CRISIS IN GAZA

We have been warned by the Prophet (SAW) against ignoring the responsibility placed on us towards our less fortunate brothers and sisters or those who are suffering at the hands of the oppressor. He (SAW) has said, “Whoever forsakes a Muslim, where his sanctity is profaned and his honor is assaulted, will be forsaken by Allah when he would like to triumph. And whoever stands by a Muslim where his sanctity is profaned and his honor is assaulted will be assisted by Allah when he needs His assistance” (Sahih al Jami)

This is why we say, untroubled…yet!

The true Muslim brotherhood is one of interdependence. Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) have warned us that if we continue with our indifference, and if we persist in washing our hands of the atrocities being inflicted against our brothers and sisters all over the world, Allah (SWT), the Just Lord, will soon afflict us with similar calamities and will not allow any help to reach us. These are prophecies, not predictions!

WHY ARE WE SO HELPLESS?

Even this question has been answered by our beloved Prophet (SAW). He (SAW) said, “The nations shall gather and team up against you (i.e., Muslims) as the predators gather and team up against their prey. “

A questioner asked, “Is it because of us being low in numbers at that day?”

The Prophet (SAW) replied: “No, you that day shall be in great numbers, but you will be as powerless as the foam of the water on the surface of the river, and Allah shall remove any fear from your enemies toward you, and He shall put in your hearts wahn. ”

A questioner asked: “O Apostle of Allah, what is wahn? ”

The Prophet (SAW) replied: “The love of life’s amusements and the fear of death.” (Abu Dawud)

Our condition today, in light of the above hadeeth, is self evident. We have become so materialistic that we have lost the very basic element of our deen…to prioritize akhirah over duniya.

CHANGE BEGINS WITH US

It is imperative for us to accept our responsibility towards our suffering brothers and sisters and do all we can to alleviate their afflictions. At the same time we must accept that we are part of the problem. According to the hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW) mentioned above, Allah SWT is the One who has removed our fear and worth from the hearts of the enemy. We see during this current crisis in Gaza where enemy is disseminating blatant lies with total impunity. If this is not humiliation from Allah SWT for us, then what is?

We talk about boycotts and rallies, take to the streets and ponder over political situations and intervention from international powers. Many of us still believe that it is the power of man, and not the power of God, which holds the key. The reality is that if we want to change this tragic and disgraceful situation we are in, we have to look at what Allah (SWT) commanded us, which is to start with ourselves. Allah SWT has already told us,

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. (Ar-R’ad 13:11)

The problem lies within us and so does the solution! If we correct ourselves and take on the responsibility of living and carrying the message of Islam to others, Allah SWT will honor us just like He honored the companions of the Prophet (SAW). These are the steps we all should take:

• 1. Begin our journey of faith. We have to learn about Islam, understand its message, and recognize what Allah SWT wants from us at this time and place.
• 2. Sacrifice our time and money for our spiritual development, since sacrifice is the proof of sincerity and honesty.
• 3. Embody the teachings of Islam through our actions and be role models for our fellow human beings.
• 4. Fulfill our responsibilities in our social contract to our fellow Muslims and human beings; aid the hungry, needy and oppressed with our money and our prayers.
• 5. Elevate Islam by propagating its pure message and removing the misunderstandings being spread against it.

THE SILVER LINING

Allah SWT will never allow His religion to be disgraced. We must understand that in spite of all this suffering and humiliation, the light of faith and guidance will spread throughout the earth. Allah SWT has said,

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.

It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it. (At-Tawbah 9:32-33)

Despite all the chaos and upheaval, these are hopeful times. According to Islamic teachings, when we see the situation getting tougher and the deen of Allah SWT seems to hit all time low, we need to know for a fact that the victory and elevation of Allah SWT is just around the corner. This victory is imminent, but the question for us is, will we be part of the victors or part of the vanquished when that victory arrives? Now, our efforts should be concentrated on trying to be among those lucky ones who are chosen by Allah SWT to spread this light.

Gaza, Syria, Burma, China, Iraq, Afghanistan, Central African Republic and many other Muslim lands are burning, and we are idly watching. If we do not take this suffering of our brothers and sisters seriously and rectify our relationship with Allah SWT, we will not be able to escape the wrath of Allah SWT. The real cause of concern is not our oppressed brothers and sisters, but rather us who have accepted this humiliation and have become passive spectators to this brutality. Those who are dead, wounded, and oppressed have a Merciful Lord watching over them, generously recompensing them for their suffering InshaAllah. Their tribulations are over, whereas ours are still ongoing.

This Merciful Lord is also Just. Let us strive our utmost to be among those who receive His clemency, not His retribution.

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