American way of buying justice

How to buy justice............ American way?

These two incidents will show you how America buys justice across world, their soldiers and acts are immune all others can be punished without trial and any crime.

American are immune even after doing crime.

Afia Siddiqui - Some more news

There are many more such incidents

When american do, it is democratic change, when others try it is terrorism.

The judges in the trial in Egypt of 43 people, including 19 Americans and other foreigners, over the funding of non-governmental groups, have resigned.

The case caused a serious rift with the United States after police in Cairo raided several NGOs in December.
Some of them are backed by US groups. Egypt says they received illegal foreign funding and stopped the accused from leaving the country.
Egyptian media said the three judges resigned in "embarrassment".
The precise reasons for the move remain unclear.
US officials had earlier said the case was putting at risk the $1.3bn military aid it sends to Cairo each year.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested the two sides were moving towards a resolution.
She said "very intense discussions" on the issue were taking place.
"We've had a lot of very tough conversations and I think we are moving toward a resolution," she said.
Egyptian prosecutors confiscated documents and computers when they raided the NGOs in late December. Their members were charged with obtaining international funds illegally and failing to register with the government.

The real issue is "Regime change" 

It may be Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq - America want a regime which toe American Line, line of American empire and their lobbies, this is called Justice and all other who do not toe this line are terrorist.

DUA

DUA FOR BLESSED DESTINATION

RAMADAN DUA

DUA FOR KNOWLEDGE

DUA FOR PARENTS

INVOCATION FOR GUIDANCE AND PIETY

HOME IN PARADISE

WHEN LEAVING HOME

DUA FOR SEEKING FORGIVENESS

Oil @ 150……..200………..250 US$ and Japan

Oil @ 150……..200………..250 US$ and Japan

When production loss in the world is growing, 

Nation       Capacity loss                 

Libya - 1.6 million barrels         1 million barrel - will take at least 1 year to reach pre-revolution 

Yemen - Loss 300,000 barrels

South Sudan - 350,000 barrels main buyer China

Syria - 250,000 barrels

Nigeria, and other African nations - 

Total loss of production 2 million barrels - total spare capacity - Saudi Arabia - 2 million barrels a day, presents products is already using 1.5 million barrels spare capacity. There is no more spare capacity which can be brought into use.

Oil 150 US$ soon..............200 after some more time........

No alternative for Japan rather than buying Iran oil in short and long term

Japan posts record trade deficit

Increased energy imports contributed to Japan last year recording its first annual trade deficit since 1980. 

The Japanese economy is one of the third largest in the world. Only the USA and China have a higher GNP. Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world behind the US and China. In 2010, Japan's GDP (Current Prices, US dollars) was US$5.458 trillion and its GDP (PPP) was US$4.309 trillion.

Imports: Japan has a surplus in its export/import balance. The most important import goods are raw materials such as oil, foodstuffs and wood. Major supplier is China, followed by the USA, Australia, Saudi- Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

Industries: Manufacturing, construction, distribution, real estate, services, and communication are Japan's major industries today. Agriculture makes up only about two percent of the GNP. Resources of raw materials are very limited and the mining industry rather small.

• Japan needs to import about 84% of its energy requirements.
• Its first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in mid-1966, and nuclear energy has been a national strategic priority since 1973.
• The country's 50 main reactors have provided some 30% of the country's electricity and this was expected to increase to at least 40% by 2017.
• Japan has a full fuel cycle set-up, including enrichment and reprocessing of used fuel for recycle.
• Japan posts a record trade deficit of $18.7 billion in January – 2012
• Rise due to the increase in oil prices and increase of fossil fuel imports
• Deficit fueled by the shutdown of Japan's nuclear power plants
• Only five reactors out of 54 still online after March 11 earthquake and nuclear disaster

Japan has posted a record trade deficit for January after its nuclear crisis shut down nearly all reactors, sending fuel imports surging.

The Y1.48 trillion ($A17.27 billion) deficit reported on Monday has highlighted Japan's increased dependence on imported fuel after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami sent the Fukushima nuclear plant into multiple meltdowns.

Now, Japan is importing more natural gas and oil as utilities boost non-nuclear power generation. Imports of natural gas in January increased 74 per cent from a year earlier and imports of petroleum jumped nearly 13 per cent.

Despite producing only trifling amounts of oil domestically from fields off its west coast, Japan is the third largest oil consumer in the world behind the U.S. and China, as well as the third largest net importer of crude oil. Imported oil accounts for some 45 percent of Japan’s energy needs. Besides bringing in a lot of oil, Japan is the world’s largest importer of both coal and liquefied natural gas.

Supplying the same amount of electricity by oil, for example, would increase oil imports by about 62 million metric tons per year, or about 1.25 million barrels per day,” says Toufiq Siddiqi, a researcher with the nonprofit East-West Institute. He adds that at the current price of oil per barrel (roughly $100), switching out nuclear for oil would cost Japan upwards of $46 billion per year. “Further, it would take almost a decade to build enough new oil, coal or natural gas-fired power plants to provide the equivalent amount of electricity, and tens of billions of dollars per year would be required to do so,” he concludes.

Japan January Liquefied Natural Gas Imports Rise 28.2%;

Japan’s liquefied natural gas imports rose to a record in January after the Fukushima nuclear disaster led to the shutdown of most of the country’s atomic reactors, causing utilities to use more fossil fuels.

The nation’s LNG imports climbed 28.2 percent from a year earlier to 8.15 million metric tons, according to a preliminary report released today by the Ministry of Finance.

Japan appears to be looking to natural gas, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG), to compensate, increasing LNG imports by 27 percent year-on-year in January 2012 and receiving imports from new sources such as Qatar and Russia.  Japan was only meeting about 16 percent of its energy demand through domestic production before the disaster, and 30 percent of that production came from nuclear energy.

Natural gas and other conventional fuel imports will rise after Japan's nuclear disaster. Asian exporters of natural gas, coal, and oil should see the biggest boost.

