Among the places I went to in Jordan was Wadi rum. It is known as among the best sanddunes in the world - world class. Especially made famous from the movie Lawrence of Arabia.
The magnificent red sand is not disappointing. Huge red rock as tall as ten story building, red sand, natural ancient trade path and natural springs in between the rock.
However, it was more than all these beautiful sights that intrigued me. The name T.H. Lawrence kept popping up whenever I read up about Wadi Rum. Who is this person? He is a white man from Britain (16 August 1888—19 May 1935). Stayed in the desert for sometime. Started off as an archeologist in the middle east and underwent training with the British military and was sent as a military officer in the middle east.
From learning about Wadi Rum, I came to learn about Arab Revolt. I do not know much about history and I am still trying to piece things together. So what I write here may be inaccurate. However I wish to ask you to think about it with me. Perhaps Allah will open up our understanding of things.
For a simple reading of what Arab Revolt is about, read the wikipedia writeup HERE.
For 600 years Islam was under the ruling of the Ottoman. It was a large power to be reckon with. One ruling under the banner of Islam. Sadly at the end on the 19th century, things begin to brew within this empire. Was it excessiveness? hedonism? But the younger generation we already looking into this idea of secularism.
Coupled with that, at the beginning of the 20th century, new ideas were emerging in the Arab world - nationalism. Ideas were spreading that they were not able to see that being under one strong force is better than breaking up and become a solo individual. Nationalism caused them to see, that the Turks are ruling us the Arabs. Its not about living under one islam banner. This idea is flamed up by certain parties eyeing for power for themselves.
All these seem to be at the right place and the right time - easy loophole for the west to come in the picture. They sent in their man - someone who can be trusted - among them T.H. lawrence whose main work is to ensure the nationalism spirit is well fuelled.
Paid the bedouins in gold, providing ample funds and arms for the rebels, in the end they managed to destroy the great empire. And thus it's so easy to divide the arab nations. And here I am wondering what is Qtar celebrating their independence from. Free from the Khalifate and into nationalism.
This division makes everyone individualistic. Just about 30 years later, Israel was formed with brutal killing of the Palestines. Along the road, most of North africa nations are ruled by dictators. Ahundred years later, you see Syria as it is now, not before she is already ruled by cruel family rulers. Yemen is never at peace. Sure we have the few rich ones - Qtar, UAE, Saudi - but what happen to the brothers?
Where is their initial dream of big arab nation? Supposedly, it should be one big nation from Syria allt he way to yemen. One big happy arab family. The countries remain among the most backward despite having so much oil and natural resources. Ya Rabb.
When I came here, I have always wondered, why is this country getting independence from the British? When did the British rule them? And if so why is this country not under commonwealth countries like all other colonised nations? Remember teh national quiz I took part in, read HERE, I had to read the history which was told in a different light of course. But yeah, this was among the country which freed herself from being in the banner of the Khalifah, and the one who revolted is hailed as a hero in the modern arab history.
Then again we are reminded of this hadith
If these countries do not come together again under one banner, if the love of individual wealth is the top priority, then we will continue to be the weak individual country as what we are now.
To tell you the truth, I am appalled at the fact that J0rdan hailed this lawrence guy as if he was a hero of some sort. Going to J0rdan made me feel even sad at our already sorry state. Ya Rabb guide us.
Some opinion on Arab revolt with insertion of clips from the movie L@wrence of the Arabia.
The fall of the Ottoman empire
Qadr Allah, this was all inevitable. The Turks themselves were playing the nationalism game and began to impose their language and customs to people.
We have now become exactly the opposite of what Islam has taught and we are paying the price for it.
The magnificent red sand is not disappointing. Huge red rock as tall as ten story building, red sand, natural ancient trade path and natural springs in between the rock.
From learning about Wadi Rum, I came to learn about Arab Revolt. I do not know much about history and I am still trying to piece things together. So what I write here may be inaccurate. However I wish to ask you to think about it with me. Perhaps Allah will open up our understanding of things.
For a simple reading of what Arab Revolt is about, read the wikipedia writeup HERE.
For 600 years Islam was under the ruling of the Ottoman. It was a large power to be reckon with. One ruling under the banner of Islam. Sadly at the end on the 19th century, things begin to brew within this empire. Was it excessiveness? hedonism? But the younger generation we already looking into this idea of secularism.
Coupled with that, at the beginning of the 20th century, new ideas were emerging in the Arab world - nationalism. Ideas were spreading that they were not able to see that being under one strong force is better than breaking up and become a solo individual. Nationalism caused them to see, that the Turks are ruling us the Arabs. Its not about living under one islam banner. This idea is flamed up by certain parties eyeing for power for themselves.
All these seem to be at the right place and the right time - easy loophole for the west to come in the picture. They sent in their man - someone who can be trusted - among them T.H. lawrence whose main work is to ensure the nationalism spirit is well fuelled.
Paid the bedouins in gold, providing ample funds and arms for the rebels, in the end they managed to destroy the great empire. And thus it's so easy to divide the arab nations. And here I am wondering what is Qtar celebrating their independence from. Free from the Khalifate and into nationalism.
This division makes everyone individualistic. Just about 30 years later, Israel was formed with brutal killing of the Palestines. Along the road, most of North africa nations are ruled by dictators. Ahundred years later, you see Syria as it is now, not before she is already ruled by cruel family rulers. Yemen is never at peace. Sure we have the few rich ones - Qtar, UAE, Saudi - but what happen to the brothers?
Where is their initial dream of big arab nation? Supposedly, it should be one big nation from Syria allt he way to yemen. One big happy arab family. The countries remain among the most backward despite having so much oil and natural resources. Ya Rabb.
When I came here, I have always wondered, why is this country getting independence from the British? When did the British rule them? And if so why is this country not under commonwealth countries like all other colonised nations? Remember teh national quiz I took part in, read HERE, I had to read the history which was told in a different light of course. But yeah, this was among the country which freed herself from being in the banner of the Khalifah, and the one who revolted is hailed as a hero in the modern arab history.
Then again we are reminded of this hadith
Hudhayfah son of Al-Yaman reported that the Messenger of Allah sallalluhu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Prophethood (meaning himself) will remain with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain, then Allah will raise it up whenever he wills to raise it up. Afterwards, there will be a Caliphate that follows the guidance of Prophethood remaining with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, he will raise it up whenever He wills to raise it up. Afterwards, there will be a reign of oppressive (The reign of Muslim kings who are partially unjust) rule and it will remain with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, there will be a reign of tyrannical rule and it will remain for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, Allah will raise it up whenever He wills to raise it up. Then, there will be a Caliphate that follows the guidance of Prophethood." Then Hudhayfah said, "The Prophet stopped speaking." (As-Sililah As Sahihah)
If these countries do not come together again under one banner, if the love of individual wealth is the top priority, then we will continue to be the weak individual country as what we are now.
To tell you the truth, I am appalled at the fact that J0rdan hailed this lawrence guy as if he was a hero of some sort. Going to J0rdan made me feel even sad at our already sorry state. Ya Rabb guide us.
Some opinion on Arab revolt with insertion of clips from the movie L@wrence of the Arabia.
The fall of the Ottoman empire
2 comments:
Salam Lollies
Thankyou for the interesting write up.
Ain
I hope it is beneficial to all of us. :)
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