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Finally, in 1852, the Emir was released, and after
completing a much longed for Hajj, he retired with
his small band and his family to Damascus, where
he would spend the rest of his life as a respected
Scholar of Islam, for he was a Scholar first a
follower of his Master and beloved Mustafa (pbuh).
But the Emir’s story would continue. Egged on by
the Turkish authorities, the Druz population of
Damascus launched violent attacks against the
Christian quarter of Damascus in 1860. The Emir, in
a moment of gallant heroism, took to the streets with
his men, rifle in hand, to protect his Christian
brethren. It is reported that he alone was responsible
for the saving of 10,000 lives. When a Muslim mob
gathered outside of his villa to do violence to the
Christians inside, the Emir and his men hardened
desert warriors threatened to turn their rifles and
swords on the mob.
“My brothers, your behavior violates the law of
God. What makes you think you have a right to go
around killing innocent people?” the Emir
proclaimed to the mob.
When the Mob would not listen to reason, he turned
to his beloved general Kara Mohammed and ordered
preparations for battle.
“As long as one of my soldiers is still standing, you
will not touch them. They are my guests!” he said.
The fury of the Emir silenced the crowd, and the
prospect of fighting his battle hardened warriors
made them melt away.
The tale spread like wildfire and honors came
pouring in from around the world The Legion
D’Honor, The Grand Cross, A gift of silver plated
pistols from President Lincoln (who was juggling
the civil war) among others. The Emir’s place in
history would be sealed forever as the founder
of Kader, Ohio chose to name the city after this
great man.
The Emir’s life is pertinent to the topic of
dignity particularly because his actions are
driven by a ceaseless adherence to the Quran
and the Sunnah. When we are disgusted by the
violence perpetrated by certain groups under the
name of Islam, we should do well to remember
the father of Algeria, Emir Abd elKader the
scholar, the statesman, the warrior, the
humanitarian and the true Muslim Mujahid. It is
no surprise that such a man was an Islamic
scholar; In him we find the fragrance of Islamic
character, particularly the concept of
contentment, tolerance and standing up for the
oppressed. Fifteen long years he had spent,
fighting Christian Frenchmen invading his
homeland and imposing their ideals on his
people. Yet he never became bitter and he did
not stand complacent when Christians were
being massacred in Damascus. His life is a
story of unwavering patience, and an
attachment to the spirit and the teachings of
Islam.
Here is a follower of the teachings of Prophetic
dignity.
Nazmul Hassan is the current Editor of the
Youth Voice. He keeps a blog at
[email protected]
A MUNA Youth Publication