But analysts say the amount of fuel Japan must import to make up for shutdown nuclear generation will greatly outstrip the immediate drop in consumer demand. Goldman Sachs estimates Japan must import 247,000 barrels a day of oil to compensate for the country's lost nuclear capacity while demand will drop only 16,000 barrels a day due to an expected economic slowdown in the first half.

Bible that predicted ‘coming of Prophet’ found

London: A recently re-discovered secret Bible in which Jesus is believed to predict the coming of the Prophet Muhammad to Earth has sparked serious interest from the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI reportedly wants to see the 1,500-year-old book, which many say is the Gospel of Barnabas, that has been hidden by the Turkish state for the last 12 years.


The GBP 14 million handwritten gold lettered tome, penned in Jesus’ native Aramaic language, is said to contain his early teachings and a prediction of the Prophet’s coming, the Daily Mail reported.

The leather-bound text, written on animal hide, was discovered by Turkish police during an anti-smuggling operation in 2000.

It was closely guarded until 2010, when it was finally handed over to the Ankara Ethnography Museum, and will soon be put back on public display following a minor restoration.

A photocopy of a single page from the handwritten ancient manuscript is thought to be worth GBP 1.5 million.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay said the book could be an authentic version of the Gospel, which was suppressed by the Christian Church for its strong parallels with the Islamic view of Jesus.

He also said the Vatican had made an official request to see the scripture - a controversial text which Muslims claim is an addition to the original gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.

Despite the interest in the newly re-discovered book, some believe it is a fake and only dates back to the 16th century.

The oldest copies of the book date back to that time, and are written in Spanish and Italian.

Protestant pastor Ihsan Ozbek said it was unlikely to be authentic.

This is because St Barnabas lived in the first century and was one of the Apostles of Jesus, in contrast to this version that is said to come from the fifth or sixth century.

He told the Today Zaman newspaper: “The copy in Ankara might have been written by one of the followers of St Barnabas.”

“Since there is around 500 years in between St Barnabas and the writing of the Bible copy, Muslims may be disappointed to see that this copy does not include things they would like to see.”

“It might have no relation with the content of the Gospel of Barnabas,” Ozbek added.

Theology professor Omer Faruk Harman said a scientific scan of the bible may be the only way to reveal how old it really is.

ANI

Oil @150.......200.......250 Can Europe Survive?

Sanctions biting more to Europe than Iran?

Can Europe Withstand United or America wanted  to destroy EU and Euro, the only Challenge to Dollar as reserve currency?

Today oil is @120 USD a barrel, Iran has announced it will stop oil exports to six European countries which includes Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain ........ all of these countries facing sever financial crisis, Greece is very - very close to default, it may or may not but market is already rattled and will have long term pain.

This may not be enough 

Moody's May Downgrade 17 Banks, Securities Firms

Moody is American Company

By Ian Chua and Soyoung Kim

(Reuters) - Moody's warned on Thursday it may cut the credit ratings of 17 global and 114 European financial institutions in another sign the impact of the euro zone government debt crisis is spreading throughout the global financial system.

This may not be enough for Greece ......... where pain is more

Saad Bin Abi Waqqas RaziAllah Unho

Saad Bin Abi Waqqas RaziAllah Unho The Great Commander of Islamic Forces

Saad Bin Abi Waqqas was a tall tanned sturdily built youth with broad shoulders and curly hair; he was a picture of devotion to Allah Almighty. He led an austere and pure life, kept awake at nights in worship, and was courageous and yet forbearing. This fortunate Companion had received the glad tidings that he would go to Paradise, from the lips of the Prophet PBUH himself.  He had also prayed to Allah Almighty that the supplications of Sa'd bin Abi Waqas should be answered and that his arrow should always find its mark. Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas had been a member of the group of Companion who had pledged loyalty to Allah Almighty and His Prophet PBUH at what came to be known as the Bai'at-al-Rizwan. These Companions are mentioned in the Noble Qur'an  and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas was one of them. He was one of those brave soldiers who took part in the Battle of Uhud and were known for their fearlessness. In this battle this experienced archer had rained his arrows on the enemy and the Prophet PBUH had been so pleased with him that he said to him

"Saa'd shoot your arrows; May my mother and father be sacrificed for you." Saa'd bin Abi Waqqas became a Muslim at the age of seventeen. He was educated and trained in the Dar e Arqamand was with the Prophet PBUH at the Shebe Abi Talib,' bearing with patience and fortitude the difficulties and hardship of the siege.

In the famous place called Jasr in Iraq he opposed the Iraqi army. They came on to the battlefield looking very warlike and arrogantly clapping their breasts. There was very heavy fighting and the attack of the enemy was so very forceful and severe that four thousand Mujahidin were martyred in a single day. The Caliph, 'Umar Farooq was very sad to hear this tragic news, and decided to go to Iraq and lead the Muslim army himself. He ordered that 'Ali bin Abi Talib be put in charge of affairs at the capital, Al-Madinah, and with some Mujahidin reinforcements set out for Iraq. When 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf  came to know that 'Umar Farooq  was on his way to Iraq, he was very upset and set out to stop him. He caught up with him just a short distance from Al-Madinah and persuaded him not to leave the capital, as the situation was critical. He tried to convince him that his presence was essential in the capital, as the Muslims were facing a difficult and delicate situation. The Muslim Ummah needed his services very badly, and there were plenty of experienced strategists, and courageous lions, who could be sent to crush the kuffar. He suggested it would be better to entrust the military leadership to an experienced and fearless General. These arguments convinced 'Umar Farooq and he summoned ‘Ali; and some other prominent Companion to a meeting; they all agreed that 'Umar Farooq - should return to the capital, and an experienced commander be chosen to lead the Muslim forces in Iraq. Giving in to the collective opinion of the Companions, 'Umar Farooq Razi Allah Unho returned to Al-Madinah. All the Companion started considering various possibilities, when 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf  suddenly called out that he had got just his right man; upon being asked for the name by 'Umar Farooq , he said the best man to handle the situation would be the lion-hearted youth, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas RA the entire Companion were happy to approve of his choice. And 'Umar Farooq sent Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas to Iraq as Commander of the Muslim forces.

