– Ammarah Ishaq and Mohammed Salman Siddiqui
Faith in action is a deep concept that finds its powerful expression at the present time we live in, when the Palestinian people’s suffering seems boundless, their only faith in Allah (SWT) stands as an evidence to the power of spiritual resilience. The struggle of Palestinians has not only stirred the global Muslim community but also struck a chord deeply with people of all faiths and backgrounds. Their daily existence, marked by immense trials and tribulations, is a living embodiment of the highest form of yaqeen—the ultimate certainty and trust in God achieved through personal experience and steadfastness.
This faith is not merely a passive belief but a vital force that propels acts of compassion and empathy, vividly illustrating the transformative potency of true faith. When tasked with writing on “Faith in Action: Serving Humanity through Compassion and Empathy,” I could think of no better example than the Palestinians. Their story is one of relentless endurance and unshakeable belief, providing a powerful narrative of how faith can inspire and sustain humanity even in the darkest of times.
A scene of deep sorrow and steadfast faith transpired in Gaza when a Palestinian woman held her deceased toddler in her arms, tears streaming down her face as she softly whispered hugging the baby “Alhamdulillah”- thanks be to the Lord, expressing gratitude even during such unimaginable loss.
This moment is a true example of faith in action, captured and shared widely, touched millions around the globe, serving as a powerful evidence of the depth of Imaan that sustains the Palestinian people. Their ability to maintain their faith and gratitude despite relentless adversity is not only remarkable but also deeply inspiring. It highlights a level of spiritual fortitude that goes beyond mere belief, or wisdom entering the realm of Haqq-ul-Yaqeen, the ultimate certainty achieved through personal experience.
This unshakable faith has had a ripple effect, moving countless others lost for words, including those who have chosen to convert to Islam after witnessing the Palestinians’ steadfastness. Their faith is hope and resilience, demonstrating the true manifestation not only in words but in actions—actions that resonate with compassion, empathy, and a strong commitment to serving humanity. This is a powerful reminder to the actual strength of the human spirit!
These commitments are evident not only in their daily prayers and Friday summons where all gather under rubbles united to praise the Lord and not one moves but also in their acts of compassion and empathy towards one another. It’s evident when a child is found serving food to little kittens rather than feeding himself who’s been starving for weeks.
The people of Gaza, perform mass funeral prayers, use rainwater for ritual ablutions, and call to prayer despite bombardments, saying, حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَ كِيلُ. These acts of faith, ability to maintain their faith and uphold their religious practices in times of relentless suffering is the true meaning of understanding what faith in action is, it’s the transformative power of belief. Their lives are a living example to the verse in the Quran that reminds us of the importance of patience and perseverance regardless of good or bad times, showcasing a level of spiritual fortitude that inspires and educates.
These acts do more, they challenge the world to reconsider its understanding of humanity, compassion, and the human capacity for empathy. Through their trials, the Palestinians are teaching us that faith is not merely a personal refuge but a source of collective strength and solidarity. Inspiring the world to explore Islam and its teachings, that’s leading to life-changing decisions, such as conversions, as people seek to connect with the same source of spiritual strength that holds Palestinian people.
The Palestinians’ faith manifests itself in their acts of compassion and empathy. They continue to uphold the teachings of Islam, emphasizing the importance of kindness and support for one another, they extend help and solidarity to their fellow citizens.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlight the believers’ mutual kindness and compassion, comparing them to a single body and soul that suffers collectively when one part is in pain. This principle is demonstrated in Rafah, where the families were burnt alive, yet communities have come together, supporting each other in the most trying times. Their selfless willingness to share scarce resources, offer comfort to one another, and maintain a sense of unity underlines their deep-seated empathy.
These actions reflect the true essence of faith in action, showing that even in the face of immense suffering, the Palestinians maintain their humanity and dignity, leaving a strong message for the generations to come. Through their steadfastness and selfless acts, they not only preserve their spirit but have also awakened the global consciousness towards greater compassion and humanitarianism.
We’ve all seen how ordinary citizens use social media, write books, photograph, speak and engage at global levels to shed light on their struggles, history, and the core values of their faith. Their efforts have left imprints on countless individuals worldwide to learn more about Islam and the Palestinian cause, often leading to greater understanding and solidarity.
By turning their suffering into a powerful essence, the Palestinians not only preserve their own culture and identity but have also built a global community that is more informed, empathetic, and united in its call for justice and peace. Their dedication to spreading awareness has thrown light on how faith in action can transcend boundaries, igniting change and compassion on a universal level. They’ve left a message: the light of true faith can illuminate paths even if under rubbles. The Palestinian people, through their trials, have become ambassadors of Islam, showing the world that faith, when rooted in compassion and empathy, has the power to establish truth.
The example set by Palestinians through their journey through hardship, marked by a steadfast adherence to faith, represents the essence of Islam’s teachings. Their actions of gratitude, patience, and reliance on Allah serves not only as an inspiration but also challenges us to reflect deeply on our own faith journeys.
As we witness their enduring spirit and unshakable faith and trust in Allah, we are reminded of the profound teachings of Islam that call upon us to instill among us compassion and empathy in our interactions with humanity. Their example calls us to examine our own beliefs, to deepen our understanding of faith, and to consider how we can contribute positively to the world around us.
As we contemplate their journey, let us ask ourselves: How can we work towards building such level of imaan in our own lives? How can we translate our beliefs into compassionate actions and serve humanity? The Palestinians have shown us let their story ignite within us a renewed sense of purpose and a spark to making a positive difference in the world. May their courage and faith continue to resonate within us, guiding us towards a future where compassion and empathy reign supreme, and where humanity stands united in the pursuit of justice and peace.
[The authors of this article, Ammarah Ishaq and Mohammed Salman Siddiqui are second-year law students at the University College of Law. They possess a keen dedication and passion towards researching and writing on legal and societal issues. Their writings are prominently featured in India’s leading law portals, including Live Law, Bar and Bench, and The Leaflet, in addition to their contributions to Radiance, Companion and Aura E-Magazine.]
