GAZA: The Bastion of Resistance

But those (believers) who were certain that they would meet Allah said: “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the permission of Allah!” And Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.

(Qur’an Ch2, v249)

Following the cessation of 15 months of the most brutal, live-streamed savagery and inhumane assault by the self-styled “most moral army in the world”, operating on behalf of the “only democracy in the Middle East”, against an entirely defenceless population, few will survey the cataclysmic destruction of the Palestinian enclave of Gaza and deem the aggressors victorious. Yet, it is the Palestinians – for all the unimaginable and horrific losses – lifting their eyes to the heavens, with chants of “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!” ringing in the ears of a lamenting criminal Zionist army in ignominious retreat, and their amoral backers, who possessed the power and means – but not the will – to save the lives of tens of thousands of men, women, children and babes from being snuffed out.

What does victory and success look like? Amidst the fire and fury of the murderous Israeli rampage, it is the Gazans who have captured the attention and admiration of the global conscience. With unwavering faith in Allah, resilience, steadfastness, indefatigability, and unyielding determination, they paid the ultimate sacrifice to expose the airbrushed and purportedly benign face of the colonial killing machine that is Zionist Israel, all while standing tall and preserving their dignity and birthright to the land of Palestine.

For decades, both Muslims and non-Muslims in the UK have stood at the forefront of advocating for the Palestinian struggle, championing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against the world’s last apartheid colonial entity. We remain steadfast in this mission, including the monumental efforts to rebuild Gaza and liberate its people. In a world fractured by division, Gaza has become a rallying cry, uniting billions in unwavering support for Palestine and inspiring a new generation determined to reject indifference to Zionism.

We ask Allah, the Almighty, to bless those who have been martyred in this unjust exercise in the extermination of human life, granting them the highest rank in Jannah (paradise). We also ask that He grants shifaa (healing) to all those who have suffered injury or loss. While the oppressors and their backers may escape justice in this world, the divine courtroom awaits, where the martyrs, including Hind Rajab, Yara Al-Attar, Khaled Nabhan, and others, will be avenged.

Do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead. No, they are alive, with their Lord, receiving provision. Rejoicing in Allah’s bounties, and they rejoice for those who have not yet joined them but are left behind, that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

(Qur’an Ch3, v169-170)