The Prophet had prayed to Allah that, He should grant acceptance to the entreaties of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas. After this whenever Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas prayed to Allah Almighty, his prayers and supplications would be answered. All other Companion used to value him highly.

His son narrates how one day he heard a man grumbling; when he listened closely to what he was saying he realized he was abusing 'Ali, Talha  and Zubair he told him to stop, but he would not listen and continued. Finally, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas lost his temper, and said if did not control his tongue he would put a curse on him. Arrogantly the man told him that lie was arrogating powers to himself and he asked him if he thought he was a Prophet PBUH. Listening to the man's bitter words, he merely turned away. He went, made his ablutions for prayers and offered two supererogatory units of prayer. Then he entreated Allah Almighty "0 Allah you know that this man is abusing men of purity, with whom You Yourself are Pleased because of their goodness. Surely you will not approve of these abuses. May this man be a lesson for such other men?" He had barely done with his supplications when people saw that a raging she-camel had broken away from the rope which tethered her, and leaving her home had entered in the midst of a crowd of people. It seemed as if she was looking for a particular person. In seconds she had the head of a person in her bloodthirsty jaws and was shaking it violently from side to side. Finally his neck broke and in no time he had become the prey of death. People were stunned into silence. The dead man was none other than the one who had been abusing the noble Companions a few minutes earlier, and against whom Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas had appealed to Allah Almighty.

When the Prophet went on his Farewell Pilgrimage he accompanied him and happened to fall ill. When the Prophet went to nurse him, he told the Prophet that he owned a lot of property and had only one daughter who would inherit it. He said that he wished to give away as charity in the Name of Allah two-third of it. The Prophet told him this was too large a proportion. Then he asked if he could give away one half, the Prophet saideven this was too much. Then again he asked if it would be all right to give away one third. The Prophet said even this was a bit too much though it was all right. He asked him to remember that it was better to leave one's heirs in a good financial position; it was not good to leave them in a situation where they would have to around asking others for help. Allah will reward the person who spent anything at all in charity for Him. The sickness of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas was getting more and more complicated day by day. He loved Al-Madinah deeply and he wanted to die there. When the Prophet saw his restlessness and desire to be in his favorite city, he put his blessed hand on his breast and supplicated to Allah Almighty thrice to cure him. These supplicated phrases uttered by the Prophet     acted like a magic cure for Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas. He got well and lived to a ripe old age. After he recovered from his illness, he made many time married and had about thirty-four sons and daughters.

'Umar Farooq was very impressed by the strength of his faith and the firm and truthfulness. He could never forget that incident which depicted the degree of his devotion to Islam. He had accepted Islam as a young boy; his disturbed and saddened his mother very deeply because he had given up the faith of his fathers and forefathers. She tried in many ways to bring him back into the fold of Kufr. When nothing worked she used the last resort of mothers to emotionally blackmail her obedient and loving son. This is something, which makes their determination falter and their resolutions fail. She went on a hunger strike and declared she would not eat until her son came back to the religion of his forefathers. She vowed that rather die than see her son become a Muslim. Sa'd bin Abi  Waqqas  was unnerved when he saw her stubbornness, but pure faith had taken strong roots in his  heart, so his strong feet, as a person who was destined to go to JANNAH (Paradise) firmly planted in Islam, did not totter. His mother was close to death by starvation and thirst. Displaying strong determination and courage he said to her:

"Dear mother if you had a hundred lives within your body, and each one of those hundred lives were to leave your body in front of my eyes, even then I would not recant and give up my faith, in Islam. It is your wish whether you want to eat or not; as for myself, I will not leave my Prophet.” Seeing that it was of no use and her son was stubborn as a rock, she finished her hunger strike. This resolution and determination of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas has been made immortal:

"But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do." (31:15)

For the Battle of Quddisiyah, 'Umar Farooq RA appointed Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas Commander-in-Chief of an army of a hundred thousand experienced, fearless and courageous Mujahiddin but he selected only

Thirty thousand of the most formidable from among them. They carried weapons in their hands and their hearts were filled with the radiance of their faith and the burning desire to be martyred for Allah   and Islam   . At Qadisiyah both the armies clashed and fought. During the battle Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas received a letter from Umar Farooq which he said: "Remember the importance of Qadisiyah, which is a historic place. If the battle is won then the whole of Iran will be at your feet. Qadisiyah is the central door to Iran. Do not be lost in arrogance because you are related to the Prophet. Do not forget that one's status and position in the eyes of Allah depends on one's obedience and loyalty to him. Allah Almighty is the Supporter and Sustainer of all and you are his slave. Keep bequeathed to us when he left this world." At the end of the letter he told him to keep me informed about all the latest developments. How would he enter the battlefield? Where would he camp? At what distance was the enemy at that time? In other words, he wanted detailed information about what was taking place every moment, as if he were able to see him. Sad bin Abi Waqqas fulfilling his duties, kept the government at the center informed regarding every detail to the extent that he kept Caliph 'Umar Farooq informed in exhaustive detail about the welfare and activities of each Mujahiddin.  He also wrote to him regarding the individual and collective assignments given to each Mujahid. Iran also mustered an equally strong force and commoners and reached Qadisiyah; no similar incident can be found in their history prior to this. The two armies met at Qadisiyah posturing proudly. Iran's famous and dangerous General, Rustam, was commanding his men. Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas wrote to 'Umar Farooq that  Rustam   had come with a very well equipped army and gigantic elephants could also be seen. An equal number of civilians had also accompanied them into the battlefield and it looked like it was going I to be a very tough encounter. Under these circumstances he was waiting anxiously to know how they should advance. Umar Farooq replied that he should not fear and let the Iranians enter the battlefield. He should remember always that total power lay in the control of Allah Almighty. He should concentrate on entreating

Allah Almighty and offering supplications to Him for assistance and depend on Him every moment. Secondly, send a delegation consisting of the most excellent, most experienced, most intelligent and most eloquent Mujahiddin to the Iranian Empire. They should talk to learn about Islam and invite them to pledge allegiance to it. He wanted Sad bin Abi Waqas  to report to him in detail about how the delegation was received by the Iranian Empire; further it was extremely important that he be kept fully informed about each and every development. Finally he prayed that Allah Almighty be his Supporter and Helper.

