In fact, I feel very sad on receiving messages or calls inspiring the feeling that some Muslims feel powerless, helpless and completely inadequate.
It is deadly to feel powerless, a feeling refuge from which should be sought in Allah and protection against whose dangers should be asked from Allah. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say, so as to teach us, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from helplessness and laziness.[1]"
Undoubtedly, each member of this Ummah can be effective and positive on the course of events not just remain passive. On the contrary, one who surrenders to adverse circumstances without an attempt for a change is classified by the Prophet (peace be upon him) under the yes-man type. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "None of you should be a yes-man who says, 'I am with (the majority of) people if they do well, I do well and if they do badly, I do badly.' Rather, you should accustom yourselves to do well if people have done well and to avoid their bad deeds if they have done badly.[2]"
There is no whatsoever excuse for any individual not to play a role regarding all Muslims' issues, foremost among which, undoubtedly, is the Palestinian cause.
I know for certain that rulers have given up their Muslim brothers in Palestine. Moreover, I know for sure that some of them exert pressure on Palestinians to surrender to the Zionist army. Furthermore, they chase those "accused of" supporting the Palestinian issue, imprison them and defame them through their mass media.
Although I eye-witness these things, rulers can by no means hold back people's capacities and may not weaken a strong sincere will or stop a real flood of faith that is flowing in the hearts of righteous persons.
So, regardless of whatever rulers may do, we, Muslim peoples, are capable of doing such many significant things as can never be hindered by oppressive and unjust powers.
In fact, we have a tongue which we can make use of in keeping the Palestinian cause alive forever.
We will publicize the cause in both Islamic and non-Islamic circles. We will explain in detail the Palestinians' right to their lands and will highlight the aggressive and oppressive practices of the Jews. Our words will definitely reach everywhere here and there; we will just say and Allah will convey our message to the whole world.
It is most dangerous to the Palestinian cause that it be inactive in the hearts of the Ummah members and that it becomes active only when tremendous disasters take place or when hundreds are martyred.
No doubt, Palestine is till under occupation. Even if the situation cools down, bombing stops and Jewish armies withdraw from Gaza, Palestine is still under occupation and thus its cause should never be pacified. Actually, this is one of the most essential roles peoples are to play and may not be stopped by unjust rulers so long as Muslims are fully enthusiastic and lead a serious struggling life. Being in a great pain over Gaza events, why then are we occupied by trivial and insignificant matters or even sinful acts? The only reason I can imagine is that we are emotionally rather than rationally impressed by the cause. Were we rationally motivated, we would always be occupied by the cause even when the situation is calm. This is because liberating the country form the enemy is as essential individual duty as offering prayers and fasting, overlooking which is just equal to overlooking prayers.
Actually, this is not the only action within the capacity of Muslim peoples.
Although we think ourselves to be of limited resources, we, in fact, own as much money as mountains when we jointly collect money for our brothers in Gaza who are in dire need thereof. Undoubtedly, spending in the cause of Allah is part and parcel of jihad. In this regard, Allah the Almighty paired sacrificing lives and wealth in many occurrences in the Qur'an dealing with jihad. For example, He said, {But the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and those who believed with him (in Islamic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allah's Cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful.} [Al-Tawbah, 88]
Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave us a glad tidings in the Hadith that reads, "Anybody who equips a warrior going to fight in the Way of Allah is like one who actually fights. And anybody who looks after his family in his absence is also like one who actually fights.[3]" As for young men who were deprived by rulers of fighting in the way of Allah, they still have the opportunity to receive the reward of jihad through supporting mujahids (strugglers) with money even if in a little amount. However, it is improper to donate plentifully only in a given stage of the crisis. In fact, we are required to constantly donate so as not to interrupt the course of jihad and, at the same time, to keep the cause alive in our hearts.
