3 Spiritual Actions You Can Take for Gaza Now | Blog
Published: October 23, 2023 • Updated: October 23, 2023
Author: Yaqeen Institute
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As the stench of death chokes the pulverized streets of Gaza, know that the indescribable aroma of its martyrs is rising to the heavens. There is a crowd of angels between the heavens and the earth, rushing to receive the souls who have been chosen by Allah. Those beautiful souls are not dead, vowed Allah. They are alive, flying freely in an eternal land promised to them—no longer occupied, and no longer imprisoned.
But even as The Most Loving has not only freed but elevated them from the pain that the occupying force of Israel confined them in, we are still beholden to our duty as establishers of justice on Earth. The Most Merciful does not burden a soul more than it can bear. Allah has gifted us with the opportunity to stand firm for our ummah when it’s hurting, because this is what we can excel in. That’s why it is absolutely imperative that as we continue to amplify our voices, to organize, to advocate, and to unite for change, we must nourish our own souls to keep up our momentum for our siblings in faith.
How can you re-energize for Palestine?
Here are 3 things to remember as you continue your advocacy:
1. The 20 minutes you set aside to breathe is so Palestinians can breathe.
Turn off your phone. Make the intention that this break you are taking is so you can come back stronger. Take a walk or engage in intense physical exercise. 20 minutes to take care of the mind and body Allah gave you will give you the rest of the day to care for the siblings in faith He made you an advocate for.
2. This is the time to reflect on the Qur’an with Palestine in mind.
When you’re overwhelmed, the Qur’an will give you contentment and perspective. Reflect especially on Surat al-Isra. The solace Allah gives through historical facts in His Own words is unmatched. How did small groups of people in the past face large armies that vastly outnumbered them? Because God was on their side. Tawakkul, or complete reliance and trust in Allah, is always weightier and more effective than the mightiest of armies.
3. Your du’a, especially during Tahajjud, is the most powerful weapon you have.
Your throats may be torn from screaming in protest, your fingers tired from relentless online advocacy, and your mind reeling from feeling like you’re shouting into a void. But a whisper to the One who gave you the ability to speak is a sure promise that your voice is heard loud and clear, and the fruits of it will be seen according to His perfect timing.
Here’s a short list of du’as that you can make right now.
- Du’a for that powerful tawakkul:
اللهم إني أسألك صدق التوكل عليك وحسن الظن بك
Allahumma inni as-aluka sidq at-tawakkuli ‘alayka wa husn adh-dhanni bik
O Allah! I ask You to grant me true reliance on You and good expectations of You. [Sa’eed ibn Jubayr (ra)]
- Du’a to distinguish between fake news, lies, and the truth:
اللهم أرنا الحق حقاً وارزقنا اتباعه وأرنا الباطل باطلا وارزقنا اجتنابه
Allahumma arina al-haqqa haqqan warzuqna ittiba’ah, wa arina al-batila batilan warzuqna ijtinabah
O Allah! Show us the truth as True, and inspire us to follow it. Show us falsehood as Falsehood, and inspire us to abstain from it. [Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra)]
- Du’a for strength and victory:
رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًۭا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
Our Lord, shower us with patience, make our feet firm, and give us victory over the disbelieving people. [Qur’an, 2:250]
Remember this: the ummah of the Prophet ﷺ is not rash; it is strong, it is organized, it is wise, and it is a force to be reckoned with when united. Our advocacy is the proverbial tying of our camel in this life, but it is nothing without the help of Allah. And wisdom is in strengthening our crying souls so our feet can stand firmer before tyrants than ever before.
