The image portrays the leader of AQAP Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi at the bottom of the wall of the Old City in Jerusalem with the dome of the al-Aqsa mosque in the background. The caption in the top left corner reads: “fi al-aqsa naltaqi” (“we shall meet at al-Aqsa”).  The al-Aqsa mosque is recognized and revered by all Muslims, but it is mostly a powerful symbol of Palestinian nationhood. In the bottom left corner appears the figure’s name, title and group affiliation “al-shaykh al-mujahid Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi, amir  Tanzim Qa`idat al-Jihad fi Jazirat al-`Arab” (“the mujahid (fighter) shaykh Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi, commander of AQAP”). Abu Basir is seen in the image pointing his finger upwards, a gesture used sometimes to reprimand (as in Western cultures) or when articulating the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith holding that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger).
More Information
Group Name AQAP
Group Type Jihadist Group
Group Affiliation AQ Affiliates / Associates
Dominant Colors Orange , White
Secondary Colors Brown
Language Arabic
Isolated Phrases / Mottoes / Slogans Fi al-aqsa naltaqi
Image Number 0347
Groups Region of Operation Middle East, Global
Groups Country of Operation Yemen, Saudi Arabia
Body Parts Pointer Finger, Face / Bust
Air Clouds / Fog, Sky
Fire Light Rays / Light
Geopolitical Symbols Slogan
People Group Leader / Influential figure, Operational Leader, Man / Men
People Analysis Leader of AQAP Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi. Leader of AQAP Abu Basir Nasir al-Wuhayshi.
Religious Textual References Use of Calligraphy
Religious Symbols Holy Site
Religious Symbols Analysis Al-Aqsa mosque
Fauna Dove / Default Bird
Topography Man-made Structure / Landmark
Topography Analysis Domed mosque
Visual Themes The white clouds in the image evoke Allah’s total inscrutability prior to creation and as the bearer of rain. It is considered a symbol of "khayr" [bounty/good] (“khayr” is a synonym for rain) and a sign of good things to come.

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive updates from CTC.

Sign up