One of the first things many new Muslims encounter, often quite quickly after taking their Shahada, is the topic of Palestine. You may see it on social media, hear it mentioned at the masjid, or feel a pull in your heart that is difficult to explain. That pull is part of your faith. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Bukhari & Muslim) This hadith is why Muslims around the world feel the pain of Palestine so deeply. We are one Ummah — one body — and what affects our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the wider Muslim world affects all of us. WHY DOES PALESTINE MATTER IN ISLAM? Palestine holds a deeply sacred place in Islam. Al-Quds — Jerusalem — is home to Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam and the place where our beloved Prophet ﷺ led all the prophets in prayer during the night of Isra wal Mi’raj. Allah says in the Quran: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1) To care about Al-Aqsa and the people of Palestine is not politics — it is part of loving what Allah loves and grieving over what grieves the Ummah. WHAT CAN I DO AS A NEW MUSLIM? It is easy to feel helpless. But Islam teaches us that no good deed is ever too small, and that du’a — supplication — is one of the most powerful tools a believer has. Here are some ways you can respond with both heart and action: 1. Make Du’a Every Day Never underestimate the power of sincerely raising your hands and asking Allah to ease the suffering of your brothers and sisters. Do it in your daily prayers, after Salah and especially in sujood — the closest we are to Allah. 2. Learn and Educate Yourself Read about the history of Palestine from reliable, balanced sources. Understanding the history helps you speak with knowledge and confidence when the topic comes up. 3. Support Reputable Charities Organisations like Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, and Penny Appeal run verified aid programmes supporting families in Gaza. Even a small, regular donation can make a real difference. 4. Speak with Wisdom and Kindness As a new Muslim you have a unique voice. When you speak about Palestine, do so with knowledge, compassion and without hatred — following the example of the Prophet ﷺ who always spoke with wisdom. 5. Stay Connected to Your Community At Muslimaat we hold regular gatherings where we discuss topics like this together, support one another and remind each other to keep our hearts anchored in faith — not despair. A REMINDER FOR YOUR HEART It is completely normal to feel grief, anger or sadness when you see what is happening. These are human emotions and they are part of your fitrah — your natural disposition toward justice. But Islam also teaches us to pair grief with hope. Allah is Al-Fattah — the Opener — and His help can come in ways we cannot imagine. Our role is to do what we can, make du’a sincerely and trust in Allah’s perfect plan. “And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:169) May Allah grant ease to all those who are suffering, bring justice to the oppressed, and keep our hearts connected to our Ummah. Ameen.
