THE PALESTINIANS
It’s interesting to hear that in my recent visit to Malaysia, we observed Muslims and non-Muslims supporting Gaza, reflecting the diverse range of views within this Muslim country. This diversity in perspectives is not unique to Malaysia and can be found in many regions around the world. Unity for Gaza!
Let’s see what is being done by people around the world:
- Protests and Rallies: Tens of thousands of people have rallied across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States in support of Palestinians12. These protests often involve chants such as “Free Palestine” and the waving of Palestinian flags2.
- Social Media Activism: Many individuals are using social media platforms to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine, share news updates, and express solidarity with the Palestinian people3.
- Donations: Individuals are making donations to charities and organizations that provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians. This includes food, medical aid, shelter, and other forms of assistance.
- Political Advocacy: Some people are advocating for their respective governments to impose sanctions and a military embargo to cut the supply of weapons to Israel4.
- Educational Efforts: Individuals are taking it upon themselves to educate others about the history and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes sharing resources, hosting discussions, and challenging misinformation.
Regarding the role of celebrities, it’s true that some align with popular trends, while others use their influence to raise awareness and advocate for causes they genuinely believe in. Celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Emma Watson, and Mark Ruffalo have expressed support for Palestine, reflecting their personal convictions and humanitarian concerns. Mark Ruffalo (click here to view)
These, I thought would suffice to hinder Israel from further inflicting pain in GAZA, but I was wrong. The messages sent across by the Israeli government seem unforgivable. The assault, Israel last Monday carried out a “complete siege,” cutting off power and blocking food and water from being delivered to the Gaza Strip — where, according to the CIA, nearly 40% of the population of 2 million is under the age of 15 was horrendous.
UNICEF is “extremely alarmed” about those measures, spokesperson James Elder said at a press briefing Tuesday in Geneva.
Now back to my Malaysia trip….
In a heartwarming moment at a Seoul Garden (lunch at a hotpot restaurant), I overheard a group of three friends deeply affected by the suffering in Gaza, particularly the women and children caught in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. One of them even expressed her intention to organize prayers, seeking protection for the people of Palestine, while another decided to fast in solidarity with them. What struck me most was not the need for their thoughts or words to be broadcast, but the incredible compassion of individuals who selflessly take action to make a difference, expecting nothing in return.
This contemplation led me to approach the Palestinian predicament from a religious perspective. The juxtaposition of their suffering, particularly in the vicinity of Baitul Muqaddis, prompted me to question the absence of enduring peace for them. Engaging in conversations with knowledgeable individuals, I encountered various interpretations of this ongoing strife. Some attributed it to fate, while others mentioned eschatological interpretations suggesting that these challenges may be indicative of the impending doomsday.
Nonetheless, my primary concern centered on the plight of Palestinian women and children and why they must endure these hardships. It was during these discussions that a Sufi scholar offered a unique insight. He drew parallels between the current situation and the historical battles of our Prophet’s time, urging me to envision a broader context. He emphasized how the Prophet and his companions endured immense pain and suffering during these battles, with various clans both supporting and betraying the Prophet in the process.
In pursuit of greater clarity, I embarked on a research journey. During this exploration, I came across a video lecture by Sheikh Suleiman, which further enriched my understanding of this complex issue.
Please click to watch – When The World Stands Against You #Gaza | Khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman
The speaker addresses the sentiment felt by many people witnessing the tragic events in Gaza and Palestine, highlighting the feelings of loneliness and frustration when they see others supporting the oppressors. The speaker draws parallels with the historical moments of the Prophet’s time, emphasizing how the Muslims endured hardships and isolation. The speaker encourages people to support and stand up for the oppressed, stressing the importance of faith, collective responsibility, and unwavering support for those suffering in Palestine. The message includes a call to action to provide assistance and prayers for the people of Gaza and to remain steadfast in their support for justice and the oppressed.
The Battle of the Trench (Arabic: غزوة الخندق, romanized: Ghazwat al-Khandaq)
After the Battle of Uhud, the pagan leaders, led by Abu Sufyan, realized that their victory had not yielded any benefits for them, and they saw Islam as a threat to their economic and political dominance in Arabia. They aimed to crush Islam and exterminate all Muslims to safeguard their interests and regain their supremacy. This led to the formation of a massive army of ten thousand warriors, the largest ever seen in Arabia at the time, which set out to capture Medina and obliterate Islam.
