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To see every Muslim confident and impacting the world
The last few weeks have reminded us how difficult it can be to escape headlines that transform ideologically derived narratives into kitchen-table talking points.
The breadth of the propaganda campaign, ranging from fabricated stories of beheaded babies to dehumanising Palestinian victims of Israeli war crimes through word choice, and casting doubt on official death toll figures in Gaza, is nothing new in Western media.
In this article, Maira Mirza of Human Aid & Advocacy speaks about the truth behind Western state and media disinformation campaigns on Gaza.
https://www.islam21c.com/opinion/western-state-media-disinformation-drive-justify-gaza-genocide/
In this article, Dr. Abdulrahman El-Nounu draws parallels between the tribulations faced by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions during the Quraysh boycott and the ongoing struggles of the people in Gaza. He recalls how the Companions braved through years of siege with barely leaves to eat, offering a narrative of resilience and Īmān amidst adversity, encouraging us to reflect on our role in current events.
A compelling read for anyone keen to understand the indomitable strength of belief in Allah that we are today witnessing in the people of Gaza.
#Gaza #Seerah
https://www.islam21c.com/islamic-thought/history/gaza-and-quraysh-boycott-of-prophet-and-companions/
Israel has spent MORE THAN $7 MILLION since it declared war on Gaza on YouTube ads to sway public opinion.
The turnout of hundreds of thousands of protestors, alongside other forms of activism such as Muslims challenging mainstream media narratives, are actions defeating Israel in its propoganda war.
Boycotting a tyrannical regime can be an effective tool for several reasons:
1. Economic Impact: Boycotts can severely impact the economy of the targeted regime, reducing its financial resources. This, in turn, may limit the regime's ability to fund its oppressive activities or maintain its grip on power.
2. International Awareness: Boycotts often attract international media attention, thereby raising awareness about the injustices perpetrated by the regime. This can increase pressure from the global community, possibly leading to diplomatic sanctions or interventions.
3. Moral Stand: A boycott sends a strong moral message, not just to the regime, but to the world at large. It's a way of demonstrating that the regime's actions are unacceptable and that people are willing to sacrifice convenience or to stand against tyranny.
4. Solidarity: Boycotts often serve to unite people around a common cause. This sense of solidarity can be empowering for those directly affected by the regime's actions, offering emotional and psychological support.
5. Influence Other Stakeholders: Boycotts can also put pressure on other countries and international companies that may be indirectly supporting the tyrannical regime. The reputational risk involved can force them to reconsider their alliances.
The boycott should start with a complete avoidance of all fruit and vegetables that are often wrongly labelled as “Produce in Israel” when they come from stolen Palestinian land.
In terms of which brands to boycott, FOA (Friends of Al-Aqsa) have made it very simple and easy, with a focus on 3 companies that are reportedly some of the worst offenders:
* Coca-Cola
* Puma
* HP
The BDS movement has expanded the list to include the following companies:
* Siemens
* AXA
* SodaStream
* Ahava
* Sabra
#GazaUnderAttack #BDS
There is utter devastation and international outcry after an Israeli airstrike on a church in Gaza City, which is reported to have killed and injured scores of sheltering civilians.
Condemned as a "grave war crime" by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the blast occurred shortly after a recent attack on a hospital that killed at least 500 Palestinians.
Instagram's recent translation fiasco, which labelled some Palestinian users as "terrorists" apparently due to "inappropriate Arabic translations," is a reminder of the platform's repeated failure to uphold impartiality and respect for all its users. This incident cannot be dismissed as a mere technical glitch; it's a serious breach of trust, furthering harmful stereotypes and biases against Palestinians.
Despite previous accusations of pro-Palestinian content suppression and commitments to change after independent human rights reviews, tangible improvement remains absent. These platforms have a profound influence on global discourse, and it's imperative they're held to a higher standard of responsibility and accountability.
A simple apology won't suffice; what is needed is an independent investigation with its findings shared openly, and then transparent, sustained action that acknowledges and rectifies the biases, ensuring that such flagrant violations of identity are not repeated.
