Palestine, a land steeped in history and resilience, has borne witness to decades of conflict, displacement, and hardships. In the face of such adversity, the people of Palestine have demonstrated remarkable strength and endurance. This essay seeks to explore the theme of hope, urging individuals around the world to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and uphold the spirit of resilience that defines the Palestinian experience.

It’s quite unfortunate that we live in a world where the oppressed are continuously being oppressed without any end and justice has become a word that we can only ever say, but never physically or successfully see come into fruition.

From Palestinians fighting for their rights, lands, and homes, to young women being denied the right to wear their hijabs, oppression can come in many forms. And whether that oppression is coming from a Muslim or a non-Muslim, it is heartbreaking and anger-inducing for everyone who witnesses that oppression.

We feel the unfairness when our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters continue to be oppressed while the world stays quiet. We witness the prejudice and unjust ways in which powerful Muslim countries ally themselves with the oppressors and give them ‘ammunition’ to continue oppressing the innocent.

What does the Quran have to say about oppression and for the oppressors such as Israel?

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) expresses His hatred for the oppressors.

وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And Allah does not like the wrongdoers

(Quran 3:140)

Allah Knows Everything

A common lesson we are taught from a very early age is that Allah (SWT) knows, sees, and hears everything. No matter how small or large our good deed, or our sin, Allah can see it, hear it, and He knows about it. Verily Allah knows the plight of our Muslim brothers in Palestine.

لْأَبْصَـٰرٱ إِنَّمَا يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ لِيَوْمٍۢ تَشْخَصُ فِيهِ ۚلظَّـٰلِمُونَٱغَـٰفِلًا عَمَّا يَعْمَلُ للَّهَٱوَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ

Do not think ˹O Prophet˺ that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when ˹their˺ eyes will stare in horror—

(Quran 14:42)

The Consequences of Oppression

وَسَيَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَىَّ مُنقَلَبٍۢ يَنقَلِبُونَ

The wrongdoers will come to know what ˹evil˺ end they will meet.

(Quran 26:227)

A Call to Uphold Hope Amidst Adversity

Palestine’s history is a tapestry woven with tales of struggle and triumph. From the Nakba in 1948 to the present challenges, the Palestinian people have faced immense difficulties. Yet, throughout history, they have clung to the hope that justice will prevail and their rights will be recognized.

Remind yourself of the verse:

أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُم مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوْا۟ مِن قَبْلِكُم ۖ مَّسَّتْهُمُ ٱلْبَأْسَآءُ وَٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ مَتَىٰ نَصْرُ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ نَصْرَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ

Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so ˹violently˺ shaken that ˹even˺ the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah’s help come?” Indeed, Allah’s help is ˹always˺ near.

(Quran: 2:214)

Resilience Amidst Adversity

The resilience of the Palestinian people is evident in their daily lives. Families, despite living under the shadow of conflict, continue to build homes, cultivate lands, and educate their children. This steadfast determination is a testament to the unwavering spirit of hope that persists in the face of adversity.

Remind yourself of the verse that the Allah’ help is with the belivers:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ رُسُلًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِمْ فَجَآءُوهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَٱنتَقَمْنَا مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا۟ ۖ وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيْنَا نَصْرُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Indeed, We sent before you ˹O Prophet˺ messengers, each to their own people, and they came to them with clear proofs. Then We inflicted punishment upon those who persisted in wickedness. For it is Our duty to help the believers.

(Quran: 30:47)

What does ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ mean?

The phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is often used as a slogan in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The river refers to the Jordan River and the sea to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing the entire territory between them. The phrase reflects a political stance associated with certain Palestinian nationalist and pro-Palestinian movements.

The slogan is often interpreted in different ways, and its meaning can vary depending on the perspective of the person using it. Some of the interpretations are:

Rejection of Israeli Occupation:

The phrase is used as a statement against what some see as Israeli occupation, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It expresses a desire for the removal of what is perceived as restrictions on Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.

Emphasis on Liberation:

The word “free” in the slogan emphasizes the desire for liberation and freedom from what some Palestinians view as occupation and restrictions. It suggests a vision of a future where Palestinians can determine their own political destiny.

Quotes

“I tell you with complete sincerity, the more the pressure increases on the Palestinian people, the stronger their unity becomes and the more intense their resistance.” – Mahmoud Abbas

“Justice is not only about this land; it’s about our dignity, our rights. We will not accept an unjust peace. We will keep on saying ‘No’ until we get our rights back.” – Hanan Ashrawi

“The Palestinian spirit is greater than any obstacle. We will remain steadfast and resilient until our dream of freedom and justice is realized.” – Saeb Erekat

“Palestine will be free. It’s not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ The yearning for freedom is stronger than any oppression.” – Rula Jebreal

“Palestine is not just geography. It’s not just a nation. Palestine is an idea, a sacred concept, a determination to insist on justice and human rights.” – Raja Shehadeh

“The resilience of the Palestinian people gives us hope, and hope is the strongest weapon against oppression. Palestine will be free because the spirit of freedom is indomitable.” – Malala Yousafzai

“Palestine is not only a land, it’s a heart, a soul, and a symbol of resistance. The day will come when its people will taste the sweetness of freedom.” – Edward Said