In the recent weeks, our hearts have been shattered by the brutal and inhumane acts against our brothers and sisters in Palestine. The pain runs deep, not just in Gaza but across the West Bank and various parts of Palestine. Sadly, it’s a cycle we’ve witnessed before, and in a few weeks, this too will become a page in history. However, if we listen with our hearts, not just our ears, we can hear the messages of hope and strength emanating from our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Their steadfastness and struggle offer vital lessons we should embrace. I intend to highlight a few of the lessons we must take, reflect on and internalise, In Sha Allah.

Lesson 1: Do Not Expect Anything From the ‘International Community’

The notion of an “International Community” is, in reality, a mere illusion. It is not uncommon to hear people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, talk about the international community and wonder why it doesn’t intervene in the tragic events unfolding in Gaza. But, my dear brothers and sisters, the idea of an ‘International Community’ is nothing but a mirage. Because in reality, all these nations that make up this community ultimately serve their own agenda and use the concept of ‘International Community’ when it serves their purpose.

As Muslims, our unity is rooted in a shared Aqeedah that binds us in a way that no so-called ‘International Community’ ever could. This is why we should place our trust in our own Ummah, for Allah (SWT) has explicitly stated in the Qur’an that;

“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood”

(Surah Al-Hujurat; 49:10).

Lesson 2: ‘International Law’ is Redundant

The notion of “International Law” is nothing but a fallacy, and Muslims do not recognise it, nor should we expect justice from it or refer to it. Allah (SWT) commands the believers to turn to His (SWT) Shari’ah, not to any other system or laws.

In addition, it is often wielded as a weapon against us, as there is no authority that consistently enforces its provision which allows the Zionists and others to violate it without facing any consequences. Any penalties that are handed out for violating international law are weak and do not act as a deterrent, allowing the Zionist entity to act with impunity.

Lesson 3: There is Only One Battle; Islam and Kufr

The recent events should have even further solidified in our hearts and minds that in this world, there are only two camps – no grey area exists: Islam and Kufr, Haqq (truth) and Baatil (falsehood). Allah (SWT) says;

“That is because Allah (alone) is the Truth and what they invoke besides Him is falsehood, and Allah (alone) is truly the Most High, All-Great.”

(Surah Al-Hajj; 22:62)

We mustn’t see these events as isolated attacks on Muslims; rather, it’s a battle between truth and falsehood that started when Iblis rebelled against Allah (SWT) and vowed to lead mankind astray. This is an enduring struggle between those who are from the party of Allah (SWT) and those who are from the party of Shaytaan.

Lesson 4: Their Sacrifice Bring Us Strength

While we may profess Imaan, the Muslims in Palestine experience it and taste its sweetness, first-hand. They’ve unwaveringly placed their trust in Allah (SWT) and are willing to sacrifice everything for His pleasure. They’ve truly grasped concepts like Ajal, Rizk, and Tawakkul, which shine through their actions. For us on the other hand, we must ask ourselves the question that if we are hesitating to fulfil our duties and sacrifice for the sake Allah (SWT), then are we merely paying lip service to these ideas?

The reality is that it is we who are weak and feeble, and it is the Muslims of Palestine who exhibit extraordinary strength. We might think our comforting words strengthen them, but in reality, it’s their unwavering actions that inspire and strengthen us. We may say that we Muslims live only for the hereafter and have no love for this life. But do our actions testify to this? Certainly the steadfastness of our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a testament to this. They are truly in a position where they can declare that they have sacrificed everything for the sake of Allah and for the hereafter. But can we say this when many of us are in a slumber. Many of us fear the inevitable journey from this world to meeting Allah (SWT), while our Palestinian brothers and sisters eagerly await that blessed encounter with their Lord.

“Faces, on that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord.”

(Surah Al-Qiyamah; 75:22-23)

Lesson 5: Place Your Trust in Allah (SWT) First

Our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Gaza are displaying their absolute Imaan and trust in Allah (SWT) and no one else. They are truly depicting their understanding and belief of the verses of Qur’an where Allah (SWT) tells the believers that trusting in Him is sufficient for them.

“And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He (alone) is sufficient for them.”

(Surah At-Talaq; 65:3).

And despite having little they exhibit profound gratitude.

“Those who desire worldly gain, We will let them have it, and those who desire heavenly reward, We will grant it to them. And We will reward those who are grateful.”

(Surah Al-Imran; 3:145)

Only after mentioning the du’a of Ibrahim (AS) ‘hasbunAllaah wa ni’mal-Wakil’ (Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs) do they then turn to calling for help from the Ummah.

This is a big reminder for us. We should now question ourselves in everything we do. Do we tend to place our hope in material things and people before Allah (SWT)? Do we place our trust in worldly entities before Allah (SWT)? It is time for us to put our trust in Allah (SWT) and work only for solutions that come from Islam. Trusting in anything or anyone else and calling for solutions from other than Islam is completely forbidden and we must internalise this.

Lesson 6: Facing Trials and Tribulations Is a Part of Imaan

The Qur’an reminds us in Ayaat such as

“Do people think that they will be let go merely by saying: ‘We believe,’ and that they will not be tested?” (Surah Al-Ankabut; 29:2),

and

“And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast.” (Surah Al-Baqarah; 2:155),

that belief, is not mere proclamation; it’s tested, and trials are an inseparable part of Imaan. When we witness the hardships faced by our brothers and sisters in Palestine, it’s a stark reminder of what it truly means to be a believer. We all face tests in different forms, some in hardship and some in ease.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we recognising the tests in our own lives and responding with unwavering Imaan, just as they are doing in Gaza?

Conclusion

In these testing times, we must embrace these invaluable lessons and draw inspiration from the unwavering strength of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. They are not merely conveying wisdom through their unwavering determination; they stand as a living testament to profound conviction and unwavering courage.

Their sacrifices are not in vain; they have secured the promise of Allah (SWT). They will, by the Will and Mercy of Allah, quench their thirst at Al-Kawthar and share the company of the Anbiya’ (AS).

“Among the believers are men who have proven true to what they pledged to Allah.

(Surah Al-Ahzab; 33:23)

However, as we move forward, we should not be complacent and our concern should be directed inward, contemplating how our own bodies will bear witness against us on the Day of Judgment. We must ask ourselves why we cling to this Dunya, to the worldly possessions, while our brothers and sisters in the blessed land of Palestine, hasten to make sacrifices and attain genuine liberation from the shackles of this fleeting world?’

“Have you become happy with the worldly life instead of the Hereafter? So, (remember that) the enjoyment of the worldly life is but trivial in (comparison with) the Hereafter.

(Surah At-Tawbah; 9:38)