Palestinian human rights groups welcome “principled move” and encourage expedited proceedings.

Elham Farah, 84, was shot by a sniper and left to bleed to death in the street.

A doctor describes the intolerable conditions at Nasser Medical Complex, southern Gaza.

Most of Gaza health system “decimated and brought to its knees,” says World Health Organization.

 I am still distressed by my evacuation.

Exclusive: Study published in 2019 used blood and saliva samples from 203 Uyghur and Kazakh people living in Xinjiang capital

Concerns have been raised that academic publishers may not be doing enough to vet the ethical standards of research they publish, after a paper based on genetic data from China’s Uyghur population was retracted and questions were raised about several others including one that is currently published by Oxford University Press.

In June, Elsevier, a Dutch academic publisher, retracted an article entitled “Analysis of Uyghur and Kazakh populations using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel” that had been published in 2019.

Continue reading...

Ansarallah attacks continue on Israel’s southern front.

Fears rise during an internet blackout.

Palestinian armed groups document tactical successes.

Our apartment has been obliterated.

Originally published here. Alhamdulillah. As Western Muslims, it’s imperative to actively support Palestine’s rightful cause. This involves advocating at various levels and providing financial aid through legal channels to the starved and oppressed in the holy lands. However, we must temper our expectations, acknowledging the distinct Western viewpoint on this conflict. This difference stems from several factors, crucial to understand for setting realistic goals and focusing our efforts effectively. The consensus on Israel between Jordan Peterson, a well-known right-wing intellectual, and Joe Biden, a prominent figure on the American left, might initially seem baffling, especially against the backdrop of evident truths such as occupation, ethnic cleansing, apartheid, and a myriad of other grave injustices. However, upon closer examination, their stance is rooted in complex historical, philosophical, and cultural influences. This essay seeks to unravel these underlying causes. First, this isn’t an indictment of all Westerners or white people. The Qur’an encourages us, through verses like ليسوا سواء (They are not all the same) and ومنهم (among them are those…), to be discerning and recognize the varied nature within any group. Rachel Aliene Corrie, a white Westerner, sacrificed her life for justice for the Palestinians. The percentage of such individuals may vary, influenced by effective advocacy and generally higher among common people than elites with vested interests. Having underlined the necessity for discernment, it’s evident that the Western viewpoint, particularly prevalent among older generations, is influenced by two primary factors: the religious narrative often referred to as “Judeo-Christian” heritage, and secular enlightenment philosophy. The “Judeo-Christian heritage,” once a cornerstone of morality and spirituality, has significantly diminished in these roles. It has evolved into a form of religiosity that is identitarian in nature, which can be perilous due to its blend of intense zeal and a lack of genuine piety. (We, Muslims, are not immune to this danger!) Many adherents to this belief system are driven by apocalyptic beliefs, eagerly anticipating the return of Jews to the holy land as a precursor to the descent of Christ and, ironically, the end of Judaism. These individuals often overlook or fail to grasp the intricate Islamic differentiation between God’s creative كوني and legislative شرعي decrees قدر. Consequently, if they perceive that acts of murder and oppression could expedite the second coming of Jesus, they may view these actions as justifiable or even necessary. The Enlightenment, a forerunner to post-modernism, although it exists in a state of tension with it, was coupled with Protestantism, and they effectively severed the connection between reason and faith. This separation was somewhat inevitable, given the enduring challenges in rationalizing concepts like the incarnation within Christian theology. In a context where faith is diminished or absent, and the universal kinship of humanity as descendants of Adam and Eve is not acknowledged, a Darwinist perspective took precedence. This viewpoint, underpinning both social and economic Darwinism, can lead to a stratification of humanity. Within this framework, the perceived “success” of Israel is seen as a self-validating rationale for its existence, irrespective of the moral or humanitarian implications. Additionally, Europe’s historical antisemitism, unparalleled by any other group of people, and the resultant guilt play a psychological role. Projecting this guilt onto others offers a form of catharsis. Finally, strategic considerations also play a part in the Western perspective on Israel, though they are now less obvious and becoming overshadowed by the cultural and psychological factors previously discussed. Historically, Europe addressed its “Jewish problem” by facilitating the relocation of Jewish populations to Palestine. Geographically positioned at the crossroads of the west and east of the Arab World and Muslim Ummah, Israel emerged as a strategic bulwark in the aftermath of military colonialism. Its ongoing presence and aggressive expansionist regional policies have been instrumental in curbing the ascent of neighboring nations. It’s important to note that while these neighboring nations might be perceived as posing little threat to European stability, strategic thinking operates on a different plane. Strategists often factor in not just current capabilities, but also potential future scenarios and historical tensions. In conclusion, this analysis should not dissuade us from advocating for Palestine in the West. On the contrary, it is essential that we continue to do everything within our power to support this cause. However, this examination provides some understanding of the obstacles we encounter and assists in formulating realistic expectations. This perspective also directs our efforts towards more effective and sustainable solutions. It underscores the importance of striving for the advancement of Muslim nations. Those who are in a position to aid these nations in their journey towards righteous, representative governance should concentrate their efforts in this area. The ultimate solution for this issue lies there, not here. وصلى الله على محمد والحمد لله رب العالمين Related: Palestine: Reflecting, Responding, and Moving Forward From The Chaplain’s Desk: Palestine On My Mind

The post Activism for Palestine in the West: Understanding the Agreement of Joe Biden and Jordan Peterson on Israel appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

My cousin Shaima has no details on her husband's whereabouts.

Cooking on outdoor fires is how many in Gaza are surviving, but inhaling the smoke is deadly. 

