Q. What are the virtues of maintaining family ties?
A. "Among the greatest acts of virtue is that a man be kind to the friends of his father after his (the father's) death." — Hadith. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) described silah rahmi (kindness and assistance) to the friends of one's father to be among the greatest acts of virtue. From this Hadith it is simple to understand the greater virtue of silah rahmi with relatives. What is the Islamic concept of Silah Rahmi? A man came to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said: "O Rasulullah! I observe silah rahmi with my relatives (being kind to them and aiding them). However, they sever ties with me. I am kind with them whilst they are harsh with me. I overlook their faults, but they revile me." Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "If indeed you are as you have explained, then you have humiliated them (i.e. their evil reaction to your kindness, etc. has humiliated them). A helper appointed by Allah Ta'ala is constantly with you. He wards off their mischief as long as you maintain your attitude (of silah rahmi)." In another Hadith Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) explaining the meaning of Silah Rahmi said: "A perfect person of Silah Rahmi is not a man who repays kindness with kindness. A perfect man of Silah Rahmi is he who is kind towards those who sever ties with him." Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also said: "Whoever wishes for increase in his rizq (earnings) should be kind to relatives (i.e. practice silah rahmi).
Q. To what extent are we obliged to maintain family ties? What if we are required to commit haraam in order to maintain such ties?
A. "Beware of Allah, The One to Whom you supplicate for your needs, and beware of (breaking) family ties." (Qur'aan), "And give to the relatives (family members) their rights (which are due to them)."(Qur'aan) The sustainment and maintenance of family ties are Waajib commands which have to be observed with great care. As long as this sustainment does not infringe on any laws of Allah Ta'ala, it has to be incumbently observed. The punishment in both worlds is severe for violating the rights of relatives and family members. Family members (Zul Qurbaa) in this context does not refer to only the wife and children. The term brings within its scope all relatives. Parents, brothers, sisters, step-parents, step brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, etc., are all within the ambit of Zul Qurbaa. All these relatives have rights on a man.
Usually the biggest stumbling block and opponent of a man in his endeavour to serve his parents and fulfil the rights of other relatives thereby conforming to the Qur'aanic command of sustaining family ties, is the wife. Most wives are averse to the relatives of their husbands. They develop considerable hasad (jealousy) for the relatives of their husbands. In her nefarious bid to thwart and prevent the husband from rendering service and spending part of his wealth in upholding the Shariah's commands to sustain family ties, the wife engages in intrigue and conspiracy. She creates a great upheaval in the home bringing bitterness which may lead to even the break-up of the marriage.
She maintains a constant barrage of pressure in her shaitaani plot to prevent her husband from maintaining close ties and from offering aid and service to his relatives. Many husbands, due to their own weakness, submit to the evil dictates of the evil woman and either sever ties with their family or refrain from fulfilling their rights which the Shariah has imposed on them. Other men again ignore the tantrums of their wives and refuse to buckle under the haraam pressure their wives exercise. They choose the option of a tumultuous married life, but remain steadfast in the execution of the Waajib duty to sustain family ties.
Sustainment of family ties should not be misunderstood. In many quarters there exists the misunderstanding that family ties should be sustained at all costs, even at the cost of violating the Shariah and invoking the Wrath of Allah Ta'ala. It is haraam to go to this extreme. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) clearly stated that it is not permissible to obey anyone in any act which involves transgression. When Allah's Shariah is being flouted by relatives, e.g. at wedding functions, etc., then it is not permissible to accept their invitation to attend. If family ties have to be severed in such cases, the sin devolves on those who commit haraam and invite others to haraam as well. Non-participation in haraam activities cannot be equated to severence of family ties. Sustainment of family ties means to render service to family members. To be kind and helpful to them. To go to their aid when they are in need. To spend on them within the limits of one's income. To give them Deeni Naseehat. To overlook their faults. Not to fight with them when it is reported that they had spoken ill of one.
The significance and great importance of sustaining family ties will be understood better from the following Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The superior rank of kindness to one's father is that one is kind to the friends of one's father after his demise." (Mishkaat). When sustainment of family ties brings within its scope even the friends of one's father after his death, it will be readily understood how important and necessary is this Waajib sustainment during the lifetime of one's parents and other members of the family.
Q. Is it permissible to go on a journey at the displeasure of, and against the wishes of one's mother?
A. A man left from the City of Farghaanah (in Central Asia) with the intention of performing Nafl Hajj. When he reached Nishapur, he went to visit Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan Al-Khairi (rahmatullah alayh). He made Salaam, but Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan did not respond. Feeling annoyed, the man reflected in his mind: 'It is indeed surprising that a Muslim does not respond to the Salaam of another Muslim!' By kashf it was revealed to Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan what the man was thinking. He commented: "Does a person perform Hajj whilst abandoning his ailing and grieving mother?" Jolted by this truth, the man abandoned his plan for Hajj, and immediately set off to return to Farghaanah. He remained in his mother's service until her death. After his mother's demise he travelled to Nishapur to be in the company of Hadhrat Abu Uthmaam Al-Khairi. When Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan saw the man, he leapt up, embraced and honoured him. He remained in the company of Hadhrat Abu Uthmaan until the latter's demise.
The rights of a mother, in fact the rights of parents, are sacred. The importance and sanctity of the rights of parents increase with age. The bond of parenthood becomes stronger with time. Even if the son reaches 60 years, he remains a child to his parents and it remains his obligation to keep them happy in all lawful things. It is not permissible for even the adult or elderly son to depart on a journey without the happy consent and blessings of his parents. And a journey in terms of the Shariah is a distance of 77 kilometres or more. Children should not deprive themselves of the wonderful Duas of their parents when they go on a journey. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) described the Dua of parents as 'Mustajaab (readily acceptable), without doubt'. Most people indoctrinated with western ideas are oblivious of the Waajib rights of their parents. The western cult of life is the life-style of animals. The parental bond fades into oblivion for animals.
