Interview with General Representative (Wakil) of the Caucasus Emirate, Shamsuddin Batukayev
Yusuf Ibrahim: Salam Aleikum Shamsuddin! By the Omra of Amir Abu Usman you were appointed as Wakil (General Representative) of the Caucasus Emirate abroad. Is your appointment linked to something more than an untimely execution Amir's order by his former representative Umar Dakayev?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: Waalaykum salam wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuhu.
With the proclamation of the Caucasus Emirate, workload is increased for the Wekalat (general mission/head office). The Law in the Caucasus Emirate is the Sharia and that is why there is a need to harmonize all acts with the Koran and the Prophet's (pbuh) Sunnah. But the situation with the delay of publication of statements by Amir is too a valid reason for a change of the leadership. To establish discipline and to demand its implementation must first begin from the head, especially in the Islamic state.
Yusuf Ibrahim: You, among the other Ulama (Islamic scholars), have previously sent appeal to the Amir Abu Usman, in which you expressed you disagreement with proclamation of Emirate. How would you link your approval to head the General Mission of the Caucasus Emirate abroad?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: Yes, I was among those Ulama who sent their opinions to Amir, as an advice and guidance in order to make him think twice before he makes such a crucial decision. But if they believe that the time has come for such a turn in the affairs, then it needs to be done. They are out there on the spot, they see the situation differently than we do from afar.
Amir is responsible before Almighty Allah for his decisions and for his subordinates who carry out his orders. The duty of a Muslim is to obey and to listen to Amir, after receiving an order, if it there is no obvious kufr (infidelity) in his actions.
The goal of my opinion that was forwarded to Amir was to relate my concerns that the proclamation of the Caucasus Emirate might be premature.
The violation of Sharia may take up various forms. For example, it is prescribed for a Muslim to enter a mosque right foot first, and exit left foot first. If Muslims do not comply with this rule - that too can be viewed as a violation of the Sharia.
But this violation is in no way comparable to the violation of Sharia by munafiqun (hypocrites) who are fighting against Muslims in Chechnya or Iraq. This violation is worse than doing kufr (infidelity), because Almighty says in the Holy Koran that munafiqun will be at the lowest level of the Hell.
I absolutely do not share the view of some Ulama claiming that by proclaiming the Caucasus Emirate, Dokka allegedly violated the Sharia, and this is why we need to revolt against him. There is no violation in desire to wage war with the precepts of Allah.
Allah (Subhana wa Taala), teaches us that the strength lies not in armor or in quantity, but in clinging to Him. And that is why, even if we do not have a tangible force, but strengthening our Iman (Faith), then Allah promises us victory.
By going out to Jihad to defend our land and our faith, we are not expected to overpower Russia by our force. We rely on the help and power of Allah.
The actions of Mujahedeen of the Caucasus, headed by Amir Abu Usman, are consistent with the prescriptions of Allah in the Holy Quran: - "... against them make ready your strength, and then rely on Allah. Allah helps his servants who rely on Him".
Yusuf Ibrahim: A view has been rooted in the world that Sharia is bad. Frankly speaking people are afraid of Sharia. Tell me why it is necessary to impose it, and what benefits it will bring to people?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: Sharia is the right and responsibility, obeying the law. Like for example doctor of law L. Sukijainen writes:
"The combination of divine and rational, continuity and flexibility - is a characteristic of the Sharia. Its divine origin of universalism do not exclude but rather require creative thinking by man about his starting points and principles, rational use of them applied to specific circumstances."
Sharia is the Holy Koran and the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (pbuh). A Guiding line in the private and public life of a Muslim.
These are prohibitions and requirements for Muslims, and clear rights and responsibilities of people who are not practicing Islam, but living among Muslims.
There is a well-known story of the times of Sharia. At that time there were no uprisings, no protests against the Caliphate by the population, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. Even the exile nation, the Jews, were the most protected when they lived in the Caliphate.
Yusuf Ibrahim: People are accustomed to the fact that a new party, a new state would offer its own program, promising welfare and prosperity. What will Emirate offer to the nations of the Caucasus?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: Allah obliges Muslims to respect the rights of all who live within their territory, Sharia gives the highest degree of protection of real human rights. Interestingly, a Muslim who died while protecting a non-Muslim, national of Islamic state, is a Shaheed (martyr). Protecting a citizen, regardless of his religion, is also a part of Jihad.
I would slightly adjust your question saying what the Sharia will offer. Emirate is just a name of a state entity, while to propose, to protect, to release, for example, from slavery - is the prerogative of the Sharia. Sharia guarantees and protects the real and not imaginary values common to all mankind. Respect for the individual is an indisputable requirement of Allah's Sharia. The guarantee of personal liberties and respect for the presumption of innocence was first introduced by the Sharia.
Sharia ensures the rights of all, regardless of race, religion, and social status. All are equal before the law of Allah, - whether it be a slave or a Caliph. Because of this formula of absolute justice, "the powers that be" do not like Sharia and make a "scarecrow" out of it.
Non-Muslims residing on the territory of the Emirate, where the Sharia will be enacted, will be protected from arbitrary actions. They will be exempt from military service, and will have full freedom of religion. Islam does not tolerate discrimination and abuse of anybody.
Yusuf Ibrahim: Russia has not officially reacted to the proclamation of the Emirate. But there is a reason to believe that Russia will send more troops to the Caucasus and the war will cover larger territories. Does the command of the Caucasus Mujahideen realize such a development of the scenario?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: Everything that could be said or done, Russia said and did. Russia has tried all kinds of punitive methods and all kinds of harassment against persons and the people. All except of use of nuclear weapons.
States who stick at least to some norms common to all mankind do not allow for such a treatment that is practiced by Russia in the Caucasus, even towards animals. What they are doing in Chechnya, a human being cannot do.
And, concerning the expansion of the zone of military operations, it would only be favorable to the Mujahideen. I do not think that there could be much changes in Russia's tactics.
Yusuf Ibrahim: The war has been going on for almost nine years, despite the Kremlin promises to defeat the Mujahideen, Jihad has been expanding. How would the Russian-Caucasus war, could end? Where is its end?
Shamsuddin Batukayev: The hidden is only known by Allah and if He wants he would give victory soon or delay it, everything is in His power. We are satisfied with His decision, we are happy with the fate chosen by us and predetermined for us.
In order not to further expand the zone of hostilities, Russia will get more advantage after letting go of the Caucasus. But Putin probably has other plans - he certainly wants the total collapse of Russia.
Shamsuddin, thank you for your answers.
Interview with General Representative of the Caucasus Emirate was conducted by:
Yusuf Ibrahim (Editor-In-Chief of "Kavkaz Monitor" IA)
Translated from Russian to English by Kavkaz Center
Kavkaz Center
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