Blog Post #6: Making Sense Of Atrocity: Coping as an Ummah
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
And now I am feeling so many things
Heartbroken, as I shamefully claim my heart is bleeding, while you are tainted in red on the limbs they spared you with
Angered, at the ease with which this world has turned its greedy and blind back on you, while you are so innocent, so helpless
Guilty, because my home is intact and my fridge is stocked and my water is clean and my family is living
Insulted, by the unimaginable hypocrisy and demonstration of stripping one from humankind
Distraught, at the wailing of mothers weeping for their missing children, and children shrieking in search of their lost mothers
Restless, because every time I reach for my phone, you reach for one last hug
Exhausted, at the harrowing scenes I witness from afar, only to know that I can put it away, while you stay put in it
Admiration, because if it were me, perhaps I would not have even lived through a single day
Jealous, toward your unshakeable faith and profound honor with which you will be rewarded
Pride, that I have the gift of belonging to the same Ummah as you
And how and humiliating is it, Oh Palestine
That to find Allah, I had to lose so much of you
And now I am feeling so many things
-Maryam
Making Sense of Atrocity
At the time of publication for this blog post, it has been over a month since Palestine has been facing the latest wave of despicable terrors and the insurmountable agony of genocide and occupation. As we continue to demand a ceasefire and desperately attempt to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine, it is important for us to recognize why this is happening and what we should be doing in response. As Muslims, we believe that Allah (SWT) allowed this to happen, and that there is hikmah (wisdom) to be imparted from it. While this may presently be beyond our understanding, we should use this as a catalyst to improve our relationship with Allah (SWT) and make constant Dua (supplication) for our Palestinian brothers and sisters to be freed from occupation, pain, and injustice. Ultimately, we have witnessed the strength of their iman (faith), and believe that their Shuhadah (martyrs) will enter the highest ranks of Jannah for their sacrifice. The Holy Quran states, “Never say that those martyred in the cause of Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it” [2:154].
I Want To Do My Part, What Can I Do?
- Improve Your Relationship With Allah (SWT). If not now, when? Use this time to call out to Him (SWT). Pray on time, wake up for Tahajjud, be sincere and consistent in your Dua, frequent the Masajid, and keep your tongue moist with Dhikr. We believe that Allah (SWT) is near and wants us to call out to Him (SWT), so that He (SWT) may respond.
- Study the Seerah. We know that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) endured hardship. Taking time to study how he (SAW) responded to times of trial and affiliation sets the example for how we should be responding to ours.
- Be Mindful of Media Consumption. Yes, we should constantly be posting to raise awareness for the genocide. However, everyone has a different capacity and we should be mindful of not letting constant scrolling weaken us. Stay informed, but take breaks to remember Allah (SWT) and guide your emotions toward Him (SWT). Instead of trying to watch a movie or do something displeasing to Allah (SWT) when you feel emotional, read the Quran, prostrate, and call out to Him (SWT).
- Do Your Part, With Allah (SWT) in Mind. Protests, boycotts, and other forms of peaceful advocacy can and should be practiced. However, be mindful in your actions and make the correct intentions. For example, if attending a protest at a certain time means you might miss your prayer, take this into account and make arrangements ahead of time to fulfill your obligations.
- Shift Your Mindset. With the amount of emotions we are overwhelmed by at this time, we can take this as a sign of a living heart. This is a great time for us to practice shukr (gratitude) for the endless blessings Allah (SWT) has given us. We should be grateful to Him (SWT), especially as we see how difficult the circumstances are for our dear Palestinian brothers and sisters.
- Seek Support. While we should do everything in our capacity to appropriately advocate, we need to ensure that we are maintaining our strength as we are navigating times that are this heavy. We are mourning and fighting as an Ummah. Attend community events, talk to people about what is going on, and seek mental health care from professionals as needed.
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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