On June 16, 2006, Islamist websites posted an audio recording that included an open letter from Abdallah bin Rashid Al-Baghdadi, commander of the Shura Council of the Jihad Fighters in Iraq. [1] The letter, which was read out by Shura Council head Abu 'Amar Al-Dulaimi's spokesman, stated that Al-Zarqawi’s death would not impede or weaken the jihad in Iraq, but would rather motivate the fighters to follow in his footsteps and seek martyrdom themselves.

The following are excerpts from the letter: [2]

"To my Islamic nation... Rejoice, [my] Islamic nation, in the death of one of the jihad commanders, Abu Mus’ab Al-Zarqawi - the brave commander and heroic lion who struck terror in [the heart of] his enemies, broke their strength, and crushed their spirit, the commander who neither rested nor pursued pleasures [but] monitored and supervised the [fighting] on the battle-field along with his brothers, without rest, by day and by night…

"In these words I wish to convey [some] messages that cannot be ignored in the face of a momentous event such as this. [First,] a message to the Islamic nation as a whole: Allah has charged a [certain] group within the [Islamic] nation with the duty of raising the banner of jihad... and this blessed commander [Al-Zarqawi] was a member of this elite group - one in a nation, one out of the millions. He, through his practice in his way of life and his jihad, managed to crush the enemy's strength, to halt the progress of the Safavids [i.e. the Shi'ites] [3] and to behead the traitors.

"But on the Iraqi battlefield, there is no shortage of others like him. And as I congratulate the [Islamic] nation for his martyrdom, I [also] assure it that on the battlefield there are many... who follow in his footsteps, and that this incident [i.e. his death] will only be an incentive and a motivation for jihad and martyrdom, since the martyrdom of our commanders is one of the [signs that demonstrate] the justness of our jihad.

"The loss of this commander does not hinder or impede the course of jihad. Though he has died, jihad continues until the Day of Judgment, and no death of a commander can [possibly] harm the jihad, delay it, or weaken it. On the contrary: [Al-Zarqawi's death] is a lesson and a message to all the religious scholars, preachers, and faithful of the [Islamic] nation who shirk [their duty of participating in jihad], that they should stand up and take responsibility, examine their weaknesses and reassess their positions regarding Islam and their contribution to it...

"Where are the men of principle and determination? Where are the men of battle and sacrifice? The nation [is engaged] in a bitter war against its Crusader enemies, against the Safavids, and against the traitors, and its religious scholars, its preachers, and its believers must stand by it as one, because in this way all conspiracies [against the nation] will be thwarted.

"This is a message to this generation of the [Islamic] nation that they should rid themselves of weakness (the love of this world and the hatred of death); stand up and shoulder the nation's responsibility of jihad against the enemies of Allah...

"This is also a message to the jihad fighters inside and outside Iraq, assuring them that we are clinging to the principles of truth and that our jihad does not depend on [particular] figures and leaders, no matter what their status or role...

"Though I am completely certain that the death of this beloved commander will only strengthen the dedication and resolve of his brothers and his men, as well as the comradery [among them] and [their] devotion to [his] way, I send this message in order to recall the battle of Uhud, [4] from which [we] can take comfort. Therefore I say: Stand up and die for that for which Abu Mus'ab gave his life...

"This is also a message to the enemies of Allah - the Crusaders, the Safavids, and the traitors: The martyrdom of Commander [Al-Zarqawi] will not change [the situation] on the battlefront in any way. In fact, it will intensify the cruelty and force [of the struggle], since [Al-Zarqawi] established foundations [of fighters] and set up firm pillars. His death will not be a weakening factor, [since] he will become a symbol that inspires the jihad fighters - through his [exemplary] life, his resolute stand, his courage, and his fighting. His death is not enough to eradicate his presence.

"In the coming few days, the [Iraqi] government, which collaborates with the Crusader forces, will realize this and understand this message, since there will be battles and confrontations between us in which they will taste the bitterness of killing, drink from the cup of death, and be defeated.

"I also send a message to the Sunnis in Iraq and call upon them to honor commander [Al-Zarqawi] and to educate this generation in light of his principles, his jihad, and his bravery...

"Finally, the Shura Council of the Jihad Fighters in Iraq, including all groups, commanders and soldiers... emphasizes to the [Islamic] nation that the loss [of Al-Zarqawi], a member of this blessed council, will only strengthen this council's power and its adherence [to the path of the Islamic nation]. The Islamic nation will only rejoice in his death, thanks to his jihad - while to the enemy, his death will cause only harm...

"May Allah receive our brother Abu Mus'ab [Al-Zarqawi] as a martyr, and allow us to join him among the martyrs who advance [in battle] and never withdraw..."