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To see every Muslim confident and impacting the world
Why does so little of how we currently discuss Israel's war on Gaza focus on the Muslim governments who have made treaties and agreements with Israel as a way of furthering their economic interests and gaining military and intelligence benefits?
It's a question so few ask, and even fewer answer.
This article by Abdul Hai, founder and manager of the Islamic Literary Society, is the first in a three part series on Palestine, the past, our obligation to it as Muslims and the future.
www.islam21c.com/opinion/palestine-history-our-obligation-and-future/
#GazaUnderAttack
The anguish echoing from Gaza's confines pierces the global psyche, heralding a chilling potential: attempted genocide.
"Genocide" entails the deliberate, systematic destruction of a cultural, ethnic, or religious group. It's not just mass murder; it includes creating life conditions aimed at physical annihilation.
Gaza's current plight suggests such an intent, demanding urgent international attention:
Physical Destruction: Indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian spaces, causing profound loss of innocent lives, signal an intent beyond mere military objectives.
Psychological Warfare: Ongoing bombardments, omnipresent drones, and survival uncertainty amount to psychological torment, aiming to shatter Palestinian resolve.
Dehumanising Rhetoric: Israel's Defence Minister's terming of Palestinians as "human animals" recalls historical precedents where such language justified exterminations.
Basic Rights Denial: The systemic refusal of essentials like food, water, and electricity, plus movement restrictions, align with genocide indicators.
Strangling Blockade: A suffocating siege impairs infrastructure and medical access, forcing perpetual survival mode — a sign of decimation intent.
As Muslims, acknowledging these signs is our ethical and religious duty. The Qur'ān asserts, "Whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." [5:32]
Our advocacy must be persistent and vocal. We need to reshape narratives, engage political figures, back NGOs in Palestine, and amplify our prayers for Palestinians.
In this attempted genocide, silence equals complicity. We must unify in voice, deed, and prayer to safeguard every Palestinian and, indeed, human life.
The moment for action is now.
#GazaUnderAttack #SaveGaza #StopTheGenocide #PalestineGenocide
Eric Cantona's powerful words recently cut through the political noise on Instagram, bringing clarity and humanity back into a conversation that desperately needs it:
Defending the human rights of Palestinians does not mean you are pro-Hamas.
Saying "Free Palestine" does not mean you are anti-Semitic or "want all the Jews gone."
"Free Palestine" means free Palestinians from the Israeli occupation that's been robbing them their basic human rights for 75 years.
"Free Palestine" means stop caging 2.3 million.
With this, Cantona dismantles dangerous misconceptions. He's not picking a political side or promoting a group; he's advocating for human rights, a moral stand that resonates deeply with all who value justice and dignity. His message? "Free Palestine" is not a call for conflict or erasure — it's a plea for liberation, coexistence, and above all, humanity.
Imagine, as Cantona points out, over 2.3 million people living in what's effectively an "open-air prison," and half of them are children. These are lives stifled, futures on hold, and dreams unchased. This isn't a mere statistic; it's a generational plea for the right to a basic existence, a call that aligns with the very core of human and Islamic values of justice for all.
Most crucially, Cantona separates the plea for Palestinian freedom from anti-Semitism. Criticising a state's actions is not an indictment of a faith or its people; it's about holding those in power accountable. It's about equality, freedom, and basic human rights — concepts deeply rooted in the ethical teachings shared by many faiths and cultures.
"Free Palestine," as Cantona asserts, is a call for autonomy. It's about empowering a people to shape their own destiny, free from the shadows of occupation and fear.
Cantona's words remind us that standing for Palestine transcends politics — it's a stand for humanity. It's a universal plea that should not be drowned out by divisive rhetoric but should be echoed in our united voice for justice and dignity for all.
A six-year-old Muslim boy in the US has been killed and his mother severely injured after a hate-crime attack by their landlord which was fuelled by Israel's war on Gaza.
The 71 year old attacker said ‘You Muslims must die!’.
This raises concern that biased & dishonest coverage in mainstream media & the high-octane rhetoric of public figures on Israel's war is translating into Islamophobia and physical violence against Muslims elsewhere.