Q. A man abused his aged mother (72 years) by using vulgar language. What amends should he make to be absolved of his grave sin?
A. There is the grave danger of the man who abused his aged mother dying without Imaan. He has to compulsorily, fall at her feet and beg her for forgiveness. Then, he should go out of his way to keep her happy. He should buy gifts for her and ask her repeatedly for her needs and satisfy her. If he fails in this, he will regret when it is too late to regret. That is, at the time of Maut.
Q. A wealthy man in our town has applied to the court for the ejectment of his 80 year old mother who is staying in one of his cottages. The other brothers are defending the matter, but this brother is adamant and simply wants to throw his aged mother into the street. He has obtained a court ejectment order, but the order has been stalled since the other brothers are defending the matter. The wealthy son says openly that he does not care for his mother and that he only wants her out of his cottage. What is the Shariah's ruling?
A. There is no Shar'i ruling for a non-Muslim. This man is not a Muslim. He has no Imaan. Only a callous non-Muslim who perhaps is an atheist will behave so cruelly to his own aged mother. Definitely he is not a Muslim, hence he behaves in this vile manner. Even if his mother is a prostitute, he has no right to have her ejected from the cottage.
Q. An adult son breaks ties with his father because of the stringent Deeni impositions of his father. He cuts all ties, preventing his wife and children also from visiting his father. Please comment on his attitude.
A. Neither his Nafl nor Fardh acts of ibaadat are accepted by Allah Ta'ala. This evil son is deprived from the special Rahmat of Allah Ta'ala, which settles on the entire Ummah on the auspicious Nights of Qadr and Baraa'ah. He is deprived of the special daily Rahmat of Allah Ta'ala which reaches children via the agency of their father. The la'nat (curse) and ghadhab (wrath) of Allah Ta'ala perpetually settles on this disobedient son. A variety of other calamities will descend on him right in this world.
The punishment for causing heartache to parents commences in this world. It is not postponed for the Aakhirah. The barkat of his earnings is eliminated and his lifespan is shortened. And, worst of all, the danger of him dying without Imaan overhangs him. The episode of Hadhrat Alqamah (radhiyallahu anhu) who was a famous Aabid among the Sahaabah, is a fearful example of the ultimate consequence which awaits such children who cause the hearts of parents to bleed. Even if his father reprimands and abuses him without justification, then too it is haraam for the son to sever ties. It remains Waajib for him to submit in obedience to all the lawful wishes of his father. This is adequate commentary for anyone who possesses Imaan and even a degree of fear for Allah Ta'ala.
About your father, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: • "The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of your father, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of your father." • "Verily, your father is the central gate of admission to Jannat (for his children). Therefore (O son / daughter!) destroy this central gate if you prefer, or guard it." • "Verily, among the best of good deeds for a man is to be kind to relatives and friends of his father, after his death." • To cast a gaze of affection at your father gains for you the thawaab of a Hajj.
Q. My father is extremely abusive. For any little thing which displeases him he uses vulgar language to scold me. In view of his conduct I have distanced myself from him. My mother rebukes me for my attitude. Am I in error? Am I not justified on account of the abusive conduct of my father?
A. Inspite of the abusive and sinful conduct of your father, your behaviour is worse. You have opened up the gates of Jahannum for yourself. You have no option other than to tolerate the vulgar tongue of your father. Read and reflect on the gracious statements of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) which appear above [previous question], then make your decision for your ruin or salvation.
Q. I have a son who became an Aalim and a Haafiz in another town. After six years he got married in the town where he studied. I have several times instructed him to come to his home and assist me, but he flatly refuses. I pleaded with the principal of his Madrasah and with the person whom he has adopted as his sheikh to advise him to return home, but to no avail. He is employed by the Madrasah where he studied. Inspite of my pleadings, reprimands and displeasure, he has chosen to ignore me. Do I as a father have any Shar'i right of calling him back home? Do his Shaikh and Ustaadh have more rights over him than his father?
A. The father has greater rights over his son than Ustaadhs and his Shaikh. First comes the haq of the father, then of the Ustaadh and lastly of the Shaikh. Undoubtedly, your son is disobedient and inviting the Wrath of Allah Ta'ala on himself. But, you should accept the position and not curse your son. Today, children are signs of Qiyaamah. They are closer to outsiders than to their own parents. When even so-called Aalims behave in this callous manner, what can be expected of the ignorant masses? Deeni Talaba are no longer painted with the hues of the Deen because they lack the suhbat of the Auliya. Such Suhbat is a sealed avenue in these times. We thus see students studying big kitaabs—tafseer, Fiqah and Hadith—without understanding the message of Allah and His Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) conveyed by the kutub.
After Hadhrat Haaji Imdaadullah (rahmatullah alayh) had migrated to Makkah Mukarramah, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaanvi (rahmatullah alayh) in the company of his father went for Hajj. In Makkah Hadhrat Haaji Saheb requested Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi to remain with him. Hadhrat Thanvi was elated to be blessed with this wonderful opportunity. However, his father vetoed the idea, and Haaji Saheb instructed Hadhrat Thaanvi to return home with his father. But this understanding no longer exists today, not in students, not in their Asaatizah and not in their Shaikhs.
Q. What is the ruling of the Shariah regarding a son who has severed relationship with his father and is not on speaking terms with him because of worldly reasons?
