Muslims around the world often extend solidarity and support to the Palestinians due to religious, political, historical, and humanitarian reasons.
From a religious perspective, Jerusalem holds immense significance for Muslims as it is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the three holiest sites in Islam. The Palestinian cause resonates deeply with Muslims who believe in the importance of protecting and preserving Islamic holy places.
Moreover, politically, many Muslims see the Israeli occupation and colonization of Palestinian lands as a grave injustice that needs to be rectified. They advocate for the right of self-determination for Palestinians and their establishment of an independent state based on pre-1967 borders.
Historically, Muslims find common roots with Palestinians through their shared history of struggling against colonialism and foreign domination.
There are many reasons why Muslims support the Palestinian people in their struggle for justice. Here are only 10:
- Islam teaches Muslims to stand up for the oppressed. The Quran and Hadith are full of verses and teachings that encourage Muslims to help those who are being wronged. For example, the Quran says: "And those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly - only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah' - will surely find from Allah a refuge and a generous provision." (16:41)
- Palestinians are a Muslim people. The vast majority of Palestinians are Muslims, and they have a right to live in peace and security just like any other people.
- Palestinians have been oppressed by Israel for decades. Israel has occupied Palestinian territory, and during that time, Palestinians have been subjected to human rights abuses, including land confiscation, home demolitions, and violence.
- The international community has failed to protect Palestinians. The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions condemning Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, but these resolutions have been ignored by Israel.
- Muslims have a duty to support their fellow Muslims. Islam teaches Muslims that they are a community and that they should support each other in times of need.
- The Palestinian struggle is a just struggle. Palestinians are simply seeking their right to self-determination and to live in their own homeland.
- Supporting the Palestinian people is a way to uphold Islamic values. Islam is a religion of justice and compassion, and supporting the Palestinian people is a way to put these values into practice.
- Muslims have a responsibility to speak out against injustice. The Quran says: "And whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a share of its reward." (4:85)
- Supporting the Palestinian people is a way to challenge Islamophobia. Many people in the West view Islam as a religion of violence and extremism, but supporting the Palestinian people is a way to show that Islam is a religion of peace and justice.
- Supporting the Palestinian people is a way to build bridges with other people of faith. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all have a responsibility to work together for peace and justice, and supporting the Palestinian people is a way to start that dialogue.
Finally, from a humanitarian standpoint, Muslims empathize with the plight of millions of Palestinians living under harsh conditions characterized by blockades, checkpoints, land seizures, and forced displacement. As such, supporting Palestinians becomes an expression of fairness and justice inherent in Islamic teachings that guide Muslims' actions towards their fellow human beings.