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Allah (SWT) said: “And if they deny you, [O Muhammad] – already were messengers denied before you. And to Allah are returned [all] matters.” (Fatir: 43).
Allah, the Exalted, has established unchanging laws (Sunnahs) in this world. Whoever adheres to them succeeds, and whoever opposes them faces failure. Even if they have temporary victories, the ultimate outcome is for the righteous who believe in Allah’s laws and His Sunnahs in societies.
Today, we see these divine laws manifesting again in the land of historical battles and heroic feats of the Muslim Ummah throughout past ages: Syria. At the beginning of the Syrian revolution, which exposed many truths, the entire world conspired against it, and both Arabs and Muslims inflicted betrayal, abandonment, and treachery upon Syria, leaving it vulnerable to the worst of humanity from across the globe.
Because the Syrian people initially violated Allah's Sunnahs by neglecting the necessary means to achieve victory, empowerment, justice, and equality, they contradicted one of Allah’s laws: unity and avoidance of division. Their enemies thus prevailed over them, plunging them into chaos. The revolution saw multiple banners and slogans rise among the rebels, violating the divine command to avoid disputes, as Allah says in His Noble Book: "And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Al-Anfal: 46).
This divine Sunnah—unity—is among the most critical factors for victory and empowerment. This was realized by the Syrian people resisting oppression and tyranny for decades. Today, the people stand united under one banner, aiming to repel the aggression against the free and noble Syrian people. In their recent battles, they have rallied under a single cause and leadership to defeat the oppressive regime and its allies, including Iran’s sectarian militias, which have humiliated and tormented the Syrian people, displacing millions of women, children, and elderly. These current victories are being achieved because they have avoided internal disputes that enemies could exploit to sow division.
Another divine law in life is the Sunnah of mutual struggle (tadafu’). Allah, the Exalted, says: "And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might." (Al-Hajj: 40). Allah also says: "So they defeated them by permission of Allah, and David killed Goliath, and Allah gave him the kingship and prophethood and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for Allah checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds." (Al-Baqarah: 251).
The Sunnah of mutual struggle exists in societies to prevent corruption on earth and to protect humanity from the tyranny and oppression it inflicts upon others. In His mercy, Allah has allowed the Syrian people to witness the ongoing struggles between the West and Russia, as well as the internal power struggles within the Iranian regime and the Israeli strikes against Iran’s regional presence. This mutual struggle among competing powers became a relief and a door of mercy for the Syrian people, enabling the revolutionaries to seize opportunities and achieve victories. We pray to Allah to grant them further empowerment and patience for the trials they have endured.
Now, after this victory, there is a new test and a significant challenge from Allah. After Allah has granted them success, thwarted their enemies, and nullified their plots, the new challenge lies in establishing justice among the segments of society according to the methodology of the Prophet ﷺ and the teachings of Islam, which surpass all worldly values and principles. Allah says: "[And they are] those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters." (Al-Hajj: 41).
Praise be to Allah, first and last.
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