Say “Baa” to Ensure Survival — Perhaps Not Even That Will Help!
The Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi
To survive — though you might not — they tell you to say “baa,” mimicking the bleating of sheep and livestock as they lead you in a long, orderly line, a line as long as the sorrow, pain, and tragedy endured by the people of Sudan from the war that broke out following the failed coup attempt by the militia, backed by regional and local political allies aiming to seize control of the country’s resources and marginalize national political forces.
Thus, we witness the humiliation of the people of East Gezira, generous and secure, knowledgeable of the values of faith and community bonds, who stand firm in times of need to provide water, sustenance, and hospitality. They’ve historically welcomed travelers with open arms, ensuring their safety and comfort. Yet, this ethic and resilience seem beyond the militia’s grasp, as they came trembling in fear, seeking weapons, not understanding that the strength of these people lies in their devotion to God, their hospitality, and their pursuit of good.
These people may not possess arms as the militia does — but if they did, no one would dare to attack them. No one would dare to humiliate the venerable Sheikh, engineer, and scholar Tayeb Al-Tahir, grabbing him by his beard in a scene that would shame the angels and evoke the wrath of those fearing God. The moment was a crushing blow, not only to the hearts of the living but to any conscience, revealing the ugliness of the rebellion and its supporters who remain indifferent, blind, and deaf to the truth.
This Sheikh, Engineer Al-Tahir, a renowned figure known for his loyalty and generosity, educated others with passion, and worked in electricity, administration, and quality assurance. The people of his region, Seraeha, as well as all of Sudan, know him as a dedicated professional. This pious seventy-year-old man, whose presence brought blessings, perhaps encountered this tragic fate as part of a divine plan to awaken the world to the abuses committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
This event has stirred the values of faith across free nations. Al-Azhar condemned these abuses in West, South, and East Gezira that left hundreds dead, wounded, or missing, stating that such terror against peaceful civilians constitutes an inhumane crime and one of the gravest sins in Islam. This reprehensible act was also denounced by Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and other prominent figures, including the Grand Mufti of Oman, Ahmad bin Hamad Al-Khalili, who likened it to a tyrannical plot.
The Sudanese Scholars Association also condemned these crimes, calling on the militia to lay down arms. Religious scholars, writers, journalists, social media activists, and national political parties all voiced their condemnation, describing these heinous acts as violations that only a sadist or an immoral individual would commit.
The truth exposes this militia that has lost all compassion and modesty. They’ve lost their way and have been rejected by communities that understand the value of human life and security. If they were to rule our country, we would all wander the streets, bleating like sheep: “Baa!”
Best regards,
ednesday, October 30, 2024
Shglawi55@gmail.com