A. This crime even if related to Muslims who are outsiders is exceptionally evil. The consequence are dire in both this world and the Aakhirah. When related to one's own father, there are no words to describe the villainy of such a son. The general ruling of the Shariah pertaining to this crime even regarding outsiders is mentioned as follows in Jam'ul Fawaaid: "It is not halaal for a Mu'min to sever ties with another Mu'min for more than three days. After the third day, it (is Waajib) for him to meet his brother Muslim and offer Salaam to him. If he responds, then both join in the (immense) thawaab (of joining the ruptured ties). If he does not respond to the Salaam, he becomes sinful. In one narration it is added: He who severs ties for more than three days and dies (in this period), enters Jahannum." As far as one's parents are concerned, it is not halaal to sever ties for even three minutes. The son who commits this heinous crime, exposes himself to the ruin of his Imaan. He can be deprived of the Kalimah at the time of Maut.
Q. I am an aged man. My son told his mother that he has been contributing towards my expenses for too long. His duty is now over. Is this Islamically acceptable?
A. It is never acceptable in Islam. It is the Waajib obligation of the sons to support their parents until the day they close their eyes in this world. Your son is in grave error. He courts Allah's Wrath and Curses if he withholds assistance from you.
Q. A son works in his father' shop. Although his father sees to the expenses of the son's home and family, he does no pay him a fixed wage. Will the son be within his rights to ask his father to pay him a wage?
A. It is not permissible for the son to demand wages from his father. A wage contract between father and son is not valid in the Shariah because it is Waajib on the son to render service to his father.
Q. Zaid has a business which he himself had started. After operating his business successfully for a few months, Zaid's father enters and takes control of the business. He regulates the business and does not allow Zaid to take money from the business as he pleases. The father says that he will supervise the business. Zaid is allowed to take whatever he requires from the business. The father also takes his expenses from the business. He has no other income. Besides what he takes for his living, he says that he will retain all the profit for Zaid. But Zaid is dissatisfied with this arrangement. An acrimonious dispute has developed between father and son. Zaid wants the Ulama to arbitrate in this dispute. What does the Shariah say in this matter?
A. Zaid should firstly understand that irrespective of his father's injustice, he (Zaid) has no right to stand up against him. It is despicable for Zaid to even think of submitting this matter for arbitration. He has not understood the rank and superiority of a father. The son is like a slave to his father. If the father wrongs the son, Allah Ta'ala will take him to task. But here on earth, the son has no right of rebelling against his father or to resort to legal measures or any other measure for securing any of his rights. He should be tolerant and obedient to his father. He should submit and understand that all his wealth cannever compensate and repay the father for the struggle which he had undergone to rear his son from infancy to adulthood. Zaid is indeed displaying an evil attitude.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) once told a Sahaabi that "you and your wealth belong to your father". The pleasure of the father is infinitely superior to the business which Zaid is covetting. Undoubtedly, it is not permissible for a father to misappropriate the wealth and property of his children. He will be answerable to Allah Ta'ala for any misappropriation. But, children should not take any action against their father in monetary matters of this nature. The father is entitled to take from his son's wealth his living expenses. There is no need for Zaid to call for an arbitration. In fact, it is highly improper for a son to resort to such a measure.
Q. If parents pressurize their son to remove his beard and they order him to do so, will he be committing a sin if he complies with their instruction? Is it a valid argument that the son will not be sinful on account of obeying his parents because the Shariah commands obedience to parents?
A. This argument is baseless and stupid. Obedience to parents is only in lawful things, not in haraam things. It is haraam for the son to obey his parents and remove his beard. His parents will not be able to assist him when Allah's punishment overtakes him in the grave and in the Aakhirah. Parents who compel their children to commit such kabeerah sins should beware. The senior Ulama have said that there is the grave danger of the end of such parents being in kufr. May Allah Ta'ala save us all.
Q. Whose duty is it to look after aged parents? All the sons and daughters are married and live away from their parents. The sons and the daughters are disputing among themselves on this issue.
A. It is the Waajib (compulsory) duty of the sons to take care of their parents and to maintain them financially if they (the parents) are in need. If there are no sons or if the sons fail in their obligation, then the daughters should care for their parents with the permission of their husbands. The husband has a greater right over his wife than her parents. If the sons commit the great sin of refusing to look after their parents, then the sons-inlaw should allow their wives to attend to their parents. If they refuse permission to their wives to take care of their parents, then the daughters have to attend to their parents even without the permission of their husbands. But this will be permissible only if the parents are truly in need of aid and the sons miserably fail in their obligation. The sons who refuse to take care of their parents come under the wrath and curse of Allah Ta'ala. Even their Salaat is not accepted. It is not permissible for a daughter-in-law to prevent her husband from tending to his parents. Although it is not compulsory on the daughter-in-law to take care of her husband's mother, nevertheless, it is her moral duty to make it easy for her husband and to assist him in caring for his parents. She will gain immense reward for this service. It is haraam for the daughter-in-law to try to prevent her husband from taking care of his parents. Parents-in-law are in the category of one's parents.
Q. My son works with me in the shop. I give him a wage and see to all his other expenses. I have sold the business for a substantial amount. He now demands half of the money claiming that he had worked for years to build up the business. According to the Shariah do I have to give him anything?
A. According to the Shariah, your son is most ungrateful and insolent for demanding anything from the money. The Shariah position is very clear. When children work together with their parents in a business, then everything belongs to the parents. Children have to be satisfied with whatever the parents give them. But you have given him more than enough – more than what he deserved. Don't give him a cent more.
Q. Do non-Muslim grandparents have rights over their Muslim grandchildren?
A. Yes, they do have rights. Even non -Muslim grandparents have similar rights over their Muslim grandchildren as Muslim grandparents. This applies to all worldly issues. As long as no conflict with the Shariah is involved, the Muslim grandchildren should respect and assist their non-Muslim grandparents and also give them da'wat of the Deen.