We must challenge this kind of behaviour. If you encounter such biases or suppression, we urge you to report and flag these incidents. It's only through collective vigilance that we can hold these social media giants accountable, ensuring they respect all communities and their fundamental human rights.
He was an accomplished scholar who authored 30 books and served as a professor at the Islamic University of Madinah.
But his name will long be remembered globally by students of the Arabic language as the author of the "Madinah books”, the 3-part series devised whilst teaching at the university.
We pray for his forgiveness and that his legacy of opening the Arabic language up to generations of students of knowledge be accepted.
Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we are returning.
https://www.islam21c.com/editorials/obituary/condolences-upon-passing-of-shaykh-dr-v-abdur-rahim/
#ilm
In an era where prominent figures often avoid contentious issues, Liverpool's forward Mohamed Salah boldly breaks this trend. His recent social media plea is not just a reflection of his global citizenship but underscores his commitment to Islamic humanitarian values, extending far beyond football.
Salah’s heartfelt message:
“It's not always easy to speak at a time like this. There has been too much violence and brutality, the escalation in recent weeks has been unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop, families are being torn apart. What's clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions. The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. I am calling on world leaders to come together and prevent the slaughter of innocent souls. Humanity must prevail.”
Salah courageously addresses topics many celebrities avoid, demonstrating genuine emotion and aligning with Islamic mandates for truth and justice, even under intense public scrutiny. His vivid descriptions of the crises in Gaza emphasise the urgent humanitarian response, reflecting Islamic doctrines on life's sanctity and the duty to safeguard it.
Furthermore, Salah’s appeal for the intervention of global leaders goes beyond typical celebrity rhetoric of "thoughts and prayers". He seeks concrete action, embodying the Islamic principle that true faith is validated through action, and highlights the collective responsibility in crisis response.
Unflinchingly, he labels the atrocities by Israel against innocent lives precisely for what they are: “the slaughter of innocent souls”.
Salah exemplifies the influential capacity of public figures to catalyse significant change when guided by Islamic values. His call serves as a global reflection, urging a world where compassion, justice, and peace are tangible experiences, not just lofty ideals.
A shocking attack on a hospital in Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 500 people.
We pray for the deceased, the survivors they left behind and for the people of Palestine to emerge from the occupation victoriously.
#GazaUnderAttack
An important reminder from Shaykh Dr. Haitham al-Haddad for Muslims to see the Gaza conflict as a conflict central to all Muslims globally, and to remember the words of Allah promising victory.
Our du’ā reaches the oppressed and we are reminded by Allah in the Qur’ān to not lose hope but to rather trust that His victory is near.
Welcoming Rabī’ al-Thānī! 🌙
As we welcome the month of Rabī’ al-Thānī, let us remember the Believers defending Masjid Al-Aqsā and the Muslims undergoing tests in Palestine and across the world.
Making regular and constant du’ā is indeed one of our greatest tools and reminds us to glorify Allah as He deserves in every state we experience.
#Hijri
This is the BBC's front page from October 16, 2023.
While the headline focuses on '199 Israeli hostages’ in Gaza, the featured image reveals another reality: a Palestinian man devastated after an Israeli airstrike destroys his home (original photo available on Getty Images).
The report neglects crucial context: since 2007, Gaza's 2.3 million residents have endured a blockade, essentially living in an open-air prison. It's not about those 199; it's about millions effectively held hostage.
We must hold media accountable. Raise your voice, contact the BBC, and stop the spread of incomplete narratives.
#GazaUnderAttack #SpeakUpForGaza #MediaAccountability
In an age rife with misinformation, the role of truth and integrity in media is crucial.
Zishan Khan, Islam21c's Managing Director, writes on how we're called as Muslims to lead with these values, challenge biased narratives and promote justice.
Dive into how an Islamic perspective reshapes media consumption and journalism, empowering us to be critical thinkers and compassionate changemakers. 🕊️
#GazaUnderAttack #Haqq
https://www.islam21c.com/islamic-thought/islamic-imperative-of-truth-in-age-of-bias/
Contains music. A message from a survivor of Israel’s war on Gaza.
May Allah’s Help be with the people of Palestine, and strengthen the people of Gaza to face the bombings, the siege and the invasion.
