– Ayesha Azka
Palestine stands as a symbol of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of immense suffering. The Palestinian people, despite enduring relentless bloodshed and loss, continue to embody steadfastness, their sacrifices echoing the powerful testimonies of faith and survival. Their story is not just one of tragedy but also one of perseverance – a reminder to the world of the ongoing battle for justice and human dignity.
Today, the Palestinian struggle serves as a potent reminder that faith and resistance are inseparable. Even as the blood of innocent civilians stains the land and bombs continue to fall, Palestinians remain unwavering in their commitment to Allah and their right to live in peace. However, the brutality of Israel and the silence of the international community have drawn sharp questions: How long will this oppression continue, and how long will the world stand idly by?
The ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians, particularly the targeting of children, has left an indelible scar on the global conscience. The scenes of innocent lives torn apart by violence raise uncomfortable truths about the world’s priorities. Are the lives of Palestinians less valuable than others? Why has the Ummah, a community that once stood united in faith and justice, allowed such cruelty to persist without a unified response?
This article seeks to examine the history of Palestinian resistance, the current situation, and the urgent need for the Ummah to rekindle its spirit of unity and justice.
A Brief History of Palestinian Struggle
The history of Palestine is marked by centuries of foreign domination, culminating in the establishment of Israel in 1948. This event, which was supported by the Balfour Declaration of 1917, saw the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and the beginning of a systematic campaign to erase Palestinian identity from their own land. The Nakba, or catastrophe, of 1948, remains a painful memory for Palestinians and a stark reminder of the injustices they continue to face.
Despite these hardships, the Palestinian resistance has been a beacon of hope. In the face of overwhelming odds, Palestinian groups, particularly Hamas, have continued to resist occupation and oppression. Born from the larger movement of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance and self-determination. Today, Palestinian fighters, from Hamas to individual civilians, remain resolute in their commitment to reclaiming their land and their dignity.
The Role of Faith in the Palestinian Struggle
The faith of the Palestinian people is perhaps their greatest strength. In the face of unimaginable hardship, it is their belief in Allah and the eternal nature of justice that keeps their flame of resistance burning. Every martyr who falls in the struggle for freedom adds fuel to the fire of hope, and every act of defiance against oppression reinforces their resolve.
As the poet Amjad Hyderabadi writes:
The Creator has granted them wealth, and they give it away
What is wealth but the sacrifice in Allah’s way
Their investment is in bowing and prostration
They possess no worldly possessions, but give their heads away.
This unwavering faith, rooted in the belief that their struggle is a righteous one, provides the Palestinians with the strength to endure. They have faced bombs, bullets, and the relentless machinery of genocidal war, yet their spirit remains unbroken. Their resistance is not just against an occupying force but against the very forces of oppression that seek to crush their identity and their future.
The Impact of Martyrdom
The martyrdom of Palestinian leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and others has been portrayed by many as a sign of defeat. However, this perspective is short-sighted. Martyrdom in the Palestinian context is not an end but a continuation of the struggle. These leaders, like the great figures of Islamic history, have given their lives in the service of justice, and their sacrifices only inspire further resistance.
Historically, martyrdom has always been a source of strength. The Muslim community saw it in the example of Khalid ibn al-Walid, whose military genius and unwavering faith led the Muslims to victory. After his death, many feared that the victories would cease. But the caliphate continued to grow, showing that the success of a movement is not dependent on any one individual. The same can be said for the Palestinian cause. Though their leaders may fall, their struggle will continue, fuelled by the generations that follow.
Palestinian Resistance: A Call for Global Justice
The international community, particularly Muslim-majority countries, must question their role in the ongoing conflict. It is not enough to merely offer sympathy or send humanitarian aid. The Ummah must unite to challenge the international powers that support Israel’s actions. The silence and inaction of many countries have allowed this injustice to continue unabated. It is time for the Ummah to rediscover its strength and stand with the Palestinian people.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us the importance of standing against oppression, regardless of the source. In the face of injustice, it is the responsibility of every Muslim to act. As the Qur’an says, “And what is wrong with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children?” (Quran 4:75).
Palestinians, though oppressed and devastated, have not lost their faith in the righteousness of their cause. Their resistance is not just a struggle for land but a fight for justice, dignity, and the preservation of their identity. It is a struggle that mirrors the experiences of those who came before them – those who fought for justice despite overwhelming odds.
A Message of Unity
The struggle of Palestine is not just the struggle of the Palestinian people but of the entire Ummah. It is a call for unity, for standing together against oppression, and for reaffirming our commitment to justice. The question we must all ask ourselves is: How will we respond? Will we continue to be silent, or will we rise, as the Palestinians have, and stand firm in the face of injustice?
The history of the Ummah is one of victory against overwhelming odds, and it is within our power to ensure that this legacy continues. Just as the Palestinian people continue to fight with unwavering faith, so too must we continue to support them, through our actions, our prayers, and our commitment to justice. It is time for the Ummah to stand united once again, as a beacon of hope for those who are oppressed. The time for action is now.
