Ta-Nehisi Coates on Israel’s apartheid: “We need more Palestinians telling the story”

 

“When you see segregation. I don't need more time to understand what it is.”

Award-winning author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates joins ‘Mehdi Unfiltered’ to discuss his latest book’s focus on Palestine, and the reception it has received from the mainstream media – including a shocking interview on CBS.

In this exclusive interview, Coates discusses topics for the first time since the start of his book tour – including his view of President Biden’s Zionism, and his advice to Vice President Kamala Harris on arms sales to Israel.

His new book, The Message, explores how mainstream narratives shape and sometimes distort our experience. To write the book, Coates traveled to Senegal, South Carolina, and the occupied West Bank.

Gaza Fights For Freedom (2019) | Full Documentary | Directed by Abby Martin

 

This debut feature film by journalist Abby Martin began while reporting in Palestine, where she was denied entry into Gaza by the Israeli government on the accusation she was a “propagandist.” So Abby connected with a team of journalists in Gaza to produce the film through the blockaded border.

It is a documentary about the historic Great March Of Return protests, which occurred every week from March 2018 until December 2019, but covers so much more.

It tells the story of Gaza past and present, showing rare archival footage that explains the history never acknowledged by mass media. You hear from victims of the ongoing massacre, including journalists, medics and the family of internationally-acclaimed paramedic, Razan al-Najjar.

At its core, ‘Gaza Fights For Freedom’ is a thorough indictment of the Israeli military for war crimes with exclusive documentary evidence and a stunning cinematic portrayal of Palestinians' heroic resistance.

How Jewish American pedophiles hide from justice in Israel

 

One woman who helps track suspects down says the little-discussed problem is widespread; "the exact same thing" as the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

Ta-Nehisi Coates on Visit to Israel/West Bank: “An Immoral Apartheid Regime”

 

Award-winning journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates says he must confront the truth, no matter how difficult. He is doing exactly that in his new book "The Message," in which he journeys to Senegal, Israel, and the occupied West Bank. The author joins the show to discuss what he found.

Investigating war crimes in Gaza I Al Jazeera Investigations

This feature length investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit exposes Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip through the medium of photos and videos posted online by Israeli soldiers themselves during the year long conflict.

The I-Unit has built up a database of thousands of videos, photos and social media posts. Where possible it has identified the posters and those who appear.

The material reveals a range of illegal activities, from wanton destruction and looting to the demolition of entire neighbourhoods and murder.

The film also tells the story of the war through the eyes of Palestinian journalists, human rights workers and ordinary residents of the Gaza Strip. And it exposes the complicity of Western governments – in particular the use of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus as a base for British surveillance flights over Gaza.

“The west cannot hide, they cannot claim ignorance. Nobody can say they didn’t know,” says Palestinian writer, Susan Abulhawa.This is “the first livestream genocide in history … If people are ignorant they are wilfully ignorant,” she says.

Fighting Oppression with Islamic Guidance: A Path to Justice

 

Oppression, whether in the form of tyranny, injustice, or exploitation, is a scourge that has plagued human societies throughout history. Islam, as a comprehensive way of life, provides believers with a clear framework to resist and overcome oppression in all its forms. From the teachings of the Qur’an to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims are called upon to stand up for justice, support the oppressed, and strive to eliminate injustice in a manner that reflects mercy, wisdom, and righteousness.

In this post, we'll explore key Islamic principles and practical steps to fight oppression based on the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah.

1. Understanding Oppression in Islam
Oppression, or dhulm in Arabic, is considered one of the gravest sins in Islam. Allah warns against it repeatedly in the Qur'an and promises dire consequences for those who engage in it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the severity of oppression, stating in a well-known hadith:

"Beware of oppression (dhulm), for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim)

Dhulm can take many forms:

Political tyranny, where rulers deny people their rights.
Economic exploitation, where the rich oppress the poor.
Social injustices, such as racial or ethnic discrimination.
Personal injustices, such as slander or backbiting.
Islam provides a comprehensive framework to resist these injustices and build a society based on justice (adl) and compassion (rahma).

2. Standing for Justice: The Core of Islamic Teachings
The Qur’an calls Muslims to be unwavering in their commitment to justice, even when it is difficult or goes against personal interests:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both." (Qur’an 4:135)

This verse highlights the universality of justice in Islam — it applies equally to all, regardless of wealth, status, or personal connections. Fighting oppression begins with the individual’s commitment to truth and fairness in all dealings, even when it may result in personal loss.

