Marcellus Williams, Lebanon, Gaza and Surah Baqarah

This morning, as I reflected on the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:164)—“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding”—I was struck by the profound implications of this message in the context of our current world. The verse urges us to use our intellect and understanding to discern the truth, yet the events unfolding around us starkly illustrate a tragic departure from this ideal.

Take, for instance, the case of Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams, a man executed by lethal injection despite the absence of concrete evidence linking him to the crime for which he was convicted. Williams’s execution embodies a grotesque reality: a judicial system that prioritises expediency over justice, leaving an innocent man to face the ultimate penalty. It is a chilling reminder of how evidence can be conveniently disregarded in favour of narratives that serve the interests of the ruling elite.

This disregard for evidence is not confined to the realm of criminal justice. Look to Gaza, where the situation reflects a broader malaise afflicting the world. The evidence of illegal occupation, the conditions of an open-air prison, and the atrocities committed by Israel are all documented and undeniable. Yet, this evidence seems to fall on deaf ears among those in power. For the ruling elite, including the leaders of the United States and the United Kingdom, such evidence is rendered irrelevant when it conflicts with political and strategic interests. This selective acknowledgement of facts underscores a critical flaw in Western liberal ideologies, which have increasingly shown themselves to be past their sell-by date. Once heralded as champions of human rights and justice, these ideologies now appear to prioritise power and geopolitical gain over moral integrity and accountability. The disconnect between proclaimed values and actual practices signals a need for a re-evaluation of the frameworks that guide global governance, revealing their inadequacy in addressing the complexities of today’s world.

The tragedy deepens when we consider how this disregard for truth can morph into the fabrication of evidence. The recent claim regarding the beheading of babies—a horrific assertion that sparked global outrage—illustrates how easily narratives can be manipulated. Similarly, the false claims about Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction led to a war that obliterated a nation and resulted in untold suffering. These instances reveal a disquieting pattern: the leaders of powerful nations construct narratives that justify their actions, regardless of the moral and human cost.

The current crisis in Gaza has laid bare the bankruptcy of Western ideologies that claim to champion human rights and justice. The growing disillusionment with these principles highlights a critical need for reflection and re-evaluation. Nations cannot be led by lies, and invasions cannot be built upon fabrications. The events in Gaza challenge us to reconsider the legitimacy of leadership that prioritises power over truth and justice.

In the face of these grim realities, it is imperative to return to the wisdom of the Quranic verse that initially inspired this reflection. We are reminded that understanding is a key part of our human experience. The ability to weigh evidence, discern right from wrong, and seek justice should guide our actions and beliefs. Williams’s execution and the atrocities in Gaza are not isolated incidents; they reflect a systemic failure of leadership and accountability.

As we navigate this tumultuous landscape, we must advocate for the establishment of new institutions built on a new politics that is grounded in truth, integrity, and justice. The lives lost and the suffering endured demand a critical reassessment of the values and the frameworks that govern the world. Only through a collective effort to confront these injustices can we carve a path towards institutions that genuinely reflect our commitment to fairness and accountability, ultimately fostering a more just world.

The lessons from Marcellus Williams’s case and the ongoing crisis in Gaza are stark. They remind us that the world is governed by narratives that often overshadow evidence and truth. If we are to create a future where justice prevails, we must heed the call of the Quran to be people of understanding—challenging the status quo, questioning authority, and advocating for a new world order grounded in truth and accountability.