Fatima Benhatta is the representative of Islamic Relief Canada in British Columbia since 2011.
Here are some of Fatima Benhatta’s Facebook postings on the Nigerian Islamic organization Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen:
January 18, 2018 – (originally in Arabic) “Muslims in Africa ask our support for building for them a small mosque. Its cost is no more than $6,000 only because of its small size and simple construction.
“مسلمين بافريقيا يطلبون مساعدتنا في بناء مسجد صغير لهم بتكلفة لا تزيد عن ستة الاف دولار فقط لصغر حجمه وبنائه البسيط . فمن منا يقرض الله قرضا حسنا ؟؟ من بنى او ساهم في بناء مسجدلله بنى الله له بيت في الجنه …للمعلومات اكثر اتصلوا على الرقم التالي في الاسفل الاخت فاطمة بنحطى 7789986222”
(originally in English) “Help us raise funds to build this little house of Worship in Africa for as little as $6000 for this poor village fi sabilillah [in the path of Allah]. Participate in building a house for Al Mighty in dounia [this world] and reserve your palace in return in the Hereafter. What ever we are building as for our future in this life will not benefit us in anything ,we all leave it behind one day, but what we build for the sake of Allah or what we loan him, Allah of course will pay us back ,reward and grant us a palace in paradise In the hereafter (akhera). So who would loan Allah a good loan??? Your loan never be wasted. Allahuma [O Allah] i have conveyed your message. Allahumma [O Allah] guide us all to the right path. For more informations you can contact Sis Fatima At 7789986222 Jazakum Allah kheir [May Allah reward you with goodness]” In response Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran wrote: (originally in Arabic) “Thanks for paying attention.” (archive, on February 5, 2019 the posting was removed from Fatima Benhatta’s Facebook page – arhcive)
March 20, 2017 – Fatima Benhatta shared a post by Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran: “20 YEARS OF STRUGGLE FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE! *TAAWUNU 20TH ANNUAL GATHERING ON PALESTINE. 12-14 MAY 2017. VENUE: TAAWUNU SECRETARIAT & AQSA HALL, AL-UMMAH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION – IWO.”
Fatima Benhatta added the following statements in Arabic and English:
“جزا الله خير جمعية التعاونيه النيجيريه لما يقومون به من. دعوه ودفاع عن الاسلام و توعيه وتعليم اسلامي لاطفالهم ومحاربة النصرانيه والتبشيريه التي تشتغل على محمل الجد لتنصير اطفال النيجيرين وايران مثل الشيطان تسطاد في الماء العكر من الجهة الاخرى قائمة بالدعوه للتشييع …والبلد على كفة عفريت من حرب ومؤامرة على الاسلام والمسلمين ورغم الفقر والجفاف والظلم والاضطهاد من الحكومة الى انهم صامدوون ورغم كل ما ذكرت من معاناتهم الى انهم لم ولن ينسوا القضيه الفليسطينيه ويدافعون عنها باخلاص ومن قلبهم فيما الامه العربيه والاسلاميه انستهم مشاكلهم وزعزة امنهم وخوفهم على كراسيهم القضيه الفلسطينيه… بارك الله في النجريين واعمالهم وفي جمعية التعاون وريئسهم اليشخ داوود…اعذرونا يا سيدي ان كنا نسيناكم وقصرنا في حقكم وحق اطفالكم …اعانكم الله“
“May Allah reward the Nigerian Ta’awoon Organisation [Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen] and its sheikh and president [Dawood Imran] for their efforts and hard work in Da’awah [preaching to Islam] and for defending Islam and protecting it against missionaries and enemies conspiracy. Regardless or the poverty and life struggles they still support and stand in Solidarity With Palestinians. They still defend al kuds [Al-Quds/ Jerusalem] and Palestinians rights where arabs and the Muslim World have forgotten about the case of Palestinians.” (archive, on February 5, 2019 the posting was removed from Fatima Benhatta’s Facebook page – arhcive)
August 18, 2016 – (originally in Arabic) “…Eid Al-Adha is around the corner… Please donate, even a small donation, in order to send it to them [Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen], even the cost of a cow to be distributed among them in the Eid. May Allah reward you all with goodness. The cost of the sacrifices and clothing for the Eid. Sheep: $75, A cow: $600 to be distributed among the poor. Clothing for an orphan: $20. For further information, please contact the Ameer Taawun the Sheik and preacher. Dawood Imran. Email/ Whatapp: +2348033842248 or the sister Um Hussein on Facebook or Whatapp 7789986222. (archive)