3. Patience and Perseverance in the Face of Oppression
While Islam encourages fighting oppression, it also teaches that the struggle for justice is not an easy one. The concept of sabr (patience) plays a crucial role in this journey. Allah reminds us that:

"Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Qur’an 2:153)

Patience does not mean passive acceptance of injustice. Rather, it is the strength to persist in the face of adversity, to remain steadfast in the struggle for justice, and to trust in Allah's plan, even when victory seems distant. Throughout Islamic history, figures like the Prophets Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) were faced with immense challenges and oppression, but their patience and trust in Allah ultimately led to victory and change.

4. Nonviolence and Wisdom in Resistance
Islam promotes the use of wisdom (hikmah) and peaceful means in addressing oppression. While self-defense is permitted in situations of extreme injustice, the overarching principle is to seek peaceful resolution and dialogue whenever possible:

"Repel evil with that which is better." (Qur'an 41:34)

Muslims are encouraged to confront wrongs in ways that lead to reconciliation and healing, not further violence or discord. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is filled with examples of him forgiving his enemies and striving for peace, even when he had the upper hand. A key example is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, where the Prophet (PBUH) agreed to terms that seemed unfavorable to the Muslims, but this act of wisdom eventually led to greater victories.

5. Supporting the Oppressed: An Obligation for Every Muslim
Islam emphasizes the importance of standing with the oppressed, irrespective of their religion, race, or background. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or is oppressed." The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, we understand how to help the oppressed, but how do we help the oppressor?" He replied, "By preventing him from oppressing others."* (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Muslims are not only required to resist oppression but to actively intervene to stop it, even if it means correcting a fellow believer. This includes:

Raising awareness: Speaking out against injustice through words, writing, and media to ensure the world knows about the plight of the oppressed.
Advocacy and protest: Peacefully protesting and advocating for policy changes that benefit the marginalized.
Charitable efforts: Supporting oppressed communities through financial and moral support, ensuring they have the resources to survive and resist.
6. Tawakkul: Trusting in Allah’s Plan
As Muslims engage in the struggle against oppression, it’s important to remember that ultimate victory belongs to Allah. Tawakkul, or trusting in Allah, reminds us that even when oppression seems overwhelming, Allah’s justice will prevail:

"And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect." (Qur’an 65:2-3)

Oppression may seem enduring, but the Qur'an assures us that Allah’s justice will manifest, and the oppressors will face the consequences of their actions in this world or the next.

7. Prayer: The Weapon of the Believer
Islamic guidance places immense importance on du’a (supplication) as a means of seeking help against oppression. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

When faced with oppression, Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah with sincerity, asking for strength, guidance, and relief from the injustice they face. Prayer provides the spiritual foundation needed for resilience in the struggle against oppression.

Conclusion: The Path to Liberation
Islam’s approach to fighting oppression is deeply rooted in justice, patience, wisdom, and compassion. Muslims are called to stand against injustice wherever it occurs, resist tyranny with nonviolence whenever possible, support the oppressed, and trust in Allah’s ultimate justice. By following these principles, Muslims can be a force for positive change in their communities and the world at large, contributing to a society where justice and mercy prevail.

In the words of the Qur’an:

"Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded." (Qur’an 16:90)

May Allah grant us the strength to stand firm against oppression and guide us to uphold justice in all our affairs.

OPEN LETTER FROM AMERICAN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO SERVED IN GAZA

 

Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris,

We are 99 American physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses, and midwives who have volunteered in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Combined, we spent 254 weeks volunteering in Gaza’s hospitals and clinics. We worked with various nongovernmental organizations and the World Health Organization in hospitals and clinics throughout the Strip. In addition to our medical and surgical expertise, many of us have a public health background, as well as experience working in humanitarian and conflict zones, including Ukraine during the brutal Russian invasion. Some of us are veterans and reservists. We are a multifaith and multiethnic group. None of us support the horrors committed on October 7 by Palestinian armed groups and individuals in Israel.

The Constitution of the World Health Organization states: “The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest cooperation of individuals and States.” It is in this spirit that we write to you in this open letter.

We are among the only neutral observers who have been permitted to enter the Gaza Strip since October 7. Given our broad expertise and direct experience of working throughout Gaza we are uniquely positioned to comment on several matters of importance to our government as it decides whether to continue supporting Israel’s attack on, and siege of, the Gaza Strip. Specifically, we believe we are well positioned to comment on the massive human toll from Israel’s attack on Gaza, especially the toll it has taken on women and children.

This letter collects and summarizes our own experiences and direct observations in Gaza. The letter is accompanied by a detailed appendix summarizing the publicly available information from media, humanitarian, and academic sources on key aspects of Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Both this letter and the appendix are available electronically at GazaHealthcareLetters.org. This website also houses letters from Canadian and British healthcare workers to their respective governments, making many similar observations to those herein.

This letter and the appendix show probative evidence that the human toll in Gaza since October is far higher than is understood in the United States. It is likely that the death toll from this conflict is already greater than 118,908, an astonishing 5.4% of Gaza’s population.

