Posted by NEWS on 28/8/2004, 17:48:51 An Islamist women's group has launched an internet magazine aimed at recruiting Arab women to fight holy wars against non-Muslims. Al-Khansaa magazine, which was launched about a week ago, also provides fitness tips for female holy warriors, information on treating injuries and advice on raising children to fight non-believers. The magazine, appearing on several Islamic extremist websites, claims to have been started "at the initiative" of al-Qaeda militants Abdulaziz al-Moqrin and Issa Saad Mohammed bin Oushan who were slain in June in Saudi Arabia. The magazine said it was produced by the "women's media centre" in the Arabian Peninsula, better known as Saudi Arabia. Cairo-based Islamic expert Mohamed Salah poured scorn on the 22-page magazine, describing it as a "media stunt [by militants] to show their enemies they can mobilise everyone, including women, against them". Al-Khansaa, the periodical's title, was the name of a revered Arab poet who converted to Islam during the time of the faith's 7th century Prophet Mohammad. She later became associated with the Prophet's close acquaintances and was known for eulogies written for her brother, a sturdy fighter in pre-Islamic days. Al-Khansaa also encouraged her four sons to take part in a jihad to spread Islam. Her sons died in battle. An unsigned magazine editorial says female Islamists "have set our lines next to our men to support them ... raise their children and be prepared. May God elevate us to martyrs". "We will stand covered in our veils and abayas [ankle-length cloaks], with our weapons in our hands and our children in our arms," it added. "The blood of our husbands and the limbs of our children are an offering to God." Women raising children, it says, must understand their "main mission is to present lions to the battlefield". Its first issue includes tales of famous women fighters and criticism of calls for improved women's rights in Saudi Arabia. The magazine says even though a jihad, in terms of actual fighting, is primarily a man's duty, "women can fight without the permission of their husband or guardian since it would be a duty, and duties do not require consent". The notion is shocking in Saudi Arabia, where women must be accompanied by a male guardian at most times. Women took part in the Egyptian Islamic Group's 1990s anti-government insurgency and at least four were tried for involvement in violence. Palestinian, Uzbek and Chechen women have also carried out militant acts, including suicide bombings.
SAUDI ARABIA: Internet magazine recruiting female holy warriors
An Islamist women's group has launched an internet magazine aimed at recruiting Arab women to fight holy wars against non-Muslims
South China Morning Post
Saturday, August 28, 2004
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