February 21, 2016 – Fatima Benhatta shared Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran’s Facebook post dated October 31, 2015 (originally in Arabic): “Thanks to Sister Fatima [Benhatta] for her donation to complete the [building of the] orphanage. Praise be to Allah. A number of orphans have been housed in the building. President [Ameer] of the Muslim Cooperation [Taawun] Association in Nigeria.” (archive) Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran’s Facebook post that was shared by Fatima Benhatta included three pictures featuring a one storey building. The caption on the first picture reads (originally in English): “Ta’awuni Orphanage Building… Under Construction Before… Now Completed… Now Completed Thanks to sister Fatimah Benhatta for the Completion of an Orphanage Building for Nigerian Orphans.” (picture-1, archive), (picture-2, archive), (picture-3, archive).
Fatima Benhatta added the following statement: “We are still collecting for Nigerian Muslim Orphans… there is so many Projects yet to come,,, lets not forget these orphans they need our help… Jazakum Allah kheir [may Allah reward you with goodness]. (archive)
January 2, 2016 – Fatima Benhatta shared Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran’s Facebook post dated October 31, 2015 (originally in Arabic): “Thanks to Sister Fatima [Benhatta] for her donation to complete the [building of the] orphanage. Praise be to Allah. A number of orphans have been housed in the building. President [Ameer] of the Muslim Cooperation [Taawun] Association in Nigeria.” (archive) Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran’s Facebook post shared by Fatima Benhatta included three pictures featuring a one storey building. The caption on the first picture reads (originally in English): “Ta’awuni Orphanage Building… Under Construction Before… Now Completed… Now Completed Thanks to sister Fatimah Benhatta for the Completion of an Orphanage Building for Nigerian Orphans.” (picture-1, archive), (picture-2, archive), (picture-3, archive).
Fatima Benhatta added the following statement (originally in Arabic): “Just a reminder, there are many African countries forgotten by the Arab and Islamic world. One them is Nigeria which fights Christianity and Christianizing [of people] for a small piece of bread… For those who want to give a charity donation, even if a small charity donation, it [his donation] will heal his sick [people], show mercy on his dead, provide his means of living, make his offspring and spouse righteous, bring blessing to his household and life and Allah will regard it an ongoing charity, Allah Willing. Therefore, [those who want to give a charity donation] don’t hesitate to send it to my [phone] number and my [Facebook] page, and I, Allah Willing, will send it to Sheik Dawood [Imran, the President or Ameer Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen in Nigeria] as I always do. May Allah reward you with goodness. You are my loved ones [who share my faith] in Allah.” (archive)
October 4, 2014 – Fatima Benhatta shared Ameer Taawun Dawood Imran’s Facebook post that reads: “Thank You Sister Fatima and Thanks to all sisters who Donated for Nigerian Kids” (archive) and included four pictures featuring Nigerian women, children and Muslim clerics accompanied with the following caption in English: “thank You Sister Fatima… And Thanks to all sisters who Donated for Nigerian Kids….. Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen, Nigeria” and Arabic: “Sister Fatima, may Allah reward you with goodness and all who hekped us to provide clothes for more than 200 orphans hand out gifts frommore than 150 widows…. Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen.” (picture-1, archive), (picture-2, archive), (picture-3, archive), (picture-4, archive). In a comment on one of these pictures Fatima Benhatta wrote (originally in Arabic): “I want to inform all my loved ones [who share my faith] in Allah that the security deposit has arrived in Nigeria and may Allah reward you with goodness for putting your trust in me. May Allah include it in your balance of good deeds. We are with you [supporting you]. May Allah bless you and may Allah compensate you.” (picture-1, archive)
Benhatta added the following statement: “The pictures say it all… Words serve no justice in describing My happiness when i sow that we drew a smile on Nigerian orphan’s faces this adha Eid [Eid Al-Adha holyday0] al hamdolillah [Praise to Allah]….200 orphans received new clothes and 150 gifts been distributed on Widows and poor ….let me take this opportunity and thank sheikh Ameer dawood and his ta’awun organisation for the help and support are providing for the poor in Nigeria ,also to thank the sisters that responded to our call and donated with no question asked… There is no little is little , it might be little for us but was a lots for Nigerian poor and orphans…may Allah reward you all in Multiples and grant you a palace in al jannah [paradise]…..” (archive) Fatima Benhatta’s statement in Arabic (link, archive).
Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen
Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen is a Nigerian Salafi Islamic organization that strives to spread the word of Islam worldwide. According to its website:
“Ta’awun is an organisation with comprehensive Islamic ideology, a school that preaches Islam… The organization was established on Monday, 21st February, 1994… It is Salafi in creed… The organisation understands that Islam is not just a religion as many think but a Religion which includes socio-political, socio-economic and economic systems and believes in Islamic anthropological fabrics… It is our vision: to enter the Al-Aqsha mosque as earlier done; to see the lost glory of Islam being redeemed; to see the world being ruled as ordained by Allah.” (archive)
Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen’s position on the jihad against the Jews in Palestine
Under the section “Palestine in Focus” Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen’s website shared an Islamic edict (fatwa) issued by the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Ibn Baz on “The type of Jihaad in Palestine.” Here excerpts from the fatwa: (archive)
“Response: It has been confirmed to us by trustworthy and reliable witnesses that the Palestinian intifaadhah (uprising) and those who have stood forth in this are from the most dedicated Muslims there, and that their jihaad is (an) Islamic (one). This is because they are oppressed by the Jews, and that which is obligatory upon them is to protect their religion and themselves and their families and children and to drive out their enemy from their land with all they are able to of strength.
“And these trustworthy and reliable (witnesses) who joined (the Palestinians) in their jihaad and assisted them in that have informed us of their (the Palestinians’) Islamic enthusiasm and their abidance to applying the Islamic Sharee’ah amongst them. So that which is obligatory upon the Islamic countries and the rest of the Muslims is to assist and support them so they can be free of their enemy, so as to return to their land… So we ask Allaah to grant our mujaahideen brethren victory in the Path of Allaah over their enemies in Palestine and elsewhere…”
Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen’s website added a comment: “PLEASE NOTE: Terrorism is haraam [prohibited] in Islam, and this fatwa does not in any way or form imply it’s permissibility or acceptance. Rather, it provides a qualified Islamic legal ruling to oppose those who have caused oppression by occupying Palestinian land.”
Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen’s statements on Hamas
December 13, 2018 – “Thousands expected at Osun State pro-Palestine rally on Sunday. Pro-Palestine solidarity is growing across Nigeria, as thousands are expected to attend a rally and walk for Palestine in Iwo, Osun State, on Sunday. Organised by Nigerian Friends of Palestine (NFP), the event will be addressed by Iwo leader, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu. Also in attendance will be Yoruba religious leader, Sheikh Yahqub Abdul-Baqi Muhammad, and the head of the Islahudeen Missionary Association of Nigeria, Sheikh Muslim Muqoddam Husain. The event is the brainchild of Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, the founder of NFP, and aims to raise awareness about the illegal occupation of Palestine and its holy sites, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The event will also draw attention to Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel – a move that is illegal under international law. “The Palestinians are oppressed. We must unite against Israeli oppression and seek their freedom. The Palestinian cause is not for them alone, it is not only a Muslim cause, but it is a cause for every revolutionary,” Molaasan told the Afro-Palestine Newswire Service. According to NFP spokesperson, Abubakr Imran, education about the Palestinian liberation struggle will be an important feature of the event, and the group intends holding several other events to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. There has been growing criticism in Nigeria of Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Less than a month ago, thousands of activists in Lagoscalled on the international community to boycott Israel for its ongoing violations of Palestinian human rights and international law. Organized by the Muslim Awareness International (MAI) group, speakers stressed the importance of supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel, in the same way in which the world boycotted and isolated South Africa’s apartheid government. The Lagos event came just days after Nigeria’s representative at the UN, Ibrahim Umar, condemned the Israeli government’s oppression of the Palestinian people. “The demolition of Palestinian homes, forced evictions, and threat of violence from Israeli settlers infringes on the Palestinian right to life, liberty and the security of the Palestinian people,” said Umar. Abuja’s UN representative also called for an end to Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. “The situation in the Gaza Strip and the near collapse of its infrastructure being enforced by the Israeli blockade and military action should be of grave concern to the international community,” Umar said. Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause has been strong recently. While observing International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the UN on 29 November, African Union (AU) Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said: “The African Union’s support of the Palestinian cause is…premised on the values of freedom, justice and humanitarian principles that Africa defends in international fora alongside all those striving to ensure that Palestine regains its right to exist as a key State…” (archive)
June 6, 2018 – Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen shared a post: “TAAWUNU @25: SPECIAL CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES FROM GLOBAL ISLAMIC MOVEMENT: #officeoftheameertaawun. Islamic resistance movement Hamas-Palestine. The Global campaign to break the siege of Gaza. Al-Quds International Foundation – Malaysia. Islamic Tawhid movement – Lebanon. Palestine scholars association in the Diaspora. Al-Qudus foundation Malaysia. جمعية البركة بقيادة الشيخ أحمد ابرهيمي من الجزائر Algeria. ومؤسسة رواد بيت القدس.” (archive)
Here is the translation of the letter sent by Izzat al-Rishq, member of the Hamas Movement’s Political Bureau and head of its Arab and Islamic Relations Bureau, to Dawood Imran, the President (Ameer) of Taawun: (archive)
In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Islamic Resistance Movement [Hamas]
Hamas – Palestine
[Hamas logo]
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Ramadan 17, 1439
Dear Sheik Professor Daood Imran Molaasan, May Allah protect him,
The Founder and President of Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen in the sister [country of the] Federal Republic of Nigeria
Greetings,
We, in the Office of Arab and Islamic Relations of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, are happy to send you the most explicit words of congratulation and the most candid wishes on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of your blessed organization. These years have been full of work in the fields of thought, enlightenment, building and development to serve your country, your people, in the issues of your [worldwide Muslim] nation and on top of it the Palestinian cause.
And it is a good opportunity to express to you our deep appreciation and gratitude for the positions and role of the Jamaatu Taawunil Muslimeen in solidarity with Palestine and its just cause by raising awareness, mobilizing forces to support the occupied city of Jerusalem and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque through the large solidarity events that reflect the depth of the brotherly ties that bring together the two peoples, the Nigerian and Palestinian people and embody the extent of the status of Palestine, Jerusalem and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque among our people in Nigeria in general and and among [members of Jamaatu] Taawunil Muslimeen in particular.
On my behalf and on behalf of my brothers in the leadership of the [Hamas] movement, while we congratulate you on this happy occasion and enjoy the blessings and the best of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of sacrifice, giving and victory, we ask the Almighty Allah to give you [Daood Imran Molaasan] and the brothers in the Jamaatu [Taawunil] Muslimeen, harmonization, soundness and success in your work and constant unity, stability and prosperity to the brotherly Nigerian people.
