Has al-Aqsa left our hearts?

Every Ramadan, we are hit with the news of al-Aqsa being raided and worshippers being attacked by Zionist thugs. This year is no different. Two Sundays ago, on 26^th March, approximately 300 Israeli attackers stormed the complex following increased police enforcement around al-Aqsa, the removal of Muslim worshippers from the courtyards, and a violent raid of the al-Qibli corridor on Saturday, 25^th March. Orders were given by far-right Israeli National Security Minister and convicted terrorist, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for police to commence the attacks. [1]

Contents

Trial after trial Huwarra violence My thoughts on the recent anti-Netanyahu protest Let’s have faith and pray for our Palestinian brothers & sisters Also read

The sad thing is that despite regular escalations in violence against al-Aqsa and its attendees, I wrote this article last week with the hope of releasing it in a pre-emptive fashion, in order to get our minds focused on al-Aqsa and to hopefully inspire brothers and sisters to reposition the critically important site within our hearts.

But then, last night, came the reports of Zionist mercenaries raiding the grounds, with videos and photos showing horrific violence unleashed against innocent Palestinian men, women, and children who had come to offer prayers during this blessed month of Ramadan. [2]

The firing of stun grenades, mass arrests of worshippers, and the unrelenting beatings of scores of mosque attendees has infuriated the Muslim world. Such was the severity of the violence orchestrated by the apartheid state’s thugs, the Arab League held an emergency meeting earlier today on how to address the disastrous events. [2]

Trial after trial

Alongside the above examples, including that of last night, illegal settler attacks in the West Bank continue to cause deaths and injuries of hundreds of Palestinians.

Approximately 90 Palestinians have been killed in this year alone, not to mention the organised attacks on neighbourhoods that have resulted in damage or total destruction of homes and businesses.

Huwarra violence

Monday, 27^th February marked the Huwarra pogrom, wherein 400 illegal settlers rampaged the neighbourhood of Huwarra. This resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man named Sameh al-Aqtash, hundreds of injuries, and the torching of 30 Palestinian homes. [3] [4]

February’s events were described as a “massacre” and one of the worst settler attacks in years. However, this did not satisfy the violent appetite of the Zionist thugs.

Just two weeks ago, the settlers returned to Huwarra and were witnessed physically assaulting Palestinians, torching their properties, and even attacking an ambulance that was trying to reach the injured! [4]

Watch: Israeli soldiers facilitate the attack targeting Palestinian vehicles, including an ambulance which carried vital medical equipment.

The attackers used their vehicles to block the road, and relied on the military to fend off resistance by locals.pic.twitter.com/EiVM6cvzEP
— Jalal (@JalalAK_jojo) March 28, 2023

Unfortunately, it is no surprise that these events continue to re-amplify in Ramadan.

From the other side of the world, we witness this every year, we make du’ā, we raise awareness on social media, and then we move on.

I ask myself these questions,

Am I becoming desensitised? Is the whole Muslim community becoming desensitised?

My thoughts on the recent anti-Netanyahu protest

Two weeks ago, I attended a protest outside Downing Street to rally against war criminal and mass murderer Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to London, where he was due to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

It had been a while since I was actively conscious of the Palestinian cause and al-Aqsa, so it was a no-brainer that I had to be there. It was the least I could do for my brothers and sisters who are being persecuted daily.

If it was the other way around and a British minister who was oppressing Muslims visited officials in Jerusalem, I have no doubt that the Muslims would rally and oppose their visit. This is out of the love we have for our Ummah; as like one body, we feel the pain of one another, and more so because Allah commanded us to be just, and to help the oppressed.

I could see that a lot of effort had gone into organising this demonstration, and we should applaud those who are consistent in mobilising the community and encourage others to serve this cause, for it is they who are helping keep the cause alive in the hearts of the community.

However, what I also observed would leave me with a sinking feeling and disappointment at the general response.

These were a few things I observed:

There was an almost equal amount of Zionist and pro-Netanyahu support on the Israeli side, just as there was pro-Palestine support.
There was a larger non-Muslim presence on the Palestinian side than there were Muslims.
The Muslim voice and narrative was lacking and seemed to be overpowered by ideologies antithetical to Islam.

I feel that these observations require some introspection from myself and others.

I was left with lingering questions, such as:

Where are the Muslims? Are we not the rightful custodians of al-Aqsa? Is it not our responsibility to protect it, to protect the land and stand with the oppressed for the sake of Allah?

Let’s have faith and pray for our Palestinian brothers & sisters

It serves as a reminder to myself and us all that once we become desensitised to the atrocities, the cause will slip from our minds, and then from our hands.

And so, we must continue to serve this cause, not in the back seat, but rather at the forefront, and providing a much-needed space for Muslims to engage in this cause in a way that is not compromising of our values, intentions, and principles.

Alhamdulillah, there are many Muslim-led initiatives serving the Palestinian cause, and we cannot diminish or distinguish the light of the youth who feel a desire to serve the Ummah! It is always positive to see many young people come out and advocate; we must support them in their journey of activism and provide a space where they can grow and develop, both spiritually and practically.

Remember our Palestinian brothers and sisters in your prayers this Ramadan – all those who became shahīd (martyred) over the last year, and all those being persecuted for resisting the occupation.

Allah is the ultimate bearer of success, and He will liberate Palestine. May Allah hasten the success and liberation of Palestine.

Amīn.