The People Who Refuse To Give Up!
In the face of the most callous, brutal and merciless aggression and atrocities committed by the occupiers of Palestine and its allies, the people of Palestine, especially Gaza, have shown unprecedented resilience. In this day and age of betrayal, hypocrisy and weakness, the people of Gaza have demonstrated unparalleled faith, fortitude and patience. The story of Gaza has dominated the world headlines for more than 4 months and their bravery has become the talk and admiration of the world. They have, through all adversity, shown the world what it means to have true faith and dependence on Allah Ta'ala. They have revived the spirit of the Sahabah and early Muslims in sacrificing their lives and possessions for Islam. They have put Muslims around the world to shame for the ineptitude and inability to rise to the their defence and stop the genocide.
They have, through the harshest of experiences, opened for the world realities that world was deliberately oblivious of, and ushered in a new era of humanity and morality for the future. They have set back the plans of many who were driving ahead with their nefarious agendas. They have brought hope back to an Ummah who was teetering on the precipice of hopelessness and negligence. They have reset the agenda and have shown what can be achieved through true faith and belief.
Rooted in their faith, identity, and unwavering commitment, the following points shed light on the inspiring qualities of the Gazan people.
FAITH & BELIEF
“Those are the ones for who Allah has instilled faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him…”(Qur'an 58:22)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your hearts.” (Sahih Muslim)
Grounded in their conviction and understanding of the Quran the people of Gaza have, through the Quran drawn their inspiration that serves as their guide and source of strength. Their sacrifices are rooted in the declaration of faith, the Kalimah, affirming their unyielding belief in the oneness of Allah Ta'ala. They have demonstrated that more powerful than all the armies of the world is the force that subscribes to the Kalimah Tayyibah. Their firmness upon Iman sustains them through challenging times.
The early Muslims had no wealth, army or influence in society. They posed no threat to the powerful leaders of Makkah, yet despite their apparent weakness and poverty, the chiefs of Makkah feared them. This fear was driven by the innate belief that although these new Muslims possessed no wealth, power or influence, their adherence and commitment to their new faith was so strong that it would eventually bring them into power.
Today, the powerful leaders of the world face the same predicament as the powerful of Makkah in that day. They are facing a small committed group of resistance that refuses to give up and surrender and keeps coming at them. They are vexed by this small group and have tried to use the most fatal and destructive measures to remove this threat.
IDENTITY & MORALITY
The people of Gaza are living examples of the verse: "You are the best nation produced (as an example) for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah." (Quran 3:110)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "The best among you are those who have the best manners and character." (Sahih Bukhari)
Notwithstanding their adversities, Gazans maintain a strong Islamic identity, that is reflected in their behaviour, response to atrocities, and their general demeanour and conduct. They are proud to be Muslims and have demonstrated that it is only Islam that is their saviour and Allah who is the Helper. Upholding Islamic morality is central to their character, influencing their actions and decisions even in the face of immense challenges.
Islam gave its adherents such a strong sense of identity that the early Muslims were prepared to forsake all the glamour of this world to join the downtrodden slaves and unpopular people of Makkah. The identity of Islam made a person set all his personal wishes aside for the Oneness of Allah Ta'ala and to adhere to the Kalimah Tayyibah.
Little children are so aware of death that they write their names on their hands and feet, so they may be identified if they are killed. The honourable women of Gaza sleep fully covered with the hijab, in the event of their death, their honour will be preserved. Similarly, the brave doctors, nurses, journalist and humanitarian workers of Gaza place themselves at great risk to their own lives to fulfil their responsibility to their fellow humans.
PATIENCE IN ADVERSITY
"O Believers, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”(2:153)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Strange is the affair of the believer, verily all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him, he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him." (Sahih Muslim)
When witnessing the trials of his early companions, Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) kept reassuring them to endure and remain patient in their adversity. The earliest Muslims, Hazrat Bilal, Sumayyah, Yasir, and others y responded with confidence and affirmation.
The honourable men, women and beloved children of Gaza have exhibited remarkable patience in the face of horror, terror and genocide. Having to live and experience death, destruction, demolition and unprecedented wave of killing and maiming for days on end, only people with true faith and patience can survive. The people of Gaza have survived as a result of their adherence to the Qur'anic formula of patience and perseverance. They have displayed the prophetic example of reliance in Allah in all adversity, following the example set by prophets and believers in the Qur'an.
UNWAVERING COMMITMENT
“And do not be weak, and do not grieve, for you shall prevail if you uphold true belief. (Qur'an 3:139)
"So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is true.” (Qur'an 30:60)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Hold firmly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after me. Adhere to it and hold fast to it." (Abu Dawood)
The early Muslims displayed such commitment to Islam that they became the envy of many. Even Abu Sufyan before becoming a Muslim, as spokesperson and chief of the Makkans could not resist praising the Muslims for their unwavering commitment. In response to who were the companions he responded “I have not seen people love their leader as the companions loved Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”
Despite being terrorised and demonised the people of Gaza showed massive character and resistance to the onslaught they face. Against all odds, including worldwide abandonment, especially from their neighbours, and Muslims in the region have not allowed this to affect their spirits. They remain steadfast in their faith, unwavering in their commitment and true to their Islamic identity and purpose despite the challenges they face. This has caused an outpouring of sympathy and protestation from millions of people in the world, those who understand the gruesome genocide and history of past genocides. The people of the world are shocked beyond belief that such horrendous atrocities can be committed without any consequences from governments and people who consider themselves to be champions of peace and justice.
UNITY AND BROTHERHOOD
"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Quran 3:103)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." (Bukhari)
The early Muslims possessed the true spirit of 'Ukhuwwah' and brotherhood. They loved for their brothers what they loved for themselves. They gave preference to others over themselves. They were unselfish and sacrificed their personal wishes and comforts for the comfort, safety and solace of others. These remarkable qualities made them stand out in the community as true men and women with real human values.
The Gazans exemplify this spirit of unity and brotherhood, supporting each other in times of hardship and fostering a sense of community. In all their hunger, thirst and trauma, they are upholding their Iman and have not spoken a single word of forsaking Islam.
KNOWLEDGE AND DEVELOPMENT
Like the first Muslims who were committed to learning their faith in secrecy in Darul Arqam, the house of Arqam, where Nabi r would teach the early Muslims. Knowledge, awareness and strong vision was the strength of Muslims in all times. Without vision, planning and strategy Muslims will not be able to overcome their challenges
The Gazans prioritise knowledge and development, recognising the importance of education and personal growth as a means of empowerment. The literacy rate in Gaza is one of the highest in the world. In most homes there are Huffaz of Qur'an. Many have pursued various sciences in their quest to serve the Ummah.
"Read! In the name of your Lord who created.” (Quran 96:1)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them…” (Muslim)
RESILIENCE THROUGH SALAH AND DU'A
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Quran 2:186)
Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Nothing can change the Divine decree except supplication." (Musnad Ahmad)
Gazans find strength and solace in regular prayers. Establishing a strong connection with Allah through Salah enables them to endure difficulties with patience and hope. Gazans exhibit resilience through heartfelt supplications, turning to Allah in prayer during challenging times. Their trust in the power of du'a is a source of strength.
In conclusion, the lessons drawn from the resilience of Gaza offer profound insights into the enduring strength that faith, identity, and unity in the face of adversity. These principles, rooted in Quranic teachings and Prophetic traditions, serve as a beacon of inspiration for individuals and communities worldwide, fostering resilience and unwavering commitment to their values.