Q. My brother is divorced and living with my mother in the family home. Does he have to pay rent to us?
A. If he can afford to contribute towards the house expenses, then it is his duty to do so. If he is unemployed and lacks the means, then obviously he will not be in position to pay. The family should then accommodate him happily.
Q. On Eid days I don't visit my uncles and other relatives because they do not observe purdah when I am there. They eat carrion halaalized by SANHA. They have television. They say that I am breaking family ties. Are they correct?
A. They with their haraam practices are guilty of breaking family ties. You are quite right for not visiting such relatives who have no care for Hijaab and who flagrantly violate the Shariah. You must be firm and ignore their criticism. But, be polite and respectful. With firmness, they will eventually understand the Haqq. Don't allow anyone to bend you as if you are wax.
Q. For how long is a man required to support his children?
A. The father has to maintain his children until they are able to support themselves. As far as daughters are concerned, he has to support them until they are married.
Q. Is there purdah between my uncle's wife and me?
A. Full Hijaab (Purdah) has to be observed for the uncle's wife if she is not your paternal or maternal aunt.
Q. Is it permissible for a man to hug his mother-in-law?
A. It is not permissible for a son-in-law to even shake hands with his mother-in-law. He may greet her and speak respectfully to her. He may not be alone with her nor is she allowed to travel with him even if his wife is present unless it happens to be an emergency. It is haraam for him to hug her. If he does so, and if he becomes sexually stirred even slightly when hugging her, then his Nikah with her daughter will immediately terminate, and there will be no way of them ever living as husband and wife. A new Nikah will not be valid between them.
Q. What are the rights of the biological father over his illegitimate child?
A. Zina (adultery/fornication) does not give rise to rights. It gives rise to punishment. A man is not the legal father of the illegitimate children he 'fathers'. Such children will not inherit in his estate. He has no rights over them.
Q. I am a young girl. My parents insist that I attend university. I am averse to go to university as I understand the Islamic requirement of Hijaab. My parents and other family members say that I shall be punished by Allah Ta'ala for being disobedient to my parents. Please advise me. What should I do in this predicament?
A. You appear to be an intelligent girl. It should not be difficult for you to understand what you should do. If your parents insist that you abandon Islam, will you do so? It is haraam for you to obey your parents in their haraam wishes. It is haraam for you to go to university. You are inviting the Wrath and the La'nat (Curse) of Allah Ta'ala and His Malaaikah on you if you attend university. Even if your parents threaten to expel you from the home, you should remailfirm in your refusal. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that obedience to any being which involves disobedience to Allah Ta'ala is not lawful. You are not permitted to put yourself up for prostitution to satify the satanis desires desires of your parents. University is another name for fornication and prostitution. No one ever emerges unscathed from such an evil abode. The early Muslims had to sacrifice even their lives under torture for the sake of their Imaan. You are called on to only abstain from a place of immorality for the sake of your Imaan.
Q. Does a stepmother have any rights over her step-children?
A. Yes, she does have rights over them. They have to respect and honour her as if she is their own mother and she is their responsibility in the absence of their father.
Q. It is known and understood that abortion is not permissible in Islam. If, however, the woman is an invalid and definite medical proof shows that childbirth will be extremely detrimental to the health of the woman, would it be permissible to resort to abortion under such circumstances?
A. Once life enters the foetus, abortion will never be permissible no matter what the circumstances. However, prior to life entering the foetus, abortion will he permissible if valid grounds exist, and if the medical experts say that childbirth will be "extremely detrimental" to a particular woman, abortion of the dead foetus will be permissible. However, abortion of even the dead foetus without reason is Haraam. (Answer taken from Imdaadul fataawa).
Q. Will a foetus in a miscarrage also intercede for its parents on the Day of Qiyaamah?
A. Even such a foetus will intercede for its parents. On the Day of Qiyaamah the foetus will be a perfectly developed child.
Q. Whose responsibility is it to maintain an unmarried adult female who has no source of income?
A. It is firstly the responsibility of her father. Thereafter it is the duty of her brothers, then of her paternal uncles.
Q. A Muslim woman abandoned Islam, becoming an atheist. Is it permissible for her relatives to accept gifts from her?
A. It is not permissible to accept any gift from the murtaddah (renegade) nor is it permissible to maintain any ties with her. It is Waajib to sever all ties with her.
Q. Is it permissible for the maternal grandfather to loan out the money of his minor grandchildren?
A. Even the paternal grandfather may not lend out the money of his minor grandchildren. The maternal grandfather features nowhere in the picture. He has absolutely no such right.
Q. I live with my parents and am so unhappy and depressed that if suicide was permissible I would have been dead long ago. But Allah Ta'ala has saved me and strengthened my spirits and Imaan. Will it be permissible for me to make dua of a seriously sick person wishing for death?
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged answer, fataawa, fatwa, fatwas, question, ruling, rulings on Islam on July 14, 2012 by admin.


text:
Q: How to change Wordpress WooCoocommerce currency format by languages with WPML I was wondering how to change the currency price format on the front end for a WooCommerce installation based on the language.
Is there a simple way to achieve this?

A: I have used the following filter woocommerce_price_format.
Here is my code :
add_filter( 'woocommerce_price_format', 'custom_woocommerce_price_format', 10, 2 );
function custom_woocommerce_price_format($format,$currency_pos){
    switch(ICL_LANGUAGE_CODE){
        case 'fr':
            $format = '%2$s %1$s';
        break;
        case 'en':
            $format = '%1$s%2$s';
        break;
    }
    return $format;
}

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Montgomery County's So Called "Ombudsman" Refuses To Respond To Questions
The so called "Ombudsman" for Montgomery County's speed camera has been deliberately refusing to respond to "questions and concerns" as is his specifically prescribed duty and obligation under state law.