It is also within our capacities to boycott the commercial goods of the enemy and its supporters. In fact, commercial boycott is not only meant to cause an economic loss to our enemies but also to prove to ourselves and to everyone that we refuse to have ties with those who kill our children and brothers and occupy our lands and sanctuaries. Demanding our rulers not to normalize relations with enemies, we, with greater reason, should be first and foremost to boycott Jewish, American and English goods and to boycott whatsoever government supporting the Jewish aggression.
In addition to the abovementioned facts, our rulers cannot prevent us from raising our hands high praying Allah frequently out of sincere and wholehearted faith to support our struggling brothers, make firm their foothold and bestow on them from His endless treasures. Furthermore, our rulers cannot prevent us from invoking Allah to revenge from oppressors, were they Muslims or non-Muslims, for an invocation of those oppressed might not be rejected and there is no barrier between it and Allah.
In fact, we have so far listed some actions, in addition to many others, that are within the capacity of peoples. In this regard, Muslim peoples should turn form being stressed by their rulers into a stressing factor on them and should seek to change the painful actual fact. In fact, it is not an inescapable fate to surrender and yield to our rulers. Rather, we have to seek a way out of our current crisis following the example of many non-Muslim peoples around the world. Thus, it is not acceptable on the part of this Ummah to be the weakest nation on earth when they are the best of peoples ever raised up by Allah for mankind.
A question here arises, where is the way out? I answer: asking and confusion indicates a lower degree of sincerity and faithfulness incapable of enlightening the way and guiding to the right path. I here refer those who ask to the Qur'anic verse indicating that guidance is conferred on those who are firm in faith and are completely sincere: {As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers).} [Al-'Ankabut, 69]
Undoubtedly, the way out leading to our glory we look for will be clear only when we so sincerely lead a struggling life that Allah might sees we are truthful. Only then we will not ask where the way out is!
I ask Allah to glorify Islam and Muslims!
Dr. Ragheb ElSergany
--
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]
Share with others
It is deadly to feel powerless, a feeling refuge from which should be sought in Allah and protection against whose dangers should be asked from Allah. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would say, so as to teach us, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from helplessness and laziness.[1]"
Undoubtedly, each member of this Ummah can be effective and positive on the course of events not just remain passive. On the contrary, one who surrenders to adverse circumstances without an attempt for a change is classified by the Prophet (peace be upon him) under the yes-man type. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "None of you should be a yes-man who says, 'I am with (the majority of) people if they do well, I do well and if they do badly, I do badly.' Rather, you should accustom yourselves to do well if people have done well and to avoid their bad deeds if they have done badly.[2]"
There is no whatsoever excuse for any individual not to play a role regarding all Muslims' issues, foremost among which, undoubtedly, is the Palestinian cause.
I know for certain that rulers have given up their Muslim brothers in Palestine. Moreover, I know for sure that some of them exert pressure on Palestinians to surrender to the Zionist army. Furthermore, they chase those "accused of" supporting the Palestinian issue, imprison them and defame them through their mass media.Although I eye-witness these things, rulers can by no means hold back people's capacities and may not weaken a strong sincere will or stop a real flood of faith that is flowing in the hearts of righteous persons.
So, regardless of whatever rulers may do, we, Muslim peoples, are capable of doing such many significant things as can never be hindered by oppressive and unjust powers.
In fact, we have a tongue which we can make use of in keeping the Palestinian cause alive forever.
We will publicize the cause in both Islamic and non-Islamic circles. We will explain in detail the Palestinians' right to their lands and will highlight the aggressive and oppressive practices of the Jews. Our words will definitely reach everywhere here and there; we will just say and Allah will convey our message to the whole world.
It is most dangerous to the Palestinian cause that it be inactive in the hearts of the Ummah members and that it becomes active only when tremendous disasters take place or when hundreds are martyred.
