Palestine Advocacy Guide Ramadan 2024
As we enter the month of Ramadan, the ongoing genocide against Gaza and heightened attacks on Palestine continue. Every year, the Israeli Occupation Forces escalate violence and aggression towards Palestinians during Ramadan. This year, not only are we witnessing the typical Israeli aggressions, but a mass genocide against the people of Gaza. While we prepare ourselves for this holy month, we urge our community to set their intentions towards Allah SWT and dedicate this month of holy worship to the people of Gaza and to a free Palestine, Inshallah.
What is the significance of Palestine in Islam?
Palestine is the holy land
1. Jerusalem (Al-Quds)
Islam’s third holiest site, home to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Aqsa is the first Qiblah.
Prophet Mohammed SW’s trip to Dome of the Rock (Qubat Al-Sakhra) in the Isra wal Mi’raj, the night journey to Heaven.
Every year, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Israel invades and attacks worshipers of Al-Aqsa.
Palestinians are the protectors of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque.
2. Palestine is the land of the Prophets
Many prophets were born or died in Palestine, including Prophets
Ibrahim , Lut, Dawood, Suleiman, Musa, and Isa, alayhimu-salam.
3. The unshakeable faith of the people of Gaza
There has been a new wave of conversions to Islam because of how deeply inspired the world is by the faith of the people of Gaza. We must allow the faith of those suffering to be a reflection upon ourselves, and a constant guide to doing better as an Ummah.
How did the Prophet Mohammad SWT and his companions deal with times of joy and grief?
نم برقأ اح رف مويلا كتيأ ر ام
The Prophet’s deathbed storytelling Fatima he was going to die, followed by telling her she was the first to follow him
Allah created us so that we witness things that make us happy and we witness things that make us sad. And we are constantly between those two things.
The difference between the companions of the Prophet and the righteous ones, and most people who try to balance those emotions, is that the companions of the Messenger go from intense grief to intense joy over that which Allah has promised. They go towards happiness when they see something that is of what Allah has promised the believers. And that is a precious happiness that cannot be found except through iman, except through faith.
Know that the scenes coming from Gaza should give us grief; but remembering that they are elevated to Paradise should give us joy.
Reset your Ramadan Intentions This Year
Ask yourself: what is the meaning of Ramadan to you?
Culturally, Ramadan is a time of iftars, community, and festivals, but this is not the true essence of Ramadan! This year, let’s return to the true meaning of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a month of worship, Ibadah, and is the best opportunity to come closer to Allah, to dedicate your duaa’s and your prayers to the people of Gaza, of Palestine, and to the Muslim brothers and sisters suffering injustices all over the world.
Allah’s Names
Allah is “Al-Mu’min”
…
مهبولق ىلع انطب رو ،ىده مهاندزو مهب رب اونمآ ةيتف مهنإ…
They were youths who truly believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. And We strengthened (raban) their hearts... (18:13-14)
Even when outnumbered, Allah SWT strengthens the hearts of the believers, as we see with the people of Gaza
Allah is “Al-Wakil”
بهذيو
Remember when He gave you sleep as a reassurance from Him, and sent down water from the sky to cleanse you, to remove Satan’s pollution from you, to make your hearts strong and your feet firm. (8:11)
Despite the devastation against the people of Gaza, they remain firm in their faith
Duaa for Palestine
1.
2.
Allahumma aslih ahwaalal-muslimeena fi filisteen, Allahumma aslih ahwaalal-muslimeena fi filisteena wa fi kulli makaanin ya dhul-jalali wal-ikraam.
“O Allah, rectify the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine. O Allah, rectify the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine and in every place. O Lord of Majesty and Bounty”
3.
Rabbana afrigh ‘alayhim sabran wa thabbit aqdaamahum wansurhum ‘ala al-qawm al-kafireen
“Our Lord! Shower them with perseverance, make their steps firm, and give them victory over the disbelieving people.”
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min dhulmil-mulk, wa min sharri al-qahhar.
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the injustice of rulers and from the evil of the One who exercises power.”
4.
Allahumma ustur ‘awraatihim wa-aamin raw’aatihim wahfadhhum min bayni aydeehim wa min khalfihim wa ‘an aymaanihim wa ‘an shamaa’ilihim wa min fawqihim
“O Allah, conceal their faults, calm their fears, and protect them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and from above them.”
There is a verse in the Qur’an, where the people ask, “When will Allah’s help come?” (2:214) Allah immediately answers, “Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” (2:214) Allah SWT is always present and His divine help is near- not on our time, but His. We must remain firm and devout in our belief in this. What we are consuming is not normal. Allah SWT is testing us with what we are seeing. The state of the Ummah as a whole is deeply alarming. Whether in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, or anywhere else- as believers, we must remind ourselves that as horrific as what we are seeing is, this Dunya is temporary.
The Prophet ﷺ reminds us that, “the most miserable people in the world will come on the Day of Resurrection to be dipped in Paradise, then it will be said: O son of Adam, did you see any hardship? Did you have any distress? He will say: No, by Allah, my Lord! I did not once see hardship or distress.” As for the children who were killed, they “are roaming about in Paradise.” This hadith serves to remind us that as devastating as the injustices happening against our brothers and sisters in Islam are, they are the people of Paradise. All the horrors of this Dunya are nothing compared to the splendor of just one moment in Jannah. Use this reminder as a comfort, and as a chance for the rest of us to do better.
Channel our despair, our anger, and our rage, into mobilization!