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Assalamualaikum readers, it's been quite a while since I have written something. Lately, the world has been shocked by the news that broke many hearts.
"The case of the 7th of October 2023 genocide in Palestine"
It’s been months since the genocide happened, but until now, no proper actions have been taken by the world. Since then, a lot of countries opposed the genocide, while some supported it, but not to forget, some countries preferred to be neutral, which is quite not helping at all ...
Recently, the issue was brought up to ICJ (The International Court of Justice) to the court by South Africa. On the 26th of January, the results were announced by the UN's website, but the results were not that effective. No permanent ceasefire was ordered to protect the Palestinians.
Legally, the issue is on the Palestinians' side but it's not stopping the genocide from happening.
Figure 1: ICJ's court outcome
The outpouring of my Heart 💔.
My random wondering...
Honestly. I couldn't stop wondering about the soul health of those who chose to be silent despite the atrocities happening right in front of the eye. This is not 1948 anymore where people are hidden from truth, instead, it's 2024 where everything is right in social media. It is just a matter of addressing the issue or "let it be" attitude overtaking someone thus resulting in “being neutral” or “being silent”.
The Palestinians are trying their best to convey the message to the world despite watching the genocide right in front of them. They have health, internet, and water supplies ISSUES, but that didn't reduce their enthusiasm at all. We can witness Bisan, Motaz, Amo Sukar, and other brave souls who risk their lives to educate people about the condition in Gaza, Khan Younis and others. No words may be used to appreciate their resilience and courage.
(credit to owner)
Figure 2: The journalist from Palestine
Random sharing.
Back
then, I had learnt one of the most fundamental principles which absolutely applies to
every human being Humanity.
Seriously, what are humans without
humanity, from what I learnt in religious scripts, humans were made as
Khalifah (leader or successive authority) on this Earth.
Figure 3:
Human as Khalifah (leader)
This one principle of life applies to everyone.
For me, a human being is
valuable when it comes to humanity. Humanity is the most crucial component
that differentiates a human being from other creatures on the planet.
Figure 4: Definition of Humanity from Cambridge University
Now,
let’s put aside my heart’s outpouring as I was quite disappointed with the
issue and reactions of several people who chose to either remain silent/neutral or support
the genocide (without knowing the basic difference between truth and a lie).
So now, let’s try to delve into the issue and address a few pieces of information related to this atrocity.
Disclaimer ❗
❗ Is the war about Religion? ❗
A lot of people say that this genocide or issue is happening due to religious reasons such as Muslims vs Jews. However, it’s the fight against Zionism and the World (Humanity).
Why am I saying that?
Because for those who didn’t know, even Jews and Christians are supporting Palestine. Furthermore, the genocide that’s happening in Gaza is affecting ALL KINDS OF Palestinians despite their religions. Recently, we have heard that mosques and even, churches were badly attacked which injured the people that sheltering inside.
If it was only about Muslims, then why were other religious holy places destroyed as well? Not only that, but kids and women were also attacked.
We often witness the Chants/Marches about "Women's rights" but why we don't witness them now? Are innocent women who are giving birth, menstruating etc not having access to hygiene, as other women do?
Figure 5: Issues of women in Palestine
Am I right or am I absolutely, right?
I am not aware of other religions, but in Islam, neither anybody is allowed to harm children and women nor anybody is allowed to attack civilian neighbourhoods.
Figure 6: Rules of War in Islam
Amazingly, a few similar guidelines were given by IHL (International Humanitarian Law)
One point to be noted, anti-Zionism is not the same as anti-Jews/ antisemitism.
Zionism (Isr*el) is more to the national movement of people who are part of the government meanwhile Judaism are the true believers of the religion of Abraham. We will talk further about these in the following paragraphs.
Furthermore, since the issue happened, evidently in social media, quite several people have been sharing their POV. From there, we can see the propaganda that is responsible for this conflict.
Video from @absorberyt
Why Palestine is Important for Everyone?
Recently, I was researching about Palestine, and I found some amazing facts which didn’t fail to amaze me.
This piece of information answers my query about why different parts of the world were behind this holy land despite the world has more than 195 countries.
❗❗HOLY PLACES FOR 3 MAJOR RELIGIONS ❗ ❗
Yeah.. Do you know that Palestine has holy places for three major religions in the world? Yeah, and they all are situated in Baitul Maqdis AKA Jerusalem, Palestine. It has holy places for religions like Islam, Jews, and Christians and there are some fascinating histories behind it.
No wonder, back then, Jerusalem had witnessed efforts of conquering from great powers/empires such as Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottoman Empire and British. They battle for this holy place as it plays a major role in religion.
