Dr. MAHBUBUR RAHMAN :
The ongoing crisis in Palestine is more than a geopolitical conflict—it is a spiritual wound that cuts deeply into the collective soul of the global Muslim Ummah. The occupation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), the siege of Gaza, the displacement of Palestinian families, and the desecration of sacred lands pose not just political questions but moral, theological, and communal ones.
Palestine is not just a land. It is the heart of Islamic heritage and identity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke of its significance. The Qur’an mentions it. Generations of Muslims have cherished its soil. And today, it is a litmus test for our sincerity as an Ummah: Do we stand for justice, or do we falter in the face of oppression?
Palestine: A Sacred Trust
1. Spiritual Importance of Palestine in Islam
Palestine, particularly Jerusalem (Al-Quds), holds a deeply spiritual status in Islam. It is home to Masjid al-Aqsa, the third-holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Madinah). The Qur’an refers to the sanctity of this land:“Glory be to Him Who took His servant by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs”(Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)
It was also the first Qibla for Muslims before it was changed to the Kaaba in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) miraculous night journey (Isra’ waMi’raj) was not just a personal experience—it established Jerusalem as a spiritual axis connecting the heavens and the earth.
Thus, the occupation and desecration of this land are not just political acts of aggression—they are violations of what Muslims hold sacred. Defending Palestine is, therefore, a duty of faith, not merely a matter of diplomacy.
2. Historical Betrayal and Colonial Legacy
The suffering of Palestinians is rooted in a century of colonization and betrayal. Following the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the British promised to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine without the consent of its indigenous Muslim and Christian population. This colonial imposition laid the groundwork for decades of displacement, war, and apartheid.
In 1948, over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes during the Nakba (catastrophe). Since then, Israel’s expansionist policies have continued, with illegal settlements, military occupations, and ethnic cleansing becoming the norm. The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million people, has been under an illegal blockade for over 17 years, with repeated bombing campaigns leaving thousands dead and infrastructure destroyed.
Despite hundreds of UN resolutions, international condemnations, and human rights reports, Palestinians remain one of the most oppressed populations in the world—stateless, voiceless, and continually under siege.
The Ummah’s Role and Responsibility
The Quran and Sunnah make it abundantly clear: Believers are one body, and the whole must feel the suffering of one part.“Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.”(Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:52). “The believers, in their mutual love, compassion, and mercy, are like one body; when one limb suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Why the Disunity?
Geopolitical Interests: Many Muslim-majority states are entangled in alliances with global superpowers that support or normalize relations with Israel. Economic and military dependencies often silence public support for Palestine.
Sectarian Divisions: Sunni-Shia tensions and regional rivalries weaken collective Islamic action. Palestine became politicized, with different blocs using it for ideological leverage.
Internal Crises: Many Muslim countries are facing internal strife—wars, economic collapse, authoritarianism—which makes external causes seem distant.
Media Censorship and Disinformation: Zionist propaganda and Western media biases frame the Palestinian struggle as a “conflict between equals” rather than a colonial occupation versus a defenseless indigenous people.
From Symbolism to Action: What Can the Ummah Do?
It is no longer enough to raise flags, chant slogans, or share hash tags. The Palestinian cause demands strategic, sustained, and sincere action.
1. Revive the Spirit of the Islamic Brotherhood
We must reclaim the concept of Ummah as a living reality—not just a slogan. This begins by educating ourselves and our youth about Palestine, not only as a political issue but as a matter of Iman (faith). The Prophet (PBUH) taught:“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim).
2. Support Palestinian Narratives
We must elevate authentic Palestinian voices in media, academia, and international platforms. Challenging the Zionist narrative is crucial. Platforms like Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and grassroots movements must be supported and amplified.
3. Economic and Political Pressure
Boycotts: Support the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement to economically isolate companies complicit in Israeli apartheid.
Lobbying: Muslims in the West must lobby their governments to cut military aid and arms trade with Israel.
Diplomatic Unity: OIC and Arab League countries must be held accountable to act—not just issue statements.
4. Humanitarian Aid
Millions of Palestinians depend on foreign aid for basic survival. We must contribute generously to trusted Islamic organizations like the following: Islamic Relief, Human Appeal, UNRWA, and PCRF (Palestine Children’s Relief Fund)
Zakat, Sadaqah, and even Waqf structures should be reimagined to sustain the Palestinian resistance—not just through food but education, rebuilding, and psychological support.
5. Du’a and Spiritual Solidarity
Our spiritual energy matters. The Prophet (PBUH) regularly made du’a for the oppressed and encouraged us to pray for them. During Ramadan, Jum’ah, Qiyam al-Layl, and in personal supplications, let Palestine be on our tongues and in our hearts.
Hope in Resistance: Palestine Inspires the World
Despite decades of suffering, Palestinians remain resilient. Children go to school amid rubble. Mothers bury their children with Sabr. Fathers return to rebuild homes demolished overnight. Gaza, under siege, still teaches Quran. Jerusalem, though surrounded, still echoes the Adhan.
Will We Rise to the Test?
Palestine is a test. a test of our political will, our spiritual sincerity, and our unity as an Ummah. The Qur’an tells us:“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah…”
Let us rise—individually and collectively—to this test. Let us not be the Ummah that watched while Al-Aqsa burned. Let us be the Ummah that stood with Haqq (truth) when it was hard. For our silence today will echo in our accountability tomorrow.
(The author in an International Student of Inti International University, Malaysia; Email: dr.mahbub.ru@gmail.com)
