Dear brothers and sisters, 

Assalamu alikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatu

As we witness one of the most atrocious examples of oppression and genocide seen in our lifetime, carried out against our brothers and sisters in Palestine, there are a few reminders I would like to share.

The pain we are feeling is a sign of our faith (iman). The Prophet (pbuh) taught us that the Ummah is one body and if one organ is sick, the entire body comes down with fever and unrest.

We are indeed enduring a great test from Allah. We must remember that life in this dunya is a series of tests until we return to Him (swt). We do not control what tests we are given but we do control our response. 

It is ok to feel pain and sadness, and even feel at a loss…

أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُم مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِن قَبْلِكُم ۖ مَّسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْسَاءُ وَالضَّرَّاءُ وَزُلْزِلُوا حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ مَتَىٰ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allah?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” Quran (2:214)

What is not ok is to fall into despair or lose hope. Our defining trait as believers is resilience, when we fall, we get back up. When we are attacked, we increase our resolve. As our brothers and sisters in Gaza respond with the most heroic patience and reliance on Allah, we too must respond with strength and determination. Despite the overwhelming support for tyranny and genocide by political leaders and media in the West, we remain resolute in not letting their hypocrisy dampen our spirits or hinder our progress. 

الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

“Those to whom people said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said: Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of our affairs” Quran (3:173)

Brothers and sisters, let us shake off any despair or incapacitation. Let us channel our emotions into productive actions we can take to support our brothers and sisters. Everyone has a role to play, and everyone can contribute:

• Continue supplication to Allah for relief from the suffering in Gaza.
• Utilize your platform and privilege to speak out against atrocities.
• Engage in letter-writing campaigns and make phone calls to politicians.
• Raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Support charities delivering essential supplies like food, water, and medicine.
• Contribute to these efforts by donating as much as you can.

In addition, this is an important opportunity for every one of us to rectify our relationship with Allah and renew our commitment to our Ummah.  There is no better time for us to assess our sins, seek repentance, and strengthen our connection with the Almighty, the most Merciful. Let us fast, increase our voluntary acts of worship, and turn to Allah frequently in supplication. Above all, let us maintain the highest conviction that Allah is never heedless of the evil actions of tyrants, and that He will ultimately grant victory to the oppressed.

May Allah grant liberation to our holy site, Al-Aqsa, and free our brothers and sisters in Palestine from oppression and tyranny. May Allah also bestow upon us the honour and ability to contribute to this noble cause.

Your brother,

Abdullatif Bakbak

MAC President-Executive