As we try to make sense of the war on Gaza as a community here in Sacramento, we lean on the teachings of our faith, which emphasize the pursuit of justice on earth. The pursuit of justice has been a common mission for all prophets of God, and we stand with all oppressed people in their pursuit of justice, truth, and reconciliation.
~ Council of Sacramento Valley Islamic Organizations (10/17/23)
Understanding Divine Decree
مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَآ ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌۭ
No calamity ˹or blessing˺ occurs on earth or in yourselves without being ˹written˺ in a Record before We bring it into being. This is certainly easy for Allah. ~ 57:22
This verse is a profound reminder that every event in our lives, whether seen as a blessing or a trial, is part of a divine plan written in a Record by Allah. It encourages us to view both personal and global events through the lens of divine wisdom. Knowing that everything is under Allah’s control can provide comfort, cultivate patience, and inspire resilience, especially during challenging times.
Seek Help from Allah
In moments of despair or confusion, the first step is always to seek assistance from Allah. Prayer, supplication, and an active connection with the divine can provide the spiritual sustenance required to navigate the complexities of life. It realigns our focus and enables us to tackle issues with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Challenges are a natural part of life and are often beyond our control. What we can control, however, is our reaction to these challenges. The Quran advises us to persevere, keep faith, and continue doing good. It’s a call to action—urging us to take the necessary steps to improve our situation rather than succumbing to despair.
Given the tumultuous times we are living through—marked by social, political, and environmental crises—this advice is exceptionally pertinent. Many may feel overwhelmed or powerless, but the Quranic guidance serves as a reminder that ultimate control lies with Allah.
فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا – إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا – فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَٱنصَبْ – وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَٱرْغَب
So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with ˹that˺ hardship comes ˹more˺ ease. So once you have fulfilled ˹your duty˺, strive ˹in devotion˺, turning to your Lord ˹alone˺ with hope.
Take Action
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact on the Palestine crisis, understanding the issue is the first step, but taking action is equally important. Here’s how you can contribute to the cause while being an active part of the community:
1- Contact Your Representatives to Demand a Ceasefire
2- Educate Yourself and Others
To make a meaningful impact on the ongoing Palestine crisis, it’s crucial to first educate yourself and then disseminate that knowledge within your community. Start by getting an in-depth understanding of Palestine’s history, the conflict, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis through credible resources such as Yaqeen Institute. Once you’re well-informed, share this information with your friends, family, and wider network to raise awareness and foster a more informed discourse.
3- Participate in Events
What’s happening at SALAM
- Khutbah by Imam Yousef Hussin on 10/13: If you missed it, watch the recorded Khutba to gain spiritual insights.
- Duaa Night on 10/22: Catch up on the recorded collective prayers for peace if you couldn’t join us.
- Food Sale Fundraiser for Gaza at SALAM Weekend School on 10/29: We raised $1,200 during the Weekend School Hours. All proceeds was donated to Islamic Relief USA.
- Fundraising for Gaza on 11/03: Help us raise funds to support relief efforts in Gaza.
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Gaza Food Fundraiser at SALAM 11/03: Our volunteers from the SALAM Sisters group are making boxed lunches, and we will take pre-orders, which can be picked up after the SALAM Friday Prayer. All proceeds will go to Life Foundation.
- Friday Night Program on 11/03: Don’t miss “My Muslim Voice: The Untold Story of Prophet Muhammad’s Media War.”
- Saturday Event on 11/04: Don’t miss “The Art of Public Narrative.”
4- Advocate and Know Your Rights
Check out CAIR’s Response Toolkit for more information on how to advocate for Palestinians, respond to biased statements made by schools or employers, know and protect your rights, and get support for any incidents of bullying, harassment, or questioning by law enforcement.
5- Contribute Financially
Financial contributions go a long way in providing urgent aid and sustaining long-term projects.
- Food Sale Fundraiser for Gaza at SALAM Weekend School on 10/29
- Fundraising for Gaza at SALAM on 11/03
-
Gaza Food Fundraiser at SALAM 11/3
You can also donate to:
- Palestinian American Medical Association (Providing direct on-the-ground services to people of Gaza. Every dollar you donate is spent directly on the people of Gaza.)
- Islamic Relief USA
- Penny Appeal USA
- Zakat Foundation
6- Other Resources
- Maristan – A free mental health guidebook related to the current crisis with information on Muslim mental health care practices – Download here.
- Ruh Care – Offering free therapy sessions for Palestine Mental Health Response – Book a Session here.
Spiritual Support
Make Duaa
Never underestimate the power of duaa. When issues like the Palestine crisis weigh heavily on your heart, making Duaa not only provides comfort but also channels positive spiritual energy towards the cause. It’s a reminder that even when you feel helpless in the face of overwhelming issues, you can still turn to Allah for support and guidance. Duaa can be done individually, but there’s also immense strength in communal prayers.
Duaa for Palestine
By Shaykh Saad ElHelaly
Duaa for Palestine
By Shaykh Achour El-Qaddoury
The Dua for the Oppressed
by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Nasir ad-Dari
O You to Whose mercy one flees! You in Whom the one in need and distress seeks refuge!
يَـــا مَـــنْ إلَـــى رَحْـمَـتِـهِ الْـمَـفَـرُّ
ومَـــنْ إلَــيْــهِ يَـلْـجَــأُ الْـمُـضَّـطَـرُ
O Master, You Whose pardon is near! O You Who help all who call on Him!
وَيَــا قَـرِيــبَ الْـعَـفْـوِ يَـــا مَـــوْلاَهُ
وَيَـــا مُـجِـيـبَ كُـــلِّ مَـــن دَعَــــاهُ
We seek Your help, O You who help the weak! You are enough for us, O Rabb!
بِـكَ اسْتَغَثْـنَـا يَــا مُغِـيـثَ الضُّعَـفَـا
فَحَسْـبُـنَـا يَـــا رَبِّ أَنـــت وَكَــفَــى
There is nothing more majestic than Your immense power, and nothing mightier than the might of Your force.
فَــلاَ أَجَــلَّ مِـــن عـظـيـم قُـدْرَتِــكْ
وَلاَ أَعَــزَّ مِــنْ عَـزِيــزِ سَـطْـوَتِـكْ
