Is it a crime to be a foreigner?
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Asalamu alaikum brothers and sisters
I am passing through a difficulties and I really need your help and advice.
I am from South Africa and I was born in Saudia arabia in the holy city of makkah. I was raised and grew up there. I spend most of my childhood in Makkah and I am now 18 years old.
In the past, life in Saudia arabia was very easy everyone has the freedom to study, work and get a good salary. But nowadays things began to change suddenly; you can call it a war on foreigners. Where ever you go to study or work if you are not a Saudi you are not accepted.
When I was 7 years old my parents took me for an admission in a Saudi school but they refused to admit me by giving excuses that they have no enough places and books an so on. We left the school and we started searching for other schools but with no hope. After one year my dad find and an Indian english school here in Makkah. It was a very nice school and I really love it. They accept everyone every nationality and at any age.
I started studying in class 2 in 2003. I was late in my studies because it was very hard to find school if your not a saudi. I studied in that Indian school from class 2 till 7. In our last exam in class 7 in 2009 the saudi ministry of education gave us papers that the school is going to be closed. I was too shock to hear that because I have to finish class 8 so that I can start class 9 in high school.
Our principal decided to open the school secretly and we shifted to another house and without a signboard of the name of our school. We thought the problem is solved and the school is not going to be closed.
We started our studies peacefully in April-2009 until we finished 1st term. We started 2nd term in 2o1o. But an old friend of our principal came to knew that he opened an illegal school without a permission from ministry of education. So he went and inform the ministry of education. They send two policemen to our school and ask all our teachers to leave the school or they are going to be arrested.
I can still remember that moment. you just imagine how terrified the teachers were. The policeman came to our school and started shouting like as we were some criminals. They arrested our principal and all the teachers ran away. we stayed alone in the school from 8:30 am to 2:oo pm and it was a very hot day we stayed in our classrooms everyone was shocked some were crying as they were some students from kinder garden.
That was the last day for me in that school many students in my class went back to their countries. Our principal and all his family were send back to their country forever and all our teachers too.
Me and my younger sisters study in the same school.We stop going to school since October 2010.And from that year any non-Saudi school is being closed. In the year between 2011 and 2012 more then 100 foreign schools were closed in Saudi arabia.And they are raising admission fee in every school from 6 to 11 thousand per month and they will close any school which admits foreign students.
They just don't want any foreigners here in Saudia. They are nowadays arresting every foreigner and deporting them back to their countries. many of them left their families. Like I have a friend who was married last year her husband went to work and on his way back some policemen arrested him and deport him back to his country. And now she lives alone with her 10 month old baby.
And also my childhood friend how can I forget how she suffers before being deported back to her country? Her family are passing through some financial problems and especially how life in Saudia is becoming impossible if you are a foreigner. So their mother send her to beg for some help in streets.
About three policemen came and started to chase her they grab her garment and forced her to enter the police car when she refused to get in they beat her so badly until her lips started to bleed. After that they forced her into the car and took her to jail and she was only 16 years.
She spends in the jail nearly two weeks she called me and she was crying and I was crying too. She told me how the jail was too dirty and with no food and only one toilet was there that all the prisoners share. And that was my last call with her and after that she was send back to her country.
Now you can never imagine how badly a foreigner is being treated here in Saudia like a criminal or even an animal. My aunt told me that on her way to shop she saw a woman police are chasing her to arrest her with no reason at all her crime is only that she is a foreigner the woman naked herself so that they might shy and stop chasing her but they do not care at all and they arrested her.
A person is been forced to lose his dignity as a human just to avoid going to jail. Even if I went to mosque to pray they started keeping distance away from me just because I am a foreigner. We are forbidden from studying and work and to even leave as humans.
And this year they are planning to demolished every house of foreigners to build new houses and tall towers to make Makkah be a modern city. The Saudis will be given new houses and the foreigners have to search houses by their own and many houses are without power.
They will start the project after 5 years. And some of my friends started to search house because their house is going to be demolished after 3 month. And they are all now at home and no one is going to school or work.
So this is the difficulties and sufferings that I am passing through everyday. I stop going to school since 2010 I miss so many studies and till now there is no school that I can go and study.
All my younger sisters are not going to school and my elder brother finished his high school and he is now studying in college but the problem is that he have to pay six thousand each term. So he is also been forced to stop going cause if you will not pay each term they wont give you the notes.
We are having financial problems now in our family which is making a gap between us and our studies. I really wish if it will be possible for me to go back to my country or any place were I will be looked as a human and not as a foreigner.
But the cost of visa and passport are too high here in Saudia. We are forbidden from doing anything they are putting more and more pressure on us to leave the country. Saudis get good education a good work and a good salary and a house when we are being forbidden they just care about themselves.
I just want to know why do Saudi's hate a foreigner that much I mean is it a crime to be a foreigner? even if they don't want a foreigner in their country they don't have the to treat us in that un-humanity way, don't they go to other countries and study there and work and get married then so why they don't want anyone on their land?They called a foreigner an Alien who came to conquer our land!.
Even if they don't take us as humans at list they look at us like their brothers and sisters in islam did't Allah said that we muslims are brothers and sisters?
My wish is to complete my high school and then go to Malaysia for my university.And I want to become an Islamic scholar and get married and make a happy family inshallah. This is my dream in future but all my future is lost just because I am a foreigner.
I am in Saudia just because Allah wanted me to be there I did't came by my own wish they don't have the right to stop me from going to school otherwise if Allah wanted me to be in a freedom country my life could have been better and I would't even wish to be in a country where I will be treated like nothing.
Is it a crime being a foreigner? please I need your help is there any website that can help me to study?
your sister in Islam, Saja.
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Assalamualaikum sister Saja,
I am really sorry for what you have been seeing. It is truly sad that such crime exists in Saudi Arabia. It was limited to some cities such as those in Aseer region, Riyadh, Dammam, etc. but it is sad to hear they are not sparing Makkah.
Sister, not all you have said is as it is, there are justifications for some.
People (foreigners), specifically Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis do what they should not. They do illegal activities and sell forbidden goods. They sell pirated movies and dvds, sell pornographic material, they do illegal businesses, some transport alcohol, some are even indulged in the business of "display of bodies", if you know what I mean. They make places unclean and spread filth everywhere. If you enter their homes, you may faint from the stink.
Police try to stop them, but they run and do their business elsewhere. What can we expect the govenment to do? This is why some part of their attitude towards foreigners is valid.
Additionally, people are flowing into Saudia because it has a lot of opportunities for everyone, with a degree or not. To stop this, a government generally applied economic theories to control migration and restrict people from making into the country. They increased government fees, Iqamah fees and every other expense for a foreigners, so that many of them move out and relocate to a different country or go back to their country. They have suddenly begun charging huge fees to foreiners making their life difficult. On top of all of this, the sponsors (known as Kafeel) take money from the foreigners without having right to do so.
It was best when Malik Faisal Rahimahullah ruled the Kingdom. May Allah Save it.
It is true that they are demolishing buildings all over Saudia. They say it is for making roads broader. The owners of the buildings get millions of riyals as compensation, while the tenants suffer as they have to immediately look for homes and shift. This is an infrastructure development measure and is understandable, but all the benefit is taken away by the owners.
About what you said regarding schools, it is correct on part of the government. When they have no approval from the ministry of education, how can they have a school? This happened in Aseer region when a school was licenced to have classes till grade 8 but illegally held further classes. The students suffered when their certificates were rejected due to the schools's mistake. Parents must check the licences before admitting their children into foreign schools in Saudia.
The incident with the 16 year old is oppressive. May Allah give her Sabr and guide the oppressive people in power.
Saudia is a beautiful country with a lot of scholars and students of knowledge, with a system that is best in all the World, but I heard some people say that the recent changes in foreign policies have taken thousands of businesses out of the country, thus causing economic loss. I heard some foreigners say: the people making rules are badwi (illiterate desert Arabs).
These problems are not in all parts of Saudia and not with everyone. It is only in some cities.
I have one complain to the authorities in saudia, the system of Kafaalah is valid when a non Muslim wants to live in a Muslim state under their protection as per Islamic law, and they pay Jizyah. I do not understand why "foreigners/non-Saudis" are supposed to take Kafaalah and pay the kafeel (sponsor)?
I hope that soon, this government will be replaced by Allah with a government which acts totally according to Islam. Malik Faisal tried this, but received no support from the other Muslim countries. We have no caliber to help each other, this is leading to fear of wordly powers and destruction of our own self.
In sha Allah, we will soon have a khaleefah who will treat Muslims as Muslims, regardless of where they come from.
