Hasad: Signs Symptoms and Cure | Ustadh Mohamad Baajour

 

Coping Islamically with Watching a Genocide

 

In our interconnected world, access to real-time news and social media often exposes us to unimaginable atrocities, such as genocide and mass violence. Witnessing such events, even from afar, can lead to feelings of helplessness, grief, and overwhelming sadness. As Muslims, we turn to our faith to navigate these emotions and channel them into constructive and spiritually grounded responses. Here are some ways to cope Islamically with witnessing a genocide:

1. Turn to Allah in Prayer and Supplication (Du’a)

One of the most powerful tools a believer has is prayer. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]” (Qur’an 2:45).

Make heartfelt du’a for the victims of the genocide, asking Allah to grant them justice, relief, and Jannah (Paradise) if they have passed away. Pray for an end to the oppression and for the guidance of those responsible. This connection with Allah not only benefits the oppressed but also brings peace to your heart.

2. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is a form of empowerment. Learn about the situation, its history, and the factors contributing to the genocide. Share this information with your community to raise awareness. Allah encourages us to stand for justice:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…” (Qur’an 4:135).

Through education, we can combat ignorance and mobilize support for those in need.

3. Support Charitable Efforts

Contributing financially to relief organizations working on the ground is a tangible way to help. Even small donations, when done sincerely, hold immense reward in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small” (Sahih Bukhari).

Your charity can provide food, medical aid, and shelter to those affected.

4. Engage in Activism and Advocacy

Advocate for the oppressed by signing petitions, contacting leaders, and participating in peaceful demonstrations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. And if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith” (Sahih Muslim).

Your voice matters and can help create pressure for change.

5. Seek Emotional Support

Witnessing or learning about such atrocities can deeply affect your mental health. Islam encourages believers to support one another:

“The believers are but a single brotherhood…” (Qur’an 49:10).

Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or a counselor. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a means to regain strength.

6. Practice Gratitude and Patience (Sabr)

While acknowledging the suffering of others, reflect on the blessings Allah has granted you and express gratitude. At the same time, exhibit patience as you navigate the emotional toll of witnessing such events. Allah promises great rewards for those who practice sabr:

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure” (Qur’an 39:10).

7. Remember the Temporary Nature of this World

As painful as these events are, they remind us of the impermanence of this dunya (world). Allah has promised ultimate justice in the Hereafter:

“And We have placed the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all…” (Qur’an 21:47).

Knowing that Allah’s justice will prevail can bring solace to the heart.

8. Strengthen Your Relationship with the Qur’an

The Qur’an is a source of guidance and healing. Recite it, reflect on its meanings, and find comfort in Allah’s words. Verses that highlight Allah’s mercy, justice, and wisdom can renew your faith and provide clarity during difficult times.

Conclusion

Watching a genocide unfold is a deeply painful experience, but as Muslims, we are not left without guidance. By turning to Allah, taking practical steps, and supporting the oppressed, we can transform our grief into action. Trust in Allah’s plan and justice, and remember that even the smallest act of kindness and solidarity can make a difference. May Allah alleviate the suffering of all oppressed people and guide us to be a source of support and strength for them. Ameen.

On Palestine: Experts on Israel's destruction of Gaza in 2024

 

The international community has spent 2024 reluctant to bring an end to Israel's levelling of Gaza and to push for Netanyahu's extraction to the Hague on charges of crimes against humanity.

Throughout 2024 we spoke to journalists, academics and personalities with expertise on the situation in Palestine. Here are some of the highlights.

In order of appearance:

Norman Finkelstein: Political Scientist
Judith Butler: Philosopher
Husam Zomlot: Palestinian Ambassador to the UK
Yanis Varoufakis: Economist
Clare Daly: Former MEP
Bassem Youssef: Comedian
Matt Kennard: Investigative Journalist

What the Media Hides About Gaza: Palestinian Filmmaker Exposes Shocking Realities!

 

Myriam Francois sits down with BAFTA and Emmy-winning Palestinian filmmaker Yousef Hammash to uncover the raw, unfiltered truth about Gaza during one of the darkest chapters in its history. As the world turns its eyes elsewhere, Yousef sheds light on the untold stories of survival, loss, and resilience under occupation, offering a perspective few have heard before.

Known for his evocative films One Day in Gaza and Gaza: Daring to Dream, and his award-winning Channel 4 report Inside the Gaza Siege, Yousef opens up about the emotional toll of documenting the genocide of his own people, what life is really

Roger Waters on the Gaza Genocide: The Mask is Off For a Dying Western Empire

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to legendary Pink Floyd Frontman Roger Waters. He discusses the fall of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, the horrific events in the Middle East being machinations of a dying Western empire with the mask now off, how the Gaza genocide shows the hypocrisy of the US, UK and European governments when it comes to human rights and international law, Sir Keir Starmer’s UK government’s role in the Gaza genocide and the shame he feels to being English while the genocide continues, where he finds optimism for an ‘existential battle’ for the soul of the human race, how the US deposed Assad by stealing Syria’s oil and sanctioning the Syrian economy to the point where ‘the government never had a chance’, his release of the emails between him and Tom York of Radiohead asking him to join the BDS movement and not perform in Israel, the impact of his childhood and upbringing on his politics and his opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the few brave Israelis that speak out against the Israeli government, and much more.

Genocide in Gaza: Western Moral Collapse in the Age of Hyper-Imperialism | Vijay Prashad

 

 

 

 “This is not just an Israeli genocide - this is an Israeli, European and US genocide!”

Vijay Prashad exposes the moral decline of the global north in the age of hyper-Imperialism and its continued war against “defiance” found in the global south.

Why is Quds (Jerusalem) So Special? | Ep. 1 | Al-Aqsa Series | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

Masjid al-Aqsa: the first qiblah of this ummah, the second masjid ever built in this world. Why have the hearts of believers always yearned for it? What profound secrets and virtues does it hold? This lecture uncovers these hidden gems, inviting you to explore the unique significance of al-Aqsa.

“Gaza is destroyed!" Matt Kennard's intense debate with former Israeli Commando at centre of scandal

 

Matt Kennard speaks to Elon Perry, a former Israeli Commando who has since gained international media attention.

At the time of our interview on 08.08.24, we were unaware of the subsequent discussions that would emerge around Perry’s articles in Jewish Chronicle.

Respected outlets in Israel and Britain have reported on claims that Perry’s articles, particularly those concerning Hamas and the Philadelphi Corridor, may have been part of a broader Israeli government propaganda campaign related to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s negotiating position over Gaza.

In this interview, Perry defends Israel's war on Palestine, explaining the history of the conflict and rebukes the world court case for genocide.

The Racket is a series of interviews based on the book The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs The American Empire by Matt Kennard. The series examines the power of the US empire around the world and its attempts to control nations via war and economic strangulation.

Throughout the series Matt Kennard and guests will investigate the violent colonial beginnings of the most powerful nation in history, the tightening of its global stronghold post World War II, the crushing of dissent via CIA interference and its various ongoing wars around the world from a range of perspectives.

Lowkey EXPOSES Donald Trump

 “Donald Trump has assembled the most pro-Israel cabinet in the history of the United States, I’ve investigated his funders and it all makes sense”

From FBI Career to Muslim Imam! - "I Gave up The FBI For Islam’’ | Towards Eternity

 

In this video, you will witness the incredible life story of Adnan Adrian Wood-Smith, an American who devoted his life to becoming an FBI agent and then gave up his life purpose to live an Islamic life!