Newly Released Message: Osama Bin Laden Calls for Islamic Martyrdom

By Jeffrey Imm

Osama Bin Laden appeared in a 50 second clip in an As Sahab video posted on Jihadi web sites today, promoting Islamic martyrdom and quoting Muhammad.

CNN and Laura Mansfield have released translations of the Bin Laden comments today. The video is linked at Laura Mansfield's web site here.

In today's video message, Osama Bin Laden stresses the importance of martyrdom for Muslim causes, quoting Muhammad per translations by both Laura Mansfield and CNN:

"So be alert, be wise and think. What is this status that the best of mankind wished for himself? He wished to be a martyr."

"He himself said 'By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to attack and be martyred, then attack again and be martyred, then attack again and be martyred.' "

"So this whole broad life is summarized by he who was inspired by God, the lord of the heavens and earth, praised and exalted is He. This glorious prophet who was inspired by God summarized this entire life by these words. He wished upon himself this status. Happy is the one who was chosen by god as a martyr. "

Osama Bin Laden quotes Muhammad based on Hadeeth Sunnah Sahih Bukhari, Book 52. Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), specifically in Volume 4, Book 52, Number 54. Sahih Bukhari is a collection of sayings and deeds of Muhammad, also known as the sunnah. The specific reference states: "By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Were it not for some men amongst the believers who dislike to be left behind me and whom I cannot provide with means of conveyance, I would certainly never remain behind any Sariya' (army-unit) setting out in Allah's Cause. By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah's Cause and then get resurrected and then get martyred, and then get resurrected again and then get martyred and then get resurrected again and then get martyred."

The video also included "various clips showing jihadist fighters reading their final wills, as well as statements from new Al Qaeda in Afghanistan commander Abu Yazid."

ABC states the martrydom video included statements from "al Qaeda followers from Pakistan, Morocco, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Turkistan."

CNN states that '[t]he videotape was made in the last four weeks, but the clips appear to be old... [and that the video included] Abu Musab al-Zarqawi" who was killed in June 2006. CNN also stated that the "environment shown is similar to that on releases made before the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, in which bin Laden is seen in the company of some of the hijackers".

Per ABC, "[t[he clip is part of a 40-minute film "Scent of Heaven" from al Qaeda's as Sahab video propaganda arm discovered on the Internet by Laura Mansfield of Strategic Translations."

Laura Mansfield notes that "The Bin Laden clip appears to be a short portion of an older video of the Al Qaeda leader speaking to his followers about martyrdom. There are no indications as to the date when the clip was filmed. Bin Laden is shown dressed in dark, with a camouflage jacket, and a dark cap. He has a ring and a watch on his right hand, and gestures freely with both hands. The video surfaced on jihadist forums where similar Al Qaeda statements have been released previously. It is branded with the As Sahab logo. No subtitles were provided."

Sources:

Laura Mansfield web site: Bin Laden stresses martyrdom in short segment of new As Sahab video

Video Web Link from Laura Mansfield web site

CNN: Newly released bin Laden video calls for martyrdom

ABC News: Possible New Message From Osama Bin Laden

FOX News: Osama Bin Laden Appears in New Video, Officials Probe Authenticity

Hadeeth Sunnah Sahih Bukhari, Book 52. Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad). Quote from Volume 4, Book 52, Number 54