Following the orders of 'Umar Farooq , Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas  selected the most eloquent, diplomatic, skilled, perceptive and dignified people from those serving under him to form the delegation and sent them to the Iranian Empire. The delegation went to the court of the Empire in the very simple attire of those who are indifferent to worldly pomp and show. Looking at their simple dress yet regal and majestic manners the whole court seemed to tremble and quake. The head of the delegation addressed the Iranian Empire and said that Allah Almighty had selected them, so that they should take out mankind from the filthy morass of idol worship and guide them to the clear fountain of the adoration of the One True Allah. He wanted them to lead people from the darkness of ignorance to the brilliant light of knowledge. The common man had to be freed from the oppression of tyrants and taken into the fresh open air of Islam to enjoy the blessings of the justice of Islam. All those who accept this invitation would be welcomed and nor would their territories be annexed. They would be given total control of the organization and governance of their lands. But if anyone opposed them and refused their invitation, then they would declare war against them, and this war would continue until the Law of Allah Almighty was established on this earth and His Promise was fulfilled.

The Iranian empire asked in amazed tones: “What Allah Almighty had promised them?" They answered that He had promised them Paradise after death and an exalted status for those who lived on. And very proudly they added that if he did not accept Islam this land of his would very soon be under their control, he would lose his throne and crown and all his pomp and power would become a story from the past. The Iranian Empire felt that each phrase of theirs was a poisoned arrow hitting the target - his heart. With smoldering eyes and a thundering voice he called out to his man. The man came forward and asked what his command was. He asked him to go out and get some soil immediately. The man went out and quickly brought a basket filled with soil, continuously threw it at the delegation. Asim bin 'Umar picked up the basket put it in his robe and took it to Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas,, and said: "Congratulations! The Iranian Empire has himself given us his land."

The delegation informed Sa'd bin Abl Waqqas of all that had transferred; they said that war could not be avoided as the Iranian Empire would understand no other language. The dispute could be settled only the arena of war. The eyes of Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas filled with tears when he heard the courageous dialogue of his Mujahidin. He wished this war could have started some days earlier or some days later.

The fact of the matter was that when the delegation declared that war was inevitable, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas was sick. He had sores all over his body and he suffering from sciatica. It was very difficult for him to walk or even to sit down. And as for riding, it was just impossible. He was in a dilemma and just did not know what to do. Suddenly it occurred to him that he should never have used the words 'if only' or 'I wish'. The Prophet PBUH had told Muslims never to use these words.

After the address he led the army in the noon prayers. Then the army got ready and the men armed themselves. Famous poets and popular orators started delivering speeches. This roused the men's passions.

When their fervor had reached its highest point, Sa'd bin Abi Waqss shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and asked the Mujahidin to fall upon the enemy. Following the tradition of those days before the whole army fought, the warriors came out to fight on a one-to-one basis. The fighting started. A very strong youth of the Iranian army, wearing an armor made of silk came out to the battlefield. To oppose him 'Amr bin Ma'di Karb came out. The Iranian took careful aim and shot his arrow, but 'Amr dodged it and rode his horse hard and fast towards him and in seconds his sword with a clean powerful stroke cut off the enemy's head, which rolled far away:, As was the tradition many individuals now confronted each other, one by one, each one displaying his skill and mastery.

Finally both the armies came out on the battlefield and intense fighting broke out. Iranian brought their elephants. The horses of the Mujahidin started to panic and rear up in fear when they saw the elephants Sa'd bin Abi Waqas  was sitting in the terrace and watching these painful proceedings. When he realized that if things continued in the same way it would be disastrous for the Mujahidin, he ordered young men of the tribe of Banu Asad to show their mettle. The great General of the tribe of Asad, Talitah trying to inspire his men saying: "Advance 0 youth of Banu Asad, Sa'd bin Abi Waqas has called you acknowledging your greatness. Today is a test of your military experience and courage; get ready to sacrifice your lives for the glory of Islam and to confound the enemy. Move forward and clash with the mountainous looking elephant. With a kick from your feet even mountains have been known to crumble."

The youth of Banu Asad steeped in the passion of Jihad, with spears in their hands, attacked the elephants. Even the gigantic elephants could not stand up against their bravery and resoluteness of purpose. First they rained arrows on the soldiers riding on the elephants, who fell off their mounts like ripe fruit from trees. Some of the youth cut off the trunks of the elephants with their swords; this caused a stampede among the elephants rapidly retreated in panic-stricken terror, Crushing   their own army. Some few Mujahidin lost   their lives, but the victory on that first day belonged to the Muslim army. This first encounter in the Battle of Qadisiyah helped to impress the enemy with the might and power of the Muslim army.

When the sun rose the next day the bodies of the martyrs were buried and arrangements were made for treating the wounded. The Mujahidin were ordered to form ranks for the battle. Before the actual   fighting began the reinforcements sent by Abu ‘Ubaidah reached the battlefield under the Command of Hisham bin 'Utbah.  Amr was the commander of every advance guard. At first the individual warriors of extra army came on the battlefield. The experienced commander of the Muslim army, Qa'qa' bin 'Amr, slew The commander of the Iranian army, Behmen. And the famous warrior of the Iranian army, A'wan bin Qatbah was also killed. The most excellent heroes of the Iranian army were slain. When the fighting was at its most intense, and both sides were attacking each other furiously, Qa'qa  bin 'Amr, in order to startle the horses of the enemy, draped his camels with black robes and let them loose on the battlefield. The horses, on seeing this terrifying scene, went on a rampage and could not be controlled by their riders. There was total chaos, and shouting and screaming in the enemy ranks. Action on the battlefield was at its most intense.

On the second day as well the Mujahidin triumphed over the enemy though it was not a decisive victory. The third day too it seemed as if the war was not going to end. The Iranian Empire continued to send in fresh troop every day.. But the Iranian Empire and his famous General, Rustam, were not prepared to admit defeat. They stuck stubbornly in the battlefield. The army had been positioned on the left and right of the elephants to protect them.

