“In Islamic History protests have always made changes. When the Crusaders took over Jerusalem, the Muslims protested in Baghdad.” Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Texas
When Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal RH was incarcerated by Mu’tasim his students protested outside the palace of the Caliph. If you are a woman reading this, how can you forget the Suffragette movement that gave women a voice? If you are an Indian or Pakistani reading this, how can you forget Gandhi’s Salt March against the British? If you are non-White reading this, remember George Floyd’s protests a few years ago, fighting for all non-whites in America? Lesson: Protests are powerful!
Protests create awareness for Muslims and non-Muslims. Are you telling me a millions people in London last weekend didn’t raise eyebrows? “What’s going on here?” It was all over the news! People will talk and ask questions about Palestine thanks to demonstrations. What about the people in Gaza? When they see protests all over the world they know we are with them, it gives them hope despite dark times.
One of the biggest objections against protests and protestors is they don’t pray Salah, but march in their thousands?! My question to these religious folk is, is Salah a condition to carry out good deeds? We all know Salah is fardh, but if someone doesn’t pray Salah, they can’t give sadaqah? They can’t listen to an Islamic lecture? We need to start somewhere… Many people have started Salah because of the situation in Gaza.
وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ٣٩
“And that each person will only have what they endeavoured towards.” What’s the point of Protests, you guys haven’t conquered alMasjid alAqsa? We can only make an effort, the results are in the hands of Allah SWT. Many people died fighting for things they didn’t see the results of, like the suffragette movement for women, and Malcolm X for black people in America. If we raise our voices for Palestine, our children or grandchildren will see the results, In Sha Allah
Remember the story of the prostitute who fed a dog water, she was forgiven i.e. granted Jannah. Was she regular in Salah? She fed a dog. Imagine the reward for helping humans, Muslims, Palestinians in the most blessed lands. Whether they pray Salah or not, wear a Hijab or not, you don’t have a right to become judge and jury. Many people who attend the masjid for bayans don’t pray regular Salah, most the jumuah congregation doesn’t pray x5. Where are they all week? Please. Ask them.
There are many flaws to your objections and the truth of the matter is most these Ulama and Tablighis objecting can’t be bothered protesting. We never forced you to. It’s always the وحده لا شريك له whole and soul attitude. “Our work is better” holier than thou… Alhumdu Lillah I am a protestor and clearly a loud and proud one, and have been for many years. But I will not say I am better than those whose line of work is different, because that is the work of God Almighty.
Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (one who is in need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