Life as an emergency healthcare worker in Gaza is more dangerous than ever.

Former British politician has conveniently forgotten his call to stop arming Israel.

As Muslims, we have full certainty that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him was the best of mankind, and we strive to be more like him through our actions and character. There is a significant amount of evidence surrounding his virtues and distinct characteristics, but the way Muslim men are negatively perceived by non-Muslims has been antithetical to how Muslim men really are, especially when considering those who closely follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad . Muslim men who look up to the Prophet for guidance in character are not seen for who they truly are. They have been dehumanized and deemed as aggressive and oppressive for decades, but those who strive to truly encompass the character of the Prophet exemplify caring, gentle, and humane character.

A perfect representation of this would be the Muslim men in Gaza, where 98-99 percent of the population are Muslims (Central Intelligence Agency, 2023). Just recently, there has been a fairly slow shift in the way Muslim men are perceived due to the men in Gaza changing the notion of who Muslim men are as a result of what is happening in Palestine. There are many lessons we can learn from them as they show us what it means to be human and what it means to sincerely care about the well-being of others. 

Prophetic Qualities

The men in Gaza have taught the world what love and deep care for others look like. The attributes that the following examples provide from the Muslim men in Gaza similarly reflect the virtues and distinct characteristics found in Prophet Muhammad . In Gaza, there is the man who cradles his martyred baby as he writes “my heart…my moon, my life. I love you, my darling. You’re my heart and my pulse” on the shroud of his wife. This man’s love for his wife resembles the love Prophet Muhammad had for his wife Khadija. As they both mourn their wives, they express deep and sincere affection for them.

Another example is the grandfather who kisses his martyred granddaughter’s eyes and beautifully calls her “the soul of my soul.” The same grandfather kisses a little girl’s amputated leg and provides her with words of comfort. This man’s love for his granddaughter resembles the love Prophet Muhammad had for his grandsons and his kindness towards children resembles the kindness of Prophet Muhammad .

There are the doctors who grieve their own martyred family members as they take care of those who survived the same airstrikes. There are the doctors who refuse to leave critically ill infants behind even though it puts their lives in danger. There are the doctors who hold orphaned children and care for them like their own children. There is the paramedic who holds back tears as he plays with a baby saved from the rubble. These medical workers who care for babies and orphans resemble the way Prophet Muhammad used to care for orphans and would ask his Companions to protect them and to treat them well.

These actions do not go unnoticed by Allah . There is great reward for these people as the Prophet said

“I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that (indicating with his forefinger and middle finger).” [Sahih (Al-Albani)]

There are the journalists who among their documentation of what is happening in Gaza are found caring for injured infants. There are the men who are digging through the rubble with their bare hands to save people regardless of what little strength they have. There are the men who are starving to make sure those around them have enough to eat. A reminder that the Prophet also said “the best of you are those who feed others.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6236]

These are just a few stories from the many heroic examples of the men in Gaza. Even though they themselves are dealing with unfathomable circumstances, they exemplify incomprehensible resilience, love, and protection for others. 

Calling Upon Allah

Men in Gaza have not only taught us what love and deep care for others look like, but they have also shown us what true belief, remembrance, and reliance on Allah looks like. There are the men who encourage others to praise Allah amidst their grief. A reminder of the hadith reported by Ibn Abbas in which Prophet Muhammad said that “the first to be called to Paradise are those who always praised Allah in times of prosperity and adversity.” There are the injured men who spend their time reflecting on the words of the Quran. There are the men who call out “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we will return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and replace it with something better than it.” This is a reminder of the hadith reported by Umm Salamah in which Prophet Muhammad said that

“No Muslim is afflicted with a calamity but that he should say what Allah has commanded him [” We belong to God and to Him do we return; O God, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it,”]…If he does so, Allah will replace it with something better.”

There are the men who consistently recite “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best disposer of affairs” [Surah ‘Ali ‘Imran: 3:173] and those who consistently repeat “there is no might and no power except by Allah.” A reminder of the hadith reported by Abu Huraira in which Prophet Muhammad said

“Be frequent in saying ‘la hawla wala quwwata illa billah’ (there is no might and no power except by Allah). For verily, it is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise.” [Sahih Muslim]

While we can never comprehend the level of faith the Muslim men in Gaza have exemplified, we can clearly see the strength their faith brings them. 

Lessons From Gaza

The men in Gaza are slowly shifting the narrative of who Muslim men are as the world observes them gracefully implementing characteristics found in Prophet Muhammad . As mentioned earlier, there are many lessons we can learn from the men in Gaza as they show us what it means to be human and what it means to sincerely care about others. They have reminded us to put others before ourselves in the most dignified way. They have shown us what it means to have faith and full conviction in the decree of Allah regardless of the situation we are in. They have reminded us how important it is to rely on our faith in times of extreme suffering and how our faith helps us cope with extreme grief and unfathomable pain. They have taught us to unapologetically care for and protect one another. The Muslim men in Gaza are continuing to remind us all, Muslims and non-Muslims, of what it means to be human and what it means to sincerely care about others.

May Allah grant the people of Palestine relief, may Allah accept their martyrs, and may Allah grant them full liberation. Ameen. 

 

Related:

– Podcast: Muslim Fatherhood & Masculinity Beyond the Manosphere | Sh Mohammad Elshinawy

– 6 Quranic Reflections On The Current Situation In Palestine

The post Prophetic Lessons From The Muslim Men In Gaza appeared first on MuslimMatters.org.

Rights group says it has documented dozens of field executions.

A tribute to an extraordinary teacher.