The editor of the Maryland Drivers Alliance website submitted questions and concerns to Montgomery County's "local designee" (aka "Ombudsman") citing Maryland Transportation Article 21-809(b)(1)(IX)(4) which states "On receipt of a written question or concern from a person, the local designee shall provide a written answer or response to the person within a reasonable time."
However as of nine months later, answers to the questions submitted to the local designee have yet to be received. After prompting, only an UNSIGNED one sentence response acknowledging receipt of the email was received "I have received your request and will begin working on a response." However despite several further attempts to contact the "so called ombudsman" about this and the local designee's explicit statement that a response was to be provided Montgomery County has yet to respond to the questions and concerns expressed in the email nine months later.
Among the questions Montgomery County's "so called ombudsman" refused to respond to were questions pertaining to "processing errors" which Montgomery County's "so called ombudsman" had failed to identify when contacted by a ticket recipient:
1.4 What is the basis for concluding that your administrative review procedures are adequate to uncover errors of all types, given that the investigation by the "Local Designee" into the particular citation referenced in the attachment "ProcessingError.pdf" was not even sufficient to notice that the citation had already been voided, or to identify that a "processing error" had taken place? How do you know that there are not other types of errors which your procedures are inadequate to identify?
2) In at least one of the complaints provided in your MPIA response, you respond that "there is nothing in the photograph that caused radar effects or any interference with the Speed Monitoring System". The image on the printout is not complete, but it does appear to be DARK, thus all surroundings would not be visible. Please describe how you are able to exclude the possibility of "radar effects" being present in a nightime image where objects in the background are not clearly visible?
3) The file "Gatsolog.jpg" is one of the daily setup logs provided in the disclosure. All steps on the log are initialed. There were several other logs in the disclosure similar to this one and in each of those cases you deemed them to be valid. In the log referenced in the attached "Gatsolog.jpg" [w]hat is the "Description of Task" shown on the log for step number 7 which was signed for and which you apparently examined and found to be valid?
4) On April 6, 2015, you received a request where a Motorist stated "If it is in the government's decision to move forward in this matter, I would request copies of any evidence the prosecution may have of my involvement in the "offense", as well as all maintenance records for the camera(s) involved." I wish to make a complaint that Montgomery County's local designee apparently improperly denied a request for records by a "person in interest", stating "Because the automated speed citation is not a criminal matter, the Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit is under no obligation to provide you with discovery of "records.
Question #3 referenced a log where an operator apparently "signed" that a completely BLANK step #7 was performed. These erroneous logs were submitted as evidence in court by Montgomery County FOR YEARS, with "operators" signing these defective logs day after day. The "Local Designee" claimed to have examined such erroneous logs on Multiple occasions and responded to ticket recipients that the logs looked valid to him.
Question #4 pertained to an instance where a motorist had requested copies of the evidence that would be presented against him in court. The "So Called Ombudsman" for Montgomery County's speed camera program -- who at that time was Deputy Director of Traffic Lieutenant David McBaine -- had responded to this motorist that he was under no obligation to provide that information.
On Friday February 12, 2016, we submitted additional "questions and concerns" specifically citing Maryland Transportation Article 21-809(b)(1)(IX)(4). The questions pertained to the Citizens Advisory Board for Transportation Issues – a secret board organized by the head of Montgomery County's speed camera program which does not conform to the Maryland Open Meetings Act and follows none of the practices which are followed by other Citizens Advisory Boards. Additionally, we asked several questions regarding Montgomery County's previous failure to perform "daily setup tests" on weekends and failure to refund citations after this was revealed. The "Ombudsman" refused to respond to any of those questions, and furthermore refused to acknowledge that he would investigate the matter. Instead, after prompting specifically citing the wording of the Local Designee's duties under 21-809(b)(1)(IX)(4). The "so called Ombudsman" again merely responded with an UNSIGNED email stating "I received your request and am currently working on it. Local Designee is one of many responsibilities I have with the Department." However again, no response was forthcoming no response to any of our questions and concerns were received more than a month after our questions were submitted.
Furthermore, the Local Designee refused to respond to a request to identify himself or provide an answer as to when a response could be anticipated. We noted that by refusing to sign his email, the recipients have no way of knowing whether the person responding was even the local designee at all, and that the county could thus disavow responsibility for any responses given.
On our last confirmed communication with the Local Designee, the individual with that role was David McBaine... Deputy Director of Traffic and second in command to Captain Didone. Thus, his "other duties", includes management responsibilities over the county's speed camera program. Accord to the Local Deignee's own statements, these duties prevent him from providing timely answers to questions as required by law, or even untimely answers nine months later.
The "Ombudsman" also refused to respond to a question as to whether he has ever been advised not to answer questions from the Maryland Drivers Alliance.
We have noted previously that Montgomery County's "ombudsman" is actually nothing of the sort. As second in command to Captain Didone, Lieutenant McBaine is in no way shape or form capable of acting as an independent or objective arbitrator. In fact Montgomery County has disavowed the term "Ombudsman" several times in writing, making clear that they do not use this term to describe the role. The former "Ombudsman" (Speed Camera program manager Richard Harrison") stated in writing "As I have stated above I am the Local Designee, not an ombudsman." and on another instance "Ombusman is not a term that is used in the Speed Camera Reform Act of 2014. We use the term local designee." This put in no uncertain terms that there is no such thing as an "ombudsman" in Montgomery County.
Other local governments running speed camera programs have similarly selected individuals with managerial responsibilities within speed camera programs which would prevent them from being independent arbitrators, let alone advocates for the accused.
