Gaza made me change

My life took a crazy turn today. When Israel launched a brutal attack on Gaza, it was like everything I knew was flipped upside down. Before all this madness, I was just focused on my own dreams – getting a good job, buying a cool car, and going on awesome vacations. Life was good, or so I thought.

But then, all of a sudden, I started witnessing things I never thought I would see. Bombings after bombings, buildings crumbling, and innocent people losing their lives. It was like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.

News

I couldn’t look away from the news anymore. Normally, I found it so boring, but this was different. Seeing babies being pulled out of the rubble, fathers kissing their daughter’s goodbye, and mothers clutching shrouds close to their hearts broke me inside. It was heart wrenching

Sadness solved by Salah

The things I used to do to forget about hard times just didn’t cut it anymore. Hanging out with friends, going to the gym, getting high – none of it made any difference. I felt empty, helpless, and lost. But you know what did bring me some solace? Falling to the ground in prayer. It was in those moments, prostrating before Allah, that I found some peace and calm knowing that the innocent lives were now in a better place.

Mum, dad and friends

I used to rely on my mom to cook and clean for me, my dad to give me money, and my friends to have a good time with. But everything changed after the Gaza tragedy. I started appreciating my mom more, knowing that there are kids there who don’t have their moms anymore. I began talking to my dad and seeing the pain that fathers in Gaza are going through. Talking about Gaza and politics wasn’t something we usually did with my friends, but now we do. I’ve come to value my friends who practice more because they’ve been my rock during all of this and they provide real insight into what’s happening.

Mosques

It’s funny how some mosques used to say “No politics in the masjid,” but now they’re talking about Gaza too. They realize that this is about Islam, and not like the churches. However, there were some mosques that were still afraid of the government and stayed silent. But hey, they will be seen for what they are over this issue of Gaza.

“A just world” I don’t think so!!

I used to believe in a just world, where human rights and international law mattered. But seeing how those principles were ignored, and even voted against, shattered my illusions. It’s like the world turned its back on the innocent people in Gaza. It’s not fair.

Hope in Saudi….

I used to have hope in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. These countries used to give me so much hope. I always heard people say how Saudi could use its oil power to make the world listen to Muslims, how the president of Turkey was all about Islam, and how Egypt could open crossings to help Palestinian refugees. But man, they have let me down big time. It’s like my heart sank when I realised their words were just empty promises. No actions, just talk. It’s so disappointing, I can’t even put it into words.

A Learning Curve

I’ve also been learning so much about history. Turns out, Israel wasn’t always a country. It was the British who put them there. And criticising Israel doesn’t mean hating Jewish people. I’ve been labelled for supporting Gaza, but I know I’m doing what’s right.

Politics

Suddenly, I was sucked into watching political debates on TV and social media. It’s crazy how before, I couldn’t care less about what was happening in the world. But now, I find myself forming opinions on the Gaza issue. It’s eye-opening to see that the Politics of the world often revolves around killing and lying. On the other hand, everyday people seem to value peace and unity. This made me curious about what Islam has to say about politics. And you know what? I was amazed to find so many teachings in the Quran, hadith, and Muslim speakers that provided me with a wealth of knowledge about Gaza.

Will I ever go back to my old self?

No way, that version of me only cared about material things like a fancy car and a high-paying job. It’s different now, thanks to the people of Gaza. They changed my aspirations and motivations. I saw through the lies and aggression of the oppressors and found clarity. My faith in humanity was restored by the millions who stood up for peace. Now, I look to the teachings of Muhammad the prophet for guidance, not some watered-down ideology like human rights or international law. My life will never be the same.