The oppression and atrocities inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza have horrified us. And indeed, we should be. Everything they suffered is contrary to human dignity, there is no doubt about it.
And yet something else has manifested itself in this very horrific time of genocide and exploitation, where people are brutally tortured and killed: the resilience and faith of a people who refuse to give in.
Not only did their faith in God and their conviction in their values remain unwavering, but their dedication and determination only grew. We have seen this time and again, with testimonies of people in Gaza reaffirming their love of God and the Prophet Muhammad, and using their beliefs as comfort in the most desperate of circumstances.
Of course, Palestinians in Gaza should not be put in this situation in the first place. They shouldn’t need to show such determination and strength. What is needed is an urgent end to the war. The global community, and particularly the United States and the collective West, have many responsibilities to answer.
Yet the people of Gaza are teaching Muslims around the world invaluable lessons. In the face of adversity, the determination of the people of Gaza can inspire us not to despair or succumb to pressures to compromise on our beliefs and our commitment to our faith.
This is a major lesson for many of us in the United States, where Muslims are also being tested, as hate crimes and Islamophobia have increased, especially since the start of the war.
If we take a page from their book, we will read something that is nothing short of a miracle.
In the face of total destruction, Palestinians stand up and say: “Allah is our Lord.” They stand and perform collective funeral prayers. They always observe the tenets of Islam, even if it involves using rainwater to perform ritual ablutions before prayer. They stand and continue to give the call to prayer.
These are people who have been killed or who have suffered the murder of their loved ones. Many are simply waiting to die. They don’t know what will happen to them. They show us a lot as the story unfolds before our eyes.
At the forefront, we see that Israel’s persecution of the people of Gaza is wrong. It’s odious. This is inhumane, and we should say so. We should talk about it and try to stop it as much as possible. We must protest. We should at least pray for them.
But we also benefit from a unique perspective. All over the world, Muslims are persecuted.
We could well cite the suffering Muslims everywhere – whether in Kashmir, China, Myanmar, Somalia, Yemen or Bosnia. Far too often, there is no help in sight. But the Palestinians showed their oppressors: “Hey, give me your best shot. I will stay in the ring. I won’t fall. My faith will become stronger.
This is the lesson we must learn, especially in countries like the United States. Yes, we experience difficulties, we can be looked at with suspicion, people can taunt us and insult us. But perhaps we can take a different perspective. Although there are legitimate concerns, they pale in comparison to the suffering of the Palestinians.
Through this immense tragedy, Muslims around the world are on the same page: this is wrong. We are united on this, which is something to be appreciated.
The Quran reminds us of the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The people of Gaza embody these virtues, refusing to be broken by the trials they face.
Their unwavering determination is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite the unimaginable suffering they endure, they continue to resist, their faith providing them with strength and courage.
They refuse to be silenced, even in the face of unimaginable difficulties. Their unwavering faith is a beacon of hope for Muslims around the world.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Tel Aviv Tribune.