The Muslims in Medina were terrified upon hearing about this overwhelming force. They were vastly outnumbered and under-equipped, and defending the city from within became their only option. Salman the Persian, a close friend of the Prophet Muhammad, suggested the idea of digging a trench on the north side of Medina to fortify the city’s defenses. The Prophet accepted this unconventional strategy, and Muslims worked frantically to dig the trench in just six days.
When the Makkan army arrived, the trench stopped their cavalry’s advance, forcing them to lay siege to Medina. Amr ibn Abd Wudd, a fierce warrior, challenged the Muslims to a duel. None dared to face him except for Ali ibn Abi Talib, who had volunteered from the beginning but was initially held back by the Prophet. The two warriors engaged in combat, and Ali, following his principles, offered Amr the chance to convert to Islam or withdraw before finally engaging in combat.
During their battle, Amr initially wounded Ali, but Ali retaliated with a powerful blow, killing Amr. This victory broke the Makkan offensive and disheartened their forces, especially as they faced harsh weather conditions. The Makkans eventually raised the siege, and Medina was saved.
The siege’s failure marked a turning point, signaling that the initiative had shifted from the Makkans to the Muslims of Medina. The credit for saving the city and Islam goes to the idea of the trench proposed by Salman the Persian and the heroism of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Salman, originally a Christian from Asia Minor, had accepted Islam and played a crucial role in the city’s defense. The Prophet Muhammad considered him as part of his own family. Ali, the cousin of the Prophet, demonstrated his principles of offering conversion or withdrawal before combat, which proved to be an effective approach.
Following the failed siege, various tribes signed peace treaties with the Prophet Muhammad, and in the same year, the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) was made mandatory for financially able and healthy Muslims.
What did this Battle as to do with Palestine?
Drawing parallels between the Battle of the Trench and the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel can provide a perspective on resilience and faith, highlighting how historical challenges can be overcome. However, it’s essential to approach this analogy with sensitivity and understanding, as the situations in the past and present are complex and unique.
The Battle of the Trench involved the Muslims in Medina facing a massive coalition of hostile tribes from various backgrounds, somewhat similar to the situation in Palestine today, where Palestinian people have faced ongoing conflict with Israel for decades. In both cases, the odds were seemingly insurmountable, and the enemy forces were much larger and better equipped.
In the Battle of the Trench, Muslims faced fear and uncertainty as they confronted an enemy determined to destroy them. Similarly, the Palestinian people have endured decades of conflict, displacement, and hardship. Many have lost their homes and loved ones, and they continue to face adversity.
One way to draw strength from the Battle of the Trench is to focus on the faith and resilience of the Muslims in Medina. They turned to Allah in their time of need, seeking His guidance and protection. Similarly, the Palestinian people have held onto their faith and their belief that justice will prevail. They have consistently shown immense courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Muslims at the Battle of the Trench implemented an unconventional and innovative strategy, building a trench to defend their city. This was a unique and previously unused tactic, much like how the Palestinian people have used various forms of nonviolent resistance and diplomacy to advocate for their rights. This resilience, innovation, and determination are shared qualities between the two situations.
As with the Battle of the Trench, where the trench played a significant role in stopping the enemy’s advance and ultimately securing victory, it is believed by many that, with faith and determination, the Palestinian people will find a way to overcome their current challenges. There is a belief among many that justice and righteousness will ultimately prevail, just as it did for the Muslims in the Battle of the Trench.
Prophet’s Way of Treating the Enemies Waged Wars
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exhibited a remarkable degree of compassion and humanism even towards those who had fought against him or lost battles against his followers. Here are a few examples of his merciful and humane treatment of opponents:
- Treatment of Prisoners of War: The Prophet Muhammad was known for his humane treatment of prisoners of war. After the Battle of Badr, he ordered his companions to treat the captured enemy soldiers well. They were given food, and clothing, and, in some cases, taught to read and write. The prisoners were also often released in exchange for ransom or if they taught Muslims how to read and write. This demonstrated the emphasis on rehabilitation rather than revenge.
