Uphold Justice and Bear Witness

Our lives consist of countless events, in which our responses and reactions accumulate to form what would eventually become our legacy. We find on many occasions that the events we face do not revolve around us alone, but concern humanity as a whole. The ways we address matters of our personal lives hold just as much value as the ways we address matters concerning society. Despite many efforts to minimize our existence in order to handle our own affairs, the world works in such a way that what affects others, will affect us just the same.

Part of our legacies are the existential joys we often witness and choose to take part in. Other times, we witness the sorrows of this world, that if we put in effort to mitigate, will also eventually be part of our legacy. It is known that Allah SWT will ensure all affairs are handled, though we still play a role in amplifying joy or mitigating sorrow amidst the many events we face in life. When we witness the injustices of this world, our souls simply cannot remain silent. Nor should they.

Our beloved Prophet SAW told his Ummah,

“You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 6011).

I wonder then, if we are meant to live and breathe as one, why is silence so prevalent among us? We fall into silence in moments when it is most detrimental, when horror is inflicted upon our people, holy lands, and the innocent (regardless of faith). The oppression faced by communities within our Ummah is not meant to be endured by them alone.

PHOTO // EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA

Our humanity should not allow us to remain unaffected by the suffering of our brothers and sisters. The benefit of being Muslim is the knowledge that loneliness in suffering is a rare occurrence or rather, it should be.

The question then arises: When world leaders silence our people until their existence is questioned, where do we stand?

The simple solution would be to do as the Romans did, or in this case, every major news outlet, every political leader, or every individual with a platform. Many of us live in places where our livelihoods, reputations, and so much more are threatened as a result of support for the oppressed, simply because it does not adhere to the opinion of Western leadership.

As Muslims, we are granted the opportunity to act on different levels according to our abilities. It is our duty to ensure that our brothers and sisters being treated unjustly are not experiencing such suffering because we simply let it happen. We have the choice to facilitate change with our hearts, if not our tongues, if not our hands (Hadith 34, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi). If we do none of these, and simply watch with sealed lips and hearts as their worlds crumble, we have not only failed our people, but our future generations, and Allah SWT.

It is not only that our Prophet SAW asked this of us. Speaking and fighting against oppression for the just treatment of our brothers and sisters is an order from our Lord.

“O You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, Allah can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly—if you distort or neglect justice, Allah is fully aware of what you do.” (Quran 4:135).

The ways in which we react are in correlation to our humanity, compassion, and love. This dunya (world) overflows with sorrow and false narratives, yet we try to find it within ourselves to never be bystanders. Everything in this dunya is temporary, including what is wrongfully said about those suffering.

In time, it will be known who was on the right side of history, because surely Allah SWT is the Most Just.

He will bestow victory upon the innocent, whether in this dunya or in the akhirah (Hereafter). It will be known that the steadfastness of our people was their most valuable trait in establishing a legacy of strength and nobility.

The plague of performative activism has infiltrated us on a global scale. It is far too common for people to pick and choose where to draw the line, using the same logic and rhetoric as the world leaders who have failed us time and time again.

To those who know exactly where they stand on most social issues, but not on the ones the Western world tries to convince you are far too “complicated,” I offer you this: If you are feeling uncomfortable, good.

Soften your heart. Do not become numb to what is right in front of your eyes. We have been blessed with lives that are far too comfortable so much so that we do little for our brethren, not realizing that a thought without prayer will not suffice. Dua is the catalyst which makes our thoughts more meaningful. It is astounding that so many are aware of the devastation in this world, yet we are desensitized to the point where it no longer elicits a second thought. I assure you, however, that losing a home, family, and everything you have ever known is not something you can ever get used to. The privilege of safety does not erase the reality of such terror.

When all is said and done, remember that Allah SWT knows all, from the flags raised to the sky as we march to the duas that expand from the very depths of our hearts. The way we act in the face of oppression should be with the best of intentions and in the best interests of our brothers and sisters. Surely, such efforts will be rewarded In Sha Allah.

I urge you to fear not, for what pleases you is known by Allah SWT and what pains you is also known by Allah SWT. If this dunya’s rampant cruelty against the innocent pains you and you find your heart calling out to our Creator and Sustainer for justice to prevail, then know your humanity is intact. Utilize such a blessing with the knowledge that far too many choose not to.

In the end, this dunya is temporary and so is its pain and suffering. We hold hope that the afterlife will bring the peace we all long for, far from the fitna (trials) that surrounds us today.