Purported bin Laden message focuses on relief issues

By the CNN Wire Staff

October 1, 2010 -- Updated 1118 GMT (1918 HKT)

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(CNN) -- A message purportedly from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is urging Muslims to tackle famine, flood relief, and clean water -- stark problems plaguing parts of the Islamic world.

The message, which appeared on jihadist forums Friday, strongly urged Muslims to help Muslims by investing in infrastructure projects and developing awareness programs, such as how to deal with issues like water pollution.

The speaker started the message by wishing the Muslim world a happy Ramadan, which fell between early August and early September, and he also focused on the floods in Pakistan.

The speech, entitled, "Pauses with the Method of Relief Work," came in an 11 minute, 39 second video produced by al-Qaeda's media arm, as-Sahab.

CNN could not verify the authenticity of the message.

The video featured a still photo of bin Laden with alternating images of people in disaster zones receiving aid over the voice of the speaker.

A purported bin Laden tape surfaced in March. The voice on that tape hints at retaliation if alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is executed.

CNN's Caroline Faraj contributed to this report (cnn)

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