#gaza
Shaykh Ali Hammuda writes about propoganda in the mainstream media coverage in Israel's war on Gaza.
Accusations and emotionally-charged language overshadow the lack of tangible evidence, pointing to a possible ramp-up in atrocity propaganda.
Amidst this, it's crucial to discern facts from disinformation and remember the historical context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
#Gaza #MediaCoverage
https://www.islam21c.com/news/factcheck/calling-out-atrocity-propaganda-stop-gaza-genocide/
Controversy brews as Labour leader Keir Starmer struggles to defend his views of allowing Israel to ‘defend itself’ whilst breaking international law.
After using a visit to a mosque as a photo opportunity and Muslim councillors quitting the party, Keir Starmer has today had to explain his position to Muslim Labour MPs.
In times of tribulation and crisis, silence speaks volumes.
Our latest article considers the responsibility Muslims bear to be voices of truth and justice, and not to choose silence out of fear of 'cancel culture'.
https://www.islam21c.com/opinion/duty-to-confront-injustice-silence-is-betrayal
#haqq #truthtopower
“The thought of my innocent mother having to spend her life in prison brings unbearable pain. China, show your mercy and release my innocent mother.”
Uyghur Professor Rahile Dawut has been sentenced to life in prison by China on baseless charges.
With the Muslim world’s attention firmly fixed on Israel’s war on Gaza, attacks and oppression by other powers against the Ummah should never be ignored.
Read about one of the most recent examples of repression in China’s long-running war against the Uyghur Muslims of East Turkestan. Along with Israel, China is another ally of numerous Muslim governments.
https://www.islam21c.com/news/uyghur-academic-sentenced-to-life-chinese-jail/
#China #uyghur
The vehement backlash against Karim Benzema for his comments on the suffering of civilians in Gaza starkly contradicts the principles of free speech and reveals blatant hypocrisy and intolerance.
Benzema posted on X: “All our prayers for the inhabitants of Gaza who are once again victims of these unjust bombings which spare no women or children.”
The calls by French senator Valerie Boyer to revoke his citizenship and Ballon D'Or are blatantly authoritarian and contradict France's own claimed democratic ideals, particularly when President Emmanuel Macron has stated, "I will always defend in my country the freedom to speak."
Moreover, the unfounded attempts by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to associate him with the Muslim Brotherhood are sheer fear-mongering and an overt act of Islamophobia. Such baseless claims dangerously perpetuate divisive rhetoric.
The irresponsible responses from public figures, especially those in positions of authority, are disgraceful. The use of inflammatory language, false accusations, and personal attacks highlight the increasing Islamophobic tendencies within French authorities.
Let us take a stand against this level of intolerance by raising awareness, engaging in intelligent discourse, and challenging these divisive narratives.
Prominent Islamic historian Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi has written an open letter addressed to the US leadership — including the Department of State, the White House, as well as the Pentagon — and its international partners concerning the ongoing crimes against humanity by Israel against the Palestinians.
Dr. al-Sallabi is well known for authoring some of the most important books in the English language, including titles on the life of the Prophet & the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
https://www.islam21c.com/news/dr-ali-muhammad-al-sallabi-open-letter-us-allies-gaza-genocide/
Our Survivors on the ground need our support now more than ever.
As the attacks on Gaza increase, thousands of Palestinians have been killed and many more injured.
Human Aid & Advocacy are on the ground now providing cash assistance, food packs, infant supplies and medical aid at the Gaza Al-Shifa Hospital.
Donate to provide emergency aid now!
https://humanaid.org/palestine?utm_source=Islam21&utm_medium=Telegram&utm_campaign=Gaza+
“If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection (Sahih Muslim).”
Many of us are perplexed at how Israel’s narrative to justify war starts on 7 October 2023 with Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
16 years of blockade against Gaza, decades of forced displacement, military offensives and dehumanisation never happened, if you adopt this narrative.
But these things did happen, and that narrative crumbles when challenged by facts.