Jerusalem is the centre of events related to the Hebrew Bible which plays an influence on Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
🌹Islam
Baitul Maqdis has one of the three holiest places in Islam named Masjidil Aqsa after Mecca (Masjid al-Haram) and Madinah (Masjid al-Nabawi). Masjidil Aqsa was referred to as the first Qibla (direction to pray) in Islam before Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Masjidil Aqsa was reported to have been built by prophets (differs by opinion on which prophet built it).
Video 1: Masjidil Asa creation.
Not only that, Prophet SAW often encourage his sahabah (friends/Muslims) to take a journey to Masjid Aqsa for a greater reward.
Muslims used to pray facing Masjid Al Aqsa, even before the migration of Prophet SAW around 622 AD.
Even though Masjidil Haram was built by then, it was considered a holy place where Pagans used the place for worshipping idols and deities. The Arab tribes will perform Hajj during the season, and perform rituals and circumambulation (Tawaf) as a ritual. Mecca used to be the central hub for pilgrimage and served as the trading centre which attracted merchants from different regions to the place.
Figure 7: Kaaba in Makkah
However, after the migration of Prophet SAW to Madinah, around 2H, the revelation was given by Allah SWT to change the Qibla from Masjid Al-Aqsa to Masjidil Haram. There’s a beautiful story behind these changes in Qibla.
Figure 8: Rules from the Quran.
For a better understanding, you may refer to the videos below:-
Video 2: Masjid Qiblatain
Summary: Back then, the Qibla used to be facing the Masjidil Aqsa, however, prophet SAW loves the Kaaba as well as it is related to the Prophet Ibrahim AS. It was easier for prophet SAW to pray to face Masjidil Aqsa and Kaaba from Mecca. However, after he migrated to Madinah, it was between the Masjidil Aqsa and Kaaba. Despite his love for praying facing the Kaaba, he followed Allah SWT's instruction without complaining, and prayed facing the Masjidil Aqsa, until Allah SWT gave a commandment about changing the Qibla.
Another one...
Video 3: Masjidil Aqsa
Summary: The video shares the same piece of information as Ustadh Nouman's video. However, Mufti Menk shares about Masjid Qiblatain and how the scenario was when the commandment of changing the Qibla was given.
The mosque was named Masjid Qiblatain as it witnessed the qibla change from Masjidil Aqsa to Kaaba, Mecca while the Muslims were praying.
Figure 9: Masjid Qiblatain
Furthermore, there is one of the important events in Islamic scriptures related to Masjidil Aqsa which is Al-Isra’ Wal Mi’raj also known as Shab-e-Meraj.
Figure 10: Masjid Aqsa
Al Isra' Wal Mi'raj or Shab-e-Meraj.
It is about a historical night journey and ascension of the Nabi Muhammad SAW. Our prophet SAW was facing intense hardship and grief moment during the time as he had lost some of his family members, Khadijah RA (Prophet SAW's wife) and Abi Talib (dearest uncle who supported him since his childhood).
Isra’ generally means the journey from Makkah to Masjidil Aqsa, while Mi’raj means the journey from Masjidil-Aqsa to the heavens. The journey was recorded to happened in the 27th Rajab. In an extraordinary journey, our Prophet Muhammad SAW was given the five prescribed daily prayers (Shab-e-Meraj 2024, n.d.).
Figure 11: Quranic Ayah
Furthermore, other historical events took place in Masjidil Aqsa.
Umar Al-Khattab and the impact on Christians and Islam.
When Islam was a new religion, the Byzantine Empire wanted to eliminate the Muslim religion on its southern borders. The Expedition of Tabuk which occurred in 630 AD with Prophet SAW to the border, marked the commencement of Muslim-Byzantine wars even though no wars happened at that time.
However, during the time of caliph Umar Al Khattab, the Battle of Yarmuk occurred which was led by Khalid al-Walid and Amr- ibn As to fight the Byzantines. Through the war, cities throughout Syria fall to the Muslims.
Amazingly, when the Muslim armies arrived at the place, the local population of both Christians and Jews welcomed them. The religion of Christianity was similar to the view of monotheistic view of God in Islam. Not only that, but Islam, Christianity and Judaism are correlated to the Abrahamic religion.
They welcomed the Muslims over the Byzantines. In 637, a representative of the Byzantine government named Sophronius wanted to surrender himself to Umar Al Khattab to surrender Jerusalem to the Muslims.
