Some persons cite the apparent irreligiousness of the Palestinian people as a reason not to passionately support them in their struggle. They claim that the Palestinians are fighting on the basis of nationalism and not on the basis of Deen. For this reason they maintain a lackadaisical approach in their support for the Palestinian cause, apparently sitting on the fence, or watching from a distance. Instead of trying to share in the pain and suffering of the Palestinians, they criticize the legitimacy of peaceful protests/rallies, boycotts and other means of showing solidarity with the people of Palestine. They say the help of Allah is not with them due to their irreligious lifestyle.

To this I have a few things I would like to say:

Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Quran:مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are strict and severe towards the Kuffar, merciful towards each other. [Surah Fath: Ayat 29]

In another verse, Allah Ta’ala says:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ”And the believing men and believing women are friends(helpers) of each other” [Surah Tawbah: Ayat 71]

In these verses, Allah Ta’ala highlights the nature of the relationship amongst the believers, regardless of their race or ethnicity, as one of mutual compassion and mercy.

A hadith of the Nabi of Allah عليه الصلاة و السلام further elaborates on this:”‏ تَرَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ الْجَسَدِ إِذَا اشْتَكَى عُضْوًا تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ جَسَدِهِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى ‏”‏‏

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “You see the believers in terms of their mutual mercy, love and kindness, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the entire body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.” [ Sahih Bukhari: 6011]

Regarding the religiosity of the general populace of Palestine, this is a matter between them and Allah. It is nothing short of foolish for us to sit in our homes, thousands of miles away and judge their piety based on what we see of them on the internet. Our supporting them and their struggle is by no means a condonement of the lifestyle they choose to live. We support them and stand with them because they are our oppressed brothers and sisters in Islam. Do they not then deserve this mercy and compassion from us as directed in these verses and ahadith?

Secondly, with regards to the legitimacy of the struggle the people of Palestine are making, it is our belief that they are making it for the sake of Allah, in defense of Masjidul Aqsa, and hence, the deceased amongst them are all Shuhada(martyrs). The videos we view bear testimony to their resilience and strength of Iman. However, for the sake of argument, if we were to say that they are fighting for the sake of their land, then the following hadith should suffice:

من قُتِلَ دُونَ مَالِهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ، وَمَنْ قُتِلَ دُونَ أَهْلِهِ أَوْ دُونَ دَمِهِ أَوْ دُونَ دِينِهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌThe Prophet (ﷺ) said: “He who is killed while protecting his property is a martyr, and he who is killed while defending his family, or his blood, or his religion is a martyr.” [Sunan Abu Dawud: 4772]

Certainly they are fighting in the protection of their own lives, their families and their property, and hence will be considered as Shuhada in the sight of Allah, whether we like it or not.

Next, with regards to the usefulness of peaceful protests/rallies, boycotts, spreading true news and refuting false propaganda, Allah Ta’ala mentions:

وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُم مَّا اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن قُوَّةٍ” And prepare against them your strength, as much as you are able”. [Surah Anfaal: Ayat 60]

Of course, we all desire to physically join the Mujahideen and assist directly, however in reality we are unable, and hence are limited to other forms of assistance and support. To protest/rally is to stand in support of our brothers and sisters, and also to speak out against the oppression they are facing. This is not only our Islamic duty, but a humanitarian duty, as we stand on the side of the oppressed regardless of who they may be. To boycott is a form of financial warfare and to refute false propaganda and spread awareness is to stand up for the truth and sway public opinion towards it. These are all effective means of weakening the enemy.

In conclusion, it is imperative on us all to educate and familiarize ourselves with the plight of our brothers and sisters of Palestine. Having compassion and empathy is the demand of our Shariah, and may be expressed in the form of tears and dua infront of the most powerful Allah. Surely Allah is in complete control and can give victory to them, regardless of the apparent conditions prevailing. To be indifferent to their plight is to be indifferent to the Sunnah and the teachings of our most beautiful Deen.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the correct understanding and allow us to choose the middle path in all of our affairs.

اللهم امين يارب العالمين