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I was wondering how Prayer can help me to understand more about natural disasters like in Turkey and Syria. I think Prayer can help to lessen fear, give comfort as well as hope and an assurance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) is always with us, a force for Good in the face of natural disasters. This really helps me, especially since I am not there to give pratical help. I find that Surah Al Fatiha sums up everything we need to know especially with the part "You alone we ask for help" which means he is our Life Truth and All in All. There is hope of harmony being restored if we recognise that He governs all, there is no power outside of Him. This is the Divine Message being given to us at every moment, an eternal promise written into our daily prayers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) is Harmonious and governs all. We should have some kind of expectation of Good whether thats in the rescue effort or before it happens. That expectation allows people´s thoughts to grow. These thoughts sustain us. That expectation does not only apply to me in thinking about it but to those who are in the midst of suffering or being buried. This view or prayer applies to the whole world and this view when carried has power to change our world. The uncontrolled fury of what appears to be a force outside God needs to be kept in check. Even in small ways in our personal lives, when we don´t deal with things like sins, eating too much, not maintaining family life correctly, missing prayers etc gives rise to believing that a force of evil is more powerful than God . So in effect, if we don´t keep that in check then we can expect to see other calamaties because we have in many ways opened the door to it. Following Islam does not only affect yourself, it affects the whole world, just like a train of camels. If any one of them moves the wrong way or stops, it puts strain on the whole system.

Al Jazeera FollowView Profile Air attacks hit pro-Iran convoy in Syria near Iraqi border 3h ago Air attacks have struck eastern Syria along the Iraqi border, hitting Iran-backed fighters and inflicting casualties, a Syrian war monitor, Iranian state television and Iraqi paramilitary officers have said. (Al Jazeera)© Provided by Al Jazeera The number of casualties has not been confirmed but some of those killed in the attack late on Tuesday were Iranian nationals, according to two Iraqi paramilitary officers. The United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 14 people were killed in the raids, mostly fighters. The attacks hit a convoy of “fuel tankers and trucks loaded with weapons” for the fighters in Syria’s eastern province of Deir Az Zor, the Syrian Observatory said. It is not yet clear who was behind the raid but the United States military has carried out similar attacks in the past. The US military has, however, so far denied involvement. Army Major Rachael L Jeffcoat said that “no US forces or US-led coalition (members) conducted an airstrike in al-Qaim, Iraq, on the border with Syria”. Related video: U.S warns Iran after Russia’s Kamikaze drone strike destroys Kyiv; Heat on Islamic Republic View on Watch The convoy of 22 tanker trucks was travelling from Iran to Lebanon, an official in the Iraqi border guard said. Ten trucks were hit, of which four were “completely burnt”, after entering Syrian territory through the Al-Qaim – Abu Kamal border crossing. 4 Pack Travel Bar Soap Box Container, Plastic Holder Case With Cover For Toilet Bathroom Organizer, 4 Colors, 4.5 X 3.3 in. The Deir Ezzor 24, an activist collective, reported three air strikes targeting Iran-backed militias in the Syrian border town of Abu Kamal and nearby areas. It had no immediate word on casualties. Earlier, members of Iraqi paramilitary groups operating in the area said an air attack on a convoy carrying fuel across the Iraqi border into Syria killed at least 10 people late on Tuesday. Iranian state television Press TV claimed the convoy was carrying Iranian oil to Lebanon through Syria, but offered no casualty details. It also claimed that the convoy attack was carried out by US drones and helicopters, adding that the attack took place after eight of the trucks had crossed into Syria. Pro-Iran fighters have a major presence around the Iraqi-Syria border. Iran is a major supporter of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, sending thousands of fighters to help Syrian government troops in the country’s 11-year war against the country’s opposition. In August, the US military carried out air raids in Deir Az Zor targeting Iran-backed fighters after a rocket attack left several US soldiers lightly wounded. At least two fighters described by US Central Command as “suspected Iran-backed militants” were killed. The Pentagon said the strikes were a message to Iran.

#BREAKING Trump talked to several leaders about setting up safe zones in Syria: White House #BREAKING US military options on Syria in response to Idlib attack could include grounding Syrian aircraft: official to Reuters Thursday 06/04/2017

Why doesnt Assad and Syria respond to Isreals strikes on the country?Why dont they retalitae? Isreal is constantly attacking syrian teritory and assad doesnt respond, the even killed a Syrian soldier!!!

