Allah the Almighty says: “O you who have believed, if you obey a party of those who were given the Scripture, they would turn you back, after your belief, [to being] unbelievers. And how could you disbelieve while to you are being recited the verses of Allah and among you is His Messenger? And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path.” (Aal Imran: 100-101)
The Zionist occupation has keenly spread moral vices in all their forms among the entire Palestinian society. This was done by opening doors for employment within its society, which lacks the minimum standards of values and ethics. Additionally, the only media channel that reached every Palestinian home was directed by the occupiers.
The occupation promoted atheistic beliefs through individuals who took advantage of the void that existed in Palestinian society at the time. The rise of secular thought, under the pretense of nationalism and resistance against the occupier, appealed to many segments of society. All of this was orchestrated and planned by the occupation, which aimed for intellectual, moral, and ethical control alongside their military and administrative dominance.
Restoration of Islamic Values and Morals
Realizing the significant threat posed by the occupation and driven by their concern for the well-being of Palestinian society, many dedicated and vigilant individuals have taken action. Inspired by the ayah: “Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them.” (Al-Baqarah: 109), numerous scholarly and da'wah institutions have been active in countering these destructive plots against values and morals.
These activities began with the establishment of Quran memorization centers, accompanied by lessons on the values and morals derived from the Quran, along with lessons from the Prophet's Sirah and Hadith. This initiative attracted many people from various segments of society. Consequently, Palestine, especially Gaza, has become a symbol of producing thousands of Quran memorizers through programs like “Taj Al Waqar” (Crown of Dignity) and “Safwat Al-Huffaz” (Memorizers Elite), including sessions for reciting the whole Quran. This flourishing movement has been led by institutions like Dar Al-Quran Al-Kareem wa Al-Sunnah and the Quran Memorization Department in the Ministry of Al-Awqaf.
Palestine, particularly Gaza, has become an icon for producing thousands of Quran memorizers through “Taj Al Waqar” and “Safwat Al-Huffaz.”
Some institutions have excelled uniquely in these remarkable achievements, including:
- Dar Al-Quran Al-Kareem wa Al-Sunnah:
This institution is one of the most active and significant associations in this vital and extensive project. It has excelled in memorization, revision, education, recitation, Qira'at (the ways of recitations), virtues, follow-up, encouragement, and everything that contributes to creating a distinguished Quranic generation in terms of memorization, knowledge, morals, and values.
- Al-Awqaf:
The Ministry of al-Awqaf has established memorization centers in a considerable number of mosques. It has been highly active in Gaza and the West Bank, following the same path as Dar al-Quran. However, political tensions negatively impacted the work of these centers in the West Bank, and the occupation hindered their efforts internally.
In Gaza, however, Al-Awqaf has played a significant and active role in this field by opening memorization centers in mosques. Consequently, each mosque has multiple memorization circles as centers affiliated with Dar al-Quran, under Al-Awqaf supervision. This collaboration has led to fruitful outcomes for those passionate about memorizing the Quran and learning its rules, morals, and values.
- Associations:
Several relief associations have direct contact with the community and have significantly contributed by opening their own centers in mosques, leading to broader and more extensive results. Notable associations in Gaza practicing this include the Islamic El-Salah Association and the Mujama' al-Islami Association. In the West Bank, prominent active associations in this field include the Zakat Foundation, which operates in various locations across the region.
Dar Al-Quran Al-Kareem wa Al-Sunnah is one of the most active associations, excelling in creating a Quranic generation in terms of memorization, knowledge, and morals.
Mosques in Palestine have become the primary venues for promoting values and morals. Sermons and systematic lessons have spread, focusing on enjoining good and forbidding evil. Friday sermons have been particularly distinguished by their special directives toward this purpose, especially after the Zionist withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, in accordance with the ayah: “[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)
Hijab spread throughout the liberated homeland after a period of absence. The Islamic University, with its curricula and regulations derived from Sharia law, played a significant role in this immense value-based and moral change.
Other institutions have also been active in reforming society and returning it to its rightful path of adherence to Allah's methodology. In 1992, the Association of Palestinian Scholars was founded, but the occupation hindered and banned its activities. However, it rose again in Gaza after the occupation's withdrawal and established a regular program that included da’wah guidance, behavioral directives, and moral standards consistent with Sharia law. This was achieved through structured lessons in mosques, which included sermons, guidance, and social reform, cleansing it from the impurities of occupation and other influences. These activities were also aimed at strengthening the connection with the youth and encouraging them to study religious disciplines.
There was a particular focus on raising religious awareness about the importance of jihad, the status of the mujahideen, and the martyrs in the sight of Allah. This was done through various methods, including organizing meetings between scholars, preachers, and specific segments of promising youth, as well as holding cultural courses, study days, scientific conferences, and public gatherings to address these fundamental issues and others.
A group of scholars from this institution and others responded to citizens' questions and issued timely fatwas through open communication with the public. Every citizen could contact the scholars and ask about pressing matters in public life and special occasions, such as Ramadan, fasting, Hajj, Udhiyah (sacrifices), and other acts of worship. Additionally, these institutions allocated significant attention to specific rulings for doctors and patients, as well as providing jurisprudential guidance for traders and others.
- Reform Committees and Da'wah Forums:
To engage with the community and address its concerns and issues, around 50 reform committees were established to resolve disputes and conflicts among people. These committees aim for amicable settlements, but if that fails, they move to litigation. Specialists in Islamic jurisprudence and various Sharia disciplines adjudicate these disputes. The association's committees have gained significant trust across all segments and orientations of society.
The factions recognized the crucial role of scholarly and da'wah institutions, prompting them to establish their own scientific and da'wah associations.
In 2012, a branch of the International Union of Muslim Scholars was established in Palestine, with its temporary headquarters in Gaza. This branch complemented existing institutions working in the fields of da'wah and education. It specialized in organizing large da'wah forums in mosques and public venues, with a particular focus on high school students, both boys and girls. Each academic year, this branch conducted over 150 da'wah forums led by young, specialized preachers.
Additionally, it held educational days and awareness courses addressing contentious topics that some youth had misunderstood, leading to ideological deviations with serious behavioral consequences. The branch organized more than 200 scientific courses in mosques for preachers, police officers, mujahideen, and individuals with such deviations. These courses had a significant impact on correcting thought, behavior, and knowledge.
Recognizing the crucial role of these institutions, various organizations established their own scientific and da'wah associations, each contributing actively according to their capabilities. These institutions collaborated in joint efforts, fulfilling the duty of national unity and strengthening social cohesion within Palestinian society. This collaboration played an important role in fostering understanding and awareness among the resisting mujahideen.
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The President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars branch in Palestine.
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