Sister, to learn and gain knowledge, http://abdurrahman.org is a very good website with links to numerous sister websites. Make good use of it. For the fact that you are in Makkah, you can actually seek knowlede from Kibaar Scholars such as Shaikh Waseeullah Abbas and numerous others.
Take the good from the holy city and have patience over the oppressors. In sha Allah, they will know it soon. Allah Is Watching, and Will make Justice prevail. Meanwhile, make the best of your stay. Learn correct Aqeedah from the Kibaar, do a lot of prayers, as each prayer in Makkah is equal to 100000 prayers elsewhere.
I pray that Allah makes it easy for you. Aameen.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
People (foreigners), specifically Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis do what they should not. They do illegal activities and sell forbidden goods. They sell pirated movies and dvds, sell pornographic material, they do illegal businesses, some transport alcohol, some are even indulged in the business of "display of bodies", if you know what I mean. They make places unclean and spread filth everywhere. If you enter their homes, you may faint from the stink.
Just to let you know.....Saudis and other arab nationals do the same thing in foreign countries. Just look at the mess they have created in Canada and U.S. If I start disclosing their activities on this blog,you will surely be surprised.
Unfortunately,many muslims have this belief that since a Saudi is born in the holy land then he is automatically a privileged person.They consider them superior while in fact they are just equal to muslims who are not saudis. Unfortunately,this idea is deeply ingrained into muslims of different nationalities and hence many of them consciously or subconsciously consider them above/superior and tolerate their(saudis) racist and discriminatory behaviour.
Unfortunately,KSA was,is and will always be a incredibly racist country. Despite being a "muslim" country,it has a very nasty attitude towards Muslims of other nationalities. Worse if you are a South Asian.
Saudis are already notorious around the globe for their illegal activities.I have personally experienced,heard and read numerous stories of blatant racism and discrimination,targeted towards foreigners(blacks and asians to be precise)
I almost forgot.If you are a white person then they will not show any discriminatory behaviour towards you.On the contrary,they will give you special attention and privileges.
"KSA was" is wrong, and " will always be" is a sign of having no hope. 🙂 It is better that we hope from Allah that He Will change the country. And this is less likely to happen until we Muslims have one Khaleefah. May Allah unite us under one leader.
And not everyone is such in Saudia. Most of the people are wonderful and welcoming. It is some people that have spoilt the name and have dominated the image.
You are right in your last paragraph. Some people in Saudia actually act like enslaved to the "whites" and give special attention to them.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Sister,
I just want to say how sad I was to read your post, especially the part about the police entering the school and scaring all the children and the kindergarten aged children crying. As a mother of a 3 year old, I couldn't even imagine what those poor babies were going through. I'm sorry the very nation you were born into doesn't accept you because of your appearance.
On that subject, I was surprised to hear you say you were born in Saudi and in fact in the holy city of Makkah and the Saudis still consider you a foreigner. Here in the states if you were born in the US, you're an American. I already can imagine someone on this site commenting on the contrary or putting his two cents in to my words here, but as an American it's culture that separates us fellow nationals, but they are not foreigners. The definition of foreign means not native or from another nation. Of course a Saudi arab wouldn't be able to tell himself from an Omani arab or other arab from the gulf, so it's not exactly the culture (since you would adopt the culture you were born into) or the nationality (since you were born in Saudi) that you're being ejected from society for, but in fact your biological status as a visual minority in Saudi Arabia. That's very unfortunate. Here, we call that racism. It's terrible. But racism isn't the same as persecution of foreigners.
I want you to know I posted the link to your question on my facebook page just to share the words of what you're going through, and also to get some second and third opinions from others I know who are from and have been to Saudi. I have been to the middle east but not Saudi.
I wish I had some advice, I have nothing to say except that what you're going through is terrible and it's simply and act of arrogance and intolerance. I'll pray for you and all the families being torn apart by this. ♥
Sister Stacy
Hello sister Stacy
Thank you for your comment and I wish if you can say me their opinions because I really need help for my studies.
May Allah bless you.
Salam Saja,
I'm sorry, I wasn't clear on your exact question. Thanks.
S. Stacy
Assalam alaikum,
Sister Stacy,
I believe she is referring to:
"I want you to know I posted the link to your question on my facebook page just to share the words of what you're going through, and also to get some second and third opinions from others I know who are from and have been to Saudi. I have been to the middle east but not Saudi."
I believe she wants to know what feedback you got.
WS
Omg! This was surprisingly our topic of discussion a few days back when i asked my cousin why she shifted from makkah to jeddah and she said that the schools r bad in makkah and i was shocked and more so when she said that arab kids had their access to decent education but the non arabs didnt. My cousin is a doctor and her husband is an electronic engineer. Both of them have the potential to serve that country well but i guess the saudis r too racist to acknowledge that. Most people generalise all the arabs and call them racist and i dont think thats true. I personally know some Omanis who r comparatively more cultured, educated and approachable people. I have had a very good experience with a couple of Dubai nationals and although a lot of ppl hate saudis but im sure there r some very kind hearted saudis too just that we dont bump into them very often.
They probably cant handle the role of the custodians of the holy land. The worst example of their racism was set up on display when a srilankan baby sitter was executed on the charge of murder though she kept pleading her innocence while on the other had a saudi arab (a celebrity recitor of Quran, Gamdi) was set free even though he accepted his crime of raping and killing his own 5 yr old. Allah knowa best if that woman was lying but that disgusting man was not even lying. He was so shamelessly honest. The world demanded an explanation from muslims like us and the inconsistency in the sharia law and we were like ''errr urrm we dont know y they did it.'' What they dont understand is that whatever they do it all ultimately boils down to islam and its laws in the universal sense. If any saudi is reading this plz excuse me but as muslims we have to answer some very uncomfortable questions for ur blunders and we r just embarrassed. We would rather answer questions about an arab for his stink than wonder what to say about his extreme,fluctuating values.
Racism is so bad that if an indian or pakistani would lose his or her precious belonging in masjid al haram then no1 even bothers to take a formal complain and im not even talking about illegal immigrants here im talking about pilgrims. Its not limited to racism i guess the problem is much greater here, anothe issue that bothers me is the sexist approach. The library in madina does not allow women and i was really heart broken when i heard that coz this particular library is huge and has a great collection of fine book on hadiths and such but u c?, u have to b a man to read them. U know at one point i really wanted to migrate there but not anymore. Im too scared and quite ironically its my right to live in makkah or madina as a muslim.The educated muslim ummah can actually build that place into a highly developed hub in terms of its educational, technological and marketing value.. We could seriously compete the west in science and technology . All we need is the right combination of adequate economic support and intelligence but they either dont realize it or dont care much. Hence the only people who find their way into saudi arabia r stinky asians who sell pornographic material, pirated dvds and so on..most educated men who work there cannot afford to keep their fanily with them for the sake of their childrens' future and hence r forced to quit sooner.
The experiences describes by the poster r truly horrifying and unacceptable and i dint know it was that bad here especially the education system.Its so sad that on 1 hand the saudis have thse uneducated villagers who make rules for them while on the other hand u have these west crazy, women crazy, unislamic, so called royals like that prince who says that he wants saudia to transform according to him. U guys need to change ur attitude towards non arabs and women in general to begin with. Give more importance to education and build more schools and universities and invite the talented and educated muslim ummah to build a stronger nation of Rasool Allah from all over the world. Start scholarship programs for the talented muslim youth, promote arabic language by starting arabic institutes like alliance francaise (for french) and max muiller ( for german)etc.all over the world. Get the American bugs off our holy land. B4 kicking them out learn a few good things about them eg their affection and concern for christians all over the word, their dedication towards knowledge and their punctuality and passion for success. Lets not simply waste our time in waiting for the khalifa to come. Coz he will come when he will be sent. In the mean time..Lets make the task easier for him by doing what we should.
The experiences describes by the poster r truly horrifying and unacceptable and i dint know it was that bad here especially the education system.Its so sad that on 1 hand the saudis have thse uneducated villagers who make rules for them while on the other hand u have these west crazy, women crazy, unislamic, so called royals like that prince who says that he wants saudia to transform according to him. U guys need to change ur attitude towards non arabs and women in general to begin with. Give more importance to education and build more schools and universities and invite the talented and educated muslim ummah to build a stronger nation of Rasool Allah from all over the world. Start scholarship programs for the talented muslim youth, promote arabic language by starting arabic institutes like alliance francaise (for french) and max muiller ( for german)etc.all over the world. Get the American bugs off our holy land. B4 kicking them out learn a few good things about them eg their affection and concern for christians all over the word, their dedication towards knowledge and their punctuality and passion for success. Lets not simply waste our time in waiting for the khalifa to come. Coz he will come when he will be sent. In the mean time..Lets make the task easier for him by doing what we should.
