The Global Awakening: How the Resilience of Palestinian People Is Inspiring a Global Shift Towards Islam
Ikkz Ikbal ✉
Representative picture |
More
than 30,000 Palestinians are reported to be killed, more than 75,000 injured,
more than 1.7 million internally displaced and more than 60% of housing damaged
or destroyed. [UN, OCHA & Palestinian Ministry of Health, Gaza].
But
an unanticipated ripple effect is sweeping across continents in the wake of
these horrific pictures emerging from Gaza and Palestine, where the world has
been enthralled by the people’s unwavering resilience in the face of
unspeakable pain. The resonance of Palestinian faith is catalyzing a dramatic
awakening, resonating with hearts and minds well beyond the confines of the
beleaguered enclave, from the rubble-strewn streets of Gaza to the furthest
reaches of Western metropolises. The assault on Gaza has been an incredible
tribulation for the people of Gaza, Muslims and the entire world.
Recently, a video of a Palestinian mother went viral. She was sitting on the ground, embracing the white-shrouded body of her deceased toddler. Tears stream down her face as she silently cries and murmurs the word “Alhamdulillah”, a humble acknowledgement in Arabic that Muslims use to express gratitude and thankfulness to Allah, regardless of the difficult situations they may be encountering.
That
expression of faith touched millions of viewers on social media. Even resulting
in life-changing decisions for some. Many have seen countless videos of
the people of Gaza trusting in Allah (tawakkul) in every
circumstance, including toddlers and children praising Allah and vowing
to be patient and mothers and fathers graciously accepting the martyrdom of
their children.
Take, for instance, Abey Hafez, a 25-year-old Christian who started reading the Qur’an, marking her transformative journey towards embracing Islam. Her story is emblematic of a larger pattern in which the strength of the Palestinian faith acts as a lighthouse, directing people’s spirits towards truth and spirituality.
American
writer and activist Megan Rice converted to Islam, inspired by
Palestinian people. Her story from skeptic to believer is the perfect example
of experiencing faith in its purest form, free from the distortions of popular
media narratives.
Similarly,
in Melbourne, Australia, around 30 women announced their conversion to Islam,
deeply moved by witnessing the strong faith and resilience of Palestinians.
There
is a widespread trend across Western countries where people are taking a keen
interest in educating themselves about Islam beyond the stereotypical portrayal peddled by mainstream media. From
famous celebrities to activists with millions of followers, the trend of
individuals announcing their decision to embrace Islam, or simply start reading
the Qur’an has become increasingly common in the West.
What
we are witnessing is a collective awakening, a profound shift in awareness
sparked by the stark juxtaposition of Palestinian faith against the backdrop of
oppression and injustice. It is a testament to the failure of those who aimed
to demonize Islam and its followers to unintentionally ignite a
worldwide search for knowledge and the truth.
They plotted to make Islam and Muslims look like culprits. They didn’t
realize that they would be pushing people to actually seek the truth.
Allah SWT
mentions in the Qur’an:
وَ
مَکَرُوۡا وَ مَکَرَ اللّٰہُ ؕ وَ اللّٰہُ خَیۡرُ الۡمٰکِرِیۡنَ ﴿۵۴﴾
“And
the disbelievers planned, but Allah planned. And Allah is the best of
planners.” ( AlQura’n 03:54 ).
Their
attempts to demonize Islam have only served to highlight the beauty and resilience of Islam, drawing seekers
of truth into its embrace. They may kill Muslims, but they can never kill Islam.
Allah is infinitely wise and is the best of planners. Although it may be
difficult for our hearts and minds to understand why things unfold as they do,
the people of Gaza remind us to put our trust in Allah and have full
conviction in His promise.
As
the world is witnessing the brutal assault on the people of Gaza, the spirit,
resilience and faith of the people of Palestine are igniting a flame of
curiosity and awakening in hearts and minds around the world. In a world full
of conflict and division, the path towards Islam has become a source of
enlightenment and hope for everyone, from well-known celebrities to common
people.
In
the face of adversity, the resilience of the people of Palestine and Gaza
stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith___ a power that cuts over
national boundaries, cultural norms, and ideological divides to bring people
together in the pursuit of justice, truth, and spiritual fulfilment. As the
world bears witness to this profound resilience and awakening, one thing is
made clearly evident: the light of the Palestinian faith shines brighter than
ever, illuminating the path towards a world that is more compassionate and
enlightened.
It is
not the differences that define us, but our shared traits of love, resilience
and faith that bind us together as one human family. May the spirit of the people of Palestine be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a
society that is more compassionate, equitable, and peaceful for us and for
generations to come.
P.S. Know that the people of Palestine and Gaza are as humans as you are. They have the
same colour of blood as you have. They also deserve freedom and peace. May
peace prevail in the region and move us towards a moral awakening to care about
the human suffering we are seeing. May Allah SWT give them Bravery, Strength And imagination and Free Them from The Yoke of Apartheid Brutality.
Ikkz Ikbal has a PG in Biotechnology and is an Administrator at Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad. He can be mailed at ikkzikbal@gmail.com.