When Umar Al Khattab arrived in Jerusalem, he was greeted by Sophronius and he was amazed with the humbleness of Umar Al Khattab. While having the tour of the city, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Umar was invited to pray inside the Church as it was the time for prayer. Umar declines the offer, as he doesn't want the Muslims to convert the church into a mosque- thereby depriving Christendom of one of its holiest sites. Instead, he prayed outside the church, where Masjid Umar was built. The mosque is built next to the Church.
Indirectly, Umar Al Khattab taught us to respect and honour the places of other religions' worship.
Not only that, Umar Al Khattab had signed a treaty with Sophronius to detail the rights and privileges related to the conquering and Muslims in Jerusalem.
Source: As mentioned in the picture, for the website.
The treaty ensures religious freedom in history. In the meanwhile, for the Jews's rights, there is a debate on the banning of Jews. However, some sources cited that Umar Al Khattab allowed the Jews to worship on the Temple Mount and Wailing Wall.
After the Byzantines left, Umar Al Khattab had cleared the place of Temple Mount/ Haram-al Sharif where Prophet SAW was believed to have done Isra wal Mikraj, he and his army cleaned the place and rebuilt the Masjid al Aqsa which was destroyed during the enemies. The place becomes crucial and a centre for religious pilgrimage and trade. In 691, the Dome of Rock was built to complement Masjid Al Aqsa.
Extra Note
Do you know, that inside Masjidil Aqsa, you can find the mimbar of Sultan Salahuddin Al Ayyubi? It was built during his reign to indicate the Muslim triumph.
Do you know?
Unfortunately, a lot of Muslims are confused between Masjidil Aqsa and the Dome of Rock which was built by Abd al-Malik bin Marwan around 685-691 AD.
Figure 12: Dome of Rock
Both places are located in the Temple Mount AKA Haram Al-Sharif in the Old City of Jerusalem (there’s a historical reason why the place is called Old City, we will talk about it in Part 2). Since the Dome of Rock is inside the area of Masjid Al Aqsa, therefore it is still considered a part of Haram al-Sharif/ Masjidil Aqsa.
Figure 13: Layout of Haram-al-Sharif
To be honest, sometimes, even I wondered the reason behind why people are often confused with the identification of Masjidil Aqsa and Dome of Rock until I saw this one clip from my favourite series of Payyitaht Abdul Hamid (Turkish series fans must know about this. Hehe.)
Video 4: Propaganda
Unknowingly, many of us are victims of these sabotages. This is the reason why a person needs to educate themself so they don't become victims of those sabotage or lies from unwanted parties.
Other religions except Islam.
Jerusalem plays a major role in other religions as well such as Christianity and Judaism. A lot of their scriptures mentioned Jerusalem as well, similar to the Quran (Masjid Al Aqsa - specifically).
The Haram Al-Sharif is also known as Mount Moriah or Temple Mount. The place is believed to be located beneath the platform of the Muslim Shrine, Masjid Al Aqsa. To understand better, the correlation between Christianity and Judaism with Jerusalem, the connection needs to be seen from the Bible itself (Sulaiman, 2014).
Jerusalem is called by different names in the Jewish Bible. The place is called Salem, Moriah, Yevuse, Yerushalayim and Zion. The names have been repeated hundreds of times in the bible. Not only that but in the Book of Genesis, there are mentions of Jerusalem as well (Sulaiman, 2014).
Let’s talk a little deeper about this topic.
🌻Christianity
I will share a few pieces of information that I could gather about them. But as I respect religion, therefore I am writing less about it due to my lack of knowledge related to this, and to avoid unwanted errors.👍
The Church of Holy Sepulchre
This place is believed to have a strong history related to Jesus (Nabi Isa AS).
Figure 14: Holy Church of Sepulchre
Garden of Gethsemane
Mount of Olives
Dormition Abbey
St. Anne’s Church
Via Dolorosa
Ecce Homo Arch and Convent
The important development in the Christian faith revolved
around Jerusalem as well. Jerusalem is believed to be the site where Jesus
(Nabi Isa AS) died, was buried and rose from the dead. Several places play a major role in Christianity. No wonder, great powers from
different corners of the world tried to conquer Jerusalem.
ðThis place is believed to have a strong history related to Jesus (Nabi Isa AS)- (Sulaiman, 2014)
🌼Judaism
Next, Judaism. It is one of the most followed religions in the world as well. Judaism believers are also called as Jewish. Judaism religion believes in Monotheism, which means believing in one God.
There are historic places that play a major role in Judaism in Jerusalem, Palestine. From the period of 587 BC to 70 AD, where two temples were built and destroyed by other ruling powers. According to (Western Wall | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica, 2024), the First and Second Temple was destroyed by Babylonians (587-586 BCE) and Romans(70 CE) respectively.
