Gallows March

All praise is due to Allah who can elevate one's status to the highest of heights or drop one soul down to the lowest of depths between the earth's core. Today is the first day that I shed a tear for Saddam, about whom I had mixed feelings. As a dictator he did commit horrible crimes. But then I ask myself, why isn't Bush being dragged to the gallows? Or Reagan for that matter? And then I witnessed the video on the news last night. Saddam marched stalwart to his death testifying to his belief in Allah (swt). Allah in his infinite mercy gave dignity back to Saddam. He did not die, as Reagan did, slobbing all over himself and unable to remember his own name.

Allah can forgive anyone. For those who are quick to dispel Saddam, I just caution you to take the attitude of African Americans of the old days. Whatever the "slave master" liked, they liked the opposite. I was watching Anderson Cooper the night before the execution and the reporters and experts were gloating as they described the horrors of snapping Saddam's neck. I was so disgusted that I was forced to change the channel. And then this video taken by a secret camera, reveals that Saddam was reciting shahadatain as he was cursed by his executioners. Saddam this one is for you:

Frame the reflection of

pain, hurt, dismay.

The wall encases the mirror

that our backs are up against

Humiliated by the wrongs we commit

we refuse to face the untruth

Tears and prayer cuddle in a warm embrace.

continuing to ease the inner soul

And the exterior face grimaces

as our finger points at our executioner

You see me don't you?

I recognize your hand and reach out

to take it as you continue passing the buck

Realize that responsibility has a bed.

It curls between sheets of fabrications and mudslinging

Our wombs give birth to the degradation of our own

enslavement and colonization

Look at the reflection.

Challenge the inner self to stand upright.

Dear Lord,

Change me and those with whom I break bread.

Nur is everlasting light.

Within it is a miracle and a rebirth

The embryo is small and fragile

It develops into belief.

We must continue to hope and dream.

The idealist in us reigns supreme over

our sour faced reflections.

Our hearts hold deep within them

a prayer for unity and freedom that

will be recited until the day when we are raised.

Say it with Me:

Allah is one.

Glory be to Him.

He has the power to change all things.

Save us from the punishment of the fire

Bring us Ease in Hardship.

Unite us Oh Lord,

Unite Us,

Ameen.

May the Peace, Blessing, And Mercy of Allah be with Us all,

Aaminah

Out of Darkness

Out of Darkness into Light I be
trying to remove the anxiety
That's killing me.
Afraid of the dark
So I cover up
I am smothered.
It envelopes.
Hoping and praying to God for serenity
Without him there is nothing else for me.
Peeking from the covers I am searching for
the hand of my brother
I need nothing more.
This hopelessness is strangling me
Are you listening to my tearful plea?
change the condition that's killing me.
Can't you see the common enemy
His hands on my throat
He takes my breath
And leaves a limp body
There's nothing left
'Cuz you's afraid of the boogeyman
He fooled you into thinking that
Not your problem...No need for combat
Don't you know He's full of Deceipt.
And that your conformity
Lead to the death of me.
I gasped for breath
Didn't want to die
Why didn't you help me?
You stood idly by.
Looking past as if there was nothing that you could do
or try.
And the truth is
That was a LIE
There are no innocent bystanders
with nothing to do
I may be dead.
But I'm not through
Break through the silence a united force
From God seek honor, He's the only source
'Cuz watching on is what a punk would do
Don't worry this tongue lashing won't leave permanent
scars on you.
And I hope desperately
You'll seek forgiveness for abandoning me
You can still perfect your humanity
before there comes a mighty blast.
it's all over...
Damn! That was fast.
Sorry if my cussin' offended you.
Wait a minute, 'cuz I'm not through.
Get off your Ass and do something right!
Don't wait another minute.
STAND UP AND FIGHT!

What's Going On?

I am so sick and tired of people who profess to have consciousness staring at fireworks!
Why are you allowing yourselves and your children to stare at the night sky on the fourth of July? If you want to see fireworks turn on CNN. Our children and families are dyeing!

What's Going On?
Star spangled lies
Deception and disguise.
Red white and blues.
Cry at the news.
Wake up and see the light
Fireworks going off in our brains...
alright!
t'is A sham, t'is A hoax
Don't fall for the okey doke
of glitz and glam
This nation doesn't give a Damn
about you or your kids
If so why'd they place bids...
on ancestors in slavery?
Where is your bravery?
Stand up and be free
Don't buy everything they sell
What the Hell
is going on?