No doubt, Palestine is till under occupation. Even if the situation cools down, bombing stops and Jewish armies withdraw from Gaza, Palestine is still under occupation and thus its cause should never be pacified. Actually, this is one of the most essential roles peoples are to play and may not be stopped by unjust rulers so long as Muslims are fully enthusiastic and lead a serious struggling life. Being in a great pain over Gaza events, why then are we occupied by trivial and insignificant matters or even sinful acts? The only reason I can imagine is that we are emotionally rather than rationally impressed by the cause. Were we rationally motivated, we would always be occupied by the cause even when the situation is calm. This is because liberating the country form the enemy is as essential individual duty as offering prayers and fasting, overlooking which is just equal to overlooking prayers.Actually, this is not the only action within the capacity of Muslim peoples.
Although we think ourselves to be of limited resources, we, in fact, own as much money as mountains when we jointly collect money for our brothers in Gaza who are in dire need thereof. Undoubtedly, spending in the cause of Allah is part and parcel of jihad. In this regard, Allah the Almighty paired sacrificing lives and wealth in many occurrences in the Qur'an dealing with jihad. For example, He said, {But the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and those who believed with him (in Islamic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allah's Cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful.} [Al-Tawbah, 88]
Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave us a glad tidings in the Hadith that reads, "Anybody who equips a warrior going to fight in the Way of Allah is like one who actually fights. And anybody who looks after his family in his absence is also like one who actually fights.[3]" As for young men who were deprived by rulers of fighting in the way of Allah, they still have the opportunity to receive the reward of jihad through supporting mujahids (strugglers) with money even if in a little amount. However, it is improper to donate plentifully only in a given stage of the crisis. In fact, we are required to constantly donate so as not to interrupt the course of jihad and, at the same time, to keep the cause alive in our hearts.
It is also within our capacities to boycott the commercial goods of the enemy and its supporters. In fact, commercial boycott is not only meant to cause an economic loss to our enemies but also to prove to ourselves and to everyone that we refuse to have ties with those who kill our children and brothers and occupy our lands and sanctuaries. Demanding our rulers not to normalize relations with enemies, we, with greater reason, should be first and foremost to boycott Jewish, American and English goods and to boycott whatsoever government supporting the Jewish aggression.
In addition to the abovementioned facts, our rulers cannot prevent us from raising our hands high praying Allah frequently out of sincere and wholehearted faith to support our struggling brothers, make firm their foothold and bestow on them from His endless treasures. Furthermore, our rulers cannot prevent us from invoking Allah to revenge from oppressors, were they Muslims or non-Muslims, for an invocation of those oppressed might not be rejected and there is no barrier between it and Allah.In fact, we have so far listed some actions, in addition to many others, that are within the capacity of peoples. In this regard, Muslim peoples should turn form being stressed by their rulers into a stressing factor on them and should seek to change the painful actual fact. In fact, it is not an inescapable fate to surrender and yield to our rulers. Rather, we have to seek a way out of our current crisis following the example of many non-Muslim peoples around the world. Thus, it is not acceptable on the part of this Ummah to be the weakest nation on earth when they are the best of peoples ever raised up by Allah for mankind.
A question here arises, where is the way out? I answer: asking and confusion indicates a lower degree of sincerity and faithfulness incapable of enlightening the way and guiding to the right path. I here refer those who ask to the Qur'anic verse indicating that guidance is conferred on those who are firm in faith and are completely sincere: {As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers).} [Al-'Ankabut, 69]
Undoubtedly, the way out leading to our glory we look for will be clear only when we so sincerely lead a struggling life that Allah might sees we are truthful. Only then we will not ask where the way out is!
I ask Allah to glorify Islam and Muslims!
Dr. Ragheb ElSergany
[1] Related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Anas bin Malik and by Muslim
[2] Related by Al-Tirmidhi, who judged it to be a Hassan (reliable) Hadith, on the authority of Hudhayfah bin Al-Yaman
[3] Related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Zayd bin Khalid and by Muslim
--
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]
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