Qa'qa' bin  Amr' of armed a special division of ace riders and leading them himself, he advanced towards the Iranian General, Rustam. He was, seated on his throne directing his men to fight. With one intense attack, he succeeded in reeling the throne of the Iranian General. He jumped down from his throne and tried to fight against them for some time, but when he saw it was futile, he fled. When all saw a stream in front of him, he jumped into it to save himself; one of the Mujahidin. Hilal, who was chasing him jumped in after him and got stranglehold on him. He pulled him out of the stream by his legs, and chopped off his head with his sword. It was then announced that the Iranian General had been killed. When the Iranian soldiers heard this they lost the hope, and started to scamper from the field of battle. The Mujahidin chased them for a long distance and the battlefield was left empty. Thus, the Muslim army won.

Though Sa'd bin Abi Waqaas did not take an active part in the battle because of his illness, he was continuously issuing orders, and for all practical purposes, commanding the forces. He was sitting on one of the balconies of the fort and could view the whole battlefield, the positions of the various divisions and the movements of the two armies.

Next the Muslim army faced the Iranians in Madyan. In this battle the Iranians came very well equipped and armed to the teeth. One major problem for the Muslim forces here was that the river Dajlah lay between them and the Iranian army. The Iranians had deployed their army along the banks of the river and adopted a defensive position. Further, in order to protect themselves, they had destroyed all the bridges on the river. In order to have a decisive encounter it was necessary that the Muslim army make the first move and advance.

General Sa'd bin Abi Waqis was in a dilemma. How should he cross the river? Even if they did succeed in crossing the river, it was very possible the enemy would launch an attack even before they reached the other bed of the river. In that case the enemy would be at an advantage, because the Muslim army would still be in the river.

After a lot of thought and planning he decided to form two armies. He ordered one segment to cross the river under the command of 'Aasim bin ' Amr 4;. He ordered the other segment of the army to cross the river some distance away; this second section he placed under the Command of Qa'qa bin 'Amr.

The purpose of his strategy was to keep the enemy busy and involved with the first section of the army reaching the bank. The other section of the army would start crossing after some time had elapsed, and make a deadly attack on the enemy as soon as it reached the shores. This strategy was so successful that it stunned people and aroused their admiration with its ingenuity. Sa'd bin: Abi Waqass had created military history with his novel tactical move. With full faith in Allah Almighty he had asked his men to step into the river. Their lips were busy with the incantation of the Name of Allah Almighty. They were reciting the ayah:

"Allah help and Support is enough for me."

The Mujahidin had stepped into the deep waters of the river Dajla fearlessly. The world saw that they were chatting with each other as if they were casually strolling on dry land. Salman Al-Farsi was also a soldier in this army. He expressed beautiful inspiring thoughts on this occasion, which deserves to be written in letters of gold in the annals of history. He said: "Islam is a religion which is perfect and descended from the heavens. I swear by the Almighty Allah, for the believers of Islam, the river is as negligible as the desert. I swear by the Being in Whose Power lies my life that as many Mujahidin will step out safely from the river as those who stepped into the river. The deep waters of the river can harm them in no way."

History is witness to the fact that not even a rope was lost by the mujahidin, when they crossed the river. A cup fell from the hand of one Mujahid. He asked his companions to help him find it; and what should they see but that the cup came floating towards them on a wave. All Praise is for Allah! Allah is Great! Seeing this fearful awe-inspiring sight, the Iranian   started screaming that giants had come to swallow them up and fled in panic. Their General, however, remained resolute. A few scattered men stood by him, but the Iranians faced a total rout. They were decimated the very first day and the important city of Madyan with its royal palaces was occupied. The Iranian Empire had already fled to Yazdagar. All the goods and treasures taken from Madyan were sent to Al-Madinah.

When Sa'd bin Abi Waqaas entered the city of Madyan at the head of his army, he found the city totally deserted in deadly silence. He was so deeply moved that he recited the following Verses: "How many of gardens and springs that they left behind. And green crops (fields) and goodly places. And comforts of life wherein they used to take delight. Thus (it was)! And We made other people inherit them ( i e We made the Children of Israel to inherit the kingdom of Egypt)." (44:25-28)

As soon as Madyan was captured the whole of Iraq came under the sway of the Muslims, The Islamic government declared a general amnesty, and people who had fled their houses out of fear were asked to return; and settle in their homes. As soon as people heard this announcement they came back and their homes, their wealth and their honor were protected.

After Iraq came under the complete control of the government, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas was appointed governor of the country. It is as difficult to organize a government and run the country as it is to conquer it. Sa'd bin Abi Waqss had impressed people with his military skill and courage; now as Governor and administrator, with his excellent planning and organizational skills, he made Iraq an ideal and exemplary state in a short time.

He informed Caliph 'Umar Farooq RA that the climate of Iraq did not suit the Mujahidin and they were falling ill. 'Umar Farooq RA replied that a new town should be built at a more suitable and healthy place,

Suitable housing should be provided for the Mujahidin. So a new location was chosen and the city of Koofah was inhabited. It consisted of as many colonies as there were tribes in the Muslim army. Each tribe was given its own colony and a huge mosque was constructed in the heart of the city. Forty thousand people could offer prayers there at a time. Because of excellent administration the whole of Iraq prospered and the people lived in peace and prosperity.

The sense of justice and fair play, the magnanimity and good treatment of all people made the people happy and contented. But some of the Koofis who were stubborn trouble mongers complained to the government at the center that their governor did not conduct prayers in a proper manner and displays laxity in devotions.

As soon as Caliph 'Umar Farooq RA, received the complaint he sent for Sa'd bin Abi Waqaas when he reached Al-Madinah, the 'Umar asked him about the complaint. Sa'd  laughed spontaneously and told him that he conducted the prayers in the manner of the Prophet PBUH. The first two Rakaah were long in comparison to the next two Rakat.

