Trust in Allah: Rising above Despair in Gaza
In the midst of your sadness over the heart-wrenching events unfolding in Gaza, remember that you are not alone in your grief. Your pain is a testament to your deep connection and shared love for your ummah. As you witness this unfolding tragedy, it's essential to maintain your faith and resilience, for that makes you strong. Your pain is rooted in a place of love, The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him; once beautifully said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Muslim)
Shaitan’s Plan
In these trying times, succumbing to hopelessness is easy, but you must not allow these emotions to paralyse you. Despair is a tool of Shaitan that can drag you down, preventing you from carrying on with your life and spiralling into depression. You must remember that Shaitaan seeks to exploit your vulnerabilities, sowing seeds of doubt and questioning in your heart, making you wonder why Allah allows the injustice of the Israelis to persist. Don’t let Shaitan win!
Grief
I know exactly what you are going through. I recall the same feelings of despair when my beloved son, Mohammed, unexpectedly passed away from leukaemia. While the circumstances are different, the emotional turmoil bears similarities. Initially, I was paralysed with grief; I didn’t see the point of doing anything, and I couldn’t sleep. But Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah a million times that I was a Muslim, and I turned to the advice and guidance of the Quran and Sunnah to help me get out of the darkness; it was the anchor that helped me weather the storm. I am turning to Allah again now as my heart breaks each time I see a post on Instagram or watch the news. Turning to Allah’s guidance is the only way to find solace and strength in the face of the grief we feel for Gaza.
Sacred Guidance
Just like the Muslims in Gaza today, the early Muslims faced tests. How did the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions cope with the hardships that tested their faith and resolve?
In Mecca, they endured a painful boycott that lasted for three years, a time of unimaginable suffering marked by isolation and deprivation. Yet, they persevered, relying on their faith and trust in Allah to carry them through. They found solace in their prayers and unwavering belief that Allah's plan was perfect, even when all hope seemed lost.
Upon migrating to Medina, the Muslims faced a siege and relentless opposition from those who sought to extinguish the light of Islam. But they stood firm, united in faith and conviction.
The Battle of Uhud brought the loss of loved ones and the sight of dear companions killed and mutilated. The pain and grief were immense, yet the Prophet (saw) and his followers understood the importance of patience and resilience. They turned to their faith, finding comfort and strength in their relationship with Allah.
The Seerah, the biography of the Prophet (saw), is a rich source of wisdom and inspiration that you must read. It offers a roadmap for navigating life's storms with resilience. The Prophet (saw) also experienced child loss, and learning how he dealt with it showed me how I should bear the loss of my teenage son. I cannot describe how much it helped me; it allowed me to continue living, not give up, but to strive, through good deeds, to meet my son in jannah inshallah.
Dua
When calamity strikes, the first thing you must turn to dua - earnest prayers for the people of Palestine and yourself to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in dhikr, remembrance of Allah, to find peace and tranquillity amidst the turmoil. Remember the Quranic verse, "Call upon Me, I will respond to you. Surely those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell, fully humbled." (40:60)
Take Breaks
It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks from constant news and social media exposure is crucial. Just as you stop dwelling on your personal moments of grief, you must limit your exposure to the constant stream of distressing news. It doesn't mean you care any less; it means you're recognising your own fragility as a human being.
Children and Teenagers
If you have children or teenagers, remember the profound impact this crisis can have on them. Young minds are not equipped to process and compartmentalise such distressing events. While awareness is important, ensure they have opportunities to take breaks from the overwhelming news cycle, focusing their attention on dua and practical ways to support those in need. Don’t just focus on the grim news; there must also be hope. The Prophet, (saw), said, “The best of people are the most to recite the Quran, the most fearful of Allah, the most enjoining of good, the most forbidding of evil, and the most to maintain family relations.” (Ahmed)
Above all, you must have faith in Allah's plan. As a Muslim, you have faced countless trials and tribulations. While you may not understand the wisdom behind them, you must trust that Allah is the best of planners. Allah says, "And ˹remember, O Prophet,˺ when the disbelievers conspired to capture, kill, or exile you. They planned, but Allah also planned. And Allah is the best of planners." (8:30)
Inshallah, caring for your mental and physical health allows you to be a voice for the voiceless, even in times of grief and anger. The Muslims of Palestine have not given up, so neither should you. Mindfully, use your privileges and influence to amplify justice.
Alhamdulillah, I know you are doing a lot already; in case you need some ideas, here are a few ways you can support your brothers and sisters in Palestine:
1. Offer heartfelt dua.
2. Contribute to charitable organizations. Money or volunteer.
3. Raise awareness on social media.
4. Participate in protests and marches.
5. Engage in discussions about the Zionist colonialist occupation with non-Muslim friends and colleagues.
Martyrs in Jannah
Remember, the martyrs of Palestine are in paradise, and justice will ultimately prevail. The Messenger of Allah said, “Verily, the souls of martyrs are alive in the bodies of green birds who have their nests in chandeliers hanging from the Throne of the Almighty. They eat the fruits of Paradise from wherever they wish, and they nestle among these chandeliers. Once, their Lord cast a glance at them, and He said: Do you want anything? They said: What more could we desire? We eat the fruit of Paradise from wherever we wish. Their Lord asked them the same question three times. When they saw that they will continue to be asked, they said: O Lord, we wish that You could return our souls to our bodies so that we could be martyred in Your way once again."