Lessons for Muslims from the happenings in Palestine

This article is a co-written work by Ustazah Zahratur Rofiqah Binte Mochamad Sandisi & Ustazah Sharifah Inshirah Aljunied

Introduction

Navigating through the continuous onslaught and indiscriminate attacks on the people of Palestine, particularly in Gaza, can be emotionally heart-wrenching. This situation stirs a mix of profound sentiments such as sorrow, anger, frustration, and a sense of helplessness among individuals. As we grapple with these intense emotions, it is crucial to recognize and validate them as genuine responses to the human suffering and injustice unfolding in Gaza.

In traversing this emotional landscape, let us reflect on the guidance from this hadith: 

عَجَبًا لأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لأَحَدٍ إِلاَّ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ

“How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. 

(Narrated by Imam Muslim, Riyad as-Salihin 27)

This hadith provides a poignant perspective on facing trials with patience and resilience. It also encourages believers to respond to challenging circumstances with a steadfast faith and a commitment to positive actions.

This wisdom encourages believers to maintain gratitude in times of ease and to cultivate patience in times of adversity. Applying this principle to the context of the Gaza ordeal, it becomes a guiding light in harnessing the emotions affected by the situation and channeling them into constructive actions aimed at alleviating the suffering and advocating for justice.

Palestine Has a Special Place in Our Hearts

In the hearts of Muslims, Palestine holds a profound significance deeply rooted in our religion. This sacred land cradles the third holiest mosque and served as the abode for numerous prophets, scholars, and saints. The significant events of Isra and Mi’raj further underscore the unparalleled importance of this revered land.

In this heartbreaking time, the current plight of Palestine is one that tugs at the threads of our collective conscience. Witnessing the grievous atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinians is a heart-wrenching experience that compels us to take a firm stand in solidarity with them. The anguish and suffering endured by the Palestinian people ignite a fervent determination within us to leverage our voices as a powerful tool, echoing their plight to the world. In these testing times, it is imperative that we, as a global Muslim community, stand united in the face of such adversity.

The echoes of history resound in every stone of Palestine, and it is our duty to protect and preserve this sacred legacy. Beyond geographical boundaries, our connection to Palestine transcends the physical; it is an intrinsic part of our spiritual identity. As we witness the challenges befalling our brethren in this blessed land, a call to action reverberates through the corridors of our faith.

Looking at the situation in the lens of justice & humanity

We have been reminded continually of the primary objective of the issue; to be standing up for justice and humanity, and to never succumb to the facile fallacies of hatred towards irrelevant parties and innocent groups. This however does not eliminate the spirit of justice, which has already been cultivated in our scriptures and the predecessors, who spoke for the truth as it was and corrected a wrong when it was definite. Allah SWT makes mention of this in a perennial verse: 

كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ اُمَّةٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ ۗ 

“You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” (Surah Al-Ahzab verse 21)

In the face of oppression, there has to be a voice within the public sphere, to move hearts and to remind people of what is right and wrong, while calling the masses to persist in civility amidst the myriad of sentiments. These two concepts can co-exist, and it is ordained upon the public to pursue truth while remaining resolute to good speech and morality.

The privilege that we have and how we can use it to our advantage

Refocusing back to our reality as Muslims far from the area of turmoil, it is only right to feel a sense of loss and guilt for not being able to do nor contribute directly to the cause. This in itself is a test for us, and it should be our responsibility to remain patient. This collective agony also serves as a point of reflection for us to be stronger internally as Muslims in face of such trials and a reminder that the Ummah must be united; despite the differences of thoughts and opinions. This is a time where we, as a Muslim community should remain in solidarity to emerge victorious in light of the cause. It is mentioned in a relatable hadith: 

“The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim 2586)

The blessing of being free and in a state of peace should be put into good use by continuing to preach and educate of spirituality coupled with the spirit of unity in light of the trials that befall our Muslim brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. In this case, we refer specifically to the people of Palestine. 

Our role now, as a group of people in a peaceful country is to feel, pray and educate our young on the issue at hand. It is also pertinent to note that this cause should not be a temporary advocacy. Efforts in dialogues of this sort should be interminable, and continue for as long as the issue shall persist. 

Focusing on our own battles: Lessons from the Palestinians 

It is of the Sunnah (path) of Allah SWT to design this world in a manner that is not utopic. For this reason, the concept of trials, evil and injustice occur on this Earth until the day of Judgement. 

Instead of losing hope, Muslims must reap lessons and learn from the people of Palestine to move forward as a stronger entity. The people of Palestine view the Dunya to be the bridge to their true homes, which also serves as a lesson to the rest of the Muslim world; a worldview that should be adopted and manifested in our worldview. This is referred to as the ability to see the world as if they could smell and see heaven in front of them, making everyday a means to do goodness, a day that should not be wasted and pursued for matters that bring benefit in the eyes of Allah SWT. 

The injustices happening in other parts of the world should never enfeeble the determination of the Muslim Ummah, rather, it should spur us further to build a stronger foundation.

Conclusion: The cause does not end here

As we lament and weep over the happenings that have transpired, we should cogitate and see the issue as something we should fight for in the remaining time we have in this ephemeral realm. The issue has indeed, in His own way, caused an awakening for the people on the reality of injustice. This is in line with the teachings of the Prophet SAW, who despised the smallest forms of injustice, which is narrated in a narration: 

“I heard Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, say, ‘Oh you people! I hear you reciting this verse: ‘Oh you who believe! Worry about your own selves. If you follow the right guidance, no harm can come to you from those who are in error.’ (al-Ma’idah 5:105) But I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: ‘Indeed when people see an oppressor but do not prevent him from doing evil, it is likely that Allah will punish them all.” 

(Narrated by Ibn Majah, and it was classified Sahih)

The cause against inhumanity should also extend to other injustices and unfortunate events happening in other parts of the world; such as Syria, Africa and many other countries that share similar fates unheard of. The occurrences in Gaza shakes us from our deep slumber, to remind us that our privilege is not shared by others in other parts of the world, and it is almost an obligation for us to repurpose and serve them in our own capacities, while constantly including these people in our daily prayers and thoughts. 

And Allah SWT knows best.