Izzat al-Rishq
Member of the Political Bureau [of Hamas] and head of the Arab and Islamic Relations Bureau [of Hamas]
[Hamas logo, signature]
June 7, 2018 – “Taawunu@25: Enthusiasm As Ta’awun Moves On Global Recognition. #officeoftheameertaawun…What happened on June 3, 2018, was indeed remarkable. It was the day Ta’awun organisation marked 25 years of its struggle for Muslim renaissance at D.C school Araromi Iwo, State of Osun Nigeria. The event was designed to weight the strength of the organisation locally (in the Western region) and its level globally, how it has been able to extend its tentacle internationally and contribute to global campaign against injustice to the Palestinians… Also, the occasion shows the great passion and recognition the Islamic international Movements are giving the organisation. This was shown in the congratulatory messages sent by Islamic resistance movement Hamas in Palestine, The Global campaign to break the siege of Gaza, Al-Quds International Foundation in Malaysia, The Islamic Tawhid movement in Lebanon, Palestine scholars association in the Diaspora , Al-Qudus foundation in Malaysia, the organisation of Sheikh Ahmad Ibraheem in Algeria and many others which were sent by voice…” (archive)
May 7, 2017 – “TA’AWUN FELICITATES WITH HAMAS AS IT APPOINTS NEW POLITICAL CHIEF. #OFFICEOFTHEAMEER/PRESS. Jama’at Ta’awunil Muslimeen has sent a congratulatory message to the leaders of HAMAS in Palestine for electing Ismail Haniyah as the new leader of Hamas’s political bureau. This is contained in the message realised today by the Founder and National President of the organisation, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan to acknowledge the movement’s new reform and restructure toward a peaceful path. Ismail Haniyeh, a former deputy chief, will replace Qatar-based veteran Khaled Meshaal who had been in charge of the political wing for the past 10 years. Sheikh Daood urged the movement to always maintain its unity and relentless efforts towards Palestinian liberation. He prayed and hoped that the new appointment would channel the final hope for the oppressed Palestinians and make the movement overcome the enemy of Islam.” The post features a poster with the logos of Ta’awun movement and Hamas accompanied with the following text: “Ta’awunu Movement – Nigeria felicitates with Hamas on the appointment of Islameel Haniyah as its new political Chief. www.taawunonline.net”(archive)
May 7, 2017 – “Ta’awunu Movement – Nigeria Congratulates HAMAS for Appointing Ismail Haniyah to head its political office. #OfficeofTheAmeer. (archive)
December 8, 2012 – “TAAWUNU FELICITATE WITH HAMAS. Jama’at Taawunil Muslimeen, held a program today to facilitate [sic] with Hamas in Gaza on their 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas and their recent victory over Israel. The event took place at Ojude Oba Iwo, State of Osun, at around 7pm. Sheikh Shami, the president of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth in Nigeria who was at the occasion lauded the contribution of the organization {Taawun} towards the dream of Muslim Humah [Ummah, or nation], in realizing the return of the Palestinian land usurped by Israel to the rightful owner. He also encouraged the organization to take education as a backbone of a good nation.
Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, the national president of the organization acknowledged the coming of the Sheikh Shami to graze the occation. The prayer was held for Palestinian and the organization to put the seminal to an end. (archive)
November 14, 2012 – “TAAWUNU CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF HAMAS LEADER. Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen, under the leadership of Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, has totally condemned the assassination of Ahmad Jabari, the Hamas military leader who was killed by an Israeli aerial attack on Gaza with his son. This was contained in his statement issued today when condoling with Hamas leaders about the incidence and condemning inhuman behavior of Israel towards the Gazans. “This is barbaric, cruel, and amounting to total condemnation from world leaders” he said. Jabar, the commander of Izzeddin Qassam Brigades, was killed when his car was hit by an Israel missile on Wednesday. Israel’s Shin Bet domestic intelligence service has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it had killed Jabari because of his decade-long anti-Israel activities. Sheikh Daood then urged all Arab nations to take urgent resolution on this matter to curb further escalation.” (archive)
September 16, 2012 – “RESISTANCE IN PALESTINE-HAMAS AT RALLY.” The posting feautes a picture of an armed Al-Qassam Brigades/ Hamas brandishing an AK-47 in front a cheering crowd of thousands who came to celebrate Hamas “victory” against Israel. (archive)