You are way too optimistic. I have no hope for that country and its people. The only reason the world tolerates KSA is because of Oil. That's pretty much it. By the way,most of the saudi arabia was and is being built by foreigners. From qualified to un-qualified,everyone is imported. Their youth is busy in either sleeping with as many women or spending money on useless stuff. Yet they look down upon other nationals. American and other western countries despite being non-muslims are much more friendly and polite then them. What a shame.
Racism is so bad that if an indian or pakistani would lose his or her precious belonging in masjid al haram then no1 even bothers to take a formal complain and im not even talking about illegal immigrants here im talking about pilgrims.
I can relate to that. One of my close relative's cell phone was stolen in Masjid Al-haram but the Saudis refused to co-operate.
Sister apple green, you said:
Racism is so bad that if an indian or
pakistani would lose his or her precious
belonging in masjid al haram then no1 even
bothers to take a formal complain
This is impossible. A million people losing their belongings and don't know where, how can anyone find what is lost? How can this be a reason for judging its people? This is a reason why picking up what is fallen on the land of Makkah without announcing it is not allowed.
I have lived in the Kingdom and know that people many foreigners have many nisunderstandings about the Kingdom and its people, even when it comes to Hajj. Sister; they are doing an exceptional job by serving the pilgrims so well, with limited exceptions here and there. Evil sadly exists even in Makkah, but let us not exaggerate.
And brother aaaa, you are being too pessimistic. Waiting for a Khaleefah is nothing but waiting for Allah's Promise. If not before the era of Isa Alaihis Salam's return, it will be when al Mahdi will be our Khaleefah. And evil will not stay for long in Makkah, is not the city of Makkah guarded against the fitnah of Dajjal?
They are doing a lot of good, do you know that the largest university for women is in Saudia? In the same way, people who speak about Saudi rarely speak of the good but a lot of bad. The world today is a place of fitnah and perhaps it will even worsen before the day of judgement. So much so that we have been informed that the day of Judgement will not begin until there is nobody doing tawaf in Makkah and until an animal pisses on the mimbar in Masjid an Nabawi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (this will be much after the return of Isa Alaihis salam).
The best thing about Saudia is the Ulama, the knowledge therein, which even honors foreigners. But sadly, the country is not in the hands of the Ulama.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Oh no i didnt say that everything that is lost has to b found but for courtsey sake thy can at least consider a complaint. Some1 who i know lost her entire bag which had her money, her cell, h personal quran etc and when she went to seek help they said we dont consider complaints of non saudis. She told me when she came back '' it would have been easier for me to get my closure if they just took my complaint. It hurts more coz im a non arab.'' it was such a sad thing to hear.
Brother i read the article somewhere that saudi women are very educated. Some even have a Phd but basically the article was about how the resources r being wasted coz extremely few number of them have a career after that, the numbers r so less its almost next to none.
My point is there has to b someway to acknowledge their presence and use it further. I mean what can b more unfair to those who r literate but cant enter a library?
Salam y'all,
I am stunned from what I've read about this sisters experiences in Makkah. However there is no such thing as an Islamic country in this world. Saudi hides its corruption, filth, prostitution, drugs, haram activities behind closed doors. There's more islamic principles in the USA than there are in el Memlaka el arabiya el saoodiya. The kingdom is corrupt. The king and his family are corrupt. Al fasad is everywhere but hidden. Soon Saudis will have their arab spring.
Salam
Sister,
The Saudi Government has for quite some time cracked down not so much on foreigners but illegals. When visitors come to perform Haj, many of them stay on illegally in the country. Crime is at an all time high and getting worse.
Begging at the Holy Masjid in Makkah has become so bad. There are homes that have been raided where children have had their limbs cut off on purpose so that they can beg and people will feel compassion for them hence giving them money.
Any person who has a legal right to be in Saudi can study or work however if one is illegal, they cannot go to school and if they work at all, it is under the table. Is this behaviour right or fair? Probably not, however Saudi Arabia is having a serious problem with foreigners who come to the country and do not leave when their visa expires.
The demolition you speak of is of homes built illegally with no permits. Many have no electricity or water. They are slums that are dangerous and often hide illegal activities. As for the destruction of those homes, no Saudi is given anything other than the landowner...no new houses at all.
I agree that Saudi's in general treat foreigners like dirt. They think they are better than everyone else but they have forgotten their past and how the very people they despise today, helped build their country. Saudi's can't even pump their own gas and even if they had to, they would feel that it was an act beneath them.
It is not a crime being a foreigner in Saudi Arabia however if one is in the country illegally, then unfortunately this is how the system works. Every country wants to protect its borders and this is how Saudi Arabia is trying to protect theirs.
You break my heart because to learn is to live. If you are in Makkah now...what part are you in? I lived in Azizia and know the area well. I can ask a few friends if there are any avenues for you or not.
Salam
No sister its just not limited to the infiltraters. I can totally understand that how frustrating it should b for the common public to have to deal with so many illegal immigrants entering the country every year especially criminals but the problem is that even those on a proper visa have to face severe discrimination. Alhamdolillah all those whom i know personally r on good positions in decent conpanies. Some1 works for an airlines in the accounting section in riyadh, some1 is doctor in medina, some1 works for a company as an engineer that is incharge of electricity maintainance of Al Haram and they all r staying there since several yrs, even decades., but they still weep over the education system that is way too horrible in makkah and madina especially ( the riyadh ppl dont complain ).
Educated women cannot work. Their experience in medicine and their degrees r rotting away and the excuse is they cant leave their homes. Some1 whom i know is a dermatologist ( a skin specialist).. But coming to the foreigner issue sister, these ppl r not infiltraters. They r all there on a proper visa from the government and work for government or gvt recognised companies.
You know from the security point of view there r more grave concerns than just criminals and beggars and its even for those who dont live in saudi like the latest news about the American military's secret drone base which was specifically set up 2 yrs back just to target other muslim nations(like yemen). We dont have much hope from the royal family sister. Just that some kindness from a regular saudi for a foreigner for the sake of Allah would b enough for us to survive in grace. All we need is a little bit of kindness...some acceptance. Thats all.
Disappointing comment from Brother Abdul Bari. Being Bangladeshi, I find it to be a racist comment.
There is no doubt that Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and Indians do crimes. However, we have to know the percentage of sub-continental people doing crimes. In fact it is a negligible percentage.
If you look at modern Saudi Arabia, you have to know who built it. Yes, modern Saudi Arabia was built by Malik Faisal. He was a visionary leader and I ask Allah to have mercy upon him. However, we need to know who did all the hard labor of building Saudi Arabia. Who built thousands of kilometers of highways? Who built all the buildings? Who built the airports? Who built the power stations? Who are keeping the whole Saudi Arabia clean? Mainly the Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are doing this. And Saudi Arabia has been able to modernize their country to quickly because of cheap labor from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
For example, my mom's cousin is now staying in Saudi Arabia. When he started, his monthly salary was 300 SAR. Now he is getting 500 SAR. What is 500 SAR? Nothing. But 90% of the laborers are very loyal and do not do involve themselves in illegal things.
Now you can tell me, why did your mom's cousin come to Saudi Arabia? That is the traditional rhetoric of the nationals. You do not like the salary, go back to your miskeen country. Yes, I am poor. But that does not mean that you should take advantage of my poverty. If you were great, you would have thought about my situation and paid me much better.
Yes, people overstay illegally when they come for hajj. But that mainly happens from Afganistan and African countries.
Also the crimes are happening because of the abuse of the sponsorship system. If you want to come to Saudi, you have to have a sponsor. This is an inhumane system. A Saudi guy will bring 100 people and will let them work in Saudi Arabia. He will then charge 200 riyals from each. His monthly income will be 20000 per month without doing anything. What is the outcome of the abuse of this sponsorship system? Crime in society.
Despite saying all these, I must say that normally I do not speak negatively against Saudi Arabia. They have done much good. But people need to be critical of both sides. Both of the Saudis and the expats living here. Aside from the over-staying people from hajj, you need to remember that none of the expats came to KSA uninvited.
Stranger, I am sorry if you felt that the comment was racist. I in no way meant it in that way, but that is something from experience. And this is not limited to Bangladeshis alone, but people from the subcontonent in general.
When I spoke about illegal businesses, I was talking about these people in general. Of course, it is not limited to the people from the subcontinent.
And brother, you are talking about SR 500, I knew brothers from Bangladesh (and even India I think) who were paid SR 200 for sweeing the streets. Can you imagine? Saudi citizens are rarely found doig this job.