Our government must act immediately to prevent an even worse catastrophe than what has already befallen the people of Gaza and Israel. A ceasefire must be imposed on the warring parties by withholding military support for Israel and supporting an international arms embargo on Israel and all Palestinian armed groups. We believe our government is obligated to do this, both under American law and International Humanitarian Law. We also believe it is the right thing to do.

Full letter

Ex-US Soldier Planned to Bomb a Mosque But Became Muslim!

 

Walking red flags - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

 

Very beneficial lecture by the Sheikh.

The Importance of Justice in Islam: A Core Pillar of Faith

 

Justice, or ‘adl in Arabic, is one of the most significant values in Islam. It is deeply embedded in the Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and Islamic teachings as a whole. Islam regards justice as essential not only for individual well-being but also for the harmony and stability of societies. It is a principle that governs every aspect of life—personal conduct, governance, economic dealings, and relationships between nations.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of justice in Islam, its foundation in Islamic teachings, and how it is applied in various aspects of life.

1. Justice as a Divine Command
Justice is a central command in Islam, mandated by Allah Himself. In the Qur’an, Allah instructs Muslims to uphold justice even when it may be against their own interests or the interests of their families:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both."
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:135)

This verse emphasizes that justice in Islam transcends personal gain, family loyalty, or social status. It is a divine directive that applies universally, ensuring fairness and equity for all.

2. Justice as a Reflection of Faith
In Islam, justice is seen not just as a legal or social obligation but as an integral aspect of faith. To act justly is to follow the path that Allah has prescribed. It is through justice that a person demonstrates their obedience to Allah, and any deviation from justice is considered a form of disobedience.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the importance of justice in his teachings. He said:

"The just will be seated upon pulpits of light near Allah. Those are the ones who practiced justice in their rulings, with their families, and in all that they did."
(Sahih Muslim)

Here, the Prophet highlights the high status of those who implement justice in every aspect of their lives, showing that justice is a reflection of righteousness and piety.

3. Justice in Social and Economic Life
Islamic principles of justice extend to all social and economic dealings. Muslims are expected to deal with others fairly, whether in matters of trade, inheritance, or family life. Islam prohibits exploitation, fraud, and corruption, ensuring that every individual receives their due rights.

For instance, in economic transactions, the Qur'an stresses fairness and transparency:

"Give full measure and do not be of those who cause loss. And weigh with an even balance and do not deprive people of their due."
(Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:181-183)

These teachings foster trust, honesty, and fairness in all economic dealings, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved. Justice is seen as a protection against the greed and selfishness that can destroy social harmony.

4. Justice in Governance and Leadership
Islamic governance is built on the foundation of justice. The rulers and leaders in an Islamic state are required to implement justice for all, without favoring any particular group, tribe, or individual. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his successors, the rightly-guided caliphs, are remembered for their just governance.

One of the most famous examples is that of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who exemplified justice during his leadership. His impartiality, concern for the oppressed, and equitable distribution of wealth made him a model of just governance in Islamic history.

Leaders in Islam are reminded of their accountability before Allah. On the Day of Judgment, rulers who ruled with justice will be given a special status:

"Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice."
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)

This verse underscores that the responsibility to uphold justice is not just an earthly duty, but one that will be questioned in the hereafter.

5. Justice in Interfaith Relations
Islam promotes justice even towards those of different faiths. The Qur’an commands Muslims to treat others fairly, regardless of their religious beliefs:

"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
(Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)

This principle shows that justice in Islam is not confined to intra-Muslim relations but extends to all human beings. Justice is universal, applying to every interaction, including with non-Muslims. This guidance reflects the inclusiveness and fairness Islam demands from its followers.

6. Justice in the Hereafter
In Islam, justice is also a key concept in the afterlife. Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will establish perfect justice. Every human being will be held accountable for their deeds, and no one will be wronged, even by an atom's weight:

"And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all."
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:47)

This ultimate accountability reminds Muslims that justice is not just a worldly matter but also a spiritual one. Upholding justice in this life is closely linked to one's fate in the afterlife.
 

The Eternal Value of Justice in Islam
Justice is one of the most important values in Islam, permeating every aspect of life—social, economic, political, and spiritual. It is both a divine command and a moral obligation for every Muslim. Islam teaches that justice should not be swayed by emotions, personal gain, or social pressures; rather, it should be pursued with sincerity, fairness, and integrity.

By establishing justice, individuals and societies can create harmony, protect the rights of the vulnerable, and build a world that reflects the divine principles laid down by Allah. Injustice, on the other hand, leads to corruption, division, and suffering. For Muslims, the pursuit of justice is not just a noble endeavor; it is a religious duty that brings them closer to Allah and secures their ultimate success in the hereafter.

May we all strive to uphold justice in our lives and reflect the true values of Islam in everything we do.