Islam21c marks International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

As the world observes the 75^th anniversary of the Nakba, the resilient and enduring spirit of the people of Palestine truly stands as a testament to the struggle against illegal occupation and oppression. [1]

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A model of hope and inspiration Palestine remains in the hearts of Muslims Analysis Also read

The International Day of Solidarity is a UN-organised event and day of observance held at its headquarters in the US city of New York, as well as in Austria, Kenya, and Switzerland. [1]

In the heart of the struggle, where each day is faced with abuse, dehumanisation, and murder, Palestinians continue to resist the forces that seek to suppress their aspirations for self-determination and liberation.

The ongoing acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing currently taking place in the occupied Gaza Strip serve as a stark reminder of the enduring battle for justice. Despite the adversities brought about by the Zionist occupation, the native Palestinian people have not hesitated in their faith and commitment to resist.

A model of hope and inspiration

Amid death and destruction, stories of strength and belief in Allah the Almighty continue to emerge from the rubble and war-torn streets of Gaza.

From a patient father bidding his baby daughter farewell by smiling at her lifeless face to a young man thanking Allah for His favours, blessings, and mercies after the destruction of his house, the Palestinian people are a model of hope and inspiration to Muslims and non-Muslims alike across the world.

Allah says in the Qur’ān,

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who say when disaster strikes them,

“‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'” [2]

Though the people of Palestine have lost their land, houses, families, and friends, their certainty, belief, and faith in Allah the Almighty grows only stronger. Their loss is material while their reward and victory in the Hereafter is secured.

The resilience displayed by the Palestinians is not only a response to the immediate challenges faced today, but also a historic echo of a people steadfast in their faith and determination.

Through decades of struggle, the narrative has been one of honour, valour, and unbridled dignity, overcoming the darkest of times with an unyielding commitment to justice and freedom.

Allah says in the the Qur’ān,

“And they are those who endure patiently, seeking their Lord’s pleasure, establish prayer, donate from what We have provided for them — secretly and openly — and respond to evil with good. It is they who will have the ultimate abode.” [3]

As the world commemorates this year’s day of Palestinian solidarity, it is imperative to shed light on the human stories behind the headlines.

Each tale of resistance, every act of courage, and the persistent belief of a liberated Palestine deserves recognition on this day of global reflection.

Palestine remains in the hearts of Muslims

Although the purpose of this day is important in its call to action, this call must not be limited to one day of the year.

The reality is that Palestinians have now endured over 75 years of illegal and oppressive occupation at the hands of the apartheid Zionist state. As such, they face the horrors of the latter every day.

As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to remember our Palestinian brothers and sisters every day, to pray for them, to highlight and raise awareness of their cause and struggle for liberation and freedom, and to engage in activities that will alleviate their suffering and aid them in their struggle for victory.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

“The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body.

“When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” [4]

The struggle of Palestine is not confined to the Palestinians.

As Muslims, we should take on this struggle and make it our own, regardless of race or ethnicity. The people of Palestine are our brothers and sisters, and it is our duty to support them.

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Shaheer Choudhury

Head of Editorial

As we mark this year's International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it may be difficult to bear the fact that the number of casualties and those displaced has already far exceeded the Nakba of 1948.

While the UN has itself been the cause or support behind a lot of challenges faced by the Muslim community — including Palestine — this day is useful in bringing the spotlight firmly onto the actions of Israel and its continued thirst to completely wipe out Palestine from the face of the Earth.

It is not hyperbole to say the above. One only needs to look at a map of Palestine over the years, to see the obvious land grabs that have been occurring since 1948 to this very day.

This must end. The Palestinian people must have their land, their homes, their businesses, and their collective heritage returned back from the thieves that openly stole and continue to steal from them.