The Montgomery County Local Designee's failure to respond to questions or to investigate a systematic failure to perform calibration checks further proves that there is no such thing as an "Ombudsman" in Montgomery County. Yet organizations such as the Maryland Association of Counties (MaCo) -- an organization which promotes speed cameras on behalf of local government's at taxpayer expense -- continue to claim that this role was created by recent legislation and ensures that speed camera programs are somehow now fair and that no further oversight of speed camera programs is required. Thus MaCo continues to deliberately mislead the public about the nature of the "Local Designee", asserting that he is an impartial arbitrator and investigator of complaints when in fact he is merely a public relations spokesperson for the local government's "official position", whose real purpose is to sweep irrefutable cases of speed camera errors under the rug before the media finds out about them.
Individuals who wish to file a "question or concern" about Montgomery County's speed camera program can submit them to Local.Designee@montgomerycountymd.gov, but may get a big middle finger as a response if the answers to those questions do not fit the Montgomery County Government's narrative about speed cameras.
at 7:31 PM Labels: Montgomery County
Montgomery County's So Called "Ombudsman" Refuses ...

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December 27, 2016: Greetings at the turn of the years 2016 - 17
October 19, 2916: The Existance of the Thule and Vril Societies
Commission Vrilia: Our Comment to Brexit and to Ms Angela Merkel
Short story of the Sealand Generator and new contract for testing this device
Press Release: The Government Commission Vrilia has decided that as of now the Sealand Generators may be purchased by all interested parties of any nation for 1000 €.
Press Release: Greetings at the turn of the years 2015- 2016 (here as pdf)
Press Release – Letter to Federal Chancellor Merkel concerning Refugees and Vril Technology
Document as pdf
Press Release – Brandenburg Judiciary No. 10 – May 2015 Dr. Woidke
To Red Bull F1 Team: Sealand offers garantee to gain positions 1-3 in racing season 2015
Addendum to Ufos - The truth online: pictures and videos
Ufos - The truth online
Greetings at the Turn of the Year 2014/2015
Press release Nov. 3th, 2014
Directions Concerning the Use of theSealand Generator (VRIL Technology) in Motor Vehicles and Living Quarters
The Concept of Energy Density in the Sealand Generator (Vril Technology)
Application for Membership in the Sealand Business Club with the concurrent use of Sealand Vril Devices
Documents concerning the friendly cooperation between the Principality of Sealand and the Soviet respectively Russian Army in the former GDR - The presentation of the Bulava, the symbol of might and dignity,
by Lieutenant-General Golowkin to Johannes W. F. Seiger
Press Release om May 8th, 2014 - Flight MH370 Malaysian Airlines
Download the complete documentation
January 2014:
Sealand Letter: 100 Years of Fraudulent Historiography …
Greetings from the Government Commission Vrilia at the Turn of the Year 2013/2014
September 10.2013
Letter to the President of the United States of America: Deployment of VRIL Technology against the United States of America
Press Release by Prime Minister:
Instant Termination of the Friendship and Consular Treaty between the Principality of Sealand and the German Reich
(Commissary Government/SHAEF Legislator USA)
Criminal Complaints based on the gang-style conduct of Government and Judiciary in Brandenburg and Berlin to JICTC Stuttgart
Press Release by Prime Minister: Greetings at the Turn ofthe Year 2012/2013 (English and German)
... The Government Commission Vrilia feels compelled to release further technologies using Vril energy, in order to bring about through strategic means the ending of the Second World War by means of the Peace Treaty – according to international law long overdue – between the German Reich and the Allied Powers ("Siegermächte") of the Second World War for the good of all humanity....
Press Release of "Vrilia Governmental Commission" concerning the Vril Technology and Mr Bernie Ecclestone's Formula 1 Management
With a letter of Mr. Eccletone
An Historic Moment
Romania: President of State Promises the Saxons of Transylvania Reparation
Following the announcement by Prime Minister Johannes W. F. Seiger the first encouraging results appear
Who Really Started the Second World War? ... We will now, as previously announced, offer part of the Vril technology in a first step ...
Documentation 2012 Denmark, Platzeck, Westerwelle, medicinal application of VRIL energy and more, German only, 12 MB)
Season's Greetings 2011-2012
Dr. Adenauer's Formal Apology for the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS
Dresden: Overview of the Numbers of Victims
Swastika Is Insignia of the Finnish airforce
Documentation: The third Power
Flyer Sealand Generator
Dec. 20, 2010: Seasonal Message 2010-11 by the Prime Minister
concerning the release of the Vril technology
Original document as pdf file
Dec. 16. 2010: Brandenburg Justice [7]:
Re-entry in the register of companies of the officially deleted company Sealand GmbH & Co KG. Who put the political leadership in Brandenburg under Matthias Platzeck and its criminal judiciary in their place?
This File and all mentioned documents here
May 5, 2010: Statement by the Government of the Principality of Sealand Concerning the Diplomatic Relations with the Federal Republic of Germany: Why does the Federal Republic of Germany since 1990 – disregarding the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations – deny its diplomatic contacts with the Principality of Sealand
[ This File and all mentioned documents here]
Press Release February 16, 2010
Why did the SHAEF legislator USA under President Clinton ratify on January 30, 1999, the Friendship and Consular Treaty between the Commissary Government of the German Reich established by the SHAEF legislator and the Principality of Sealand?
Press Release December 12, 2009:
Vril Energy for the Twenty-first Century
Government Declaration 2009.10.1
'The state of Vril technique development reached allows us now to make the VRIL technology available to an extended circle of users. ...'