There were many good friends I had from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Please do not misinterpret what I meant to say. Thank you.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Assalam alaikum,
When I read the posts on this page, I agreed with Stranger and Take Heed. I was bothered by the statement regarding people from the Subcontinent and I do believe it is stereotyping because there was an emphasis put on a certain group of people for no reason. When the world and society says that "Muslims are terrorists", it is also a stereotype and they would argue that this is their experience or this is what they saw (etc. etc.). BUT this is wrong to say that about Muslims.
There must be a very good reason for the Hadith (mentioned by Br. Abdullah):
Prophet Muhammed(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white man over a black man, or of a black man over a white man, except in terms of taqwa. The people are from Adam, and Adam is from dust.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3270); classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
How can we judge who is the best in Taqwa?
I realize that you didn't intentionally mean to stereotype or insult anyone, as you stated Br. Abu Abdul Bari, but please do not misinterpret our comments or suggest that we want to be negative about your remarks. It is just that your words do make it seem like they were stereotypical. I do not think it is fair to say that is the truth because you saw some houses (of people from the Subcontinent) like this. All, or even majority, of Bangladeshis, Pakistanis or Indians are not like that. I know you saw that, but it would be a limited view, could we agree?
I thought it was important to let you know that more than one person does feel that the statement was dissappointing. Brother, my intention is to just bring to light, that this was not just one point of view. I just want to let you know how the words appear to others, who wouldn't know what you had in mind when you wrote them.
My brother who lived in Saudi for over 5 yrs, and I have visited a few times, have experiences that are negative about the people of Saudi, but, I can't make a conclusion about all Saudis. I think what most people on this page are trying to say, and correct me if I'm wrong readers, is that the action taken by the Saudi law enforcement is not inspired by Islam necessarily, but rather a feeling of superiority. They are using Islam as a crutch to justify their means to an end, but in the end many are facing horrors and injustices. Yes, there are many great things in Saudi Arabia, but it is not protected from evil either.
One other problem is that we are probably all even more critical of Saudi Arabia because we hold it to a much much higher standard because it is where the Kaabah is, where our Prophet spent is life, where we go for Hajj. In our heart of hearts, we want perfection there, trust me, as Muslims, we have genuine love for that place and when anyone says anything negative, about KSA, we all feel the pain. I grew up believing that Saudi Arabia and its people were PERFECT, and I have only love in my heart for it. I was crushed when I found out the problems that exist there. We just want to see perfection, love, and true Islam that is blind to ethnic background in KSA.
Anyways, thank you Brother for listening to my point of view. May Allah help us to see each other's views and cure our hearts. Ameen.
Assalamualaikum to all,
I too living in saudi arabia for 5 years until now. Ya i agree that a lot of saudi people are not good but we cant generalized it.
As my brother always tell me that just follow the saudi law coz we just working here.
And i meet a lot of african people also here in al qassim part that were studying n even finish their degree.
Wat i can only say is Islam is so perfect but muslims are not.
And about working illegally, they are fixing it now.
i feel so bad reading this. its so disappointing that this racism is happening in a country where islam began. if what you say is true, then saudi arabs are not emulating the practises of the prophet. because the prophet has comdenmed racism. he said "in islam there is no racism and no tribal segregation. and every muslim is a brother to any otheer muslim.
Prophet Muhammed(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white man over a black man, or of a black man over a white man, except in terms of taqwa. The people are from Adam, and Adam is from dust.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3270); classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
Assalamu Alaikum,
Apparently, from the comments of the people who lived in SA, some Saudis think they are way better than anyone. God have mercy on us! I feel sorry for these foreigners who have to endure racism. People, we are in the 21st century and we still treat out fellow humans like dirt!
Allah yahdi ma khalaq. Allah yahfdhna min kuli dhulm.
La hawala wa la quwata ila bi Allah,
Hurting Reader
Thank you for sharing this Hadith. I was looking for it. SubhanAllah! The wisdom of this Hadith illustrates what we would (and still are) facing and what sorts of thoughts we hold in our minds and hearts. May Allah cleanse our hearts and keep us on the straight path. Ameen.
Asalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters
I really thank you all for commenting and sharing your opinions.May Allah bless you all.
And I want apologize to sis Najah and bro Abu Abdul Bari if you were Saudis and might have felt bad for what I say about Saudia.
My intention was really not to spoil the picture of Saudia but just to show how we foreigners are suffering in it.
Yeah Saudia is a beautiful country.I spend my all childhood in there and I met wonderful friends and people from saudis.As every place in this world might be good and bad at same time.
And I also want to say to sis Najah and bro Abu Abdul Bari you might have really not know what is happening to foreigners in Saudia other then the illegally foreigners.
Bro Abu Abdul Bari you said that they is a justification from what I say every single word is true otherwise why I will say it, they are stopping Indians, pakistanis and Bangladeshis for selling forbidden goods.They are stopping and arresting everyone if he is a foreigner even if he is not selling a forbidden products.My dad said to me on his way back from the mosque of Haram he saw a man was selling fruits the police stop near him and arrest him.He showed them his Iqama they took it and tore it and threw it away and arrested the man.Now you just say me is selling fruits a crime or a forbidden product that he was deserved to arrested by it?and many others too were arrested in the same way.
And also you said they are demolishing houses for making road broader yeah they are making road broader and also to make Saudia be a modern country and to make us foreigners homeless so that we can leave the country. Many of the foreigners were forced to live on streets or under the bridges.And most of them have their Iqamas and everything.How would you feel if you are living in your house peacefully and suddenly it would be said to you is going to demolished for making so you have to shift?.And house rents r becoming too cost.
Many houses here in Makkah are being demolished for building malls and hotels.Now if u come to Makkah you will see how tall hotels and towers are built.And they are doing this all just to make a world record while we foreigners are homeless.Now please what is the use of these malls and hotels anyway?
And you said they closed schools because they have no approval from ministry of education and have no licence.Our school was opened legally and it has a licence and all the approval from ministry of education but even though it was closed.Even if the school was illegal and without licence is it right to send police to a school like that scaring us to get from school and small kids and babies from kinder garden and nursery what is our fault?.Do you think that action was right just because the school is ''illegal''?
And you said foreigners are taking everything which causes economic loss yeah they do I know but what about other foreigners who came just for work or to study and serve the country and have illegal visa and Iqamas but they are forbidden from everything.
This problem is all over Saudia were ever a foreigner is living in.They are targeting every non-Saudi.
And the large university for women that you said it is for Saudi women only.If you even go there for admission they will not even look at you.They will just say it not a place for Ajanib(foreigners).They built many universities only for Saudis to have a good education and not to serve the umma of prophet mohammad .While we foreigners stay in an illegal schools and with no good education at all.
Saudis built many schools,universities, towers,hotels and malls for themselves only.They are not doing this all just to avoid criminals or those who stay illegal in the country.They themselves say they don't want foreigners and that they r going to deport 4 or 5 million out of the country and did not say those who are legal can stay no everyone has to leave.
Now police cars are every where here in makkah arresting every foreigner by cutting his Iqama and sending him back to his country.
Now can u say me sis Najah because I am in Saudia illegally that's why I am forbidden from education?I was born in Saudia I have my Iqama but still I am unable to admit in any school.I think you might have not live in saudia and know the other face of it clearly they are not trying to protect their country but to make us suffer.I think some might not believe it but it is really the truth why I will post it then if it did't happen?
And thank you again all and I hope if you can guide me to a website that I can gain more education from it as I am spending lots of years forbidden from school.
your sister saja.
Wa Alaikum as Salam sister,
I am a non Saudi myself. I lived there as a foreigner and have seen some of their injuatice as I lived in one of the most notorious places, the border - place to a lot of illiterate Arabs.
I know what you are talking about. Yes, tearing of the Iqamas is something even I have heard about. And sister, school being "illegal" is correct, because when as a foreigner we work in Saudi, it is not wise to take advantage of the resources and do what we are not supposed to do, in secret. The large university for women is in Riyadh. I don't know if you have tried there. If you have, what did they exactly say?
There are many people even selling cigarettes near haram and they are foreigners. There are people who sell drugs and what not? But the oppression is not justified at all. And sister, making Saudia a modern country is alright, but it should be done with justice. If homes are demolished, the occupanta should be offered homes on rent at places which are inside and won't be demolished.
I have the following feeling: the oppression of the oppressors will increase, until all the Muslims of the World (the practicing Muslims) will ask: when is the Help of Allah? Indeed, His Help is near.
And this also makes me feel that the Yawm al Qiyaamah is knocking our door, it is just some moments away. Subhanallah! Can we wait for Isa the son of Maryam Alaihimas Salam? Can we wait for al Mahdi to be appointed our leader? Can we prepare to save ourself from the Dajjal? His oppression is much greater and we should run away from it. And Makkah is a city he won't be able to enter along with Madeenah, because the Angels will stop him.
