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Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Part Six

His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al’lah

(1890-1964)

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The Great Humane Eminent Scholar

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

(God has sanctified his soul)

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Checked and Introduced by

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

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English Language Editing by

Jackie Feehan

 

Introduction

You may wonder, as do I, and as do people everywhere: how could this great scholar have gained access to such truth, when all of the earlier scholars and the great guides and imams failed to do so? I would reply to you: a person has nothing except what they strive for

Indeed, people are differentiated through their actions.

This is true even for the Envoys (Messengers) and noble Prophets... and there will be a different level for everyone according to their deeds in this world.

Our own great scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho was given awareness and understanding by Al’lah, and he was distinguished by his outstanding deeds and his great and humane sacrifices. Al’lah did not give him anything except that which he deserved.

God says, “And We sent it down deservedly, and with righteousness it came down.”1

 

The French Weapons of Anjar Citadel Are Taken by Syrian Rebels

During the French occupation of Syria our officer, Mohammad Amin Sheikho, became a regional manager for Anjar Castle which was situated in the border region between Syria and Lebanon. He was appointed to this eminent position for his renowned abilities as a remarkable leader. This castle was used as a temporary arsenal for weapons being trans-shipped through Lebanon, as well as being an important centre and stronghold against the Syrian insurgents.

It happened that the French government sent a large consignment of various kinds of weapons and ammunition to supply its military forces in Syria and Lebanon who were tasked with suppressing the insurgency and other minor uprisings wherever they broke out.

The consignment of war materiel was shipped from France and transported to the castle in the border territory where it was stored pending its distribution to the French forces in Syria.

When the shipment arrived at Anjar Castle the weapons became the sole responsibility of the officer who was in charge of the security of the castle.

Despite having been entrusted with such a high position by the French, Officer Sheikho’s loyalties lay with the rebels who were fighting to liberate their country. And so, he resolved to deliver the weapons to the Syrian insurgents, who were the enemies of the French government, even though he risked losing his own life for what the French would see as the worst possible betrayal.

He duly informed the insurgents and instructed them to start removing the arms under the cover of darkness. Accordingly, he gave leave of absence to some policemen whom he felt unable to trust and told his loyal men to remain on duty along with his faithful adjutant. When night fell and darkness prevailed, the rebels came and began to remove the weapons from the castle under cover of the dark, cloudy sky.

After midnight, the ingenious officer called the commanderin- chief to tell him that the castle had come under attack by a large and powerful force of rebels, ‘The castle’s under attack... my men are fighting back bravely but they’re outnumbered... it’s a major skirmish... the rebels are bent on breaking into the castle, so... hurry... send reinforcements...!’

He had previously ordered his policemen to fire continuously into the air for the local villagers to hear; and he had arranged with the mayor of the village to say that he, Officer Sheikho, had actually sought his help, but that he was unable to offer any assistance because he lacked fighting power as the villagers were merely unarmed farmers. When the French forces, which Officer Sheikho had purposely summoned too late, arrived at the castle, they found that the rebels had emptied the storerooms of every last weapon and piece of ammunition, and had escaped with their spoils, successfully and safely.

When the news of this great catastrophe reached the French commissioner, General Catroux, he was so overcome with rage and aversion towards Officer Sheikho that he felt as though he would pass out. He did not believe the account that the castle had come under attack, and without any doubt he considered that the officer’s actions amounted to high treason. How had Officer Sheikho dared to deliver an entire shipment of weaponry and ammunition to the rebels? It was the greatest military shipment the French government had ever sent to Syria; this vast amount had been necessary after the French army had used up most of its ammunition and war materiel against the insurgents. A most worrying thought came to General Catroux: what would he say to his government? He became so angry that he lost all sense of reason and immediately sentenced both Officer Sheikho and his adjutant to summary execution.

That very night, they were brought to Damascus to be executed at dawn the following day, as was the usual procedure. But, what a miracle! Despite facing the death penalty our officer showed no sign of fear or cowardice, for he felt that his actions at the castle had been right and fully justified, and the expected results would inevitably bring about good for everyone: for the real Doer is Al’lah.

Mohammad Amin actually lay down in the locked cell feeling completely at ease and tranquil and drifted into a restful sleep.

