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An article in the latest issue of "Voice of Khurasan," an English-language monthly magazine published by Al-Azaim Media Foundation, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which defines itself as a supporting entity for the Islamic State (ISIS), criticizes Western icons like Harry Styles, Jaden Smith, BTS, Elon Musk, and Brad Pitt, accusing the mainstream media of glorifying "unrighteous behavior" for men who are not, in the magazine's opinion, masculine.
"It is such a shame that we live in a time where men feel shy for being masculine and having righteous qualities, but [are] glorified for their sinful behavior, attitudes, and qualities," the article says, adding: "[S]adly everything is getting worse because apparently, it's a trend and 'courageous' for men to dress up like women and it is absolutely disgusting that even in Muslim countries people are following, celebrating and welcoming kufr [unbelief] celebrities like, Harry Styles, Jaden Smith, BTS, Elon Musk, and Brad Pitt."
Harry Styles (image courtesy: Instagram profile)
The article, titled "Abu Bakr: The Timeless Role Model In Islam," appears in Issue 25 in the latest edition of the Voice of Khurasan. The article itself is devoted to the life of Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam, presenting him as a true role model for Muslim youths. Issue 25, the magazine's current edition, is dated Shawwal 1444, in the Hijri calendar, which corresponds with the lunar month ending May 20, 2023.
Following is the text of the article:[1]
"It Is Haram [Forbidden] For Men To Imitate Women In The Way They Dress, And Prophet Muhammad Cursed Men To Imitate Women"
"Life is like a ship where you need a competent captain who navigates the ship smoothly, provides guidance and maintains unity within the ship in every situation. The captain of the ship should be a communicative leader who is able to reflect his values, direction, and vision both through his action and attitude which means he should be a good role model to everyone around him. Role model is often referred to a person who we feel is inspirational because of their character, solid values, and integrity.
"A role model has a strong influence over people, especially young children because they are impressionable. But unfortunately, in this generation, mainstream media determines role models based on popularity and glorified unrighteous behavior. It is such a shame that we live in a time where men feel shy for being masculine and having righteous qualities, but [are] glorified for their sinful behavior, attitudes, and qualities.
"They are especially glorified through drug usage, zina [fornication], greed, arrogance, etc.; and sadly everything is getting worse because apparently, it's a trend and 'courageous' for men to dress up like women and it is absolutely disgusting that even in Muslim countries people are following, celebrating and welcoming kufr [unbelief] celebrities like, Harry Styles, Jaden Smith, BTS, Elon Musk, and Brad Pitt.
"Anyone who considers themselves as a Muslim should reject such poisonous 'modernity' because it is haram [forbidden] for men to imitate women in the way they dress, and Prophet Muhammad cursed men to imitate women – (Al-Bukhari: 5546).
"The purpose of this writing this is to remind Muslim Ummah about our real role models, and among them is our first Khalifah [caliph], Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. There is absolutely no doubt about the influence of Abu Bakr in Islam and the reason for his influence was because of his resilient and captivating personality.
"Abu Bakr was a true and honorable man. He was widely known as a rich merchant and his livelihood of his business depended on the people around him. Despite having a well-established life within the Quraish community, he decided to bring iman [faith] upon the prophethood of Muhammad, became a Muslim and he fearlessly supported the cause of Islam throughout his life.
"Even before accepting Islam, he never engaged in any immoral and unethical activities, and this proves that Abu Bakr was an honorable man and throughout his life he was known to be a kind, courageous, strong-willed, and reliable person."
"Take The Crown Prince Of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud As An Example; He Is A True Living Definition Of A Munafiq [Hypocrite]"; "Mohammed Bin Salman Is Doing Everything Possible In His Capability To Make Mockery Of Islam"
"Unfortunately, in 21st century, rich and wealthy individuals are very influential...; they constantly show off their lavish lifestyle, they lack modesty, speak the language of deception, spread atheism both directly and indirectly, and they constantly cheat people for their own benefit. Take the crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud as an example. He is a true living definition of a munafiq [hypocrite Muslim]. Despite being from the land of Prophet Muhammad, his actions and policies clearly show he seeks to focus more on the pleasure of the materialistic world and displeases Allah.
The coverpage of the magazine's latest edition
"So far he has been inviting kufr openly, [has] curbed the influence of important [Islamic] cleric, [has] relaxed rules, policies and code of conduct for women, [has] allowed music concerts, Halloween events, fashion shows, [has] opened cinema halls, [has] accepted Christian tourism and investments in the [Arabian] Peninsula of Messenger of Allah, developing friendship with Israelis and bombing our Yemeni brothers and sisters heartlessly.
"All this shows that Mohammed bin Salman is doing everything possible in his capability to make mockery of Islam and tarnishing the sacred reputation and value of Islamic shari'a. It is shameful that taghut [tyrant] Mohammad Bin Salman does not bother about the Ummah, whereas if you ponder over the life of Abu Bakr, he did not bend or yield to rebellious tribes who refused to pay zakat [taxes] and this was one of the main reasons that caused the Ridda Wars.
"[All]... defining traits that have been mentioned about Abu Bakr are not mere words, but his sacrifice and actions spoke volumes about his character. Instead of professing his faith and values, he practiced them without any compromise, and that is the reason why there is not a shadow of doubt that he is a person whose example is worthy of imitation."