- Treatment of Non-Combatants: The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the sanctity of non-combatants during times of war. He forbade the killing of women, children, the elderly, and anyone not actively engaged in combat. The famous Hadith “Do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person” exemplifies this principle.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: After the conquest of Mecca, the city that had persecuted the Muslims for years, the Prophet displayed immense magnanimity. He forgave many of his staunchest opponents. Most notably, when he entered Mecca victoriously, he declared a general amnesty, stating, “Today, you are all in safety.”
- Acts of Kindness: The Prophet Muhammad encouraged his followers to be kind and generous to their enemies. There are instances of him sending gifts to those who had previously opposed him, demonstrating a commitment to reconciliation and peace.
- Calls for Surrender without Bloodshed: The Prophet Muhammad often sent emissaries to invite opponents to surrender peacefully, even when the Muslims had the upper hand in a conflict. His preference was always to avoid bloodshed.
- Recognition of Non-Muslim Rights: In the Constitution of Medina, the Prophet established a framework for governing a diverse, multi-religious society. It recognized the rights of non-Muslims, including Jews and Christians, to practice their faith and have their disputes adjudicated according to their religious laws.
- Kindness to Slaves and Servants: The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the humane treatment of slaves and servants. He encouraged the manumission of slaves and the good treatment of servants, going against the norms of his time.
These examples demonstrate the Prophet’s commitment to justice, mercy, and the sanctity of human life, even in the context of warfare. His approach is a model for the humanistic treatment of those on the opposing side and stands as a testament to his character as a mercy to all of humanity, as mentioned in the Quran.
When the Prophet sallallaahu
The Prophetic Treatment of Captives of War (click here)alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) returned to Madeenah, he distributed the captives among the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and advised them saying: “Treat the captives well.” This advice conforms with the verse in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.} [Quran 76:8] Abu ‘Azeez bin ‘Umayr, the brother of Mus‘ab bin ‘Umayr, narrated what he saw in this regard and said, “I was one of the captives of the Battle of Badr and the Prophet sallallaahualayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) had said: ‘Treat the captives well.’ I was among the Ansaar [helpers] and they would eat dates for lunch and dinner and give me bread made of wheat in order to abide by the advice of the Prophet.
Strength in Diversity Gaza
In a world where race, religion, and borders often divide us, there is one fundamental truth that transcends these divisions: the sanctity of human life. The principles of compassion, mercy, and justice are universal and are embodied by the exemplary treatment of opponents and those in need, as demonstrated by the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his life.
The examples provided earlier highlight the profound humanitarian values that should guide us when faced with conflicts, especially when innocent lives are at stake. Regardless of race, religion, or nationality, the protection of innocent civilians must be a paramount concern for all of humanity. It is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering, irrespective of their background.
The tragic events in Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for empathy, compassion, and peaceful resolution in times of conflict. Even while condemning violence or acts of aggression, it is imperative that we never forget the innocent civilians who are caught in the midst of these struggles. We must recognize that the victims of such conflicts are individuals who deserve the same rights, protections, and dignity that we hold dear for ourselves and our loved ones.
While the pursuit of justice and accountability should never be compromised, violence should not be considered a last resort. Instead, we must strive for peaceful dialogue, negotiations, and diplomacy to find solutions to conflicts. History has shown that peace can only truly be achieved through understanding, dialogue, and reconciliation.
In the spirit of universal human values, let us reject the divisions that often accompany conflicts and come together to advocate for the protection of innocent lives. As we express our empathy and concern for those suffering, let us also advocate for peaceful means of resolving conflicts, extending the hand of cooperation rather than the clenched fist of aggression. By doing so, we honor the humanistic legacy left to us by great figures like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and work towards a world where compassion and justice prevail, regardless of the circumstances.
Related Articles:
- The Battle Of Trench, Madinah: Reasons, History, Facts And Learning:
https://zamzam.com/blog/battle-of-trench/ - Singaporean’s Perspective on Israel – Hamas
- Muslim Australians call out Anthony Albanese over his strong support for Israel: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12625275/Muslim-Australians-call-Anthony-Albanese-strong-support-Israel.html
- The Palestinian Struggle Through the Lens of the Prophet’s Life: https://rethinkingislam.net/the-palestinian-struggle-through-the-lens-of-the-prophets-life/