Kirlian Photographies show biological effects of the vrill staff
VRIL Technology in Civil Praxis - Report by the Government Commission Vrilia about the developments released for the civil sector in 2009
3. Jahrgang
«I paid what there was to pay»
Original document
Interview with Michel Friedman
Tachles, Swiss Jewish Weekly, November 18, 2003
Only three months after his cocaine and prostitute affair, the former president of the European Jewish Congress and vice-president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Michel Friedman, reports back. Without political functions, but with a new task. Yves Kugelmann spoke with him about the "Friedman Debate", Europe's Near East politics and the CDU (Union of Christian Democrats, the main rightwing political party of Germany) Affair.
TACHLES: Friedman the skipjack. Three months after you resigned from all political assignments following the cocaine (abuse) affair, you come back as the publisher in the Aufbau publishing house. A new task that sits well with you. Even better than the old one?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: It is a wonderful thing to make books. I am – together with a strong team – responsible for 60 titles, political books, within the Aufbau publishing group. If you translate this to TV programmes, that is more than one broadcast, that is one book, a week. As publisher I have the possibility to bring subjects to people and people to subjects. Books have a longer build-up period, but also a longer shelf life. Editing political books and thus, as the publisher, having the opportunity to exert influence, this is a wonderful challenge and work. Besides I am a column writer for politics in Max on the last page and will also write for Parsifal, the new product from the Ringier Group in Germany. Thus, the opinion-forming interjections by Michel Friedman may still be heard.
TACHLES: Interjections, reminders of social values, that in the debate around the cocaine affair were suddenly labelled moralistic. Are you a moralist, or is "the Jew" in the public eye simply equated with morality?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: On the contrary, I have always made sure that we did not get personal. My task was and is to query contents, appearance and reality in the political discussions. But I have always avoided to make anything of the private life of those concerned. Nevertheless, I made a mistake, and to hold my own, I have paid a price for that mistake that I consider justified. I have without any ifs and buts resigned form all my offices, to show that there is a different way to deal with a crisis. For to me, this is the prerequisite to regaining trust.
TACHLES: In your case, what was private spelled doom.
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: I really wondered that I was supposed to be the upholder of moral standards in the Federal Republic of Germany. I never consider it in this way and I believe I never acted accordingly.
TACHLES: Can you appreciate that during a certain period of the debate the Central Council of Jews in Germany turned its back on you?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: The Central Council did not turn is back on me, and I have all appreciation for everyone's reaction.
TACHLES: As you always stress, you have made a mistake, a mistake that in show business is practically good form. Wasn't your guilt not completely overstated?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Yes, that's true, parts of society wanted more, others find it enough. Fact is that I accepted the consequences, and this clearly out of a sense of political responsibility.
TACHLES: And not because it was a glaring mistake, perhaps in view of your future career?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: This is inseparable. I wanted to divert damages to the Jewish community, and I repeat: I think it correct that once you showed misconduct you resign, unsolicited and rigorously, from all offices. This is the prerequisite to be able to accept new responsibilities freely and freed from the past. This is my stance, this is how I live with it. Today I can look anyone in the face and say: Listen, you cannot atone more than once in life. I think I have paid excessively, and now I am free and can look anyone in the face. And if someone asks for more, that is his problem – mine is resolved.
TACHLES: To what extent was this a discussion about the Jew Michel Friedman?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: It is futile to discuss it in this manner. I am a responsible person, and in the same way as I can think critically about others I can think about myself, too. I dropped my guard, and this was made use of and was exploited. Now I can be terribly upset about it, yet it still remains the same: If I hadn't acted the way I did, I would not been open to attacks. What of this was anti-Semitic or not is in the end not an issue now. Perhaps this will have to be reappraised in a few years. But we have to be able to handle our own activities in a responsible way. Whatever motive led to the fact that one wanted to get rid of me, one would not have succeeded without my conduct. That is the deciding factor, and nothing else. And therefore I offered all I had to offer and said: OK, take it, my sin. I am alive, I speak, and no-one will order me to be quiet. I paid all there is to pay toward society. From now on I am back.
TACHLES: That is exactly according to the Jewish principle of the teshuva, the expiation by reversal.
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Yes, and I find this wonderful. I think that a person has to be honest and truthful to hold his own in front of others.
TACHLES: PR consultants propose a one-year abstinence from the public. You are back after three months. Does that mean that Friedman without his public has no existence?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: I am a journalist and publicist, that has always been part of my professional identity. I am also a lawyer. As a lawyer I work discreetly and quietly, that is part of the job. But any journalist is by definition someone who communicates with the public, and I have yet to meet a journalist without a public.
TACHLES: You return the very week that CDU politician Martin Hohmann reminds us of the Möllemann case. Has Germany, have German politicians learnt absolutely nothing from the Möllemann case?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: In all these cases – and not just in Germany – we see that anti-Semitism remains a European malady, as it always has been. In all these occurrences, and also in last week's poll, we recognise how Europe perceives Israel as a bigger threat to peace than certain dictatorships of this world. We see that we will have to deal with anti-Semitism also in the coming years, and to deal with it to me means that we are not prepared to accept it and to say that this was part of society. Where is it written that anti-Semitism has to be part of any society? The Hohmann case has also shown us that a large popular party has waited much too long to draw its consequences, and that without pressure, without political opposition, the socio-political discourse of the Jewish community, too, would have been grounded. There is no time for rest.
TACHLES: You have personally shaped the afore-mentioned socio-political discourse during the last 20 years. Who will introduce these values in the future?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Everyone can be replaced…
TACHLES: … the usual well-sounding hackneyed phase. You are replaceable, but perhaps nobody wants to take your place in this form. We know and see just in Europe and Israel that the work of the official Jewish associations is often not done by eminent authorities, by professional politicians.
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Everyone has his own signature. It is not right to think of oneself as irreplaceable. This really contradicts all democratic principles. But Michel Friedman has not lost his voice. On the contrary.
TACHLES: A threat. Will you soon take on another office?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Time will tell.
