Written by: Ali Ansar
Islam is a noble religion that instills a sense of pride in its followers, encouraging them to embody qualities such as bravery, sacrifice, and devotion. It is a faith deeply rooted in sacrifice, demanding endurance and perseverance in the face of hardships, as its very foundation is built upon such acts. Those who embraced Islam made sacrifices; those who accepted it endured trials; those who propagated it faced challenges; and those who remained steadfast in their commitment underwent significant tests.
Over time, these principles gradually became ingrained. Throughout history, Islam has persevered through sacrifice. Every period of Islamic history is adorned with the sacrifices of its followers, nations, and communities. In each era, there were individuals who upheld Islam, embraced it, and disseminated its teachings to others.
Despite being few in number, these communities, groups, and individuals exemplified unwavering faith and courage. They triumphed over formidable adversaries, surmounted adversities, and navigated Islam’s course safely to shore. It was akin to the 300 companions at Badr or Khalid ibn al-Walid’s 3,000 soldiers prevailing against an army of 100,000 led by Sharhabeel. In this manner, small groups of devout individuals emerged victorious against formidable adversaries.
In the early days, Islam was spread by esteemed figures such as Umar, Siddiq, Uthman, Ali, and Khalid (may Allah be pleased with them). In the middle ages, figures like Muhammad bin Qasim, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutayba bin Muslim, Yusuf bin Tashfin, and Salahuddin Ayyubi carried it to new heights. In modern times, Islam has been preserved by the bravery of the people of Afghanistan, the Arabian Peninsula, Sham, and the residents of Al-Quds. These communities not only sacrificed for Islam but also reclaimed territories from the clutches of non-believers, enlightening them with the teachings of Islam and the divine law of Allah.
Gaza stands as a beacon of bravery and resilience. Despite facing helplessness, vulnerability, and isolation, Gaza safeguarded the sanctity of Jerusalem and preserved the holy religion of Islam. Throughout almost 500 days of conflict, Gaza endured a relentless struggle hundreds of individuals were martyred daily. The once-vibrant city of Gaza transformed into a graveyard and ruin, with every corner bearing a martyred child and each destroyed building hosting a grieving elder. The sweet scent of martyrs’ blood emanated from every trench.
In Gaza, even mosques, imams, students, and the Quran itself became targets. The sacred courtyards of mosques lay strewn with torn pages of the Quran or blood-soaked copies clinging to the chests of martyred youth. Every household in Gaza mourned the loss of several martyrs. Some families were left with only one surviving child out of twenty members, while others were entirely wiped out.
The populace of Gaza was martyred not
solely by bombings and warfare, but also by hunger, thirst, fear, isolation, and cold. It was a unique city where smiles were unknown, where only sobs and cries echoed.
Gaza stood isolated; the entire Ummah was asleep. No one heard its cries; some were powerless, and others were silent out of fear. In short, no helping hand reached Gaza except that of Allah. Yet, its brave people persisted with unwavering resilience. They fought with what little they had—without technology or resources—but remained steadfast. Their bravery was inherited from Salahuddin Ayyubi. When a drone came to target Yahya Sinwar, all he had in his possession was a stick, he hurled it at the drone.
The people of Gaza resembled Yahya Sinwar, confronting drones with sticks. Indeed, they prevailed. They inflicted a blow on the Zionist army. Those who previously turned Gaza into a living hell now awaited an agreement, It was an astonishing scene; everyone wondered how a few powerless individuals could defeat a mighty force.
However, only the faithful comprehended that this was the result of unwavering faith, the essence of Jihad, and the blessing of sacrifice and dedication that bestowed such triumphs upon Muslims.