Having satisfied himself, the Caliph asked him to return to Iraq. But Sa'd RA smiled and asked him if he would like him to go to a place where the people were unhappy and are compiling that he did not conduct the prayers in a proper manner. He said he would like to live the rest of his life in Al-Madinah and requested him to give the responsibility to some other person. So 'Umar Farooq appointed his deputy as the permanent governor.

23rd Hijrah a Persian fire-worshipper slave made a fatal attack on 'Umar Farooq RA while he was in the act of praying. He could not recover from this attack. While he was in his death though his attention was drawn to the problem of succession .He was asked to nominate a suitable successor. He did not name any one particular person, but formed a board of six eminent Companions of the Prophet PBUH and suggested they appoint any one of them to succeed him. Sa'd bin Abi Waqaas was one of these six noble men he had on the board. The Caliph also said that if he, had the power to nominate the Caliph, he would have nominated   Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas RA. However, he said it was the right of the Muslim Ummah to choose their leader. He also recorded a last statement that if Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas was not selected, the person who was elected to that high office should take advantage the services of this illustrious Companion. After he passed away and was buried, on the basis of a majority vote 'Uthman bin 'Affan,as a chosen Caliph.

He kept himself aloof from the tragic events of the Battles of Jamal and Safeen.  He had instructed his family members not to tell him anything about these arguments and infighting, because it hurt him deeply. It was terrible, he said, that the swords of the Muslims were chopping off the heads of brother Muslims. There were people worthy of respect on both sides, he said, and even in his wildest imagination he could not think of lifting up arms against any one of them. In 54 Hijrah, he received the summons of death. His son, describing his last days, saying: "My father's head was in my lap, his eyes were losing their focus. I started to cry. He asked me why I was crying; and asked me to be at ease, as he was sure that Allah almighty would not give him any punishment in the Hereafter. Insha’Allah (God willing). He said that he would go to Paradise, as he had heard these glad tiding from the Prophet PBUH himself. Then he pointed to a cupboard and it was opened for him. There was an old sheet lying in it and he had it taken out. He said he had worn it during the Battle of Badr, and preserved it very carefully. He said he wanted that sheet to be used as his shroud; no matter if it was old, it was a blessed and historic sheet which he wanted to take into the grave with him. And soon his soul soared towards heaven."

'Europe is poor so should live within its means'

For decades the West has lectured the East on how to manage its economies. Not any more.

Now the emerging economies of Asia look like models of steady, consistent policy and sustained growth while Europe, America and Japan are mired in debt and are growing achingly slowly, if at all.

So what can the West learn from the East?

According to former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the message is simple but devastating: Europe must face up to the new economic reality.

"Europe... has lost a lot of money and therefore you must be poor now relative to the past," he reasons in an interview with BBC World Service's Business Daily.

"And in Asia we live within our means. So when we are poor, we live as poor people. I think that is a lesson that Europe can learn from Asia."

Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah

Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah

A handsome, pleasant, well-spoken man with a tall, slim physique and bright sharp eyes, he was an image of dignity and grace. These were his physical good looks. By character and nature he was humble and modest. Among his friends he was gentle and soft as silk; when it came to a war between good and evil he was as hard as iron. He had lost his two front teeth in the Battle of Uhud. Two of the iron links of the Prophet's helmet had pierced his head and he had pulled them out with his teeth. He was unparalleled for his integrity and honesty among the Companions and the Prophet had given him the distinguished title of 'Trustee of the Ummah'. His real name was 'Amir bin 'Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah, but he became famous as Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . 'Abdullah bin 'Umar says that among the tribe of the Quraish there were three personalities whose appearance, mien, manners and modesty excelled all others. They also had the gift of eloquent and gentle speech. If people looked towards them they wished to keep on looking. In his opinion the three people were:

· Abu Bakr Siddiq

· Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah

· 'Uthmgn bin 'Affgn

Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was among those very first distinguished Companion who had accepted Islam. He pledged allegiance to Islam just the day after Abu Bakr Siddiq who had invited him to accept it.

Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, 'Abdur-Ralmgn bin 'Auf, Arqam bin Abi in the company of Abu Baltr Siddiq went into the presence of the Prophet and recited the pledge:

"None has the right to be worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger."

Doubtless these great people who were the foundations on which the castle of Islam was constructed. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah & passed every trial and test with flying colors. The difficult situations created by the Quraish were met with courage, patience and fortitude. During this period of hardship sufferings they remained constant and firm. Every single moment they sincerely and honestly recognized the authenticity and truth of the Prophet as the 'Messenger of Allah. They never give any sine of despair or hopelessness; the test that was faced at the Battle of Badr was so critical that it is beyond human comprehension.

What happened in the Battle of Badr, Abu 'Ubaidalh bin Al-Jarralhah advanced ', tearing his way into the middle of the enemy ranks? Thus bold move of his created havoc and the enemy started to run helter-skelter. He was going around fearlessly in the middle of the enemy as if death was of no consequence and there was absolutely no danger.

His casual attitude frightened the Quraish. As soon as he came face to face with an enemy on horseback, the man would give way to him. But there was one man among them who would stand in front of him to challenge him and try to attack him with his sword. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah would try to avoid him and retreat. But the man would insist on coming face to face to oppose him, and Abu'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah would always give him free passage and get out of his way. During the battle a stage came when the man had him trapped. There was no way that Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah could turn to avoid him; he could neither move toward front nor could he move back; all avenues were closed to him. Absolutely ensnared, he was forced to attack him on the head with his sword; his skull broke into two and in a moment he lay dead at his feet. Can you guess who this slain man could be? Doubtless the trial of faithfulness faced by Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was extremely critical, few people are forced into such a situation. When he realized that the dead man was his father he was stunned. The fact was that the man he had killed was to all appearances his father, but in reality it was the standard-bearer of evil he had killed.

Fulfilling this exemplary role he had made it clear that in the balance it was Allah Almighty and His religion of Islam which outweighed all other considerations and even familial bonds. The love of Allah takes priority and is superior to all other bonds. Every moment the objective is in sight and of paramount importance (the glory of Islam).

