QUESTION:
In Zambia, the Embassy of the State of Palestine will be hosting a solidarity gathering for the Palestinian people. The message attached reads, “Please bring a candle/candles.”
What is the viewpoint of shariah in this regard?
ANSWER:
The Muslim Ummah has been likened to one body in the Hadith Sharif. If any portion of the body is in pain, then every part of the body will experience the pain. Similarly, if a Muslim is in difficulty in some part of the world, then this is shared with the Muslims of the world. Therefore, there is no need for us Muslims to display before the world that we stand in solidarity with the Muslims of Palestine. We will not only stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters of Palestine, but we will even sacrifice our lives for them if the need arises.
Secondly, the practice of lighting candles for the event has absolutely no basis whatsoever in our Deen. We as Muslims and followers of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, should strictly follow the teachings of the Quraan and Hadith Sharif. When Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam feared the enemy on Badr, he turned his attention to Allah Ta’ala, placed his Mubarak head in Sajdah and cried before Allah Ta’ala to the extent that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu had to stop him and console him. The result of such begging and beseeching from Allah Ta’ala resulted in angels descending from the heavens and fighting the Kuffar on the battlefield. Have we cried before Allah Ta’ala in Sajdah? Have we fasted for the Muslims of Palestine? Have we discharged Sadaqah? Have we made Khatm of the Quraan Sharif and begged Allah Ta’ala to assist the Muslims of Palestine and the Mujaahideen? Are we present daily for the Fajr Salaah when Qunoot is being recited? Have we reformed our lives and given up the lifestyle of the Kuffar? We have perhaps forsaken all these avenues of seeking the help and assistance of Allah, yet we are prepared to display to the world that we stand in solidarity with the Palestinians. How will this gathering benefit us? Will it stop the Israelis from bombing the Palestinians? Will the Muslim countries which are approximately 50 in number stand up and assist our Palestinian brothers and sisters in any way, or is it just a futile demonstration?
Thirdly, many Muslim females will participate in this demonstration with some of them dressed correctly and others dressed inappropriately. The is in direct conflict with the injunction of the Quraan Sharif which states, “Remain in your homes and do not make a display of yourselves as was the practice of (women during) the former period of ignorance (during the period before Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to the people, when women walked about without adequately covering their bodies.) [Verse 33, Surah Ahzaab]
Lastly, many a times Muslim demonstrators clash with the police and pro-Israeli supporters and are then beaten up and arrested, which is humiliation for the Muslims. This is then broadcasted in the media and various news channels. In one of the latest incidents, a Muslim female was hit with the butt of a firearm whilst several individuals were beaten up by police and arrested.
In conclusion, we advise Muslims to refrain from these demonstrations and solidarity gatherings and seek assistance directly from Allah Ta’ala as we have mentioned above.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 01 Jumadal Ula 1445 / 15 November 2023