"Just Another Night in Baghdad"

A second performance of the play has been scheduled for Sunday, May 8th at 3:00 p.m. The venue is the Black Repertory Theater, located at 3201 Adeline street in Berkeley, Ca. It is one block from the Ashby Bart Station. Tickets are $10.00 general admission and are on sale now! Seating is limited, so get your tickets in advance by calling 510-382-1213. This play is an anti-war, anti-imperialiasm statement. It is not only important, but necessary that one Listens to the Voice of the Oppressed. Come and Listen. God willing you will be blessed for your efforts.

Soaring Wings Against War

We soar...
because we're tired.
Tired of walking,
past crackheads, and drunks,
Liqour stores with Bismillah backdrops.

We reach...
because misery loves company
and Freedom needs energy
Flavor Flav leaves a bad taste in our mouth

Tastes like vomit...
Up-chucking
the drudgery of backslidin' and
back bitin', bling blingin' and butt scratchin'

Malcolm said Make it Plain...
Plainly put-
Your government Sucks!
Sucks resources dry.
Sucks the truth so much it becomes nothin' but lie.

Goddamn Blood Suckas!

We fight...
because we're angry.
Mad at our people for sitting around bein Rock-a-bye-Babied
while bombs are droppin'
and hearts are achin'
butty shakin and gold teeth grinnin'
story tellin' and criminal actin'.

Everybody Rise Up!
Turn Down the Radio,
and Turn off The Television
Damn it!

Calling all Villagers...
We gotta raise our children!

Our wings are battered and bruised.
Bloody and bleedin'.

But we can still glide...
Because life has a promise of better days
And God has all the honor.
We must fly out of this desperate valley
and soar over the waves of oppression
into a horizon of
Peace of Mind.

Just Another Night in Baghdad

"Just Another Night in Baghdad" is a play about the current occupation of Iraq. I wrote it. It is based on my conversation with a Muslim that currently resides in Iraq. I got permission from Brother Khalid, who lives in Baghdad, to convert his online diary (secretsinbaghdad.blogspot.com) into a play. I used his and other stories that I read and saw on the news, and created a play in which my drama students, grades 5th-8th could act. This play was painful to write, and I hope that it sheds light on the situation that our brothers and sisters are undergoing, Insha Allah. As people who live in the country that has invaded Iraq, I believe it is our duty to send as much money and assistance as possible. It is my sincere prayer that this play will be a vehicle for awareness and assistance to the plight of our brothers and sisters, God Willing, Insha Allah.
Please help get the word out.
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2005,
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Castlemont High School Auditorium, 8601 Macarthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94605-4037
Price: $15 Individual $50 Family of 4, Children 3 and under are free
Contact: Aaminah M (510)382-1213 or Aaminahm@aol.com
Yours in Love and Struggle, With Peace
Sis. Aaminah

Hajj

"And strive hard (in the way 0f) Allah, (such) a striving as is due to him; He has chosen you and has not laid upon you any hardship in religion; the faith of your father Ibrahim; He named you Muslims before and in this, that the Apostle may be a bearer of witness to you, and you may be bearers of witness to the people; therefore keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and hold fast by Allah; He is your guardian; how excellent the Guardian and how excellent the Helper!" (Quran 22:78)

Oh Allah you are our Lord and Cherisher
I bear witness that their is none worthy of worship except you
and Muhammad is your servant and messenger.
I bear witness that I reject all other false deities and evildoers
I bear witness that I promise to give my heart to you and
that my love for you is never ending.
I bear witness against my own soul that it is not worthy of your mercy.
I pray that you will forgive me, my parents, my children, and spouse for
all of our evil deeds and shield us from the shaitan.
I pray that you will guide the Muslims on the straight path and grant us
victory over the enemies of Islam.
I pray that you bless the believers that are on Hajj, and that you allow us
to free Mecca from its Kings.
I pray that you allow us to attend Hajj and see your blessed House.
Henceforth now and forever you have all my love and devotion.
All Praise is do to You, Lord of the Worlds.
Ameen