In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent
Abu Mansur Al-Amriki: A Candid Clarification
In the last few months the story of Abu Mansur Al-Amriki has been
playing out in the media circles, not only feeding the narrative of the
Western media that deep ideological differences were beginning to devour
the Mujahideen in Somalia, but also leaving the Muslim Ummah
extraordinarily confounded with a string of video releases that have
stimulated a wide range of diverse reactions.
In the light of these events, and for the sake of clarification of the
intricacies surrounding the Abu Mansur saga, Harakat Al-Shabaab
Al-Mujahideen hereby declares that Abu Mansur Al-Amriki does not, in any
way, shape or form, represent the views of the Muhajireen in Somalia.
The opinions expressed by Abu Mansur, the alleged frictions and the
video releases are merely the results of personal grievances that stem
purely from a narcissistic pursuit of fame and are far removed from the
reality on the ground.
Following the footsteps of the Noble Messenger, Muhammad (may peace and
blessings be upon him) and the pious predecessors before them, the
Mujahideen remain faithful to the lofty aspirations of their faith,
strengthened by the bond of brotherhood, motivated by the rewards of
altruistic self-sacrifice for their Muhajireen brothers and their path
illuminated by the creed of Al Walaa-Wal-Baraa (Alliance and Enmity).
The Jihadi theatre nevertheless accommodates people of all sorts. Some,
above others, occasionally rise to prominence often with little merit
save for their uniqueness, and contrary to portrait of the grand
strategist, recruiter and fund-raiser portrayed by the Western media,
Abu Mansur Al-Amriki does not hold any position of authority within
Harakat Al-Shabaab Al Mujahideen.
Despite their fair share of surprise at the turn of events, however, the
Mujahideen did not immediately rush to reprimand him, but instead saw
it appropriate to lean towards the noble path of the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) in resolving the situation: that is Naseeha or
giving advice to the brother.
To err is human, but Islamic Shari’ah has carved for us a clearly
defined path for dealing with disputes should they arise and remedying
the mistakes of our fellow Muslim brothers. For months the Mujahideen
have been offering advice to Abu Mansur in private, without publicly
rebuking him, employing every possible avenue to veil his faults,
overlook his shortcomings and conceal the egregious errors he’d
committed from the eyes of the Muslim Ummah, in the hope that Allah
would guide him and us to the path of righteousness; for it remains
obligatory upon the Muslims to offer sound advice to their brothers in
religion, in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and guide them towards
that which is righteous. It is regrettable, however, that all such
efforts have been fruitless despite the numerous attempts. Therefore,
when a person rejects the sincere advice of his brothers in private, it
becomes religiously and morally incumbent upon the Mujahideen to
publicly advise the Muslim Ummah of his obstinacy and insistence on
sowing disunity among the vanguards of this Ummah.
The series of video releases - one in March when the Kuffar were
preparing to invade the Islamic Administrations in Lower Shabeelle
region and another in October just after the Kenyans had invaded the
port city of Kismayo, in Lower Jubba region - were intended to serve a
broader purpose. Hence, the timing of the releases and the convergence
of the entire East African nations upon the Mujahideen were not entirely
coincidental occurrences but a calculated attempt to draw attention to
the alleged voices of dissent within the ranks of the Mujahideen at a
time when they were most likely to be under pressure from their enemies
so as to cultivate the destructive seeds of disunity. But Allah is the
best disposer of all affairs; the seeds failed to germinate ‘and the
evil plot encompasses only him who makes it.’
We sincerely apologise to the Muslim Ummah in general and our Mujahideen
brothers in all the fields of Jihad in particular for having to witness
such childish petulance in one of the theatres of Jihad, reminding them
that the caravan of Jihad cannot and will not, Insha-Allah, be derailed
from its tracks or the spirit of this great Ummah dampened by the
superficial allegations, frivolous ramblings and whimsical desires of
those who wish to enhance their image at the price of Jihad and the
Mujahideen, spreading discord and disunity in the process.
Press Office
Harakat Al-Shabaab Al Mujahideen