In this article, Dr. Izzadeen Chowdhury chronicles the timeline of some of the occupation’s crimes.
https://www.islam21c.com/analysis/israel-no-less-than-timeline-of-terror/
#GazaUnderAttack #AlAqsa
Why does so little of how we currently discuss Israel's war on Gaza focus on the Muslim governments who have made treaties and agreements with Israel as a way of furthering their economic interests and gaining military and intelligence benefits?
It's a question so few ask, and even fewer answer.
This article by Abdul Hai, founder and manager of the Islamic Literary Society, is the first in a three part series on Palestine, the past, our obligation to it as Muslims and the future.
www.islam21c.com/opinion/palestine-history-our-obligation-and-future/
#GazaUnderAttack
The anguish echoing from Gaza's confines pierces the global psyche, heralding a chilling potential: attempted genocide.
"Genocide" entails the deliberate, systematic destruction of a cultural, ethnic, or religious group. It's not just mass murder; it includes creating life conditions aimed at physical annihilation.
Gaza's current plight suggests such an intent, demanding urgent international attention:
Physical Destruction: Indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian spaces, causing profound loss of innocent lives, signal an intent beyond mere military objectives.
Psychological Warfare: Ongoing bombardments, omnipresent drones, and survival uncertainty amount to psychological torment, aiming to shatter Palestinian resolve.
Dehumanising Rhetoric: Israel's Defence Minister's terming of Palestinians as "human animals" recalls historical precedents where such language justified exterminations.
Basic Rights Denial: The systemic refusal of essentials like food, water, and electricity, plus movement restrictions, align with genocide indicators.
Strangling Blockade: A suffocating siege impairs infrastructure and medical access, forcing perpetual survival mode — a sign of decimation intent.
As Muslims, acknowledging these signs is our ethical and religious duty. The Qur'ān asserts, "Whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." [5:32]
Our advocacy must be persistent and vocal. We need to reshape narratives, engage political figures, back NGOs in Palestine, and amplify our prayers for Palestinians.
In this attempted genocide, silence equals complicity. We must unify in voice, deed, and prayer to safeguard every Palestinian and, indeed, human life.
The moment for action is now.
#GazaUnderAttack #SaveGaza #StopTheGenocide #PalestineGenocide
Eric Cantona's powerful words recently cut through the political noise on Instagram, bringing clarity and humanity back into a conversation that desperately needs it:
Defending the human rights of Palestinians does not mean you are pro-Hamas.
Saying "Free Palestine" does not mean you are anti-Semitic or "want all the Jews gone."
"Free Palestine" means free Palestinians from the Israeli occupation that's been robbing them their basic human rights for 75 years.
"Free Palestine" means stop caging 2.3 million.
With this, Cantona dismantles dangerous misconceptions. He's not picking a political side or promoting a group; he's advocating for human rights, a moral stand that resonates deeply with all who value justice and dignity. His message? "Free Palestine" is not a call for conflict or erasure — it's a plea for liberation, coexistence, and above all, humanity.
Imagine, as Cantona points out, over 2.3 million people living in what's effectively an "open-air prison," and half of them are children. These are lives stifled, futures on hold, and dreams unchased. This isn't a mere statistic; it's a generational plea for the right to a basic existence, a call that aligns with the very core of human and Islamic values of justice for all.
Most crucially, Cantona separates the plea for Palestinian freedom from anti-Semitism. Criticising a state's actions is not an indictment of a faith or its people; it's about holding those in power accountable. It's about equality, freedom, and basic human rights — concepts deeply rooted in the ethical teachings shared by many faiths and cultures.
"Free Palestine," as Cantona asserts, is a call for autonomy. It's about empowering a people to shape their own destiny, free from the shadows of occupation and fear.
Cantona's words remind us that standing for Palestine transcends politics — it's a stand for humanity. It's a universal plea that should not be drowned out by divisive rhetoric but should be echoed in our united voice for justice and dignity for all.
A six-year-old Muslim boy in the US has been killed and his mother severely injured after a hate-crime attack by their landlord which was fuelled by Israel's war on Gaza.
The 71 year old attacker said ‘You Muslims must die!’.
This raises concern that biased & dishonest coverage in mainstream media & the high-octane rhetoric of public figures on Israel's war is translating into Islamophobia and physical violence against Muslims elsewhere.