This temple plays a major role in the religious and communal life of Jews. The temple and Jerusalem remain to be the centre for traditional Jewish thoughts and prayers. Even though the temples were destroyed, there are remains of the “remaining wall” that surrounds the Temple Mount, known as the Wailing Wall or Western Wall.
Figure 15: Western wall
Jerusalem also plays other major roles for Jewish people such as (Sulaiman, 2014):-
Do you know?
Speaking of Judaism, many people misunderstand it with Zionism. As I mentioned earlier,
Zionism is a national movement of those people who want a specific state for
Jews, which is currently lived by people who are practising Judaism and people who claim to be Jewish
(don’t practice their religion). The idea was first generated by Theodore
Hertzl who wanted to establish a state for Jews only.
In easy words, Judaism relates to religious practices
while Zionism is a national movement of people who want a state for themselves. Some people practice Judaism, and they are Zionist, while there
are also Jewish people who prefer to stay in another country than in Occupied
Palestine.
Figure 16: Division of Jewish Population in the World
To explain this better, I would love to share a video from a Judaism Rabbi (leader) who explains beautifully the difference between Zionism and Judaism.
This is one of the reasons why you may find Jewish believers and Rabbis to be a part of a rally to stop the genocide that’s happening.
To be honest, these issues in Palestine are no longer about religion instead it might be a game of Politics and Power.
For example, we can see how countries that supported the genocide are suffering such as Yemen. Yemen is a country which is famine, has food insecurity and kids have a malnutrition rate (one of the highest in the world). Around 17 million Yemenis are having food insecurity issues. Therefore, increasing the rate of starvation and death.
The Yemenis or Houthis attack the commercial and military ships that are connected to the Is*aelis in the Red Sea. The military ships that bring the military weapons to be used on Palestinians. Strategically, Yemen is located at the beginning edge of the Suez Canal which provides them the advantage to do so.
As a result, collective punishment is carried out again but on Yemenis. On December 7th, the World Food Programme "paused" the food distribution in Houthi-controlled areas where 9.5 million people were experiencing insecurity across northern Yemen. For further reading, you may refer to the references area.
I will share more on these topics in Part 2 (but you may share your POV in the comments section.
Random Poetry✌
Dear Falestinis,
Neither I know you personally,
Nor I had met you,
But,
All I had was hearing about you,
In social media and news...
Sincerely,
Last year was hard,
This month too,
It was sad and full of guilt,
Sad for what had happened,
Guilty because I couldn't do much,
However,
Deep inside,
I felt something different,
Something that no words could describe,
Indirectly,
Palestinians had taught me the value of life,
Distinct from what I had thought,
In our life,
We were taught that life was about having a luxurious life,
But instead,
It was about Humanity,
A life doesn't become meaningful when your pockets are full of money,
But it becomes meaningful when you use it for charity,
Or when you contribute to others,
Just like a superhero,
In life,
Everyone can gain money,
Everyone can flex it around everyone,
But being able to take a stand is different,
Being able to fight for the rights of others is different,
Being able to educate the world is different,
Being able to make traumatised kids smile despite their misery is different,
Because not everyone can afford to be a superhero.
-Ms.Imperfect9941
Hence, this is what I wanted to talk about the issue for now. I will try to come up with a new blog related to topics on why is this happening, the issues, the real culture of Palestine and more.
Khalil, S. (2023, November 17). What is Israel’s Ben Gurion canal plan and why Gaza matters. Https://Www.Newarab.Com/; The New Arab. https://www.newarab.com/news/what-israels-ben-gurion-canal-plan-and-why-gaza-matters
Shab-e-Meraj 2024: The Night Journey (27th Rajab). (n.d.). Islamic Relief UK. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/islamic-calendar/rajab/27th-rajab-al-isra-wal-miraj/
Sulaiman, K. O. (2014). Jerusalem as a Uniting Factor for Muslims and Christians: Historical and Scriptural Grounds. IAFOR Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.22492/ijah.2.1.04
Western Wall | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica. (2024, January 25). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Western-Wall
It's been about several months I believe since I wrote the last blog as I didn't have a suitable topic to talk about... But nowadays, there is a famous issue that is everywhere. Especially, last Feb 1, we had Hijab Day. Therefore, my topic for today's blog is about...
This girl is wearing a Hijab, thus she is a Hijabi.🧕
"Hijab"🧕
I just want to share my opinion and awareness on some issues at the end of this blog as I think it is our responsibility to be alert and share information with my Muslim and non-Muslim friends about Hijab.