So sister, make best use of the place. The oppressors will not be able to oppress, until Allah Wills. Amd if they do, seek His Help and have patience. And remember that He Is always Watching and is very near. We belong to Him and to Him we will all return. May He Forgive us and Accept us.
Aameen
P.S. There are innumerable good people in Saudia who are citizens and are unbelievably nice. They of couse lose attention amidst the extreme oppressors.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Salam Saja,
I am not Saudi although I am married to a Saudi national. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly whilst living in the kingdom. Life is very hard in Saudi for foreigners and their hard work and efforts often go unappreciated. There is nothing you could say sister to offend me in any way. I lived in Saudi for 14 years and I have seen a lot. The way many Saudi's treat the foreigners in their country is absolutely disgusting. No respect at all. However, there are some very good people too that treat their employees with much kindness. Let's face it, Saudi Arabia has amazing buildings, and shopping malls that will blow your mind...but the one thing they don't have is compassion for those very same people who are cleaning their streets, picking up their trash, serving their food and so forth. My first visit to the Kingdom was many years ago and although the buildings and cities have grown, the thinking of Saudi's has not. God help them all if all the foreigners left their country tomorrow as they would surely be in trouble.
Salam
Dear sister Saja,
Assalam alaikum,
I believe you. My brother lived in KSA for over 5 years in the 90s. Because he was there on a North American Passport, he was given VIP treatment, but he told stories of people from Pakistani, India and Bangladesh who were treated horribly because they had come from their own countries directly. We are Pakistanis, but my brother wouldn't necessarily be seen as Pakistani and looked more like an Arab--this "helped" him because appearances was a big thing. He told us how Saudi women would immediately remove their abayas and veils when on a flight out of Saudi, how many of the men would drink when they would tour other countries together. So it isn't that foreigners are just bringing in illegal things, the people themselves are doing haram activities just like any other group of humans. There were many other horrible things he told us, which I will not get into here, but he did enjoy a very good salary and paid vacation every 6 months amongst everything--I don't want to be unfair and not mention that. However, I must stay it is because of his passport that he enjoyed many luxuries that should have been enjoyed by others too. It isn't like the ones upholding the laws are following the best of Islam and unfortunately then it gives all Muslims a bad name. It is very very sad and discouraging.
I pray for the Muslim Ummah. I pray that we see past our colours, our ethnicities, and see the good in each other and encourage good in each other. I wish we could be like the Prophet pbuh the way he was with Julaybib (ra) and get past physical beauties and discrimination. I don't know what advice to give you sister, but I can pray and I pray that you are successful in this world and the next inshaAllah. Ameen
Take care of yourself and may you see endless joys in your life and overcome the difficulties in your way. Ameen.
Asalam alaikum, seeking knowledge is a major part of our deen so well done for not giving up despite the odds. As practical solutions please make dua also consult with others as you are doing now. There are so many options for you, for example you could try an online degree inshallah, youll need credits, open university uk could be one option, I don't know what the admission process is but its worth a try. Another option is to find a sponsor to pay for your education; I'm sure there are charitable saudis out there who may wish to sponspor your education, this could be an employment based arrangement where you are trained on the job. Finally I suggest completing a celta course and teaching english as a foreign language. This is the best option I think as your English seems good and Saudi Arabia has a huge demand for English teachers, celta course is like a diploma that I think almost anyone can do please look into it. Please have faith in Allah as only He is The Provider. Also as soneone said earlier remember the prophet Muhammads (saw)last sermon, learn it and live by it as it is so relevant to each one us. Take care sister. Sabr and shukr and inshallah tomorrow will bring better things for you. Don't forget to smile 🙂
Salam sister Sofia
Thank you so much but I learn more about biology,chemistry and physics so do you any websites for this subjects.
May Allah reward you.
Salam sister Sofia
Thank you so much but I want to learn more about biology,chemistry and physics so do you know any websites for this subjects.
May Allah reward you.
Assalaamu alaikum.
There are plenty of resources available to help you learn Science. Khan academy is supposed to be good as it gives you videos on each topic. I dont know what level you are exactly because it is education is different here but do check out the links. I suggest you search online to look for what suits you.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/
http://my-gcsescience.com/
KS4 = Year 10 - GCSEs which they do in UK when they are about 15 years old. Chances are you would want something higher level. I hope this helps InshaAllah.
Sara
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Asalamu Alaikum sister Sara
How are you? thank you for guiding me to this websites.Inshallah it will help me.
Actually I am in grade 10 and in my school there are no teachers for these subjects.And the school is closed from 3 years so I had never studied them so I just want to get some information's about them until inshallah I will find a good school.
May Allah reward you.Saja
Just last week the taftish went to one office in Riyadh and one of my friends cousin was working there, they asked for his aqama, it was valid for two years but since he is Pakistani, they tore the aqama and deported him. Don't know whats going on in Saudi really. But not only in saudi but the whole mid-east are trying to reduce the number of foreigners. Here in Kuwait, they aim to reduce 10,000 foreigners per year. Since the last month, there was widespeard checking in kuwait and they caught more than 1000 illegal residents and they belong to countries like syria, yemen, iran, india, pakistan, srilanka, bangladesh, eithiopia and were all deported. Kuwaitis behavior towards foreigners is the same as you described by the saudis and ofcourse there are extremely wonderful, awesome and helpful kuwaitis but they are in minority unfortunately, they are the ones who studied in multi-cultural schools at young age thats why they can go well with foreigners. But even after this, they wouldn't just tear the aqama and deport the legal immigrant. Atleast we respect kuwait here.
Bro Abu Abdul Bari said the truth that the day of judgement is getting ever closer to mankind as Allah said: "Closer and closer to mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away. (Quran 21:1) and sister Saba also said the truth about hypocrite fasiq muslim in arabia. Just last year when walking in a mall with my friends, we were walking through the stair case and we couldn't believe what we saw, we saw a woman with hijab and abaya had her abaya pulled up and one guy is doing with her with his pants down. We clearly saw with our own eyes. Astaghfirullah. This hadith comes to mind "There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse" (Bukhari)
@ OP, basically, whatever you are experiancing in the arabian peninsula has been prophesied by our Prophet signifying the approaching of Judgement day. For example, from what you've experianced, our prophet said: “The Hour will not be established till…the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings…” [Sahih Bukhari]
"When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.)" (Bukhari)
"Religious knowledge will be taken away"(Bukhari)
"(Religious) ignorance will prevail."(Bukhari)
"Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common)."
etc etc, just search for the signs of judgement day and ponder over the situation of the ummah and then cry for the hour is indeed near.
"The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder(Quran 54:1)
Be patient, pray so much and insha'Allah you will be helped.
Salam everyone.
I really still can't believe why some of you still not understanding what are the sufferings and pain that I am passing through.
What I have said above in my post did not touch your hearts thinking that nothing is happening and Saudia are treating us in this an-humanity way and you are still saying they want to make their country better and save.
I guess you have never been in your life forbidden from education for 3 years and from living as a human and all your rights.
You might have live a peaceful life here in Saudia and you have never been in what I am going through right now
that's why you can't feel my pain.
I know this website is not caring for such cases like mine and there is nothing that you can do for changing Saudia's view towards foreigners.
But the reason why I posted this tough situation that I am passing through cause I have seen how some bro and sis help other posters who have problems in their lives.By comforting them and giving them advice which helps them.That is why I posted just to find someone who will wipe my tears that I am dripping them every day and night and make me feel save while I am scare and make me have some hope while I am losing all the hope for my future and make have faith in Allah that He is there to help me out.
I think you have heard about the pakistani girl Malala yousafzai who was shot in her head for defending the right of girls for education.And because of her courage by sharing her case to the world thousands of girls now get their right for education and to go to school.Here in Saudia millions of children are not going to school because of their appearance as foreigners.And you are still saying the school is illegal then where we will go then if we did not admit in the illegal schools.I really wish if you can guide me to any organization who care about children's right for education.Who can help us foreigners to have our right for education in Saudia.
You can never understand a pain which you have never been through.But at least you can understand as muslims.As prophet(p.b.u.h)him said(The parable of the believers in their affection,mercy and compassion for each other is that of a one body when any limbs of its aches,the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.
Only sis Stacy,Sofia and Saba and bro Mohd and brother Abdullah who understand my pain and I am sorry for those who are passing through the same problem.
May Allah guide us all Ameen.
Saja.
mashaAllah sister you were born and are leaving in makkah where prophet Muhammed(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was born.
Din't our prophet Muhammed(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) face difficulties in makkah ??
