Commander Khattab Statement

17, July 2001
Statement of the military Amir of Majlis ul Shura Khattab

It should be known to the entire world, especially the Muslims, that Jihad will continue until the Day of Judgement (as stated by Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Jihad will not stop because of the martyrdom of Abu Umar Al-Najdi (Yarmook), or Arbi Barayev (may Allah have mercy on them). It will not skip a beat even if commander Khattab, Basayev, or anyone else is killed. Jihad is one of the obligations of Islam and the Chechen Jihad is not tied to an individual or a commander.

It is however tied to the Commander of all the Mujahideen, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (SAWS). If a Mujahid or a commander is martyred, Insha Allah, there are many others that can step in and fill his place. Finally, Allah had bestowed a blessing upon this great nation. When one Mujahid falls, 10 others rise and keep the torch of Jihad and fighting for the Sake of Allah burning bright.

Let us all remember that what happened to commanders Abu Umar, Arbi, Jafar, and the others (may Allah have mercy upon them all) is exactly what they were hoping for. These were men who truly understood the honour of martyrdom and yearned for it with every cell in their body. And now they have earned the martyrdom of heroes while attacking the enemy not running away from them and after having killed so many of them. Insha Allah they are those about whom Allah has said,

"Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed...." (Noble Quran 9:111)

It is now a must for every Muslim around the world not to give up on the Mercy of Allah, and to increase their dua and pleading to Allah to bestow victory upon the Mujahideen. I ask Allah to make us all Mujahideen in His sake and for His pleasure. Assalamu Alaikum.