On a very serious note, Sunni brothers really need to check the works Im posting in the comments below. These works identify SUFYANI I, predict the rise of SUFYANI II in this decade and more importantly notify the already over first coming of DAJJAL and warn against the more dangerous second coming of DAJJAL masquerading as Mahdi, ALL FROM SUNNI PROPHECIES ONLY. More than just theories, most of the matter in these works consists of almost ascertained facts, fulfilled prophecies and prophecies very close to being fulfilled.

Russian-made air defense systems shot down ALL Israeli missiles targeting Syria’s Homs – military — RT World News

U.S. Military 'Under Multiple Rocket Attack' in Syria after Strikes, Fires Back Tom O'Connor 12 hrs ago %7B Netherlands Says Russian Fighter Jets Engaged in 'Mock Attacks' Against… %7B Reggie Miller Reacts To Scottie Pippen’s Phil Jackson Claim U.S. forces in Syria came under attack by multiple launch rocket systems in the wake of a series of airstrikes targeting suspected Iran-backed militias along the country's border with Syria, prompting troops to return fire. %7B© Specialist Trevor Franklin/Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve/U.S. Army U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the C/2-156th Infantry, 2nd Plt Charlie Battery/1-141 FA conduct crew training on a M777 Howitzer at the Conoco oil field in Syria on June 14. U.S. forces in Syria have supported the allied Syrian Democratic Forces retain control of key oil and gas resources despite protests from the country's government. "At approx. 7:44 PM local time, U.S. Forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets," U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Army Colonel Wayne Marotto said in an initial statement Monday. "There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. We will provide updates when we have more information." In a follow-up message, he said the U.S. military had retaliated. "Update: U.S. Forces in Syria, while under multiple rocket attack, acted in self- defense and conducted counter-battery artillery fire at rocket launching positions," Marotto said. The exchange comes a day after the Pentagon conducted what Press Secretary John Kirby called "defensive precision air strikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region." "The targets were selected because these facilities are utilized by Iran-backed militias that are engaged in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq," Kirby said. "Specifically, the U.S. strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one location in Iraq, both of which lie close to the border between those countries." Video Player is loading. Play Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded: 0% Unmute 0 Captions Fullscreen US Military Conducts Airstrikes On 'Iran-backed Militia Groups' Click to expand %7B%7B %7B%7B %7B%7B He identified two of the groups targeted as Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, two Iraqi factions operation as part of the pro-Iran "Axis of Resistance." Kirby said the strikes demonstrated how Biden "has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel." "Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks," Kirby said. "We are in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq for the sole purpose of assisting the Iraqi Security Forces in their efforts to defeat ISIS. The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation—but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message." Video: U.S. warplanes strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria (Reuters) Video Player is loading. Pause Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded: 0% Unmute 0 Captions Fullscreen U.S. warplanes strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria Click to expand %7B%7B %7B%7B %7B%7B He argued that the U.S. was justified in taking action under international law "pursuant to its right of self-defense," and, on the domestic level, cited the White House's Article II authority granted in the wake of 9/11 to pursue designated terrorist organizations. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the recent airstrikes, which appeared to target the eastern areas of Al-Hury, Qasabat and As Sakik. "The Syrian Arab Republic condemns the blatant U.S. aggression on the Syrian-Iraqi border region and considers it a flagrant violation of the sanctity of Syrian and Iraqi lands," the ministry said in a statement Monday. "Syria renews its call to the U.S. administration to respect the unity of the land and people of Syria and Iraq and to stop these attacks on the independence of the two countries immediately." The strikes were also condemned by Iraq despite the partnership between the two countries. "The Ministerial Council for National Security expressed its strong condemnation and censure of the American bombing that targeted a site on our border with Syria," according to a statement sent to Newsweek on Monday by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's office, "stressing that this attack represents a flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty, which is rejected by all international laws and covenants." The council stated that it "is studying resorting to all available legal options to prevent the recurrence of such attacks that violate Iraq's airspace and territory, in addition to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident and its causes, and working to prevent it from recurring in the future." The council also "affirmed that the government has continuous sessions of dialogue with the American side, which have reached advanced stages and to the level of discussing the logistical details of the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq, the details of which will be announced later." The Iraqi Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes in a statement sent to Newsweek, as did the Defense Ministry and military Security Media Cell in separate messages shared that same day. In Syria, the U.S. is considered an occupying force by the government, which is backed by both Iran and Russia in a decade-long civil war in which the U.S. once offered assistance to rebel forces. Since 2015, the U.S. has allied with a largely Kurdish force known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, whose main focus is the defeat of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS). Attempts to reconcile the differences between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces have yet to produce results, however, and tensions remain, especially as local and regional groups supported by Iran also in the anti-ISIS fight maintain a presence near U.S. lines of control. These U.S. positions are largely based near oil and gas fields, prompting further criticism from Damascus and its allies, who accused Washington of stealing the country's natural resources and violating its sovereignty.

