IN the Holy Quran, in the Almighty’s final message, as relayed to His beloved final Messenger, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Creator classifies believers as members of one ummah (community) as mentioned in Surah Muminun.

Of course, the Quran classifies mankind using different terms. For example, elsewhere (Surah Nisa), it is stated that humanity has been “created … from one soul”, highlighting the common origins of the human race.

Yet the ummah is a specific classification, bringing together all those who testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa is His last and final Messenger. In essence, while humanity is one tribe, the ummah is a smaller subgroup consisting of close ‘relatives’. Therefore, when members of one part of the ummah are in distress, it should concern all other members of this ‘family’.

Critics can question why such focus on members of the ummah, when Islam claims to be a universal religion, more so when the Holy Prophet, whose birth we are celebrating today, is described in the Quran as a “Mercy to the worlds”. Indeed, we should be concerned when any part of humanity is suffering. But going back to the tribe/ family analogy, while one would be concerned about troubles confronting those in one’s neighbourhood or city, one would be most concerned when members of one’s immediate family are in anguish.

Apart from the Quran, the need for believers to come to the aid of other believers is clearly mentioned in hadith literature. For example, in Biharul Anwar, it is stated that “if any believer comes to the aid of one who is oppressed, that would be better than fasting for a whole month and performing i’tikaf in the Sacred Mosque”. Similarly, in Sahih Bukhari, it is stated that “a Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor”.

Most rulers of Muslim states seem unconcerned about Gaza’s plight.

Where the suffering of Muslims is concerned, there are many vulnerable populations worldwide. For example, there has been no satisfactory resolution of the Rohingya’s plight, as this stateless population continues to live in squalid refugee camps. Elsewhere, the people of Kashmir endure a brutal Indian occupation, while a vicious civil war in Sudan has disrupted life for millions. But perhaps no other Muslim population is enduring the hellish circumstances that the people of Gaza have been going through for the last year, due to Israel’s genocidal assault.

Unfortunately, most members of the ummah living in comfort seem oblivious to Gaza’s suffering. The terrified screams of its children do not move them; the numb bodies of its adults do not affect them. Surely, this lack of empathy for fellow believers in distress is diametrically opposed to the message of the Quran, and the teachings of the Holy Prophet.

While some Muslim governments have tried to raise the issue internationally and ostracise Israel for its vile behaviour, most rulers of Muslim-majority states seem unconcerned about Gaza’s plight, other than issuing statements of condemnation. The ‘Muslim street’ — ordinary believers — on the other hand, is reacting in a variety of ways, including the boycott of brands seen as supportive of Israel, along with taking part in demonstrations to denounce the butchery in Gaza. And while large protests have been held in Muslim cities — Amman, Sana’a, Baghdad, etc — amongst the largest pro-Palestine rallies have taken place in non-Muslim states.

Ironically, as much of the ummah sleeps, many non-Muslims with a conscience are awake to their responsibility as human beings to raise a voice for Gaza’s defenceless people.

To reiterate their belief in the concept of the ummah, and the teachings of the Noble Prophet (PBUH), leaderships of Muslim states must do much more to de­­fend Gaza. This should include eco­nomic bans ta­­rgeting Israel and all those states that are helping power Tel Aviv’s war machine. Moreover, Muslim states need to team up with non-Muslim supporters of Palestine, such as South Africa and Brazil, at multilateral fora such as the UN, ICJ etc, to help end the genocidal violence.

It is unconscionable that as Muslims in ‘safer’ locations continue to live life as usual, the people of Gaza are being subjected to a slaughter perhaps unparalleled in modern times. This lack of concern is an affront to the concept of Islamic brotherhood and community, while it betrays the human values of empathy and compassion as well.

As per Islamic belief, this life is transitory, while the next life is eternal. Therefore, those subjecting Palestine’s people to such monstrous violence must remember that they will one day face Divine justice. And those powerful members of the ummah that are doing nothing for Palestine must remember that on the Day of Judgment, the children of Gaza will have every right to complain to Allah and His Prophet.

The writer is a member of staff.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2024