Al Qaeda the Aid Organisation

Today the Danish paper Politiken reports that the ideological leader of Al Qaeda Al Zawahiri is urging for help to the earth-quake stricken population of Pakistan. Politiken observes that this urges comes 'despite Pakistan having close links to Al Qaeda's sworn enemy the US' and thus illustrating a complete dufus* grasp of the political aims and methods of AQ.

Because the urge is not surprising considering a number of observations:

* AQ is mainly going for the US as they support those regiemes that are AQ's main enemy.
* Islamic militants have a close connection to Islamic Aid Organisations. As an example AQ started out in the logistical work surrounding the Mujaheedin movement in Afghanistan. Hamas, the Palestinian organisation, has a militant arm, but more importantly a very strong social aid organisation.
* The principles of Islam stresses aiding the poor - It is actually one of the five pillars of faith, called the Zakat: The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

Thus it is not very surprising, really, that Zawahiri would come with such a call.



* Don't know if you can say 'dufus' like that, but I like the word, so hereby it is instituted.