Can you compare your hardships that you are going through now with what our prophet Muhammed (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions went through ??
No, right.
Be patient my sister. Alhamdulillah there are many scholars in saudi arabia.
Alhamdulillah.
Try to get their contact numbers/or speak with them by other means and tell them what you are going through. Tell them that you want to study and want to become an Islamic scholar mashaAllah.
inshaAllah they will help you.
also read this hadith..
Prophet Muhammed(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,
"There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Mecca and Medina, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Mecca and Medina) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Medina will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earthquakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the non-believers and the hypocrites from it."
[Sahih Bukhari]
subhanAllah.
how blessed are you my sister in Islam that you are leaving in makkah.
_________________
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions!
Brother what about those pious ppl who live in other nations. Will they inevitably fall for dajjal? I dont know.
@apple green - Allah knows best.
I don't know sister.
Alhamdulillah.
here is a link for you, a book named - Dajjal The False Messiah by Ibn Katheer
kalamullah(dot)com/Books/Dajjal-the-False-Messiah-by-Imam-Ibn-Kathir.pdf
[replace (dot) by . in the link and search in your browser]
_________________
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions!
Assalam'alaykum sister,
'Inevitable' means impossible to avoid or escape, so basically, its not the right word to use because it is possible to escape and avoid dajjal when living in other nations. So, 'possible' is the right word to use. It is 'possible' for the pious people to fall for dajjal.
That is why our prophet taught us how to avoid falling for dajjal when he said: "Whoever memorises the first ten verses of Surah Al- Kahf will be safe from the Dajjal's Fitna (trials & tribulations)." (Sahih Muslim), "He who recites three verses of the beginning of Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal." (Tirmizi) and our prophet taught us a dua for protection from dajjal- 'Allahumma inni audhubika min adhabil qabri wa audhubika min fitnatil masih al dajjal' (Bukhari, Muslim).
Our prophet further warned us to stay far away from dajjal when he said: "Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking he is a believer, but on seeing his amazing acts, he may become his follower." (Abu Dawud)
The believer will have a power over non believers because our prophet said “No Prophet was sent but he warned his people about the one-eyed liar. He is one-eyed, but your Lord is not one-eyed, and between his eyes will be written ‘kaafir.’” (Bukhaari) According to another report: “Written between his eyes will be ‘kaaf faa’ raa’.’” (Muslim) According to a report narrated by Hudhayfah, “This will be read by every believer, literate or illiterate.” (Muslim). Scholars said that, this will be literally read by mu'mins.
Thats why we have more protection from dajjal than others.
Lastly, dajjal have great connection with women, its is said that majority of his followers will be women, it maybe due to the so called 'female liberation or feminism'. Prophet said that On hearing about his arrival, the women will rush towards him, the men will be forced to tie their mothers, daughters, sisters etc fearing they will believe in him and get caught up in Fitna (trial and tribulation). (Musnad Ahmad)
therefore the women have to be more cautious and increase their taqwa.
May Allah protect us from this greatest fitnah.ameen.
Yes that is y i asked r only those in makkah and madina protected? What about those good ppl in other nations or there wont b any good ppl left elsewhere ? If they do then Will they inevitably fall for dajjal?
ok i think its clear now.
This is scarry.
Okay to answer it simply, yes there will be good people in other nations as the muslim army who will join imam Mahdi and Isa AS will come from sham, khorasan etc and they will fight the dajjal and so pious people living in other nations may/may not fall for dajjal.
Sister apple green,
There is no sugar coating of this. It is more scary than we all think it is. Dajjal will be given all the powers ranging from giving life to the dead, bringing rain and stopping it, and so on. People having strong faith will go out to him thinking they will come back as fighters against him. But they will fall for him due to what they will see. He will do many things that today, we know that Only Allah Does. This is why our beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam warned us saying:
Verily, your Lord is not blind in one eye, while he [Ad-Dajjal] is blind in the right eye which looks like a grape bulging out [of its cluster]. (Bukhari)
I will tell you what it means by "Makkah and Madeenah are protected against Dajjal".
When an army defends intruders into their city, a party fights upfront and a party is inside the fortress. The fighters have a risk of life. They may or may not live. But the ones in the fortress are protected against the intruders and their evil.
The fortress is Makkah and Madeenah. The people fighting are people outside these cities and the intruder is Dajjal and his followers.
(this is just an example to make you understand, do not think it is something true 🙂 )
Allah's Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam informed that all Prophets warned against the Dajjal because his fitnah is the biggest possible fitnah upon mankind. He said that he did not appear in the past and there is no Prophet after him. So, Dajjal will appear in his time, upon his Ummah. So, beware. How beware? Learn the first 10 Aayaat of Surah al Kahf and seek refuge in Allah from him in the tashahhud of every prayer. I heard from my Shaikh a hadith which mentions the benefit of these Aayaat: Dajjal will have a paradise and a hell along with him. Whoever obeys him, he will give them his paradise, which will result in hell for him in the Aakhirah. And those who disobey him, he will put them in his hell fire. And they will recite the first 10 Aayat of Kahf. For this reason, the fire will become cool for them, as it became for Ibrahim Alaihis Salam. Subhanallah!
All the followers of the Imam, Muhammad bin Abdullah, al Mahdi - who will also be behind Isla bin Maryam Alahimas Salam will struggle and many of them will succeed. May Allah make us among them if we live till then. Dajjal will be killed by Isa Alaihis Salam and the believers will face the fitnah of Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj also.
To end, let me remind you and urge you to be prepared by saying: Dajjal is alive today. He is imprisoned and chained on an Island. He will come out and go to every part of the World except Makkah and Madeenah, when Allah gives him the permission. It is confirmed from a Hadith in Sahih Muslim and other books and this hadith is a long one, called "Hadith al Jassasah". You can read it online to know more.
Pray that you, me and all the Muslims have enough courage and strength to stick to the rope of Allah - the Quran and the Sunnah, and not fall for him.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Ya Allah !!! This information has terrified me. i have started memorizing the 10 ayahs of surah kahaf. im done memorizing 2 today but praying i should die b4 he shows up.
May Allah reward you Brother Abdullah
You have really filled my heart with faith and made me know how blessed I am for living in Makkah.
You are right our prophet face so much difficulties and sufferings in Makkah.But our prophet used to be harmed by non-believers and just imagine if your own brother in Islam will harmed you in the holy city of Makkah.
It really breaks my heart to see how muslims are showing differences on each other.I will inshallah keep your words in my heart and I will inshallah strive for my dream.
Oh mayb u didnt read my comments sister. Anyway.. Ill tell u something. I belong to an indian family and most of my people r either settled in the west or in middle east/gulf. Very few like me r here but otherwise we r all scattered. Those who r in the west chose to live there for the quality of life eg education, medical facilities, citizenship and so on. The ones in the east r no less educated but chose islamic countries of their choice solely for their need to belong to an islamic society and so that their children would grow in an islamic environment. That is the only reason y any muslim would migrate to saudi, for Makkah and Madina. I dont think the currency is that good otherwise in comparison to other arab nations. Im sure that ur parents must have migrated for the same reason.
please dont forget where u r. Our Prophet s.a.w was also harassed by the tyrants. Ur condition is very serious though u live on the land of holy kaba. ALLAH is testing ur emaan. Ask Him to make it easy for u. From where i c, i c that u have 2 choices:
1) there r many online courses available. Check them. There r universities that also offer scholarship programmes. Either u fight against the odds like this and get ur right. OR
2) Migrate to another place. I know this sounds hard but if these people r so harsh and so unislamic its best u leave for a safer place where ur family can make a new start.
As for y this is hapng in saudia there can b number of reasons that we can guess. By now most of us know how corrupt the rulers r and how selfish they can get. We have also discussed how racism is a major problem in saudia. If u r aware of the current condition of international politics then u should know how international issues r inter related to each other like dominos. I see arab spring as one of the major factor which is probably their immediate concern behind mass deportation of foreigners. They obviously foresee some threat in near future, Allah knows best. Whatever their reasons r the problem y the world sees most muslims as barbaric is because most of us have the hadiths of prophet saw on the tip of our tongues but our hearts r empty. We preach so much but practice little.. Sister have patience for the sake of Allah He is not oblivious to ur situation. Some good will come out of the struggle plz pick any option that suits ur family the best and strive with a proper plan. I will
pray for u.That is all as a muslim sister i can do for u. Plz do not assume that ur brothers and sisters in islam dont care.
Asalamu Alaikum my dear sister Apple green
Sorry,for not mentioning your name above those who understand what I am going through.Is just what is happening here in Saudia makes me so sad and nerves and losing all the hope for everything.And I was in need for someone to give and an advice which will make me calm and have hope.
