Islam and Palestine
Written by PDM and Decolonize Your Classroom
Palestine, where over 96% of the population are Muslims, is not just a political struggle—it's a comprehensive fight for liberation deeply rooted in Islamic values. When the West encourages us to dilute our faith to appeal to their sensibilities, they misunderstand the essence of our resistance.
Our fight for freedom is not compartmentalized but intertwined with our faith, principles, and identity.
The Palestinian resistance is both individual and collective, reflecting a strong sense of community where Islam plays a vital role. From the recitation of the Quran during airstrikes in Gaza to the fasting during Ramadan under siege, the faith of the Palestinian people is a source of resilience and strength.
'Palestinians in Gaza during Ramadan 2024' by Mirsab
Islam is inseparable from the Palestinian identity, yet it does not exclude solidarity among Palestinians of other faiths. When families in Gaza face the loss of loved ones, they perform the Janaza prayer, seeking solace in the belief that martyrs are not dead but alive with their Lord, as described in the Quran: "Do not consider those who are slain in the path of Allah as dead; rather, they are alive and well-provided for by their Lord." (Quran 3:169).
Ramadan in Gaza by Mirsab
However, the Zionist settler regime has imposed severe restrictions on the practice of Islam, particularly in accessing Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam. These restrictions are not just about limiting access to a place of worship but are part of a broader attempt to dominate and erase Palestinian presence in their own land.
Despite these challenges, over 80,000 Palestinians attended the last Friday prayer at Masjid Al-Aqsa, a testament to their unyielding faith and determination. Masjid Al-Aqsa holds significant historical and spiritual importance in Islam, being the first Qibla and the site of the Prophet Muhammad's SAW night journey (Isra and Mi'raj).
Palestine's Islamic history is rich and deeply connected to the broader Muslim world. The site has been a center of worship and resistance since the time of Prophet Ibrahim. It has endured through various empires and continues to be a symbol of Islamic resilience against colonial oppression.
Supporting the liberation of Palestine means standing against the Zionist settler colonialism that has oppressed our brothers and sisters for over 75 years. It is a call for justice, for the return of the displaced, and for the freedom to practice our faith without restriction.
The question remains: How will the Muslim Ummah support the Palestinian Liberation Movement, not just in words, but in action?
