The recent events unfolding in Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the world. A nation ravaged by genocide, with no neighbouring countries coming to their aid, humanitarian aid denied, and international institutions silenced by the overpowering influence of the US. The scenes of devastation are haunting – babies pulled from the rubble, mass graves in hospitals, and the imminent invasion of Rafah.
Amid the global solidarity protests for Palestine, a stark reality emerges: Palestinian people feel forsaken by Muslim leaders and armies, seemingly indifferent to the ongoing genocide. Analysts, strategists, and think tanks are engrossed in speculations, pondering fundamental questions that loom large in everyone’s mind. Will there be a ceasefire? Will Gaza face complete obliteration? Will the Zionists achieve their vision of a greater state? What actions will Iran, the Houthis, and others take? How will the occupation end? Are tensions rising between the US and Israel? Has Netanyahu diverged from US interests? When will leaders like Erdogan, Sisi, MBS, or Abdullah of Jordan take a decisive stance? These questions have been asked so often that merely raising them plunges many into despair.
During the genocide of Gaza, it’s natural for Muslims to turn to Allah SWT for solace and support. However, it’s not uncommon for believers to question when Allah’s help will arrive. This doubt has historical precedence, as even the followers of prophets have been known to doubt Allah’s assistance during the prophets’ lowest moments of their mission. We must reflect on the Divine words of the Quran where Allah (swt) informs us of how the reality of Gaza is not a new phenomenon for the Muslims.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱسْتَيْـَٔسَ ٱلرُّسُلُ وَظَنُّوٓا۟ أَنَّهُمْ قَدْ كُذِبُوا۟ جَآءَهُمْ نَصْرُنَا فَنُجِّىَ مَن نَّشَآءُ ۖ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُنَا عَنِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ
“And when the messengers despaired and their people thought the messengers had been denied help, Our help came to them (at last). We then saved whoever We willed, and Our punishment is never averted from the wicked people.” (12:110)
The trials faced by the people of Gaza and the ummah at large are not unique. Throughout history, believers have endured persecution, oppression, and hardship. Yet, time and time again, Allah SWT has shown His mercy and delivered His justice.
When Prophet Musa AS led the people out of Egypt, they faced numerous trials and hardships. One of the most significant moments of doubt occurred when they were trapped between the pursuing army of Pharoah and the sea. The people despaired, fearing capture or death. Some among the people even questioned whether Allah would truly help them in their time of need.
Another example is the battle of the Trench, The Quraysh and their allies laid siege to Medina, surrounding the city and cutting off its supply routes. This siege put immense pressure on the Muslims, leading to shortages of food and other essential resources. The prolonged siege and constant threat of attack took a toll on the psychological well-being of the Muslims. They were constantly on high alert, anticipating enemy assaults and facing uncertainty about the outcome of the battle. This psychological pressure added to the overall hardship experienced by the Muslim community during this time.
Doubts began to arise among some of the believers about whether Allah would indeed fulfil His promise of victory. Some companions questioned the likelihood of success. As the siege prolonged and supplies dwindled, some of the companions expressed concerns about the dire situation they found themselves in. They wondered whether their Iman and trust in Allah’s promise of victory would be enough to overcome the overwhelming odds they were facing. This questioning and uncertainty among some of the believers reflected moments of wavering faith in the face of adversity. These examples illustrate how even among the followers of prophets and the prophets themselves despaired, there were moments of doubt and questioning about Allah’s intervention.
As we earnestly pray for the end to the mass atrocities inflicted upon our brothers and sisters in Gaza, it is imperative to cultivate the appropriate psychology as believers. Often, succumbing to despair leads us to embrace suboptimal solutions, which fall short of the divine decree ordained by Allah (swt). The mentality of resigned acceptance, reflected by phrases like “at least the people of Gaza…”, must be done away with. Instead, we must draw inspiration from the teachings encapsulated in the verse, refusing to settle for anything less than the comprehensive resolution decreed by Allah (swt). Rather than being dictated to, we must assertively articulate our vision for justice and righteousness to the world. Throughout history, in times of despair, Muslims have grappled with doubts and uncertainties, even alongside some of the messengers. However, they steadfastly adhered to their mission and refused to compromise on their principles or settle for inferior alternatives.
When we stray from the standards
ordained by Allah (swt), we risk diluting our principles and weakening our
resolve. Instead of steadfastly upholding justice and righteousness, we find
ourselves compromising and settling for temporary fixes. This leads to a cycle
of patching up problems rather than addressing the root causes. We become
people without clear principles, swayed by the whims of the moment rather than
guided by the timeless wisdom of Allah’s teachings. Instead of erecting strong
walls of righteousness, we find ourselves constantly patching up weak barriers,
leaving us vulnerable to further challenges and setbacks. It is imperative that
we remain steadfast in our adherence to the principles set forth by Allah,
refusing to compromise on our values even in the face of adversity.
Hardship lies in adhering to Allah’s solutions amidst tyranny and oppression, refusing to abandon His ordained path for alternatives that may offer temporary relief but fall short of Allah’s request. When we wonder why Allah’s assistance seems distant, we must reflect on our mindset. Are we equipped with the right psychology to remain steadfast in following Allah’s commands despite the world’s opposition and the media narratives that may sway us? It is essential to stay resolute in our commitment to Allah’s guidance, even if it means swimming against the tide of popular opinion. Only by remaining true to Allah’s commandments can we hope for lasting change and true liberation for Gaza.
While the scenes of devastation in
Gaza may shake us to our core, let us find strength in our Iman in the promise
of Allah’s victory. Let us continue to pray for the well-being of our brothers
and sisters, and let our actions reflect our unwavering commitment to justice
and liberation. As we navigate through these difficult times, may we always
remember that Allah’s help is near, and His justice will prevail.
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