Palestinian Elections; Good Omens, Challenges and Duties

A Message from Mr. Muhammad Mahdi Akef – Chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood

“All praises be to Allah the Lord of the whole universe; and peace and blessings be upon the most honorable prophet, Muhammad, all his family and companions:

Palestinian legislative elections were run amid an international gloomy atmosphere, and complicated, sensitive and thorny regional conditions, where resisting Iraq is occupied and Syria is threatened by outside enemies; Lebanon is disturbed by investigations and interventions; Iran facing a lot of interventions in the state’s affairs by bodies of interests and deadly weapons’ makers, who try to control the world, beside the clear challenge between the two sides in an unsettled struggle yet; and Palestine’s domestic status is tensed and painful, where the proud Palestinian people resist aggression and occupation, and suffer from corrupted management and shortage of resources; and where caravans of martyrs light the way and revive hope for the souls of the whole Ummah. They confirm Allah’s words in the Qur’an ” And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right” The Spider:69 and His saying: ” And let not those who disbelieve think that they shall come in first; surely they will not escape ” Spoils:59.

These elections were run while the world was watching them. This was for many reasons; the most important one was the perseverance of the resistance in front of the Zionist aggression. The Palestinians went to the polls. They decided and chose. The result was for The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), whose candidates won most of the seats of the Legislative Council. They were obliged to form the administration of the Palestinian authority.

We thank Allah for granting success to the Palestinian people for this distinguished performance with the spirit of love and brotherhood, even if visions and thoughts differ, as difference of viewpoints does not affect cordiality.

We cogratulate the preserving and struggling people on this achievement which is a step on a long way that started from the beginning of the last century till now and by the will of Allah it will continue in the future, till the establishment of the Palestinian state whose capital is Jerusalem. This is the way that was irrigated by the martyrs’ bloods over decades. May Allah have mercy upon the martyr Abu Al-Tayyeb Abd Al-Rahim Mahmoud who said: I will carry my soul on my hand then throw it in the chasms of death. So, either I live a pleasant life or I die in a way that angers and annoy my enemies

And Allah’s continuous call: “And slacken not in following up the enemy: If ye are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but ye have Hope from Allah, while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.”4:104 (Women)) and His saying: “If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others” from 3:140 (The Household of `Imran))                                                                    

Yes, the free uttered a word on the path of truth, but the path is still long. The responsibility resulted from these elections overburdens the men to make more effort, especially with the world watching this newborn experiment. Managing the Palestinian domestic affairs in Gaza Strip and the West Bank- though difficult and important- is a part of an integrated project. According to what the Palestinian factions had announced, this project aims at:

1-Establishing the full sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalm as its capital. This means that, without preconditions, this state will have the complete right to control its borders with her neighbours, and its air and marine passages.

2-Instant, complete and unconditioned withdrawal of the Zionist forces from the occupied territories.

3-Releasing all Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

4-Returning of the Palestinian refugees to their homes and land.

These goals are primarily the responsibility of all Palestinians i.e. Majority, opposition, independants and the rest components of the Palestinian people. We must stress that resistance is a legal right for the Palestinian people till carrying on these goals.

It is the duty of Arab and Muslim nations to multiply their support for the Palestinians by all possible means, and to share the responsibility with them, because, as historically known, Palestine belongs to them all.

It is the duty of the Arab and Muslim Rulers to help the Palestinian people and the Palestinian authority to do their jobs; and to provide them with all possible political, diplomatic, financial, scientific and technical support. This is the right of the Palestinians. Add to this that the stability of the Palestinian state means the stability of all countries of the region; also it is related to their national security.

It is the duty of the free advanced world to help peace move forward. This will be done only by means of truth and justice. Countries would never be stable by means of fallaciousness, injustice, force and aggression.

World rulers should be more just and moderate, and should not support fallaciousness, and should refuse to act under the pressure of the ’Zionized’ American administration, which- if left that way- will shoot back at them and may occupy their countries too.

Blackmailing practiced by some rulers against the Palestinian people, by threatening to stop aiding them, reveals the reality of these rulers and shows all people how deteriorated these rulers are; also it reveals injustice and double standards when dealing with weak countries with limited resources. These rulers will never succeed in driving the Palestinians away from their clear way to the desired state. Palestinian people had mastered struggling, giving, courage and sacrifice. No one could ever weaken them nor drive them away of their path.

The elections introduced a model of understanding and consciousness of the Palestinian people. The elections deserve to be studied to get the benefit out of it. People and rulers of the region should look at such a model and learn lessons out of it, especially the right of people to be free and to choose their representatives and rulers; because the nation is the source of authorities.

In the same time, these elections provided new spacious horizons for the continuous struggle of the Palestinian people to get all their legal rights. Thus, let people rejoice of what they have achieved,; and let them continue their work, struggle and resistance against the occupier. This is their right. Our duty is to help them obtain that right. “Say: “In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy,- in that let them rejoice”: that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.” Jonah: 58

O, You resistants, workers for the Islamic Renaissance, grandchildren of Al-Qassam, Al-Banna, and Yassin, and all honorable Palestinaian people.. Cooperate, integrate, unite and move forward  “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves” from The Household of Imran :103; “and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart” Spoils:46; “Be slaves for Allah, and brothers”; “Call to mind when ye were a small (band), despised through the land, and afraid that men might despoil and kidnap you; But He provided a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you Good things for sustenance: that ye might be grateful.” Spoils:26. Always remember Allah’s saying: “When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory,(1) And thou dost see the people enter Allah’s Religion in crowds, (2) Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy). (3)” (Victory)

So, move forward to carry the responsibility, and keep on in the same way till Allah grants you victory. Be patient, persevere, remain steadfast and fear Allah that you may succeed. Allah’s success is above any other means. “And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not.” From Joseph:21

May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad, all his family and companions and all praises be to Allah the Lord of the whole universe;