TACHLES: As president of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) you have started last year to bring Jewish politics to Europe and announced a hug programme which in parts has already begun in Turkey. Actually nobody is continuing this.
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: The EJC has elected a successor. I am no longer president because I made a mistake. And I am not one of those who are less critical towards themselves than towards others. One might deplore it or not, that is how things are at the moment. There is a successor, and I honestly wish him all the best. With this of course I want to say that all the best means that he will bring the political approach that I started to full bloom and adds his own signature. But everyone has his personal signature, and that must be respected. I take this very seriously indeed.
TACHLES: What in your opinion should the EU engagement in the Near East be?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: The EU is non-existent in foreign politics. If one compares the Near-East foreign policies of Germany and England or France and Sweden, one finds that it is a bouquet of many very different colours. We have to make sure the EU does not become the extended arm of a one-sided Near-East policy against Israel. The actual fact that the mentioned poll had been ordered by the EU alone shows that the relations are strained. Israel is the only Near-East country that stands up to Western and European criteria and is oriented along corresponding values. It is a democracy in which freedom of press, science and education prevails. A country with democratic elections, in which a functioning judiciary system monitors politics. In this way it should be the task of the EU to support this country and not to weaken it. This irrespective of whether one sees another, faster solution to the problem of the Palestinians than the present government of Israel is politically formulating. The EU will not be able to exert an important influence in the Near East and in the peace process as long as the Israeli do not feel that the Europeans define Israel as an ally in their core interests in the Near East. I find that Israel rightfully understands this criterion to be of top priority. This results in Europe's role at this time being peripheral, and it will probably remain so.
TACHLES: What do you think of the "Geneva Convention", of the extra-parliamentarian dialogue group of persons from Israel and Palestine?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: I believe that there will be the perspective of a solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. But we may not discuss this subject one-dimensionally. Even if the moderates among the Palestinians will prevail, Syria, Iran, Libya – to mention just a few countries – will play a decisive role in whether they will be allowed to enter a peace treaty or not. Syria is against a peace because the Lebanon question will then be on the table. The Lebanon is still occupied by Syria. Iran cannot afford the stabilisation of the Israel-Palestine conflict because it would then loose the foe image Israel as a representative of the US. Libya, a country with a terrorist tradition going back decades, can also not wish for peace. With other words: To believe it to be a bilateral matter whether there will be a real peace treaty between Palestinians and Israelites attests to typically European naivety. I would wish that the Europeans would exert pressure on the dictatorships and not only on democratic Israel.
TACHLES: And how do you judge the logistic and financial support of the treaty by Switzerland?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: You will understand that within the framework of European insignificance I define Switzerland as exceptionally insignificant country in the Near East.
TACHLES: But you share the view of the Sharon government that no negotiations shall be supported to take place behind their backs?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Switzerland is a free country and can place its stamp on any subject at any point in the world. Whether she overreaches herself doing it is another issue. Megalomania has never led to any results.
TACHLES: Talking of megalomania: What were your thoughts when the Anti-Defamation League proclaimed Berlusconi Statesman of the Year?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Independent of how you perceive Berlusconi, one thing is undisputed: Also in his role as president of the EU he showed a remarkable pro-Israel engagement. As one of my last official acts I conducted a discussion with him, and at that time he had stated clearly that as EU president he would not underwrite the anti-Israel position of the EU. He clearly and unequivocally supports the rights of Italian citizens of the Jewish faith. Form this point of view I can understand that he is awarded. On the other hand, and that is at least as important, one should not forget that Berlusconi is leading a governing coalition among whose members are at least right-nationals. A sign that I judge as rather problematic in Europe. But every institution has to decide for itself with whom it adorns itself.
TACHLES: An atypical Friedman answer. Is there compromise concerning anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish remarks, is there compromise concerning undemocratic behaviour?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Berlusconi did not make any anti-Semitic remarks.
TACHLES: At least he depicted, not to say qualified, history in a wilful manner. As a rule you are more perspicuous in this respect.
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: I stated it clearly: I think his attitude towards Israel remarkable. The other aspects of his political orientation, especially in this coalition, I consider as extremely problematic.
TACHLES: However, we see that rightwing governments at this time present an especially positive attitude towards Israel. On the other hand there are a lot of "Buts" in respect to minority politics, fight against racism, anti-Semitism. Do we not in this respect turn a blind eye and open ourselves to this dilemma?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: A dilemma it might be. The primary question to me is what ideas are you following. I find that any coalition with right-nationals or parties even more to the right is a sin that cannot be compensated.
TACHLES: Stirring the brown soup then. Is that why you took such a definite stance against Möllemann?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: We had to deal with a challenge that would have totally altered the coordinates of the political system in Germany, if the FDP (Free Democratic Party) – and not just Mr Möllemann – had succeeded with this election campaign clearly constructed upon anti-Semitic and anti-Israel resentments. That had to be prevented. Period. Still, and that has to be stated equally clearly, the wish that a person lives is always much more important than anything else. I was saddened because a person died. But that doesn't change anything in what we had to discuss politically at the time.
TACHLES: No concessions to the right then, not to Berlusconi either?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: In Austria we clearly stated to the Schüssler government: No coalition with Haider. And what goes for Austria goes for other European countries too. Therefore I repeat: We have to differentiate. This government may make important contributions to Israel and the Near East, but its political legitimation, in conjunction with parties of the extreme right, is inexcusable.
TACHLES: Is this again the politician talking, perhaps the future EJC president?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Those are your words. I have new tasks, I will certainly not ask for (more) new ones.
TACHLES: And when will you begin your own TV programme again?
MICHEL FRIEDMAN: Not before next summer.
© 2001/2002 tachles Jüdisches Wochenmagazin.
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Last modified: Mittwoch, 12. August 2004