Blog Post #7: My Fatigue is Showing: Staying Steadfast as Muslims
By: Maryam Yousuf, Pre-licensed Professional
*Disclaimer: Project Taqwa has previously put out a statement affirming our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to be free from occupation. Project Taqwa recognizes that we do not speak from or for the Palestinian narrative, but rather raise our voice in solidarity for humanity. As a team of Muslim individuals, Project Taqwa recognizes our responsibility of having a voice in the community, and uses it to advocate for justice. May Allah (SWT) grant freedom to Palestine, Ameen.
A Poem for Palestine: Part II
If I am tired, then what are you?
I am remorseful,
Because somehow it is becoming easier for me to scroll past the unimaginable
I am sorrowful,
Because more of your pained faces have committed to my memory
I am fragmented,
Because every time I see you, you are trialed with something worse than the worst
I am lost,
Because at times I feel I have no more way to help, and others that I have not even tried
I am tired
But if I am tired
Then what are you?
-Maryam
My Fatigue is Showing
After more than seventy days on top of the seventy-five plus years of an ongoing occupation and indescribable genocide, we continue to demand a ceasefire. With the increased attempts to protest, boycott, call representatives, and do whatever we can within our capacity to raise awareness, many of us have started to enter a phase of compassion fatigue. Similar to emotional burnout, compassion fatigue is when one is no longer able to give to others because they feel as if they have maxed out on their capacity. This can lead to feelings of indifference, especially as we all scroll to continuously be exposed to people who are enduring trauma beyond our imagination. This experience can prompt emotions of detachment or numbness, as well as hopelessness, as we vicariously live through the innocent Palestinians screaming and paining on our screens. While this does tell us that we are continuing to stay engaged in some facets of the word, it reminds us that in order to reach the finish line, we must regroup and pace ourselves to combat the inevitable fatigue.
How Can I Stay Steadfast as a Muslim?
- Remind Yourself that Allah (SWT) is in Control. With continuous waves of news about who is doing what to make matters worse, it can be easy to lose perspective. Take the time to remember that nothing happens but that Allah (SWT) Wills for it to happen. We believe that His Help is near, and ultimately this is what we are seeking.
- Take Productive Breaks. At some point, scrolling can do more harm than good. Be mindful and take productive breaks from social media. This means that instead of doing something to distract yourself or something that is displeasing to Allah (SWT), read the Quran, engage in dhikr, pray, and ask Allah (SWT) for His Help.
- Keep Yourself in Check. Avoid isolating and becoming saddened to the decree that it is hindering you. Process the pain in a healthy way. Spend time with family, friends, and your community to keep the conversation and healing going. Remember to pace yourself and seek out support as needed. The Ummah is as strong as the Muslims who comprise it.
- Get Creative. This time presents an opportunity to learn more about our beloved Palestinian brothers and sisters, as well as their culture. Spend time thinking about them in unconventional ways, such as making related art projects or cooking authentic dishes to honor what they are fighting for.
- Gratitude, Gratitude, and More Gratitude. To stay steadfast or grounded, we must become content with where we stand. Be aware and grateful for the infinite blessings we have, from the clean water in our kitchen to the smiling faces of our family members. Ask Allah (SWT) that if He has Given you something, what should it be used for?
Duas and Dhikr for Palestine
Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal-Wakil
‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.’ [Surah Al Imran: Verse 173]
Rabbana aatihim fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqihim ‘adhaab an-nar
‘Our Lord! Grant them the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect them from the torment of the Fire’. [Surah Baqarah: Verse 201]
Allahumma aslih ahwaalal-muslimeena fi filisteen, Allahumma aslih ahwaalal-muslimeena fi filisteena wa fi kulli makaanin ya dhul-jalali wal-ikraam.
O Allah! Rectify the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine. O Allah! Rectify the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine and in every place, O Lord of Majesty and Bounty.
On behalf of our team at Project Taqwa, we stand with Palestine.
May Allah (SWT) grant victory to the oppressed, defeat to the oppressors, and the highest ranks of Jannat-ul-Firdaus for our treasured Palestinian martyrs, Ameen.
*Disclaimer: I am currently a pre-licensed, Master’s level student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This blog post is purely for awareness and educational purposes only. For further information or clarification, please seek help from a licensed professional, thank you! -Maryam
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