Al’lah says, “Remember! He made you drowsy as a reassurance from Him.”2 His adjutant, in fear for their lives woke him saying, ‘We’re condemned to death and you’re sleeping! Don’t you know that we’re going to be executed in a few hours? How can you even think about sleep?’ He started to clap his hands together, over and over again, crying and shouting, ‘Oh, my sons! Who will take care of you when I’m gone?’ He was pacing back and forth across the cell as if he had lost his mind, then he turned towards our officer repeating yet again, ‘How can you sleep when we’re going to be executed at dawn?’

Trying to resist sleep and feeling overcome with joy and certain confidence our officer replied, ‘I’m perfectly happy, and sleep seems so desirable... I can’t keep my eyes open. I can think of nothing but sleep... so please... just let me sleep!’

When he heard these words from his superior officer and saw him settling down to sleep again, he burst into tears and began to wail, ‘Oh, my sons! My wife!... What will you do after my death?... What will happen to you?’

He was truly suffering from such overwhelming fear and his heart was broken at the thought of what a bleak future his family would face. The light seemed to go out of his eyes, and he remained in this sorry state until the new day dawned. On the other hand our officer, Mohammad Amin, slept soundly and happily, seemingly without a care in the world, and giving no thought at all to the impending execution.

When they were driven to the place of execution at dawn, the French commander was still enraged, so he went out of the gate of the government house to see the officers who had been condemned to death, for not only had they lost and destroyed France’s ammunitions and military supplies in Syria, they had actually delivered them into the hands of his enemy.

As the two condemned men were passing in front of the government house (al-Saraya)3 he glared at them with a look of intense fury, but at the same time it occurred to him that he should speak to them. So he ordered the military escort to bring the two men before him for he wanted to try to understand the character of Officer Sheikho and discern how that huge loss had occurred, and how he had dared to carry out this shocking action. But catching sight of the courageous officer coming towards him with his head held high, and his strong steady steps denoting his great pride and fearsome strength of character, the commander was filled with a confused sense of wonder combined with condemnation.

Officer Sheikho strode towards him, his face wreathed in smiles, as though he were a man hurrying to his own wedding. The French commander was so confused that he was about to explode... unable to believe what he saw with his own eyes. He could not stop himself from crying out in a quivering voice, ‘What happened to you? What about that great act of treason you are guilty of? You delivered our weapons to the enemy!’

Brimming with confidence and free from any sense of fear, our officer replied in a firm, calm voice, ‘The rebels attacked us, and a great skirmish broke out between them and my policemen which lasted for many hours. I asked your Syrian commander-in-chief for reinforcements and told him that the rebels were very strong and well organised and that we would not be able to defend the castle for much longer. That help was not forthcoming so, I asked the village mayor for whatever assistance he could offer but he had no arms or men to help us to confront the rebel forces. So, as we were not given any reinforcements, and after a suicidal fight bravely fought by my men, the insurgents managed to break into the castle after a lengthy one-sided battle. After that, I had no choice but to order my men to retreat through the secret underground passage.’

The Syrian commandant was sitting near the French general, the commander of the French forces in Syria, who turned to the Syrian and asked, ‘Did this officer really inform you about the serious situation at the castle and ask for help?’

At that point, the Syrian commander, whose thoughts were focused on other matters, failed to understand the question which had been directed at him and he replied simply, ‘Yes.’ When the French general realised what the Syrian commandant had said, he regained his senses, and his intense anger abated. He became deeply absorbed in his thoughts, ‘So, this officer was not responsible for what happened, and in fact he carried out his duties perfectly and faithfully.’

After the general had angrily asked for his opinion about their Syrian police leader, Mohammad Amin continued speaking and replied to the general, ‘Do you really think that you have a high commander? This man is good for nothing but selling beans, so how could he be suitable to hold the position of high commander of the police and armed forces?’

The general turned to the interpreter to ask for an explanation, ‘What does he mean by a beans vendor?’

He replied, ‘Do you remember, sir, when we were touring the country during the Greater Bairam,4 when we saw a slovenly old man with a dirty fez on his head and a pot of boiled beans before him... and beside him there was a table with small stools around, and little children eating beans? Do you remember how you laughed at this odd sight? This is what this officer meant by a beans vendor.’

The general had found the sight of that old man very amusing when he first saw him selling beans from a barrow, and as soon as he remembered the occasion and heard the comparison of the vendor with the Syrian high commander of the police and armed forces, he burst into convulsive laughter: his entire demeanour became relaxed and a look of pleasure and delight seemed etched clearly on his face.

