nazia said...

Alhumdulillah! I have heard of him and the other brothers held at Gitmo North as I have followed their cases closely for my blog.

May Allah(swt) free all the innocent brothers and sisters and children detained worldwide! Ameen!