🤲 We pray that Allah gives the family strength and a beautiful patience and allows Wadea’s mother a swift recovery.
#islamophobia
Words from figures like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen carry significant weight.
Her condemnation of "targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure" to deprive people of essentials, branding them as "terror," sets a standard. This standard, though aimed at Russia, invites scrutiny of similar scenarios globally, including Gaza.
Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's strategy for Gaza mirrors these conditions. He asserted a total siege, cutting off electricity, food, water, and gas, stating, "We're fighting animals..." This starkly aligns with what von der Leyen labelled terror.
Von der Leyen's standard, if universally applied, brands the actions of Israel as terror. Global leaders and institutions must be consistent in their principles, without geopolitical bias.
#GazaUnderAttack
The echoes of protests for Gaza ripple across the globe, but do they hold the power to effect change? Amidst the devastation inflicted upon Gaza, the potency of public outcry remains a beacon of hope.
Here's how taking to the streets can indeed tilt the scales:
1. Awakening the Global Conscience: Protests jolt the world awake, casting a stark light on Gaza's realities often veiled by political fog and media misinformation. They're not just rallies but a kind of education, explaining and unraveling nuanced narratives that reach public forums and enter private conversations alike.
2. Unity in Defiance: More than expressions of dissent, protests are threads weaving a tapestry of solidarity. They're a united call resonating across oceans, assuring Palestinians they're not just a cause but a shared heartbeat, their voices amplified in unison with thousands of others.
3. Diplomacy Under Duress: Collective dissent transcends slogans, reaching the halls of power. It's a global chorus demanding action, capable of nudging powers that be, shaking the status quo, and potentially charting paths towards a change seldom considered before.
4. Beyond Numbers: Faces of Conflict: Protests paint the human face behind grim statistics. They're storytellers, narrating tales of lives, dreams, and sorrows, reminding the world that the conflict bleeds beyond territorial lines, into homes and hearts in Gaza.
5. Justice's Domino Effect: Gaza-focused protests don't stand alone; they're catalysts. They can ignite wider movements, fanning flames of global advocacy for human rights, emboldening international law, and knitting diverse causes into a shared mantle of justice.
In essence, protests are far from futile. They're catalysts, consciousness-raisers, and connectors — a triad that, when combined with sustained political and humanitarian efforts, holds the promise of steering the narrative towards a horizon of hope, justice, and lasting peace.
#GazaUnderAttack
A profound quote.
One that challenges the conventional narrative and compels us to reassess not only the ongoing atrocities in Gaza but also the larger Muslim world's stance toward Zionism and Israel.
The quote speaks to a transition of perception, one that evolves from a localised understanding of occupation — the idea that "Muslim lands were free except Gaza" — to a far more expansive, metaphorical, and even controversial conception that "Muslim lands were occupied except Gaza."
The quote reflects a widely recognised historical grievance: the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The hardships in Gaza are well-documented and resonate deeply with the Ummah, serving as a symbol of resistance against neocolonialism, dispossession, and violation of human rights and international law.
The latter part of the quote, however, is where the paradigm-shift is expressed. The suggestion that "they occupied Muslim lands except Gaza" demands introspection. On one level, this could denote the normalisation of relations between Israel and various Muslim states, viewed as a form of capitulation or acceptance of Zionist agendas. The Abraham Accords and similar agreements have been contentious, undermining Palestinian struggles for self-determination by sidelining the issue in favour of geopolitical and economic alliances with Israel.
The quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the ideological "occupation" — how Zionism as a political ideology has influenced policy decisions and power structures within Muslim lands. This argues that Muslim leaders are compromising Islamic values and Palestinian rights to maintain power, perhaps due to reliance on Western support, thereby allowing Zionism to "occupy" their decision-making.
The quote exempts Gaza from this "occupancy," highlighting the region's ongoing resistance and refusal to normalise relations with Israel, despite the immense socio-economic costs.
It stands as a bastion of defiance.
