The Arab leaders have all but turned their backs on the Palestinians
Palestine – Nu’man bin Bashir (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) 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”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. (Riyad as-Salihin 224)
The world is currently witnessing a genocide taking place in Gaza. The cries of agony resound across the globe, eliciting anger and fervent protests. Yet, amid this outrage and dissent, a chilling silence emanates from the Muslim world, particularly the Arab nations and their leaders. Instead of safeguarding the besieged Palestinians, all that meets the eye are empty declarations condemning Israel, as though mere words can staunch the unending flow of suffering and despair.
In a world where South American nations like Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia have displayed unwavering courage by severing diplomatic ties and recalling their ambassadors from Israel, the glaring absence of similar action from Arab leaders stands as a damning indictment of their moral compass. As the genocide continues, a desperate plea for unity echoes through the Muslim Ummah (community).
Across continents, Muslims unite in their collective condemnation of the unspeakable horrors unfolding in Gaza. Streets ignite with protests, voices soar in defiance, and the cry for justice echoes across borders. Yet, amidst this global outcry, the stark contrast between the resolute unity of the people and the spine-chilling silence of Muslim leaders and nations paints a harrowing picture of betrayal and moral bankruptcy.
The Arab and Muslim world: A paralysed giant
The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has issued a fatwa (a formal ruling based on Islamic law) saying the Arab regimes and armies, specifically the countries bordering Palestine – Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, are required by Islamic Shari’ah to intervene urgently to save Gaza from genocide and mass destruction.
The confounding question looms ominously: why does the Arab and Muslim world persist in its paralysing apathy towards Gaza’s unbearable suffering? To fathom this disconcerting stagnation, one must scrutinise the political landscape. Muslim-majority nations possess vast reservoirs of resources, be it in terms of wealth or military might. However, this potential lies dormant, suffocated beneath the weight of political impotence and disunity. The crux of the matter lies in the yawning political void that afflicts the Muslim world. Despite their formidable military and economic capabilities, Muslim nations lack coherent and autonomous political leadership, said Mazhar Khan, member of Hizb Ut-Tahrir.
“On every metric, whether it’s resources, finances, manpower, military, the Muslims are on top but where we are not on top is that our political governance, our political leaders are not independent. They’re not free. They are puppets and that’s our problem. This time it’s boiling over where even the people in the armed forces are feeling it. Last week President El-Sisi in Egypt had to publicly announce and address the military and he says don’t take any emotional or rash actions with regards to what’s going on across the border. For him to come out and say that shows that there is a strong feeling in the armed forces. The rulers are exposed.”
While some may say the armies are corrupted, Khan has a firm belief there are those within the army who have a high level of Imaan. A level of Imaam which will not allow them to continue to sit back and watch these atrocities continue. He called for these people to turn their backs on the leaders of the Arab world and participate in the liberation and protection of the Palestinian people.
The political absence
Even leaders like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey, who has accused Israel of being a “war criminal” and an “occupier” is none the better. His words mean nothing as he continues to allow resources to flow through his country to Israel and even exported roughly $2 billion worth of goods to Israel, said Khan.
“In Turkey he organised a demonstration and that is very humiliating because demonstrations are done by people without authority appealing to the government to act. He is the government and who is he appealing to? Who is he demonstrating to? Iff he’s claiming he hasn’t got power, we don’t accept that because he sent his military to Libya, Azerbaijan,Iraq and Syria. He can send his military when he wants to but here and he actually has sent his aeroplanes and helicopters into Palestine but that was to put out forest. Forest fires to help the Zionist occupiers and not to help the Muslims. This time they are very exposed and people are asking these questions: “What are all the rulers doing?”
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The history of the Arab nations
Reflecting on history, after the election of Hamas, Gaza was barricaded. The response of Arab rulers and nations during this period, characterised by indifference and neglect, set a precedent, explained Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, Deputy President of the Muslim Judicial Council.
“During this particular period in time we know there has been so much talk, negotiations, that ultimately led to normalisations at the expense of the Palestinian people who are the owners of the land. Whose land has been occupied and they have been totally trampled upon. They’ve totally been dehumanised and that is a phase prior to obviously the genocide and the massacre that we witness. Gaza and the Palestinian people are standing totally alone. They are experiencing betrayal.”