My contents
What is Hijab?
Does the Hijab mean Oppression?
News about Hijab Banning in Karnataka
Let's move to the first one. What is a Hijab?
For most people, it may be some piece of cloth that is worn by some girls on their heads claiming themselves as a Muslim. But again, why exactly do they wear it?
It is mentioned by Allah SWT (God) in the Quran:
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not to reveal their hidden adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their father-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, their fellow women, those bondwomen in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women's nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful." (Quran 24:31)
In this verse, Allah SWT is telling us to cover ourselves (women) from men and to maintain our modesty. The Quranic verse is also highlighting the people that can see us without hijab. (Click here, if you to want learn more deeply about the verse) . We (Muslim women) believes that this is one of the commandments from Allah SWT to us to wear hijab/ veil to cover ourselves. Therefore wearing Hijab is a sign of our devotion to Allah SWT..🕋🧕
One reason that is most significant for me (FOR ME ya), is that hijab is also a sign of our love and dedication to Allah SWT (Our God and Our Creator)💗.
Because seriously, for me, it is not an easy task to go out there in summer, with fully covered from head to the bottom, yet when we still do it for the sake of Allah SWT. And, in return, we find a very beautiful feeling in our hearts.
Just like there is no love, without sacrifices.❤️ Just like that, there is no point saying you believe and love your Creator if you don't fulfil the commandment of your Lord.
Hijab also teaches us to be more modest. For those who don't know, Modesty means a mode of dressing where we have moderate or not extreme and reserved. It also means someone who doesn't want to show/ reveal so much about themselves. Furthermore, Hijab is also our identity as a believing Muslim woman.
"But remember yeah... It is undeniable that there are many other Muslim women out there, who do not practice wearing hijab as it is their choice to either to follow the commandment of Allah or not. And as Muslims, we are taught to not be judgmental of other people. Therefore, we can only pray for them and us, instead of giving them names as most illiterate people do."
Down here is a beautiful video on these... 👇😊
One more...
When I speak about modesty or hijab, they don't refer to Only Muslim Women as it also refers to Muslim Men. 👳🏻♀️ The men also have responsibilities as Muslims. Some of them are:
.
p.s: Awrah also means the body parts that need to be covered in front of those who have no blood or marriage relation like for women, they don't have to cover themselves in front of their parents or siblings...
Let me share a beautiful video on a lady explaining the hijab.
The hijab is also divided into many types. Some women just wear a normal hijab, but some also wear Burqa or Khimar depending on their choice to cover themselves as this is a personal choice for the person itself.
Next..
Does Hijab mean Oppression?
Nope... Absolutely no as how can we get oppressed, if we wear Hijab as our own choice...
For this, I have a beautiful video to share.. (This video is in Hindi but there's a subtitle there).
From the videos above, I believe, y'all already have ideas about the hijab.
Now I just wanted to share some news related to hijab which shocked me which happen in India.
News about Hijab Banning that may impact the Future.
This news. How sad it is to know about this incident happening in Karnataka, India. India is one of the countries in the world with the largest number of Muslims even though they're minor in that country.
Let me summarize the news. In Karnataka, several colleges had been banning the hijab. This incident had been giving very bad impact on the Muslim girls there( News link )
It is very sad for me, as for me, India is one of the closest countries to me because I have many followers from India itself, so this raises my concern for them. Please pray that Allah (God) protects them and us.
In addition, this incident is more worrying because it is not only about banning a single piece of cloth on the head named hijab. But is more about discrimination against someone's identity as a Muslim. It is about the future of those girls, because the banning of hijab, could lead the girls to drop out from those colleges and thus, affect their studies. In India, the most famous slogan is about to get contradicted which is #BetiPadhaoBetiBachao 👧📒 which means "Teach the daughters, save the daughters". Not only that, if this case is taken lightly, this incident may continue to happen in other districts of India and thus, the future of girls there will continuously be harmed which should not be happening.
The girls are the future of our nation. For me, I always had learned as a girl myself that.. Women is the first institution for their kids. and only that, I also learned that women are capable to do so many things but they NEED ONLY ONE CHANCE to prove themselves.
❗Are we giving them that chance? Or are we taking that chance from them only because they are taking a stand for their identity which is also a part of HUMAN RIGHT ?❗
And this kind of case is continuously happening all over the country especially in Europe countries like France and some other countries. Very sad for me.
Please... I hope whoever reading this to please continuously share the awareness for our sisters, daughters and mothers out there.
We need to stand for them, we need to be united for a better world.
Remember...
John F. Kennedy had said
"One person can make a difference and everyone should try it"
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