"You (0 Muhammad %) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad g),even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh(proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. They are the party of Allah. Verily, it is the party of Allah that will be the successful." (59:22)

What better fate could one ask for than praise for one's deeds in the radiant Verses revealed in the Noble Quran? The depth of their belief in Allah Almighty gave them the certitude that the being who had created them would also provide for them; the Almighty Allah for Whose cause they had stepped out into the battlefield would provide ample means of sustenance for them, and He did provide something which had never even entered their minds.

The fighting was at its most intense in the Battle of Uhud. The sound of the clanging of swords was deafening, there was so much shouting and yelling that one's hair stood up on end. Both armies were equally matched. And then the enemy began to retreat, and the Muslim forces chased them right up to their tents; the archers too leapt down from their positions. Khalid bin Waleed surrounded them and the rest of the enemies too turned back. At this stage in the battle Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was in the front ranks and surrounded, but realizing that the Prophet was in danger and breaking through the dangerous encircling enemy cordon, he reached him. The Prophet was lying down bleeding from his injuries and cleaning up the blood from his wounds. He was saying sorrowfully:

"How can those people prosper who have bloodied the face of their Prophet, though all he was doing was to invite them to their Creator and Sustainer?" Painting a picture of this painful scene, Abu Bakr Siddiq RA says: "The Prophet was injured in the Battle of Uhud. A couple of links from his own helmet had pierced through his forehead, which was bleeding. I ran towards him, and then suddenly, what I should see but a friend running towards him from the east. He reached him before me, and I saw that it was the self-sacrificing Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah RA. He requested that I should give him the honor of removing the links of the helmet. Then with great care, but at the same time with great force he held on to the links with his front teeth. He pulled out one link, but lost a tooth in the process. Then without bothering about the pain he must be suffering, again he held on to the other link with his teeth and exerted force. As the other link came out, he lost another tooth as well. Thus two of his teeth were sacrificed, but his beloved Prophet was relieved and found comfort. It seemed as if he looked even more handsome and graceful than before with the loss of his two front teeth, because it was all done for love of the Prophet g PBUH. All the other Companions of the Prophet used to look at him with envious eyes.

The Prophet loved Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, his self-sacrificing Companion, deeply and often gave him preference over others. In the year 9th Hijrah delegation from Yemen came to meet the Prophet &. Instead of accepting Islam they wished to pay the Jazyah.

They very respectfully requested the Prophet PBUH that he should send someone trustworthy with them. When he heard their request he said he would send with them a person whom he trusted deeply and who would fulfill his obligations and his duty. Thus sentence he repeated three times. Each of the Companion present who heard this very complimentary sentence repeated by his beloved and respected Prophet PBUH , wished he would be the one chosen to fulfill the s trust.

'Umar Farooq & says: "I had never deeply wished to occupy any position, but when I heard this sentence repeated by the Prophet PBUH, I wished that I should be the object whom this praise was showered. I hurried for the noon prayers to the mosque. After having led the prayers, the Prophet looked to his left and to his right. I stretched my neck in order to attract his attention. He kept glancing at all the people who had assembled for the prayers.

Finally, his eye fell on Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . He called him and told him to accompany the delegation and do what was just and right in fulfilling the contract with them. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah went with the delegation to Yemen and according to the instructions received from the Prophet PBUH, fulfilled his duty. The laudatory sentences, the phrases of praise expressed by the Prophet became his life-savings for Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . This was a unique honor for him, not shared by any of the other Companions.

In the wars of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Banu Quraidhah, and in the battles of Salasal, Dimashq, Fahal, Hamas and Yarmook and in many other less important battles, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah proved his courage and daring. He was present at the signing of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah; in fact he was one of the signatories to it. He also accompanied the Prophet on Hajjalzt-ul-Wida'a (the last pilgrimage).

When the Prophet PBUH passed away, the Companions were heartbroken and lost. Every one of them had tears in his eyes and felt as if he was adrift and rudderless. The question was who should be the next Caliph was a very big problem. At this critical juncture Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah ; played a very significant role, in trying to calm down both the Ansar and the Muhajreen. Abu Bakr Siddiq addressed all the troubled Companions and said that they had the choice. 'Umar Farooq was among them; the Prophet had said about him that All Almighty had given predominance to Islam through him, then there was Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . The Prophet had said that every religion has a safe-keeper, and that Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was the repository of the Muslim Ummah's trust. He asked them to choose any one of them, but both these distinguished Companions move forwards and pledged allegiance to him.

Seeing this all the Muhajireen and Ansar also crowded around him and swore allegiance to him; all differences were resolved, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Thus, in a very simple yet well-planned manner he resolved a situation which was of critical significance for the Ummah. Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was known to be a very successful General, but he was also known as a perceptive diplomat and skillful negotiator who could find peaceful solution for potentially violent and problematic situations and skillful negotiator who could find peaceful solutions for potentially violent and problematic situations. This was the reason why advantage was taken of this dexterity and skill of his in difficult situations to the very end of his life. The Prophet gave him the title of Amin-ul-Ummah (Trustee of the Ummah), Abu Bakr Siddiq offered him the first Caliphate and 'Umar Farooq said he would have made him Caliph if he had been alive.

After conquering the famous key city of Hamas in Syria General Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, leading the Muslim army, moved on. He appointed 'Ubadah bin Samit look after Hamas. All the settlements on the way were conquered. Lazaqiah was a fortified town, this was besieged but it did not look like it would be easy to conquer it. Here the master strategist, General Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al- Jarrah planned a different modus operandi which amazed both friends and enemies. He ordered the Mujahideen to dig trenches in the open fields near the city. Once this was done he ordered his troops to end the siege. When the siege was lifted and his army withdrew, the people of the city were overjoyed. They thought all their problems had been solved. When the army withdrew and was no longer visible the people came out of the city. The whole day there was the usual hustle and bustle in the town, doors were left open and people kept moving in and out of the town. As soon as the sun set, the doors of the city were closed. He then asked his men to hide in the trenches they had dug, taking advantage of the darkness of the night. When morning came the doors of the city were opened and the people of the city went about as per their routine, moving in and out of the city.