He is the One Who Revealed the Book unto you; from it are Decisive Verses - these are the Mother of the Book; and others are Allegorical. Then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity, so they are following what is allegorical from it, seeking the Fitna and seeking its (personal) interpretation. And none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in the Knowledge. They are saying, ‘We believe in it. It is all from the Presence of our Lord’. And none (would) mention except those with the understanding [3:7] Let's see how "those who are firmly rooted in the knowledge" i.e the Holy Ahlulbayt (a) interpret this verse, And We will be Testing you with something from the fear and the hunger and scarcity of the wealth and the lives and the fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient ones [2:155] Al Ayyashi, from Al Sumaly who said, ‘I asked Abu Ja’far Imam Muhammad Al Baaqir (asws) about the Words of Allah (عزّ وجلّ): And We will be Testing you with something from the fear and the hunger [2:155]. He (Imam) said: ‘That is a particular hunger, and a general hunger. So as for at Syria, it would be general (widespread), and as for the particular (hunger) is would be at Al-Kufa, in a particular (area) and not be general but it would be in particular at Al-Kufa for the enemies of the Progeny (asws) of Muhammad (saws), so Allah (عزّ وجلّ) would Destroy them by the hunger. And as for the fear, so it would be general (widespread) at Syria, and that is the fear when Al-Qaim (Imam Mahdi) rises; and as for the hunger, it would be before the rising of Al-Qaim (Imam Mahdi (a)), and these are Allah's Words: And We will be Testing you with something from the fear and the hunger [2:155]’. Tafseer Al Ayyaashi 1: 68/125 Let's see another interpretation, Muhammad Bin Ibrahim Al No’mani – well known as Ibn Zaynab, from Muhammad Bin Hamaam, from Abdullah Bin Ja’far Al Humeyri, from Ahmad Bin Hilal, from Al Hassan Bin Mahboub, from Ali Bin Ra’ib, from Muhammad Bin Muslim, (It has been narrated) from Abu Abdullah Ja’far (a) Bin Muhammad (a) having said: ‘Surely before the rising of Al-Qaim (a) there are signs, a Trial from Allah (عزّ وجلّ) the Exalted to His servants, the Momineen’. I said, ‘And what are these?’ He (a) said: ‘So that is the Speech of Allah (عزّ وجلّ) Mighty and Majestic: And We will be Testing you with something from the fear and the hunger and scarcity of the wealth and the lives and the fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient ones [2:155] He (a) said: ‘And We will be Testing you – meaning the Momineen, with something from the fear – from the kings of the Clan of so and so at the end of their rule, and the hunger – with expensive prices (inflation), and scarcity of the wealth – spoiling of the businesses and the scarcity of the grace therein, and the lives – catastrophic deaths, and the fruits – scarcity of yield from what is cultivated and scarcity of the Blessings of the fruits, and give glad tidings to the patient ones [2:155] – during that, with the rising of Al-Qaim (a)’’. Then he (a) said: ‘O Muhammad! This is its interpretation that Allah (عزّ وجلّ) Mighty and Majestic is Speaking of but none know its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in the Knowledge’ [3:7]’’. الغيبة: 250 /5 ينابيع المودة: 421 https://hubeali.com/books/English-Books/TafseerHub-e-Ali/CH2_SuraAlBaqarah_Verses133-158_P6.pdf https://www.hubeali.com/tafseerhubeali/ More tafseer books, https://www.hubeali.com/tafseer-imam-hassan-askari-asws/ (Tafseer Imam Hasan Al Askari (a) http://hubeali.com/online-books/online-english-books/tafseer-abu-hamza-sumali (Tafseer Abu hamza al sumali) (tafseer by Imam Zain Ul Aabideen (a)) https://www.hubeali.com/online-books/online-english-books/tafseer-qummi/ (Tafseer Al Qummi)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-backed-forces-declare-complete-victory-over-isis-in-syria/vi-BB1aS6TX?ocid=msedgdhp