"We Live In A Generation Where Businessmen Are Known And Celebrated For Their Arrogance, Egotistical Personality And Cut-Throat Profit-Making Capabilities. Although Abu Bakr Was A Wealthy Trader, He Was Still The Most Selfless Person"
"Abu Bakr was recognized for his bravery, and it was especially tested during the early days of spreading the message of Tawheed [Islamic monotheism]. There were only a few followers who were eager to practice and share the message of Islam, but Abu Bakr encouraged Prophet Muhammad to start preaching, and in fact the first sermon (khutbah) was led by Abu Bakr. All this took place in Mecca, near Kaaba which caused an uproar and made the Quraysh furious with murderous anger because they were rebelling against their authority and polytheism in the Arabian Peninsula.
"Abu Bakr almost died because he was attacked viciously by the Quraysh mob, but despite this he still never retreated, and he still vigorously practiced and deeply believed in Islam and supported Prophet Muhammad in every situation. Later during Abu Bakr's life, the strength of his courage and leadership was tested and proven in important battles of Badr, Uhud, Ahzab, Hunain, Hudaybiyyah, and so on.
"We live in a generation where businessmen are known and celebrated for their arrogance, egotistical personality and cut-throat profit-making capabilities. Although Abu Bakr was a wealthy trader, he was still the most selfless person and generous man. He did everything to help his community members without expecting anything in return.
"The best example of his action can be seen when he moved to Medina, he gave up his good flourishing business in Mecca, and he paid for the land on which Masjid an-Nabawi [the Prophet's mosque] was built, which was one of the greatest financial contributions for Islam and the Ummah.
"On another occasion, according to a hadith [saying of the prophet]... Prophet Mohammad requested people to give charity. After the request Umar Ibn al-Khattab [who would become second caliph of Islam] donated overall half of his wealth. Later when Abu Bakr came to donate, the Prophet asked Abu Bakr, 'What have you left for your family?'
"Abu Bakr replied: 'Allah and his Messenger.' This means Abu Bakr literally donated everything he had for donation which goes on to show that the sincerity of his generosity and his beliefs in Islam is firm and unquestionable. Apart from his important financial contributions, his generosity can be seen through his kindness to others. There is a story about Abu Bakr."
"One Of The Biggest Problems That Abu Bakr Faced After Prophet Muhammad's Death Was The Tax Rebellion – The Ridda Wars [Launched By Him]"
"Once Umar noticed Abu Bakr going in a direct unusual direction and out of curiosity, Umar started following him. Upon following him, Umar saw him visiting a house where he spent some time there after sunrise.
"Umar was surprised and confused by this incident so later after Abu Bakr left the house, he knocked the door. An old lady who was both frail and blind came out of the house. He questioned her about Abu Bakr to which she responded that she does not know who he is but she hopes that Allah will reward him.
A screenshot of from the article on Abu Bakr
"It seems like Abu Bakr went to her everyday house to clean her house, wash her clothes and cooks some food and then he leave, despite being the honorable Khalifah of the Muslims.
"It was a difficult and challenging moment for Muslims when Prophet Muhammad passed away. This incident had every possible reason to cause a permanent devastating damage to the spirit of the Islamic Ummah, and to make matter worse many Arabs wanted to revert back to pre-Islamic pagan life, and there were some individuals who proclaimed themselves as prophets.
"However, Abu Bakr took the responsibility as the first Khalifah of Muslims. Despite growing threats, challenges, and alarming issues, he excelled in the role of leadership. One of the biggest problems that Abu Bakr faced after Prophet Muhammad's death was the tax rebellion – the Ridda Wars [launched by him], and many individuals claimed that they are the new prophet."
"The Muslim Ummah Should Make Sure They Follow The Right Role Model, The Khalifah Of The Muslims, Other Than Following The Traitorous Tawagheet [Tyrant] Rulers Of The Time"
"Moreover, there were many Arabs who did not want to submit the collection of the Zakat, they believed this deal of zakat was made with Muhammad and after his death they did not feel any obligation to follow Islam and serve under Abu Bakr.
"The Ridda Wars helped Abu Bakr to show his resilience and leadership capabilities, and his capabilities was proven through diplomatic skills and warfare tactics which he applied throughout the war. And by the end of the [Ridda] Wars he was able to conquer and unify the entire Arabian nation.
"But apart from his diplomatic skills and warfare skills, Abu Bakr was an honest and charismatic orator, and he showed his captivating public speaking skills after he was officially chosen as the Khalifah. He eloquently addressed the people and his speech was infused with important lessons where he praised, expressed his gratitude and glorified Allah, and he did not ask everyone to simply put their complete blind trust on him.
"But he rather requested everyone to hold him accountable to his words: 'O people, I have been appointed over you, though I am not the best among you. If I do well, then help me; and if I act wrongly, then correct me'; 'Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. And if I disobey Allah and His Messenger, then I have no right to your obedience.'
"It is no secret that the world is heading to the End Times and Saudi Arabia's turning green is one of the most important signs of it. And during this time, the Muslim Ummah should make sure they follow the right role model, the Khalifah of the Muslims, other than following the traitorous Tawagheet [tyrant] rulers of the time."
[1] Telegram, May 21, 2023. The original English of the article has been lightly edited for clarity and standardization.
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