Suddenly the Mujahideen came out of the trenches and entered the city and very easily conquered it. On the battlefront digging of trenches is today an accepted part of military strategy. It was Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah who first introduced these tactics in a battle.

Yarmook is the name of a river, which meets the river Jordan and about thirty miles further up the river Yarmook makes a circle and flows on. From here it flows into a huge plain. The famous war that was fought here during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr Siddiq came to be known as the war of Yarmook. It was the Roman army, consisting of two hundred thousand men, which fought here against the much smaller force of the Mujahideen consisting of forty thousand men only.

When Khalid bin Waleed reached here after a very long and tedious journey from Iraq, he was worried to see the scattered forces of the Muslims under several different leaders. Among them were different troops under Abu 'Ubaidah bin AI-Jarrah , Yazid bin Abi Sufysn, Sharjeel bin Masana and the fourth one under 'Amr bin 'Aas , KhAlid bin Waleed gathered everyone together and addressed them sorrowfully. He said that the enemy had entered the field very well-prepared and also outnumbered them by several times.

If they opposed them, divided into so many groups, they had no hopes of winning. In his opinion they should agree to hand over the command each day to a different leader; thus the Muslim army would present a picture of unity, oneness and understanding, and move rapidly towards victory. The command on the first day could be handed over to him, and one by one the other four could take over on the following days. The whole army was relieved and happy to hear this. After having been given command on the first day Khalid bin Waleed trained the Mujahideen in the light of his experiences. The two armies faced each other and there was very heavy fighting. The Romans lost more than a hundred thousand men on this very first day. The clanging of swords and the shouts and screams of the men could be heard from all sides. The Muaihideen were busy trying to wipe out the Romans, and advancing under the leadership of Khalid bin Waleed when a messenger arrived from the capital, Al- Madinall with a hand written message which he gave to Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . He put it in h s pocket and did not tell anyone about it. When the Muslims had won convincingly and Khalid bin Waleed , was standing in the field as the victorious General of a victorious army, he handed over the message very respectfully to him.

Khalid bin Waleed was deeply moved as it carried the news of the passing away of Abu Bakr Siddiq &;. He said:

"To Him All we belong and to Him we return."

Further he was informed that 'Umar Farooq as the new Caliph, and thanked Allah Almighty for this. After this he read the shocking news that he had been removed from his command and Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had been appointed Commander of the Muslim army. He immediately handed over command and expressed his willing desire to fight under him as an ordinary soldier and said:

"Abu 'Ubaidal, may Allah shower His Blessings on you; why did you not tell me as soon as you received the letter?"

The Amin-ul-Ummah, Abu 'Ubaidal replied: "He did not like to disturb him in the battlefield and stop h s advancing steps. We do not want the power of this world; neither do we work for this world. We are all brothers in working to please Allah Almighty."

Displaying exemplary patience and fortitude in this situation, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah proved that the training and nurturing of the Prophet had left very deep-rooted and pleasant effects on him. He was not affected or elated by having been given command of the army. His heart had only one desire - the glorification of Islam.

After the conquest of Damascus Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah informed the Caliph 'Umar Farooq that the people of Damascus were very eager to see you and wanted to present you the keys of the city. As soon as he heard this 'Umar Farooq set out for Syria. He asked the people waiting to receive him about the whereabouts of his brother. The people were surprised and asked him, who brother was. He answered that he was asking about Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . Then they pointed out that he was just approaching. 'Umar Farooque went forward and embraced him warmly and then accompanied him to his house. When he saw the very austere lifestyle of Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, he was very surprised. There were no worldly goods in the house, nothing but his weapons - a sword, bow and arrows, and his saddle. 'Umar Farooq was amazed that a man of such high status had chosen to live such a simple life. He said: "Abu 'Ubaidah, it is very surprising that even though you have been appointed to such a high office, you have not made anything for yourself."

Abu ‘Ubaidal bin Al-Jarrah answered that what he had was sufficient for him. 'Umar Farooq answered that this was exactly what he had expected from him, that he would remain true and constant to the norms of trust worthiness.

Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was performing h s duties of commanding the Muslim forces in Syria and conquering vast territories very rapidly; the whole of Syria had been conquered and Islamic empire had spread far and wide and graph of victories was at its peak. What transpired was that at this time the fatal disease of plague spread in the city, as it never had before. People were effected prey to it very rapidly. When 'Umar Farooq came to know of this he sent a messenger with a letter for Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah .

He wrote in the letter that he had some important business with him, and wanted him to make preparations and immediately set out for Al- Madinah to meet him. He was not to delay; if the letter reached him at night, he should set out before morning; if it reached him in the morning, he should set out before night fell.

When Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah read the letter he said sorrowfully that he knew what was the urgent and important work that 'Umar Farooq , had for me. He wanted to keep alive a man who was not born to live in this world forever. Then he wrote a letter to the Caliph 'Umar Farooq . After greeting him he said he knew what work he had for me. He was in the Muslim army and at that time the Muslims were involved in severe problems; he could not leave them alone at that critical phase, nor could he separate himself from them, unless it was Allah Almighty's Will to decide about their fate and his.

He appealed to the Caliph to consider him helpless to obey his commands in this matter and requested him to give him permission to stay with the Mujahideen of Islam.

When 'Umar Farooq received this letter and read it his eyes brimmed with tears. The Companions sitting around him were surprised to see this and asked him if here was some tragic news, and if the Commander of the Muslim forces, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had died. He answered:

"No, but death is very near him now."

And his guess, turned out to be correct, a few days later Abu 'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was struck by the deadly plague.

Mu'adh bin Jabl stood up and told the people with quivering lips and a trembling voice: "Brothers in Islam! You are sunk in grief today for a man who was a better hearted than any of us. He had a pure heart free from malice or envy; and he was a man who loved the Hereafter and was the well-wisher of each one of us. He was a man who was given the title of 'Amin-Ul Ummah' and during his very lifetime on this earth he was given the glad tidings that he would go to Paradise by no less a person than the Prophet himself. He was a very lucky man indeed! Let us all pray that his position in Paradise ever exalted. May ALLAH shower his Blessings on him?"