Last words of a Muslim man, who was one of the first victims of the New Zealand Mosque shooter. His two words, his last, exemplify the universal brotherhood of our beautiful faith, our beautiful Islam - “Hello Brother” to the murderous terrorist pointing an assault weapon at him. May God bless all those who fell today in NZ, and also in Syria, Yemen, & Afghanistan, at the hands of the localised and international terrorism. Fateha-

Salaam, The following is an interesting study of Chechen Takfiri/Jihadi groups operating (perhaps marauding is a better adjective) in Syria, courtesy of the German Institute for International & Security Affairs: http://www.swp-berlin.org/fileadmin/contents/products/comments/2014C31_sbg.pdf Even though I'm a Twelver Shia by religion, I can't help but feel ashamed & disgusted that so many of my ethnic kin are fighting under the banner of various takfiri groups in Syria and Iraq. I keep saying this (including here at Shiachat previously) but I would like to apologise profusely (for what it's worth) to the people of Syria and Iraq for the murder and mayhem that my countrymen are spreading throughout your countries. Wallahi I am so very sorry and ashamed to be Chechen at this point in history. I never imagined that so many of my people would rally to the cause of Nasb. 1,500 to 2,000 fighters is a ridiculous amount for a nation of barely 1 million in total. I can't really articulate the loathing that I feel for my tribe. May Allah curse the enemies of the Ahlulbayt (Alayhimus Salaam) & hasten the re-appearance of His Hujjah (May Allah Protect & Bless Him). Ya Ali.

Israeli defense minister met with Syrian rebels, former IDF commander reveals in a first In a bombshell admission, a former senior Israeli commander has said that former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon personally met with Syrian rebels at the height of the Syrian war. Maj. Gen. Gershon Hacohen was speaking at an Israeli Democracy Institute conference when he made a stunning claim – Ya'alon, who was Israel's chief of defense from 2013 to May 2016, held a meeting with a group of Syrian rebels during his tenure. Hacohen, who was Israeli Defence Forces Staff Corps Commander before retiring in September 2014, said that he was also present at the never-before-reported meet-up. Hacohen refused to specify when the meeting took place and or the subject matter of the discussions. He, however, offered a brief portrayal of his three Syrian 'counterparts,' saying that Ya'alon asked one if he was a Salafist because the minister "wanted to understand who they were." The rebel Ya'alon addressed was apparently somewhat perturbed by the prospect of cooperation with Israel. "He [Ya'alon] asked one of them, 'Tell me, are you a Salafist?' And he said, 'I really don't know what a Salafist is. If it means that I pray more, then yes. Once I would pray once a week, on Fridays, now I pray five times a day. On the other hand, a Salafist isn't meant to cooperate with the Zionists," Haaretz reported, citing Hacohen's recollection of the meeting. Following Hacohen's revelation, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing its own sources, that the meeting did indeed take place and that the main topic on the agenda was “humanitarian assistance.” The JP's sources said the outcome of the talks was an agreement on humanitarian aid deliveries to the residents of the Syrian part of the Golan Heights. The effort, which reportedly started as a one-time goodwill gesture, expanded to become Operation Good Neighbor, which formally inaugurated its headquarters in June 2016. Since then, Israel has been openly assisting the rebels, but insists that its assistance is strictly humanitarian and includes treating wounded militants and their families, supplying them with fuel, medicine, food, clothing and other essential products. The operation was reportedly wrapped up this week after Syrian forces retook control over the Golan Heights from the rebels. However, numerous reports have suggested that Israel's support of the rebels is not as benign as Tel Aviv seeks to portray. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that the alleged humanitarian assistance, that had begun as early as 2013, included cash payments to rebel commanders who, in turn, used the money to pay militants' salaries and buy weapons and equipment. It was reported that one group received a monthly allowance of some $5,000 from the Israeli military. The handouts were conditional upon the rebels' ability to keep Hezbollah, which Israel sees as Iran's proxies, away from the border. Earlier this year, the Jerusalem Post was forced to hastily remove an explosive report on the IDF’s admission that it provided Syrian rebels with light weapons. The managing editor of the newspaper told RT in September that the story was taken down for "for security reasons evidently," while the IDF declined to comment on the issue. ISRAEL DEFENSE MINISTER MET SYRIAN REBELS

