What Muslims Can Learn From the State of Israel

As we continue to watch a genocidal war unfold before our very eyes, let us also take this as an opportunity to learn from the state of Israel – not about terrorism (which it is using as a tactic), not about genocide (which it is conducting), or about war (which it is abusing), but instead about what we can learn as a community of Muslims.

Yes, there really is evil in this world

While this statement may sound obvious, it is also extremely important for us to understand as Muslims. As we watch Israel bomb to death thousands of children, babies, and civilians, it reminds us that despite the comfort of our daily lives that many of us are sheltered in, there is evil in this world. Nothing but evil conducts a war in which children are killed indiscriminately, and innocent civilians are denied food, water, and power.

But we need to use this knowledge, that evil is really present in our world, to better arm ourselves with faith and goodness. It makes it even more imperative on the ordinary Muslim to stand up against evil and stand with the good.

“For evil-doers there will be no helpers” (Quran, 2:270)

Trauma and pain can turn to destruction and hate

Many of the politicians in the Israeli government, who openly call for genocide and hate, come from grandparents who survived the Holocaust – the very people who survived a campaign of genocide and hate are looking down on grandchildren who are now doing the very same thing.

We must tread carefully as a Muslim community as well – in a world rampant with Islamophobia, it can be very easy to turn our frustration, anger, and trauma into hatred and revenge. We must stay true to our faith, and take the state of Israel as an example of what evil can happen from a faithless approach to revenge and trauma.

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do” (Quran, 5:8)

Solidarity with our brothers and sisters really does matter

As Israel continues to openly conduct a genocidal war, we are also witnessing at the same time massive solidarity across the world with the Palestinian people. Solidarity has never been more important, and as Muslims, we must never forget that our strength comes from our ability to stay strong as a community.

If we cannot stand with our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and if we cannot care about Muslims who are suffering under open oppression, then we cannot call ourselves Muslims as well.

“And hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you — by His grace — became brothers” (Quran, 3:103)

Allah comes before any government or society

Our world leaders and politicians have been disgraceful for the most part – openly embracing Israel with little regard to the thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians killed. It is clear that our governments, most of our media outlets, and those in powerful positions do not care about evil versus good, about standing up for the oppressed, or about ensuring justice.

This is a stark reminder to us all – especially as Muslims – that we live in this temporary world as a test, and we must never forget that our true loyalty, and our only loyalty, should be to Allah and to Allah alone. No other government, politician, or society will ever replace Allah as the leader of our hearts and souls.

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely” (Quran, 9:51)

And finally, despite everything, there really is good worth fighting for in this world

Israel has taught us that there really is evil in this world. But with evil, there must also be goodness.

As Muslims, we must never forget that it is worth it to fight for good, that is is our duty to enjoin in goodness, and that we must always strive to serve Allah with the hope that we will be on the right side of history.

Let this be a reminder that our duty as Muslims is to be good, for to truly believe in Allah means to truly be good.

“Is the reward for good [anything] but good? So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” (Quran, 55:60-61)