FARHAN ABDUL MAJIID

Today, I reflect on the importance of increasing my piety and faith in Allah, as reminded by Surah Al-Hasyr, verses 18-19, which urges us to prepare for the future and not forget Him, lest we forget ourselves.

My heart is deeply moved by the ongoing genocide carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people, an occupation persisting for over 75 years. In just the last 100 days, Israel has dropped over 85,000 tons of bombs, equivalent to six times the Hiroshima atomic bomb, leading to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, including 28,000 women and children. Schools, hospitals, and mosques have been destroyed, and even designated safe zones like Rafah were brutally attacked.

As a believer, I understand that we are one unified body, an ‘ummah,’ bound by our shared faith in Allah. This creates a global bond, uniting us from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that believers strengthen each other like parts of a building. I believe we are called to show both communal and humanitarian solidarity. The Palestinian people are “mustadafin”—systematically oppressed and weakened—yet they display extraordinary piety, even praying in darkness. Allah, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 75, commands us to fight in His path to defend these weak men, women, and children who seek freedom from oppression.

I recognize that this “war” is not only physical but also involves economic warfare and social movements. I see the significant impact of mass boycotts against products supporting Israel, which are affecting major global corporations. What strikes me most is that this movement extends beyond Muslims, with people in America and Europe joining due to Israel’s extreme cruelty, viewing it as “warfare through economic instruments”. Beyond boycotts, I see the power of donations and social solidarity. I am inspired that Muslims worldwide have successfully mobilized even non-Muslims to stand with Palestinians, as seen in demonstrations in London and New York.

Therefore, I understand our multifaceted struggle: Palestinians fight physically, we engage in economic warfare globally, and we foster solidarity among all people of conscience. My hope is that our efforts will empower the “mustadafin” in Palestine, granting them the independence we enjoy. I pray for the strength of the Palestinian people and for the complete elimination of Zionism.