EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RIBAT

On the authority of Sahl bin Saad Al-Saadi, may God be pleased with him: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Observing Ribat (e.g., guarding the Islamic frontier for the sake of Allah) for a single day is far better than the world and all that it contains. A place in Jannah as small as the whip of your horse is far better than the world and all that it contains. An endeavour (fighting) in the Cause of Allah in the evening or in the morning is far better than the world and all that it contains.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This Hadith, narrated by Sahl bin Saad Al-Saadi, underlines the profound significance of defending and guarding Islamic territories. It speaks of the unparalleled spiritual rewards and honor bestowed upon those who engage in such acts for the sake of Allah.

Looking at the current situation in Palestine, this Hadith resonates deeply with the struggle of the Palestinian people and the armed resistance led by groups like HAMAS, PIJ, etc.

For decades, Palestinians have faced occupation, displacement, and severe human rights violations. The daily lives of ordinary people in Gaza and the West Bank are marred by restrictions, violence, and a lack of basic necessities. The struggle of Palestinians is not merely a political issue; it is a fight for dignity, freedom, and the right to live peacefully on their ancestral lands.

HAMAS emerged as a response to these injustices, embodying the resistance against occupation. This was in 1987, just about four decades into the conflict, which means there wouldn't be anything like HAMAS if there was no conflict in the first place. To many, HAMAS represents a beacon of hope and resilience. It is seen as a force that defends the rights of Palestinians, providing social services, education, and healthcare in areas where these needs are direly unmet due to the ongoing blockade and restrictions imposed by Israel. Thus, supporting HAMAS is not just about supporting an organization; it is about standing in solidarity with a people who have been systematically oppressed and denied their fundamental rights.

The Hadith I quoted above emphasizes that the act of guarding and fighting for one's land is a righteous cause exalted in the sight of Allah. For those who believe in the principles of Islam, supporting the Palestinian resistance, including HAMAS, is seen as a fulfillment of this divine directive. It is about protecting the sanctity of the land and the lives of its inhabitants against an overwhelming force.

Also, as one supports HAMAS, one must also advocate for a just and lasting solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict, as this was the initial use case for the support. This involves international diplomatic efforts, addressing human rights violations, and fostering dialogue between all parties involved. The ultimate goal should be a peaceful resolution that ensures the security and dignity of all people in the region.

Unfortunately, the diplomatic efforts that have been made, pioneering for the rights of the Palestinian people for more than 70 years, have led to naught and to no avail. Thus, another approach is really needed to change the situation, which is unanimously armed resistance. If you really want to judge HAMAS by their actions, take a good look at the West Bank and how people are being oppressed and treated on a daily basis with little and no resistance due to the cowardly diplomatic approach of the Palestinian Authority (PA) governing it. If I am in this situation where I know that my life is at constant risk from a group of savages who call themselves the 'most morally upright' army in the world, of course, I wouldn't wait to die helplessly like an imbecile in my home but I will fight till death as such would still be the result in both cases.

Another reason is that one of the beliefs of HAMAS is (إحدى الحسنيين), which means 'One of the two best things (Victory or Martyrdom)'; an ideology deeply entrenched in the Qur'an in Surah At-Tawbah where Allah said:

"Say, 'Do you await for us except one of the two best things [i.e., martyrdom or victory] while we await for you that Allah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hands? So wait; indeed we, along with you, are waiting.'" (Q9:52)

This means that they are ready to die or achieve freedom. According to the definition of terrorism, would someone who wants to cause unrest or terrorize people for political or social reasons be willing to put down his life in order to achieve his goal?

Likewise, according to the definition of terrorism, it is the use of indiscriminate and unlawful violence against people or property to achieve political or social objectives. If HAMAS is really a terrorist group, why are the people of Palestine not their first victims? Why are the people of Palestine still supporting them despite the so-called 'collateral damage' they've suffered as portrayed by Israel and the West?

There's a lot to say but, as always, a word is enough for the wise. My support for HAMAS is grounded in a belief in the right of Palestinians to defend their land and achieve self-determination, not that of religious sentiment. It is a stance inspired by the teachings of Islam and doctrines of morality and also a response to the enduring hardships faced by the Palestinian people. At the same time, it is a call for a broader commitment to justice, peace, and humanitarianism in one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.

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