The Global Awakening
How the Resilience of Palestinian People Is Inspiring a Global Shift
By: Ikkz Ikbal
The people of Palestine and Gaza continue to suffer. Israel continues its relentless onslaught on Palestinians for more than 6 months now, killing tens and thousands of people and continuing its bombardment despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an ‘immediate ceasefire’.
More than 30,000 Palestinians are reported to be killed, more than 75,000 injured, more than 1.7 million internally displaced and more than 60% of housing damaged or destroyed. [UN, OCHA & Palestinian Ministry of Health, Gaza].
But an unanticipated ripple effect is sweeping across continents in the wake of these horrific pictures emerging from Gaza and Palestine, where the world has been enthralled by the people’s unwavering resilience in the face of unspeakable pain. The resonance of Palestinian faith is catalyzing a dramatic awakening, resonating with hearts and minds well beyond the confines of the beleaguered enclave, from the rubble-strewn streets of Gaza to the furthest reaches of Western metropolises. The assault on Gaza has been an incredible tribulation for the people of Gaza, Muslims and to the entire world.
Recently, a video of a Palestinian mother went viral. She was sitting on the ground, embracing the white shrouded body of her deceased toddler. Tears stream down her face as she silently cries and murmurs the word “Alhamdulillah”, a humble acknowledgment in Arabic that Muslims use, to express gratitude and thankfulness to Allah, regardless of the difficult situations they may be encountering.
That expression of faith touched millions of viewers on social media, even resulting in life-changing decisions for some. Many have seen such countless videos of the people of Gaza trusting in Allah (tawakkul) in every circumstance, including toddlers and children praising Allah and vowing to be patient and mothers and fathers graciously accepting the martyrdom of their children.
The resilience shown by the people of Gaza during the nearly six-month long brutal assault has ignited curiosity about Islam among youth in the west, leading many to embrace Islam. People of various backgrounds are responding to the call of Islam, across continents and oceans, from the busy streets of Melbourne to the vast sprawl of American cities. One of the most powerful factors appears to be the unshakable faith, determination and resilience of the people of Gaza, elevating the consciousness of the world.
Take, for instance, Abey Hafez, a 25 Year-old Christian who started reading the Qur’an, marking her transformative journey towards embracing Islam. Her story is emblematic of a larger pattern in which the strength of the Palestinian faith acts as a lighthouse, directing people’s spirits towards truth and spirituality.
American writer and activist Megan Rice converted to Islam, inspired by Palestinian people. Her story from skeptic to believer is the perfect example of experiencing faith in its purest form, free from the distortions of popular media narratives.
Similarly, in Melbourne, Australia, around 30 women announced their conversion to Islam, deeply moved by witnessing the strong faith and resilience of Palestinians.
There is a widespread trend across Western countries where people are taking keen interest in educating themselves about Islam beyond the stereotypical portrayal peddled by mainstream media. From famous celebrities to activists with millions of followers , the trend of individuals announcing their decision to embrace Islam, or simply start reading the Qur’an has become increasingly common in the West.
What we are witnessing is a collective awakening, a profound shift in awareness sparked by the stark juxtaposition of Palestinian faith against the backdrop of oppression and injustice. It is a testament to the failure of those who aimed to demonize Islam and its followers in order to unintentionally ignite a worldwide search for knowledge and the truth. They plotted to make Islam and Muslims look like culprits. They didn’t realize that they would be pushing people to actually seek the truth.
Allah SWT mentions in the Qur’an:
وَمَکَرُوۡاوَمَکَرَاللّٰہُ ؕ وَاللّٰہُخَیۡرُالۡمٰکِرِیۡنَ ﴿۵۴﴾
“And the disbelievers planned, but Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners.” ( AlQura’n 03:54 ).
Their attempts to demonize Islam have only served to highlight the beauty and resilience of Islam, drawing seekers of truth into its embrace. They may kill Muslims but they can never kill Islam. Allah is infinitely wise and is the best of planners. Although it may be difficult for our hearts and minds to understand why things unfold as they do, the people of Gaza remind us to put our trust in Allah and have full conviction in His promise.
As the world is witnessing the brutal assault on the people of Gaza, the spirit, resilience and faith of the people of the Palestine is igniting a flame of curiosity and awakening in hearts and minds around the world. In a world full of conflict and division, the path towards Islam has become a source of enlightenment and hope for everyone, from well-known celebrities to common people.
In the face of adversity, the resilience of the people of the Palestine and Gaza stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith___ a power that cuts over national boundaries, cultural norms, and ideological divides to bring people together in the pursuit of justice, truth, and spiritual fulfillment. As the world bears witness to this profound resilience and awakening, one thing is made clearly evident: the light of the Palestinian faith shines brighter than ever, illuminating the path towards a world that is more compassionate and enlightened.
It is not the difference that define us, but our shared traits of love, resilience and faith that bind us together as one human family. And may the spirit of people of Palestine be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a society that is more compassionate, equitable, and peaceful for us and for generations to come.
Know that people of Palestine and Gaza are as humans as you are. They have the same colour of blood as you have and also deserve freedom and peace at par with all. May peace prevail in the region and move us towards a moral awakening to care about the human suffering we are seeing. May Allah SWT give them strength and Imaanand free them from the yoke of apartheid brutality.
The writer is PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator Maryam Memorial Institute PandithporaQaziabad. He can be mailed at [email protected].
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