Your reply really makes me smile and I really thank you for your kind words and advice.
You said in your comment that some people come to muslim countries to have an islamic environment,The reason why my parents move to Saudia is because my father is working in the Saudi airline.So he decided to stay for his work.So I was born and started my life in Saudia.
The options that you gave are so helpful.Actually my parents were planing to send me and younger sisters to South Africa for our studies but my parents are going to stay here in Saudia.I just inshallah hope this day will come soon.
But I can never imagine how I am going to feel when leaving the most beloved city to our beloved prophet(p.b.u.h) I really wish if I could live my whole life here in Makkah but with this racism of foreigners that is going on life is too difficult in Makkah.
Thank you again for your reply and I will always remember you in my prayers and all the bro and sis who comment on my post.
you sister Saja.
Assalamualaikum sister saja
in my opinion u should migrate temporarily to south africa for ur education. if Allah wills u will b able to join ur parents soon. A lot of people whom i know personally have made such arragements as well.
im glad i made u smile.
may u smile always.
Take care
@SAJA-
sister think again before your plan to go to South Africa and study there.
Is there any mahram who will be with you in South Africa ?
Are you ready to face the fitna that could be present in a country like South Africa?
Consult a scholar before you decide to go there.
_________________
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions!
Brother Abdullah
I am from South Africa and most of my family live there.I am going to live inshallah with grandparents.
As I have lived most of my life here in Makkah so I really don't know how my life will be there.But inshallah I will have my family around me and I pray for Allah to keep me on the right path.
May Allah bless you.
Why wasn't my message shown?
I know I didn't say anything wrong or out of order.
Everything I said were valid points and I sympathised with the sister as well as voicing my opinion that I think the editors first response was unreasonable, very rude, unecessary, childish, immature and in no way helpful.
If my response isn't allowed to be posted, where it insults no one, then why should the ones that DO cause insult?
I find this to be extremely hypocritical.
I don't recall what your comment said exactly, and I did not personally delete it. Maybe it was perceived as attacking our Editor on a personal level? If you want to submit a new comment without any personal criticisms, I'm sure we'll be happy to publish it Insha'Allah.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Asalamu Alaikum brother Wael
I was really waiting for your comment on the tough situation that I am passing through.
What is your opinion in what is going on in Saudia Arabia for foreigners even they live legally?please read my post do you think they do this all to make Saudia safe and modern?.Like bro Abu Abdul Bari and sis Najah said.Hope you will reply.
Saja.
I really sympathise with Saja and pray she overcomes this struggle and injustice, inshAllah.
I have family in Saudi Arabia and yes, you are right, they are in the midst of deporting many of them back to their homeland. Many of those in authority and positions of power in Saudi Arabia tend to abuse it, as is the case I'm sure in many parts of the world but Saudi Arabia is where Islam began, the homeland of Islam, headed by Muslims so its just that much more disgusting and shameful that they get away with such despicable and unjustifiable behaviour towards others. Although I'd like to believe in the notion that most Arabs in Saudi are not like this, it's not easy. I have friends and relatives who have performed pilgrimage there and were not only treated absolutely shockingly by guards and officials but by the Saudi citizens too. It appears to me that Saudi Arabia oppresses those that are not Arab, even if you have citizenship there, you are still treated badly. Although racism and inequality exists everywhere its especially shocking when it exists and is practised within the most holy land within Islam. Let us not forget that Islam is free of race and nationality and colour, including the Saudi Arabs.
I would quickly like to add that I am deeply disappointed at Brother Abdul Bari's first response. This is an Islamic site where from what I've seen so far, advice in accordance with Islam is offered. Instead you chose to justify the overwhelmingly wrong doings of the Arab govt by almost berating and most definitely generalising and perhaps even stereotyping Bangladeshi's, Indians and Pakistanis living and working there. I especially found the comment "they make places unclean and spread filth everywhere. If you enter their homes, you may faint from the stink" to be particularly childish and uncalled for. This is hardly advice let alone Islamic advice and very insensitive and unecessary.
When brother Stranger pulled you up on it you then responded with "this isn't limited to Bangladeshi's alone, but Indians and Pakistanis in general." That is deeply insulting and an unwarranted judgement on your behalf of Bangladeshi's, Indians and Pakistanis "in general" being the perpetrators of illegal activities.
Brother, I've read how you have admiringly spoken up about the small minority of the Saudi Arabs acting very unfairly and how most are wonderful, lovely people. May I please request that you extend the same courtesy and logical way of thinking in regards to the Indians, Bangaldeshi's and Pakistanis? Surely you cannot brand all Bangladeshi's, Indians and Pakistanis the same based on your experiences of a minority?
Perhaps I'm coming across as harsh but I wanted to make you aware of your mistakes especially as you are the Editor of this site. I didn't expect such comments.
I apologise if I have caused offence to anyone in anyway, may Allah forgive me, my intention was to only make awareness.
Take Heed; perhaps one of us previously deleted your comment because they found it insultative. You say that I am stereotyping Bangladeshis, Indians and Pakistanis. You also said that I was childish. People do not see the reality and attack people who speak the truth. I believe you are doing exactly this. Sorry!
If your surroundings are unclean and filthy, you will find this childish because you maybe used to such an environment. But a place which is clean from outside, the inside is filthy, this is what I have seen. This is the case with many people from the subcontinent living in Saudia. And this is serious, because many hotels and restaurants were sealed because they did not maintain cleanliness. Let alone the hygiene, I have seen people (the hotel workers) excrete behind the hotels which is a corner nobody has access to. It is left as it is for the people to become affected by it. This is against Islamic teachings, let alone against law.
I did not say the same about the minority of Indians, Pakistanis ans Bangladeshis because they were foreigners and Saudis were being attacked. I said there are wonderful people among Saudis, which is true.
I did not need to say there are good people among foreigners because they are on the opposite side. I believe I did justice to both Saudis and foreigners by showing what the CORRECT picture was, without praising anyone falsely or accusing anyone falsely.
I do not need to clarify the comment because people may find it offensive, while what I have seen, people may not have seen it. My intentions were in no way to speak anything wrong against anyone, any people. I am not stereotyping. I have heard Indians themselves speak such things about Indians on the UK because they do such things. Does this steriotype Indians? I am sorry if anyone found it all personally disappointing. Thanks for your attempt.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Asalam sis or bro Take heed
Thank you for feeling my pain and understanding my condition.Thank you for your prayers and inshallah Allah will help me.
And brother Abu Abdul Bari it seems to me from your comments like as if your are trying to cover the crimes that the Saudis commit against innocent foreigners.I don't know where you live now but I suggest you travel to Saudia Arabia and see the mess that is going on especially in Makkah.See how houses are without power see how children are banned from schools,see how people are being arrested and see how many workers are fired from their jobs!
Indians,Bangladeshi's and Pakistani's do most of the work in Saudia that the Saudis themselves will not do it.Yeah some of them might commit crimes but what about the innocent ones.Not all of them are bad as I have lot of friends from them.
Now Saudis themselves are suffering from shortages of bread and water supply by deporting all the Indians,Bangladesh's and Pakistan's from Saudia.And they even said it will take them 40 years to find Saudis who will take their places because no Saudi can ever do the hard work that these poor workers do everyday under the heat of sun.They are completely ruining Saudia's reputation by thinking they are making it better.
I guess anyone who will read your above comment if he is one of these countries will feel bad.
Saja.
Sister Saja,
Please read my comments again. I have no right to cover their crimes. They will face the result of their doings. I am just saying they are not wrong in everything. They are correct on some occasions. I can not change anyone's opinion becausr this is my experience from dealing with various kinds of people in Saudi Arabia.
I can not help it if people take my comments negatively. I am convinced that my comments were not wrong. This is my opinion, sister. I did not generalize on specific observations, at all.
And sister, this life will treat you in such way, wherever you go. You be in Saudi, you will face the crimes of the people in power. You go somewhere else, they will treat you such. Because this is something in your Qadr. So sister, you need patience. You must try to take the good from the city of Makkah, which is much more than the bad it currently has. Prepare for the Hereafter and do not waste time complaining.
Approach the scholars and seek knowledge. In sha Allah, you will benefit a lot from it. If there is no way out, we better make best use of the environment, right? After all, this life is temporary, and the Day of Resurrection is approaching. Allah Is The Judge and He Will do justice with those who do wrong.
And as you might have read, Makkah is safe from the great fitnah of Dajjal. You can have patience over the evil of the people in power and wait for Allah's Help. If you are being oppressed, your du'a will be accepted as a Hadith states.
In sha Allah, our Lord will soon bring a leader who will replace the oppressors and act on the Sharee'ah.