The two in this video, one is a liberal the other a conservative, but they are basically both saying the same thing about the current US Role in Syria. This is also a point that has been made on ShiaChat many times by various members. Very Interesting. Warning. There are a few 'F bombs' thrown in this video. May not be appropriate for young children.

Salaam alaikum I have read hadith or just advice which says a Muslim should wake up with concern for what is happening in the Muslim ummah. I have two questions: 1) What is the best way to do this? 2) How can we help those who are facing oppression? For question 1, in the past I have set up Google alert for key words such as Palestine and Yemen so I directly get emailed articles about what is happening here. For question 2, I often make dua and sometimes donate money. I have thought about attending protests/rallies such as Al Quds too. As a revert, I am reluctant, only because my family are non-Muslim and I worry they will think I am being radicalised or something. I guess overall I am asking what is the best way to at the very least be aware of what is happening. Thank you

I found it to be rather refreshing to watch a (relatively) large media outlet in America questioning the war in Syria, and raising important questions about whether Assad was really behind the recent chemical attack.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/syria-us-accused-airstrike-1.4610753

Will the attack occur ? http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/49019.htm Syria Preparing for a Major US Military Attack Russian troops have already been deployed to 'critical locations' to deter Washington By Mohammad Ayesh March 19, 2018 "Information Clearing House" - Damascus has taken a series of measures to prepare for an anticipated US military strike, Western diplomats told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. The measures were decided on Saturday during a meeting of the National Security Council, chaired by President Bashar al-Assad, which included military and security leaders. As part of the government's preparations, letters were sent to Russia and Iran to request additional protection and Russian army troops have reportedly already been deployed to "critical locations" in order to deter Washington, one diplomat told the paper. Russian troops may also be sent to protect civilian and military government institutions. It was also reported that the United Nations has moved staff, including diplomats, from particular areas of concern. Are You Tired Of Bull·*hit And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media This article was originally published by "MEE" - The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Information Clearing House.

There are news channel and social network pages claiming chemical weapons being used in Syria by Iran. What is the reality behind these news? According my knowledge use of chemical weapon is forbidden by Iran. If some one has knowledge about these circumstance please share.

https://ahvalnews.com/sdf/pentagon-allocates-550-million-sdf The Pentagon has announced that it will allocate $550 million of its 2019 budget to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group that Turkey views as linked to a terrorist entity, the Turkish state-rune Anadolu Agency reported on Monday. The budget will include $300 million to train and equip the SDF, and a further $250 million for a contentious “border force” that is being set up to guard the regional borders. The United States sees the SDF as a multi-ethnic force that is an indispensable ally in the coalition against the extremist jihadist Islamic State (ISIS). However, the force is organically linked to the predominantly-Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), a group seen by Turkey as the Syrian wing of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The Turkish armed forces have been involved in decades of armed conflict with the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by both Turkey and the United States. Turkey is currently fighting the YPG in the northwest Syrian area of Afrin, in an operation that has sparked high tensions between the country and its NATO ally the United States, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to extend the operation to nearby Manbij, where U.S. troops are stationed.

BBC Reports say that Russia has won the Syrian war, the article describes it at link given below: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42082615 The article also raises the concern over the peace process in Syria. Comments from members are welcome.

Question explains everything.

Anyone amongst you must have seen this tag which means "Media of war" on videos about Syria, Iraq or Yemen. Who is behind this ?

Iran fires missiles against 'terrorist bases' in E. Syria in retaliation for Tehran attacks – report The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have reportedly launched ground-to-ground mid-range ballistic missiles from the western Iranian provinces of Kermanshah and Kurdistan into the eastern Syrian province of Deir-ez Zor. “The spilling of any innocent blood will not go unanswered,” Press TV cited a statement by the Revolutionary Guards as saying. https://www.rt.com/news/392940-iran-fires-missiles-syria/