The prolonged suffering of Gazans over the past 17 years, trapped in an open-air prison, paints a damning picture of regional apathy. With the amount of influence the West has over the Middle Eastern countries, it has become quite clear Muslims can no longer depend on these so-called leaders to protect the Muslim Ummah.
Deflecting attention: The role of Arab regimes
One prevailing narrative attempts to question the rightful ownership of Palestine, arguing that conquest historically determines land ownership. This narrative, unfortunately, has been coming from those living in the Arab nations as a way to divert attention and justify not getting involved in the war. However, questioning the Arab identity of Palestinians, as a way to not get involved, will not work, said Khan. Palestinians, irrespective of their Arab identity, share a deep-rooted connection with the land. Religious significance, historical events, and the shared heritage of believers make Palestine a symbol of unity for Muslims worldwide.
“Let’s say for example they’re not Arabs, so what? Nabi (SAW)l went there and prayed there. All the Ambiyaa (AS) came there, he (SAW) led them all in salaah. It’s linked to our Imaan. Umar (RA) went to take Islam there. Salahuddin liberated it, Sultan Kuthos liberated it, Sultan Abdülhamid protected it in his dying days. It’s not about nationality. It’s about Imaan. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Arab or not Arab. Palestine belongs to the whole Muslim. These are bogus discussions and when they talk about it belonging to the Bani Israel, it doesn’t. It was promised to the descendants of Ibrahim (AS) who believe in Allah (SWT).”
The British occupation of Gaza in 1917, coupled with geopolitical interests, led to the establishment of Israel. Contrary to the notion of conquest, political manoeuvring and external influences significantly impacted the formation of the Israeli state.
The barrier to progress
Historically, political divisions within the Ummah have hampered collective efforts. The fragmented nature of Muslim-majority countries has allowed external forces to exploit these divisions, perpetuating the status quo of oppression. Salahuddin, renowned for his efforts to liberate Jerusalem from Crusader occupation, serves as a powerful reminder. His success was rooted in his ability to unite diverse Muslim factions under a singular cause, said Khan.
“He spent 14 years, even though Masjidul Aqsa was occupied for 88 years, he spent 14 years unifying the North Africans, the Yemenis and the Muslims of Sham behind the Khalifa in Baghdad. Once he achieved that, then he went to Al Quds and in one battle he expelled the Crusaders because he realised the problem was the political disunity. The Ummah will always be good and bad. At the time of Salahuddin, the Fatimid ruled Egypt and they were outside the fold of Islam. The politics he solved and then the Ummah was rectified.”
Acknowledging the puppetry of those in power, we are faced with a daunting challenge to unite them. The Ummah must harness its economic might, diverting resources away from Western economies indirectly bolstering oppressive regimes. Taking an autonomous stance and severing ties with puppet rulers empowers the Ummah to wield influence on the global stage. Khan emphasised the effectiveness of non-violent tools such as collective boycotts and divestments, capable of challenging the prevailing status quo when employed unitedly.
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Palestinians, a chosen band of steadfast souls
It has been narrated on the authority of Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (RA) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: A group of people from my Umma will continue to fight In defence of truth and remain triumphant until the Day of Judgement. (Sahih Muslim 1923)
In the midst of unfathomable tragedy, the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people shines through. While their families are being obliterated, they still praise Allah (SWT). Despite relentless atrocities, the Palestinian people refuse to bow down, embodying the essence of determination. The attempts to eradicate future generations have failed, as each new generation inherits the spirit of resistance. The above Hadith (saying of the Nabi (SAW)), according to Moulana Allie, speaks about the people of Palestine.
“Gaza and the history of Gaza and the people of Gaza and the people of Al Quds, they have taken this mentorship to say that we are that particular group of people … Allah (SWT) has blessed this particular people. Their level of Imaan, faith of being connected with Allah (SWT), the level of wanting to to achieve shahada, I was there in 2011 and the pride people take in their homes. They have frames and the mothers would say ‘this is our pride. This is our son. He has been chosen by Allah (SAW) to become shaheed’. Having said that the brutality, atrocity, genocide and the massacre and somebody used the word holocaust of what what we witnessing now in Gaza, supported by the West and the silence by the Arab leaders, it’s devastating.”
