- This article draws examples of the resilience and inspiring faith of Palestinians.
- It explores how through the plight of Palestinians, many are strengthening their eman and even converting to Islam.
So, I have an anecdote for you if you’re in the mood for it….
Who’s that roaming the cobbled streets of Jerusalem? Dressed in a knee-length skirt with a certified badge of approval displayed proudly on her fluorescent blouse, a tour guide, desperately attempting to “elucidate” the American group before her on the history of al Quds. A rather plump woman with a tuetonic-toned German accent, distorting the truth about what occurred within these hauntingly beautiful walls.
But let’s be real: the Palestinians were never going to let this slide.
I don’t think so, mate- launches himself into the scene. The Palestinian man who is in close proximity starts smiling an infectious smile, the kind of smile that radiates from the depths of genuine delight, possessing something untouchable that no one else has. He bore a frail physique, adopted by age, yet within him resided a mighty spirit, pulsating with strength in both heart and intellect. He began heckling the woman in a rather nonchalant manner “blah blah blah, blah blah blah” much like Greta with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He continued by addressing the yanks, responding harmoniously to each fallacious fact the woman delivered with, “that’s a lie and that’s a lie and even more blah blah blah” “If you want to know about what really happened here, come to me, this lady here has a PHD in lying”, he gestured towards the woman, his remark served with a serious side eye.
The Americans burst into a fit of laughter all in sync. Opposite the debacle were two girls adorned in Islamic attire, perched on a wall. They too began laughing at how quickly the credibility of the tour guide was being lost.
One of those girls sat on the wall on that blissful Thursday afternoon in Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Square was me.
Once in a while, we cross paths with people who are hard to forget. The sister who was sat next to me was one of those people. I was devouring the best knafeh of my life at the time and offered her a share. She grabbed the extra spoon and with bites and conversation intertwined, she told me how she was a local from Nazareth who was visiting with her family.
Our sister had this fire in her eyes, an air about her, as if she knew she was destined for an extraordinary place that transcends this ephemeral world—an ambition that was overwhelmingly inspiring. Allahumma Barik!
Following the Palestinian uncle’s swift exit, the sister commenced in eloquently enlightening the American tourists about the true essence of Omar RA. I stumbled into the position of her hype-man (minus the bassy voice), casually seasoning an “aha,” “absolutely,” and “for sure” into the mix.
The Americans attentively absorbed the information, while the tour guide, appearing as though the will to live had abandoned her, found herself upstaged for the second time by a Palestinian. A momentary theft, inconsequential when measured against the theft endured by the oppressed Palestinian people—their land, cuisine, homes, and agriculture pillaged by the overbearing Israeli regime.
In the vicinity, my family’s summons for photographs enticed me away. Before parting, I embraced the sister. She told me, “One thing we must always hold onto tightly, no matter what happens, is our identity. Once this is gone, everything is finished. We must hold onto this with all of our strength. They hate our hijab; they hate that we are different. They hate that we don’t care about this world. Always remember this.”
During my return flight to Heathrow later that week, I reflected on the departing words of the sister, contemplating the challenges faced by Palestinian Muslimahs. I considered the potential paths they could take in order to traverse the streets of Jerusalem more safely, like removing their hijab or diluting their religion by adopting a ‘turban-style hijab’, worn by many orthodox Jewish women. These options were rejected by the true soldiers of Palestine. It’s important to note, this reflection doesn’t generalise but focuses on those who adhere to Islamic attire. I, too at this juncture had faced the intimidation tactics adopted by the IDF, yet these encounters were pale in comparison to the ongoing trials endured by local residents and the formidable challenges faced by Gazans today.
I contemplated the poignant reality that many Palestinian sisters are documented to retain their hijabs even as they sleep, driven by a profound sense of modesty (haya) and the uncertainty of who might be entrusted with their burial by the following morning. These sisters epitomise true fortitude, standing in stark contrast to the lamentable IDF soldiers whose actions involve the cowardly bombardment of children. As evident in many of our Palestinian sisters, our true empowerment lies in our obedience to Allah, being assessed for the substance of our minds and the richness of our souls, transcending the physical. Embracing this paradigm as our norm becomes an empowering and liberating force- a profound acknowledgment that we wield control over who sees our physical beauty in our unashamed Muslimness.
Spirituality is an intimately personal journey, yet as believers, we serve as mirrors reflecting one another. This reflection is a reminder first and foremost to myself.
Gurabah
If the last couple of weeks have taught us anything, it’s this: we were always supposed to be different, as the sister in Jerusalem reminded me. The Palestinians embrace their ‘strangeness’ wholeheartedly.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) SAID:
“ISLAM BEGAN AS SOMETHING STRANGE AND WILL REVERT TO BEING STRANGE AS IT BEGAN, SO GLAD TIDINGS TO THE STRANGERS.”
Sahih Muslim
Feet no longer shackled to the dunya
The grievous injustices perpetrated by the Israeli regime should serve as a compelling impetus to deepen our connection with Allah. Simultaneously, the harrowing hollowness of humanity towards the Gazans ought to make us strengthen our forever wavering hearts.
Eman Lessons from Gaza
Reflections from Gaza: As I write this, the resolute people of Yaqeen embody a remarkable strength of faith amidst the horrors of violence, families torn apart, limbs blown a part and the devastation of homes and livelihoods. Their unwavering proclamation that ‘Allah is sufficient for us’ echoes resiliently in the face of adversity. May Allah protect them from harm and bless those who are killed with martyrdom..Ameen
Non-Muslims embracing Islam, inspired by the resilience of Palestinians
Muslims inspired by Palestinians
Consider our sister Huda Kattan, the visionary behind the renowned beauty empire, Huda Beauty. Here’s her profound reflection on how Palestine is transforming her heart, Allahumma Barik:
Narrated by Thawban, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The nations will soon summon one another to attack you, as people when eating invite others to share their dish. Someone asked, 'Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?' He replied, 'No, you will be numerous at that time, but you will be like the froth of the sea, and Allah will take the fear of you away from your enemies and will cast weakness into your hearts.' Someone asked, 'What is that weakness?' He replied, 'Love for the world and dislike for death.'" (Sunan Abi Dawood)
The mentioned hadith serves as a poignant reminder of the present state of the Muslim ummah. Nevertheless, we hold steadfast to the promise of triumph given by the Most Truthful, Allah, and it is imperative never to lose sight of this assurance.
In these unprecedented times, let us earnestly strive to draw nearer to Allah, recognising that we, too, are undergoing our own unique set of tests, just as our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
