While participating in jihad gives a jihadist important religious credibility, death in battle provides immortality, as the deceased is ranked a martyr. It is believed that Muslim martyrs will be highly rewarded in the afterlife for their sacrifice and hold a special position in heavenly paradise. It is therefore not surprising that martyrdom is a central theme in jihadi visual propaganda.

This specific image portrays the faces of three JAA members (Hani Muhammad al-Tarabin or “Abu `Adnan,” Tahir `Isa `Isa or “Abu Muslim” and Fahad Muhammad al-Minawi or “Aby Suhayb”) killed by IDF forces during an attack on the Nahal Oz fuel terminal (June 8, 2009). On right appears the Dome of the Rock. It is recognized and revered by all Muslims, but it is particularly a powerful symbol of Palestinian self-determination. It was built in 692 A.D. by the Umayyid caliph ‘Abd al-Malik on the site where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven in his mi‘raj (night journey), and it is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and al-Madina. Because of its status in Islam, the Dome of the Rock is often used to code a message of inspiration for jihadi activism.

Above the dome there is a black banner bearing the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith holding that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger) and the seal of the Prophet Muhammad with the phrase “muhammad rasul Allah” (“Muhammad messenger of God”) at its center. According to prophetic tradition (hadith), the black flag was the battle flag of the Prophet Muhammad and it was carried into battle by many of his companions.  In the contemporary Islamist movement, the black flag with the shahada is used to evoke notions of jihad and of reestablishing the Islamic Caliphate.

The main caption reads: “fursan ghazwat al-balagh” (cavalry of the “balagh” [spread of the message] raid). At the bottom in fine print appears the name of the JAA’s media wing “mu’assasat al-janna lil-intaj al-`lami” (Janna media production foundation) and its address www.janah.ps. In the bottom left corner we can see its logo, the word “Janna” [Paradise].

 

More Information
Group Name Jund Ansar Allah (via Janah which is the JAA propaganda and information wing)
Group Type Jihadist Group
Dominant Colors Orange, Green
Secondary Colors Red, White
Language Arabic
Visual or Textual Reference to Significant Recent Events
Date EntryAnalysis Entry
Vsual and textual allusion to JAA's attack on the Nahal Oz fuel terminal on 6/8/2009.
Isolated Phrases / Mottoes / Slogans 1) shahada 2) fursan ghazwat al-balagh
Image Number 0343
Groups Region of Operation Middle East
Groups Country of Operation Israel/Palestine
Body Parts Face / Bust
Air Analysis Orange Sky
Air Clouds / Fog, Sky
Fire Light Rays / Light
Geopolitical Symbols Non-country Flag, Symbol of party, movement or company, Slogan
Geopolitical Analysis Black with shahada. Janah.ps. logo - black background with yellow word "janna" and sword over the letter "jim."
People Operative / Warrior (=mujahid), Man / Men, Horse Rider
People Analysis Deceased JAA operatives
Religious Textual References Shahada
Religious Textual References Analysis La ila illa Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah
Religious Symbols Holy Site, Black / White / Green Banners, Seal of the Prophet
Religious Symbols Analysis Dome of the Rock. Black with Prophet's seal.
Fauna Horse
Topography Mountain, Man-made Structure / Landmark
Topography Analysis Domed mosque

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