Indeed, with this spontaneous burst of laughter, the terrible crisis and the awful threat of the sentence of execution were dispelled as the general picked up the telephone receiver and called the French commissioner who was also still enraged, and had passed sleepless nights because of the great disaster that had befallen them. He addressed him saying, ‘Your Excellency, General Catroux! We were about to execute our most loyal supporter and his adjutant, because of our angry outburst, but they are completely blameless.’ And he told him about the incident as he had heard it from our officer.

While the French general was scrutinizing our officer, Mohammad Amin, from head to toe, he suddenly popped a clever question at him saying, ‘On your honour as a military man, tell me the truth! Are you really happy with our occupation of your country?’

Our erudite officer replied, ‘Truly, I wish our roles were reversed and that I could take your place in Paris, and that my country could govern yours.’ Yet after this astonishing reply, he continued by complimenting the general, saying... ‘but, since we (the Arabs) are underdeveloped, and the League of Nations Assembly has given you a mandate over us to spread civilisation in our country, to help it to develop and make progress, I am satisfied!’

The general admired his reply and said, ‘That’s true! Really, you’re an honest citizen who is loyal to his country, as well as to us. Truly, you rank very highly in our eyes and are exonerated, in our consideration; you may return to your office now, with our thanks and praise for your heroic defence!’

But our officer asked the general to discharge him from his post, so the general, astonished, asked him why he should make that request.

He replied, ‘If I retain my position in your police corps after I spoke as I did about that high commandant, he will surely scheme and plot against me to regain the esteem and position he previously held, and since his rank is higher than mine, you will undoubtedly believe him.’

Yet the general refused to discharge him saying, ‘You’ll stay on duty, and I’ll refuse to listen to a single bad word about you... from anyone!’

Our officer then took his leave, and no sooner had he walked away from the government house with his adjutant and they felt perfectly safe, than the latter embraced him with tears in his eyes saying, ‘You have just saved our lives, my friend!’

But, when our officer heard that, he knelt down and his mind was full of the thoughts of who was truly responsible for the positive outcome, ‘Al’lah... it is Al’lah Who really did it... by God! It was as if with luminous letters written on the wall behind and above the general, Al’lah showed me both the question and the answer: what I would be asked and what I should reply.’

Certainly, for the one who sees by Al’lah’s Light, He always prepares a way out and eases his difficulty, so, see by Al’lah’s Light and He will surely teach you!

 

Man’s Loyalty to His Country Is Paramount

The Prophet Mohammad (cpth)5 said, “Faith brings about patriotism.”

During the French occupation of our country, Mohammad Amin Sheikho contrived many refined and unrivalled plans, by which he put an end to the wrongs done to its people, which they had neither realised nor expected.

Clearly, he stood by all that was true and the proponents of peace and justice, and he did his utmost to expel oppression and corruption from the country. This is the account of one of the commendable stratagems which he adopted.

Once, our officer, who held the rank of first lieutenant, made a thorough study concerning a particular matter and came to the conclusion that it should be implemented because of the anticipated positive result it would achieve. But there was something rather strange about this affair.

A certain French officer of the same rank as Officer Sheikho did all that he could to thwart him in the execution of that legitimate undertaking! Although Mohammad Amin gave him a full explanation of its advantages and the legality of his plans, he insisted on maintaining his blind opposition. He was adamant that the matter could not be accomplished.

Our officer was mounted on his horse whilst having this conversation with the French officer who was standing nearby, seemingly full of his own self-importance and treating the words of our officer with utter contempt. Mohammad Amin pondered the reason for his stubborn opinion and could see right through it, ‘He wants to force his opinion and wishes upon me out of his feeling of superiority; because he is a French officer he thinks that I am inferior to him... nothing but an inferior Arab! Even though this matter is none of his business, and his attitude actually contravenes French law! So, he’s being bull-headed and opposing my plan just for the sake of it! O.K... I’ll show you, you proud officer!’

He remained as he was, sitting on his horse, motionless, turning over in his mind the conclusion he had just reached. Suddenly, he raised his head and gently prodded his horse’s flanks; she took a few steps forward then he reined her in beside the French officer who was still standing looking at him with an air of great disdain. Leaping from the back of his horse, he boldly confronted the French officer by encircling him with one arm and in one swift movement he drew his revolver and pointed the barrel at the officer’s head, with no regard whatsoever for him or his government, and said, ‘You! French officer! My plans will be carried out.’ Then he spat out the words, ‘So don’t poke your nose where it isn’t needed... otherwise...’