🤲 We pray that Allah gives the family strength and a beautiful patience and allows Wadea’s mother a swift recovery.
#islamophobia
Words from figures like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen carry significant weight.
Her condemnation of "targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure" to deprive people of essentials, branding them as "terror," sets a standard. This standard, though aimed at Russia, invites scrutiny of similar scenarios globally, including Gaza.
Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's strategy for Gaza mirrors these conditions. He asserted a total siege, cutting off electricity, food, water, and gas, stating, "We're fighting animals..." This starkly aligns with what von der Leyen labelled terror.
Von der Leyen's standard, if universally applied, brands the actions of Israel as terror. Global leaders and institutions must be consistent in their principles, without geopolitical bias.
#GazaUnderAttack
The echoes of protests for Gaza ripple across the globe, but do they hold the power to effect change? Amidst the devastation inflicted upon Gaza, the potency of public outcry remains a beacon of hope.
Here's how taking to the streets can indeed tilt the scales:
1. Awakening the Global Conscience: Protests jolt the world awake, casting a stark light on Gaza's realities often veiled by political fog and media misinformation. They're not just rallies but a kind of education, explaining and unraveling nuanced narratives that reach public forums and enter private conversations alike.
2. Unity in Defiance: More than expressions of dissent, protests are threads weaving a tapestry of solidarity. They're a united call resonating across oceans, assuring Palestinians they're not just a cause but a shared heartbeat, their voices amplified in unison with thousands of others.
3. Diplomacy Under Duress: Collective dissent transcends slogans, reaching the halls of power. It's a global chorus demanding action, capable of nudging powers that be, shaking the status quo, and potentially charting paths towards a change seldom considered before.
4. Beyond Numbers: Faces of Conflict: Protests paint the human face behind grim statistics. They're storytellers, narrating tales of lives, dreams, and sorrows, reminding the world that the conflict bleeds beyond territorial lines, into homes and hearts in Gaza.
5. Justice's Domino Effect: Gaza-focused protests don't stand alone; they're catalysts. They can ignite wider movements, fanning flames of global advocacy for human rights, emboldening international law, and knitting diverse causes into a shared mantle of justice.
In essence, protests are far from futile. They're catalysts, consciousness-raisers, and connectors — a triad that, when combined with sustained political and humanitarian efforts, holds the promise of steering the narrative towards a horizon of hope, justice, and lasting peace.
#GazaUnderAttack
A profound quote.
One that challenges the conventional narrative and compels us to reassess not only the ongoing atrocities in Gaza but also the larger Muslim world's stance toward Zionism and Israel.
The quote speaks to a transition of perception, one that evolves from a localised understanding of occupation — the idea that "Muslim lands were free except Gaza" — to a far more expansive, metaphorical, and even controversial conception that "Muslim lands were occupied except Gaza."
The quote reflects a widely recognised historical grievance: the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The hardships in Gaza are well-documented and resonate deeply with the Ummah, serving as a symbol of resistance against neocolonialism, dispossession, and violation of human rights and international law.
The latter part of the quote, however, is where the paradigm-shift is expressed. The suggestion that "they occupied Muslim lands except Gaza" demands introspection. On one level, this could denote the normalisation of relations between Israel and various Muslim states, viewed as a form of capitulation or acceptance of Zionist agendas. The Abraham Accords and similar agreements have been contentious, undermining Palestinian struggles for self-determination by sidelining the issue in favour of geopolitical and economic alliances with Israel.
The quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the ideological "occupation" — how Zionism as a political ideology has influenced policy decisions and power structures within Muslim lands. This argues that Muslim leaders are compromising Islamic values and Palestinian rights to maintain power, perhaps due to reliance on Western support, thereby allowing Zionism to "occupy" their decision-making.
The quote exempts Gaza from this "occupancy," highlighting the region's ongoing resistance and refusal to normalise relations with Israel, despite the immense socio-economic costs.
It stands as a bastion of defiance.
Ahead of Jumu'ah tomorrow, Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad shared his thoughts with us on how Muslims in the UK need to step up and respond to what has been happening in Palestine.
https://youtu.be/j9GXzc5gVQ8