Ahead of Jumu'ah tomorrow, Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad shared his thoughts with us on how Muslims in the UK need to step up and respond to what has been happening in Palestine.
https://youtu.be/j9GXzc5gVQ8
A powerful earthquake has struck Afghanistan. Even whilst Gaza burns, let us not forget Muslims who are suffering elsewhere in the world in our du’ā.
#dua #tawakkul
🔍 BBC states Israelis 'have been killed' and Palestinians 'have died.' Let's not gloss over the agency and responsibility in this phrasing.
Killing implies action, whereas dying could be from natural causes.
Human lives lost deserve a consistent level of journalistic integrity.
#MediaBias #GazaUnderAttack
Jordan Peterson, why pretend to speak dialogue and call for Hell and fury to be unleashed?
#gazaunderattack
Some people are critical of Palestinians resisting, but here are some simple truths:
We’re not there.
We haven’t been subjugated in “the world’s largest concentration camp” for three generations.
We haven’t been given the choice to either die on our feet or live on our knees.
They have their mashāikh. They have their fuqahā. They have their reasons for action and inaction; for war and for ceasefire.
While we don’t have to agree with everything everyone does, we don’t have to comment against someone whose reality we don’t fully know.
It's important to learn the history of the issue prior to forming an opinion.
Palestine is a frontline of the entire Ummah and Palestinians are in our prayers.
Allah give them victory over their oppressors, and give all the oppressed Muslims the same — whether they are in Kashmir, East Turkestan, India, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, or anywhere else in the world.
#GazaUnderAttack #Palestine #Jerusalem
This poignant quote holds invaluable lessons that instil genuineness and purity in our relationship with our Creator.
1. Sincerity: Embrace sincerity as a core principle, seeking only Allah's pleasure through all actions and statements. When sincerity becomes the focal point of a servant's life, it gives birth to a pure and genuine relationship (with Allah).
2. Internalisation: Focus on experiencing day-to-day acts of worship as opposed to carrying them out in a mundane manner. This ensures alignment between the servant's public and private life, nurturing the heart for a pure and genuine connection with Allah.
#taqwa #godconsciousness
The Adhan (call to prayer) and the role of the Mu'addhin (the one who performs the Adhan) hold deep significance in our tradition.
It is a sound that unifies Muslims globally, from the bustling city of Jakarta to the serene landscape of rural Turkey. It is one of the few religious practices that physically resonate in public spaces around the world.
The words of the Adhan encapsulate the essence of our faith, calling out the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. This serves not only as a call to prayer but also as a constant reminder of the core tenets of Islamic belief.
The role of the Mu'addhin is highly respected and is open to people regardless of social status. Bilal ibn Rabah was the first Mu'addhin: a freed African slave, may Allah be pleased with him. His appointment to this elevated position smashed social hierarchies and demonstrated the principles of equality and social justice.
#adhan #takbeer
Tawakkul is a core principle that balances human effort with reliance on Allah.
Tawakkul is not about passivity. It encourages active engagement with life's challenges while maintaining faith in Allah’s ultimate plan. The famous narration to tie your camel, and then put your trust in Allah [Tirmidhi], encapsulates this balance.
Scholars have argued that Tawakkul serves as a psychological buffer against stress and anxiety. Knowing that the ultimate outcome is with Allah can bring inner peace.
Others assert that Tawakkul instils an ethical framework. Trust in Allah conditions the soul to be satisfied with outcomes and discourages unethical means to achieve goals.
Tawakkul offers a balanced approach to life, promoting both active engagement with the world and a serene trust in Divine wisdom.
A shocking attack on a hospital in Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 500 people.
We pray for the deceased, the survivors they left behind and for the people of Palestine to emerge from the occupation victoriously.
#GazaUnderAttack
An important reminder from Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad for Muslims to see the Gaza conflict as a conflict central to all Muslims globally, and to remember the words of Allah promising victory.
Our du’ā reaches the oppressed and we are reminded by Allah in the Qur’ān to not lose hope but to rather trust that His victory is near.
Welcoming Rabī’ al-Thānī! 🌙
As we welcome the month of Rabī’ al-Thānī, let us remember the Believers defending Masjid Al-Aqsā and the Muslims undergoing tests in Palestine and across the world.