The French officer had his heart in his boots, as he thought he was about to die. He appeared to crumple before Officer Sheikho and answered in a trembling voice, ‘A... a... as... as you like... as you like.’

Actually, the lawful matter we mentioned earlier was executed precisely according to Officer Sheikho’s plan, and the successful outcome was as he had anticipated.

But what about the Syrian’s insult to one of the ruling French officers? Could it be ignored? Should it go without punishment... especially as it was issued by an Arab officer?

The French first lieutenant6 considered his humiliation at the hands of the Arab officer an insult to his country, France, and in defiance of its government! This was the illinspired opinion of the French officer even though Officer Sheikho’s actions had been correct and lawful.

The prestige and courage of our officer, Mohammad Amin Sheikho, were a strong deterrent that prevented the French officer from trying to avenge himself face to face. He thought it wise not to approach Officer Sheikho in public, so made sure to keep his distance. Therefore, he resorted to the machinery of his government in Syria and informed senior French officers about the incident, which infuriated them.

They, in turn, informed General Catroux, but French legislation prevented them meting out any punishment to Officer Sheikho, or even reprimanding him, because the action he had executed was in the course of his assigned duties. The meddling of the French officer, however, was wrong and clearly an unwarranted encroachment, therefore they had no legitimate reason to censure Officer Sheikho, otherwise they would damage their own reputation, which would reflect badly on them.

The French came to our country and occupied it under the guise of a mandate authorised by the League of Nations so as to help us to advance and keep pace with the process of development and civilisation in all fields. That was their rationale; so if they did not abide by the law, they would lose face which, ultimately, would go against them.

Therefore, they planned to punish Mohammad Amin, or even to get rid of him, by clever subterfuge. They doubted his loyalty to them, so they decided to plot against him. They sent him to the motherland of the revolutionary insurgency, the Druzes’ district on al-Arab Mountain, where the Great Syrian revolution was gaining strength day by day.

The written orders were issued for his appointment and he went there as an area commander with a company of soldiers delegated to accompany him so that the assignment would seem routine and not instigated by nefarious motives. The French thought that the revolutionaries would be sure to kill him because he was an officer... but as we shall learn, their plan failed!

On the day he was due to leave, Mohammad Amin mounted his horse and rode to the head of the column to lead his men out of the barracks. He fully understood the reason for these military orders but he did not care, for he had put his trust in God. He was well aware of the purpose of this order, for which he was prepared, and was sure that it would be accomplished.

The troop proceeded along the road following their leader, heading for the Druzes’ district. They walked for a long time until eventually they approached the boundaries of the area. There was a valley running between two mountains which was controlled by the Druze insurgents; an ambush was quickly prepared for the troops after the Druzes received information that they had passed through the valley, and they came under heavy fire from the insurgents.

Oh God! It was a perilous situation! There was no cover to protect them from the Druze barrage, and if they advanced even one more step they would be under fire... what should they do?

The commandant, Officer Mohammad Amin, quickly assessed the situation and decided that the best way to secure a safe shelter for his men was to take cover with his soldiers at the foot of the mountain and conceal themselves behind the many large boulders there. So, he quickly ordered his company to move in that direction which gave them immediate cover from the revolutionaries’ gunfire.

Then, realising that this was the safest place, our officer ordered them, ‘Stay here while I go ahead to explore the valley... perhaps I’ll find a passage out of range of their fire... don’t move until I come back.’

He spurred his horse on and drove it through a narrow, rough passage between the rocks, keeping out of sight of the rebels until he was some distance from his own troops, and then he reappeared in full view of the rebels. But before that, he took the precautionary measure of tearing a piece from his white shirt and tying it to the barrel of his gun; he then held the gun aloft showing the make-shift white flag of truce indicating that he came with peaceful intentions.

The insurgents saw the flag swinging from the officer’s rifle, so they immediately sent five or six of their men down from their hideout on the mountain, drawing their firearms as they went, so as to meet the commandant, Officer Sheikho. He addressed them, ‘It’s true that I’m an officer in the enemy government but I am a rebel like you, and here is the seal of the revolution.’ He mentioned to them some signs and symbols and certain passwords which were known to no-one but the rebels.

The men quickly realised the truth of his words and were happy to see that such an eminent personality was one of them... one of the revolutionaries. They looked at one

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Texte: Amin-sheikho.com
Lektorat: Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani
Übersetzung: Jackie Feehan
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 23.08.2018
ISBN: 978-3-7438-7872-3

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