How are Palestinians so strong in their faith?

The world has seen the devastation and suffering of the Palestinian people, especially during these difficult times where families are seeing their loved ones killed and their homes destroyed. Yet, despite all the hardships they face, Palestinians remain strong in their faith and steadfast in their belief in God.

What verse do they recite often? #

One of the verses that is often observed being recited during a calamity is from the holy Qur’an:

3:173

“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel”

“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.”

This verse highlights the unwavering faith of the believers in God’s plan and His ultimate wisdom. It reminds them that no matter what challenges they face, God is in control, and He will take care of their affairs.

How will God take care of their affairs if they are not winning? #

It is important to understand that victory is not always measured in material terms. The believers trust in God’s promise that justice will prevail, and the oppressors will be held accountable for their actions. Even if they are not winning in the eyes of the world, they believe that their ultimate victory lies in the Hereafter, where they will be rewarded for their patience and perseverance.

There is also solace for those who have been killed unjustly, as the Qur’an talks about them as being alive with their Lord and receiving sustenance from Him:

3:169 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 from their Lord, rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them — that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

How are they able to stay strong with patience and perseverance? #

The strength of the Palestinian people lies in their unwavering faith and trust in God. They draw strength from their belief that God is with them, and He will never abandon them. They find solace in the teachings of the Qur’an, which remind them to be patient and persevere in the face of adversity.

They know that this world is temporary and the true reward is in the hereafter:

9:11 “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah… It is a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. And who is truer to His covenant than Allah?”

What is more interesting is that Allah almighty explicitly says in the Qur’an that if you say you believe in Him, you will be tested - it is your actions that will be judged:

2:155 - 157

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits — but give good tidings to the patient.”

“Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’”

“Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the rightly guided.”

Conclusion #

The strength of the Palestinian people lies in their conviction that this world is temporary, they have been promised accounting and that the struggles they are going through is not in vain. They also know that these moments are nothing more than a test for them. Every moment of patience is a moment of reward in the hereafter, and that their loved ones have not passed away in vain, but they are with their creator and they are being rewarded for their patience and perseverance.