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This content has been automatically translated. View original in Arabic
A scene of a foreign activist persistently chanting before occupying soldiers: "Free, free Palestine," or a foreign artist moved to tears while speaking about the children of Gaza—these moments stir our hearts and fill us with gratitude toward those who stand with the oppressed out of mercy and chivalry, even if they do not share our faith.
Yes, these are commendable stances, but the flaw lies in allowing this admiration to turn into a condemnation of the Muslim nation, as if it were a barren people devoid of goodness, or as if others sacrifice while it does not.
Let us remember that within our nation, many have paid—and continue to pay—a heavy price since the beginning of this ordeal. Some have been imprisoned and sentenced to harsh punishments, others have lost their livelihoods, and others still have been humiliated or restricted because they sought to aid their brothers within their means.
Beyond the topic of Gaza and Palestine, let us also recall scholars and preachers who refused to remain silent about the wrongs occurring in their lands. They spoke the word of truth and now languish in prisons for years, fading from the collective memory of Muslims.
They could have lived in comfort, with doors opened to them, titles bestowed, gatherings and vehicles provided, and enjoyed staying among their families—all of this possible had they uttered a word of appeasement, remained silent about falsehood, or flattered the oppressor.
Yet their noble souls chose to endure the humiliation of their bodies so that the creed of the Muslims might remain intact. They refused to compromise their religion, knowing full well the punishment that awaited them—that they would become mere numbers in cells. Their families and children now share in this sacrifice, not to mention those who have given their lives entirely for this faith.
These individuals must not be forgotten amid the noise of "trending" topics, nor should our emotions be shaken by a thirty-second video of a Western activist shouting solidarity, while news of our scholars and youth being erased behind bars for years passes unnoticed.
We say this not to belittle the sacrifices of others, but because these people deserve our care and guidance in return for their good deeds, so that their sacrifices may be accepted by their Lord. We say this for the sake of justice toward our nation, so that we do not fall prey to an inferiority complex. This nation is still in its infancy, and within it are those who purchase the pleasure of God with their freedom and worldly comforts. We ask God for a swift relief and a way out for them, for us, and for all Muslims.
Our nation is not a heap of failures, as some try to portray it. Moreover, sacrifice that stems from faith and the pursuit of reward is not the same as sacrifice driven by mere human emotion. This is why Islam elevates the meaning of sacrifice "for the sake of faith and in anticipation of reward."
Whoever sacrifices and perseveres because they believe in God and the Last Day has combined the defense of the oppressed with the worship of God the Exalted. This transforms sacrifice from a mere emotional reaction into a firm act of worship that purchases what remains with what perishes.
Peace be upon you.