Making regular and constant du’ā is indeed one of our greatest tools and reminds us to glorify Allah as He deserves in every state we experience.
#Hijri
This is the BBC's front page from October 16, 2023.
While the headline focuses on '199 Israeli hostages’ in Gaza, the featured image reveals another reality: a Palestinian man devastated after an Israeli airstrike destroys his home (original photo available on Getty Images).
The report neglects crucial context: since 2007, Gaza's 2.3 million residents have endured a blockade, essentially living in an open-air prison. It's not about those 199; it's about millions effectively held hostage.
We must hold media accountable. Raise your voice, contact the BBC, and stop the spread of incomplete narratives.
#GazaUnderAttack #SpeakUpForGaza #MediaAccountability
In an age rife with misinformation, the role of truth and integrity in media is crucial.
Zishan Khan, Islam21c's Managing Director, writes on how we're called as Muslims to lead with these values, challenge biased narratives and promote justice.
Dive into how an Islamic perspective reshapes media consumption and journalism, empowering us to be critical thinkers and compassionate changemakers. 🕊️
#GazaUnderAttack #Haqq
https://www.islam21c.com/islamic-thought/islamic-imperative-of-truth-in-age-of-bias/
Contains music. A message from a survivor of Israel’s war on Gaza.
May Allah’s Help be with the people of Palestine, and strengthen the people of Gaza to face the bombings, the siege and the invasion.
#gaza
Shaykh Ali Hammuda writes about propoganda in the mainstream media coverage in Israel's war on Gaza.
Accusations and emotionally-charged language overshadow the lack of tangible evidence, pointing to a possible ramp-up in atrocity propaganda.
Amidst this, it's crucial to discern facts from disinformation and remember the historical context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
#Gaza #MediaCoverage
https://www.islam21c.com/news/factcheck/calling-out-atrocity-propaganda-stop-gaza-genocide/
Allegations are emerging that Israel is using devastating white phosphorus and vacuum bombs against the civilian population of Gaza.
Dive into our in-depth analysis to uncover what's truly at stake in this latest surge of violence.
#IStandWithPalestine
https://www.islam21c.com/news/israel-white-phosphorous-vacuum-bombs-gaza/
Stand with Palestine, Make a Statement!
It's more important than ever to show our support for the people of Palestine. Islam21c invites you to update your social media profiles with these images.
Let's use our platforms to raise awareness, spark conversations, and call for justice.
How to use the image:
1️⃣ Save the "I Stand with Palestine" image
2️⃣ Update your profile picture or cover photo across your social accounts.
3️⃣ Use the hashtag #IStandWithPalestine in your posts.
Remember, it's not just an image; it’s a message, it’s solidarity, it’s a call to action. Together, we can make a difference, inshāAllāh.
A message from Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad at this evening’s protest in front of the Israeli Embassy in London urging Muslims and Imams to take action.
May Allah protect the Muslims of Palestine from Israel’s attacks.
An important call from Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad to Muslims to establish Qunūt al-Nāzilah and make du'ā for the Muslims in Palestine.
#gaza #palestine
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announces run for a third presidential term, sparking concerns among opposition.
#egypt #Sisi #pharoah
A Muslim has died after being beating in India.
This is the latest episode of violence in an increasingly intolerant India where the Hindutva supremacist ideology has permeated the ruling government.
May Allah have mercy on him.
Photo: Twitter/Meer Faisal
#india
The UK's Home Secretary seems to focus on Muslims an awful lot.
From writing in the Mail on Sunday to making a speech in Washington, these public statements play to a certain base of supporters who are in an echo chamber of Islamophobic views.
This time, the UK's press regulator has ruled her article was 'significantly misleading'.
Embark on a journey of self-reflection and spiritual rediscovery with Sūrat al-Takāthur.
In a world where materialism often shadows our moral compass, this profound chapter urges us to re-evaluate our pursuits.
The words of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ echo through time, reminding us that true wealth transcends worldly possessions, nudging towards a life filled with purpose and a heart filled with faith.
#Quran #prophetmuhammad #mentalhealth
https://www.islam21c.com/texts/distracted-from-the-divine/