The Palestinian people have their sole reliance on the words of Allah (SWT). As everything around them continues to be destroyed, they still hold firm in their faith and depend solely on Allah (SWT). Moulana Allie made a comparison between the bravery displayed, especially by the youth, which echoes the historical defiance of the companions of the Prophet (SAW) during the era of Makkah. Just as they refused to yield to paganism, today’s Palestinians refuse to surrender to oppression.
A call for global support and solidarity
In the face of immense suffering, the ummah should question its own resolve. What actions are we prepared to take? The global Ummah must draw inspiration from the courage of the Palestinian people. It is not enough to merely sympathise; action is imperative. The international community, especially neighbouring countries, must stand in solidarity, supporting the immediate needs of those directly affected. Those closest to Palestine should immediately answer the call for Jihad issued by the IUMS, said Imam Fuad Samaai, Member of the Muslim Judicial Council.
“For those who are in the immediate vicinity of where the need is or in the place where the need is, it would be for those people to stand up on behalf of the Ummah. They should be supported by their neighbours. In this case it would be Egypt, Jordan and those countries and then of course Saudi and the Arab countries. Eventually it should branch out that way and it will reach each and every Muslim who should be prepared to do it. I remember in 1967 in a house in Salt River in Cape Town, when the 1967 war broke out between Egypt and Israel, Muslims were actually queuing up to come and sign up for Jihad to fight on the side of the Egyptians at the time. It is easy for us to sit here and preach to others what should be done. We should ask ourselves, “What am I prepared to do?”
The call for Jihad should resonate in our hearts, fostering an unyielding determination to support the oppressed. While physical Jihad may not be feasible for everyone, the intention, prayer, and financial assistance can pave the way for a collective stand against injustice. Each individual must reflect on their willingness to contribute to the cause, even if from a distance.
The mainstream media endeavours to mould narratives, shaping the viewpoints of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Imam Samaai emphasised the crucial need for the Ummah to stay vigilant, distinguishing between truth and manipulated accounts. A meticulous examination of media reports is vital to counter misinformation effectively. Those Arab nations who push out these viewpoints must be met with anger.
“We should definitely put all these Arab embassies under tremendous pressure. We know it may count for little but a very clear message should be sent to them that this is what we think of you. You are a disgrace to the Ummah of Nabi (SAW). You are an embarrassment. When we speak to non-Muslims, one of the questions they ask is where are these oil rich Arab countries? Yes, we know their money is all tied up in the West. We know all their investments are running into trillions of dollars. What we are saying is that at this particular point in time, you are on the wrong side of history.”
Embracing perseverance and patience: Trusting in Allah (SWT) plan
The current situation has galvanised the global Ummah, transcending geographical boundaries. Unlike previous decades, where the response was muted, today’s Muslims are mobilised. From Karachi to Cairo, millions have taken to the streets, expressing solidarity. Despite the overwhelming oppression, the Ummah must remain steadfast and continue to trust in Allah (SWT), said Khan.
“My appeal to the Ummah is don’t let it settle this time. We are not going to stop until we put pressure on those regimes and we put pressure on our armies to march to liberate Masjidul Aqsa, to free the people of Gaza and to unify this Ummah. This Ummah is in a different position and what the Yahoud have done in Gaza, in terms of the slaughter and the destruction, is unbelievable. To me, I can only see that when oppression is at this height the Nasar (help) of Allah (SWT) cannot be too far away. We just have to be patient in the sense that we need to keep persevering, keep calling for the right solution. The right solution is Jihad, Khilafah and Shari’ah. We call for and we put pressure on our Muslims around the world, for our armies to march and we trust in Allah (SWT) but we are not going to give up. We are not going to take it easy and we’re going to keep pursuing this until we see the Nasar of Allah (SWT) descend from the skies and in a manifest way and we will see a victory.”