I know you are feeling the grudge mainly due to not being able to attend school. There is an Indian school in Jeddah called "International Indian School" and there is one in Madeenah. Ask yor father to enquire from them. They are licenced and running well. They will also admit you if you people try, in sha Allah. Jeddah is not far, in sha Allah, you can try.
Abu Abdul Bari
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Salam Brother Abdul Bari,
Your response wasn't very clear and I found t difficult a lot of what you have said but from what little I have grasped I've found that you've misunderstood me completely.
I am sure there are people from the sub continent in Saudi Arabia doing the things which you have mentioned, and not just from the sub continent but Saudi Arabs themselves. However, what you have stated, Brother, is that Bangladeshi's, Pakistanis and Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia are in general, criminals. You see, this is the statement which I found to be very wrong. Unless you personally know each and every person living there from he sub continent then your comment was clearly unfair and judgemental. It is your comment which attacked and insulted the Pakistanis, Indians and Bangladeshis. Apologies if I have caused any offence for that wasn't my intention, I simply wanted to make it clear that your comment was wrong as well as unfair. You said that I am attacking you for telling the truth, but what you had said wasn't the the whole truth, Brother, it was simply restricted to the people of the sub continent.
Salam.
ok maybe we should just drop this here coz we wont get anywhere with this argument. its natural for us a s people of the subcontinent to feel anger at a sweeping remark or generalized disgust towards all the 3 nations together but lets b honest dont we think there is room for improvement in this area of discussion? i cant comment on other nations but i have seen how most indians make mess in my country and we grumble and complain amongst ourselves. i have even gone as far as suggesting migration to a new country all together. so a handful of decent people like u and me cannot change the general negative image that the majority of our people have created. say for instance the grumpy and rough image of an average saudi. no matter how many saudis try to convince us of the existance of not -so -bad- people out there, for us ' a kind saudi arab' will always b an oxymoron.
lets just focus on the problems of saja. we cant change the attitude of those who r bothering her but we can help our sister by giving her more options.. she already knows about some like a long distance internet education, the indian schools at madina and jeddah and of course the option of living with her grandparents in south africa as a temporary arrangement. they r all very good.
Racism is everywhere. its in the west its even in our own homelands. i know how much hostility i have to face when i go out in my abaya although im better behaved than most of the indians who walk on the streets out there. im not justifying it or expecting it to b accepted but this is an ugly truth.
i only wish we could change our image in the international community.
br abu abdul bari, most of the people from these countries who come to ur nation as labourers r very unfortunate, uncultured and uneducated and (most of them) indeed as u say but we hope one day u will come across many others who r very different from those whom u have so far interracted with, people from amongst us who will change ur view completely someday and then u wont faint again.*smiles*
saja just stay strong
lots of love and good wishes from me.
may u rise and shine.
assalamualaikum.
Sister Apple green
Thank you for encouraging me.You are right my sister I was really wishing everyone to focus on my tough condition and give me an advice and options that will help me and not focusing on the crimes that other countries commit in Saudia because it will not take me to a solution in what I am facing now.
The option of the International Indian school is good.I know many schools in Jeddah but the problem is that they are too much expensive and we have to shift to Jeddah because my father will be busy and no one can drive me from Makkah to Jeddah everyday as I am not the only one my sisters are there too.And the ministry of education are closing many schools in Jeddah too and applying new rules in every school for admitting any student.Now if you want an admission in any school in Jeddah they will ask you for a transfer letter from your old school,your Iqama and your birth certificate and so on.And then they will take test for all the students and after that they will announced the names of those who will get an admission if your name is not been announced you will leave and search for another school.As I am not the only one who is not going to school my sisters and my bro are there too.So,it is not possible that they will admit us all at once and I am tired for seeing my father going here and there from makkah to Jeddah just to find a school for us.
I can say,my best solution is to leave Saudia because their racism is getting too much.Each day they will apply a new rules in the newspapers for us foreigners to follow which makes our life very impossible in Saudia.I know Makkah and Madinah are save from the Dajjal I did't say I don't want to live in Makkah is just that I am not welcomed in it what I am going to do then?.My grandmother is really worried about me and my sisters and she wants us to travel to South Africa as soon as possible.
I wish it will be the best solution for me and my family.I will study what I have missed and I am praying for Allah to light for us a way to success in our life. Ameen
Your sister Saja
@Saja-
There is Shaykh Wasiullah Abbas who is from the Major Scholars of Islam today.
Shaykh Wasiullah Abbas teaches in Mecca in front of the Kaabah and is well respected amongst the Ulamah of Saudiyah.
ask your father to contact Shaykh Wasiullah Abbas and tell him about the problem. He can help you inshaAllah.
By the way Shaykh Wasiullah Abbas is also a foreigner. 🙂
I can ask Brother Abu Abdul Bari to forward you his contact number inshaAllah.
_________________
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions!
Brother Abdullah
Thank u for helping me and I wish to get the number of the Sheiykh or his e-mail address. Inshallah I can get some help.
May Allah bless you.
hey dear saja
sometimes i wonder what i would have done if i were u but i find it hard to imagine since u know best about ur condition. sister i can clearly c that its not only ur education that bothers u but i can also c how scared u r. Dear sister yes the fitnah of dajjal will b the worst in the history of mankind but who knows when dajjal is coming. if we would have known then. all of us would have applied for our visas accordingly and written in the reason-for-visit section ''seeking refuge from Mr Dajjal''. Do u think Allah s.w.t is so unjust that he will only protect those who live there and damn the rest who live elsewhere? sister these cities will shakeup and throw all the hyppocrites out, and im sure they will b in large numbers just a handful of people whom u can actually count on ur fingers will b left behind. those will b the actual believers. the true followers of islam other pious men and women on other lands will also give him tough resistance.
as soon as i read here how bad the fitna will b i was so scared that i began to memorize the firat 10 ayahs of surah al kahf as br abdul bari said, alhamdulillah i try to memorize once every1 sleeps at night after i finish all my work. although im not as young as u r and my
memory isnt as good as ur (i believe) i could memorize 5 ayahs so far. not bad for a non arab
ehh? 🙂
consider all the options and decide upon whatever suits u the most. offer the salat of istikhara. Allah guides every1
assalamualaikum.
Salam,
Sister Saja, I just wanted to quickly drop by and say you're in my prayers and thoughts and inshAllah Allah will help you through this difficult time.
I also wanted to add that Allah tests us from time to time and he struggle which you are facing, sister, has been put upon you by Allah and inshAllah there will be a great reward waiting for you at the end of it. We all need to endure difficult times but take confront in the fact that Allah is always with you and is always listening, be safe in the knowledge that you can absolutely overcome this so long as you remember Allah. Remember to make dua for yourself, sister 🙂 and I shall be making dua for you too
I know you're striving to overcome this and so does Allah and I'm sure it'll be worth it. You know, you're such an inspiration and I think we should all realise how lucky we are. Here in the UK, education is a given and we take it for granted and perhaps the majority of us don't care all that much for it because of the fact that its readily available. You've made me realise how lucky I am and how thankful I should be that Allah has provided me with such resources. I really admire you and I wish you the best of luck in everything, always.
Asalamu alaikum
Sister apple green,Take heed thank u for your replies.You made me feel strong and have courage to face the difficulties that I am passing through.You have made me realize that Allah did'tn forbid me from everything.
Alhamdulillah I was born in Makkah and live most of my life,I have a wonderful family and I have memorized the whole Qur'an and many gifts that I have so,inshallah I will read the first 10 Ayah's of surah al-Kahf.
Your right my sis Take heed we most always be thankful to Allah because,Allah never forbids us from everything at once He will always give us something that many people on this earth are forbidden from it.We can never realize Allah's gifts on us until we see how others are not been given what we have.
I am only forbidden from education but,with the help of Allah education is ever where.I can go to the book store and buy lots of books and get knowledge from educational websites and learn inshallah whatever I have missed.
I am thankful to Allah for all His gifts and I will pray for an end to my problem and have patience and pass the test inshallah.And thank u for your advice and I wish if I can communicate with you sisters is just nice to have a friends like you who will keep me more close to Allah.
May Allah bless you all bro and sis who have replied me,I will always remember you in my prayers.
your sis Saja.
Salam and hi, Saja,
I'm glad I was able to help a little. You always need to remember to be strong and not give up. Allah will find you a way. Just have faith and remember Allah in your every waking moment. As I've said in my previous post, it's really admirable that you're fighting for your right to education and not giving up even though its not been easy on you, our prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised the importance of education and learning so keep that in mind and know that you will find a way.
You're in my prayers and I'm really glad you're feeling a bit more positive about your situation. Have and keep faith, always 🙂
Salam.