The ongoing conflict in Palestine is not only a severe test for the Palestinian people, but also a test for Muslims around the world. The situation there tests the extent to which we are able to show concern and solidarity with our oppressed friends. It is not only a matter of humanity, but also about the moral and religious obligations that every Muslim carries. In the midst of all the suffering, can we really care and defend them?
Since the mid-20th century, Palestine has been at the centre of one of the world’s most protracted and complex conflicts. The suffering of the Palestinian people due to war, expulsion and occupation has been exacerbated by the economic blockade and human rights violations. This situation makes access to basic needs such as food, clean water, and health services very limited. Even Palestinian children who should be enjoying a carefree childhood have to live in fear and loss.
For Muslims, this condition is not just news on television screens or social media. The situation faced by our friends in Palestine is a call to our hearts that should arouse our concern. Every suffering they experience should also be felt by us as one body of Muslims. When part of our body is injured, the whole body should also feel the pain.
Palestine and the Meaning of Solidarity in Islam
Islam teaches its followers to care for each other and help those who are experiencing difficulties. Rasulullah SAW said, ‘Whoever does not care about the affairs of the Muslims, then he is not among them.’ (HR. Al-Hakim). This Hadith confirms that caring for the suffering of other Muslims is not just an option, but an obligation.
When we see the suffering of the Palestinians, we are reminded that their struggle is a test of our faith. Solidarity with Palestine is not only shown through prayer, but also through concrete actions that help alleviate their suffering. This is a call for all of us to take a role, show concern, and not just stand by and watch injustice.
As Muslims, the biggest challenge for us is to answer the question, ‘Can we care and defend our friends in Palestine?’ There are various ways to show care and solidarity, from small actions to bigger steps. Here are some concrete steps that can be taken:
- Participate in Humanitarian Donations
The Palestinian people are in dire need of aid in the form of logistics, food, medicine, and clean water. Our donations, though seemingly small, can make a huge impact on those in dire need. - Voicing Solidarity Through Social Media and Awareness Campaigns
We can utilise social media to spread information about the situation in Palestine and encourage more people to care. Our voices can help raise global awareness and put pressure on those who can play a role in resolving the conflict. - Advocating for Human Rights in Palestine
Taking an active role in advocating for human rights through humanitarian organisations or international agencies can help fight for justice for the Palestinian people. Our involvement in voicing their rights can provide moral and political support to achieve change. - Organising Actions and Fundraising Campaigns
Actions such as fundraising, donations, or charity campaigns to help Palestinian friends can be a concrete form of our concern. By involving communities and organisations, we can gather greater resources to help those in need.
Palestine is Our Shared Responsibility
The conflict in Palestine is not just a local or regional issue, but one that concerns all of humanity. As Muslims, we have a special responsibility to defend our oppressed friends. This obligation is not only based on religious ties, but also because of humanitarian values that teach us to stand up against all forms of injustice.
Palestine is a reminder that a test for one group can be a test for the entire Ummah. It is a call for all of us to do something and not let the suffering continue without a fight. Every step we take to help Palestine, no matter how small, is a manifestation of our faith and responsibility as Muslims.
Our concern for Palestine reflects the extent to which we understand Islamic values that teach us to always help the weak and oppressed. Our solidarity with our friends in Palestine shows that we are a caring Ummah, a Ummah that understands the meaning of unity, and a Ummah that will not remain silent in the face of injustice.
When we dare to care and defend, we also strengthen the position of Muslims in the eyes of the world. We show that Muslims have a high sense of humanity, are able to work together to achieve noble goals, and are not afraid to fight for the rights of our oppressed friends.
The struggle of the Palestinian people is a reflection of our common struggle in facing the test of humanity. Let’s not let this test pass without us doing anything. Let’s prove that we are able to care and help defend our friends in Palestine. Dompet Dhuafa invites you to show your concern through concrete actions. Distribute aid to friends in Palestine in the form of logistics, food, medicine, and clean water. Every donation you make will directly help ease the burden of those who live in difficult conditions.
