THE DAILY SUNNAH

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Imagine if you were in Mecca back then, a secret Muslim or someone with protection.

Would you still do business with those harming the Prophet ﷺ?

The answer is likely a resounding "no.”

It goes against the Islamic sensibility that Allah has placed within us.

In Islam, matters outside of worship are neutral unless there are clear reasons to consider it prohibited or praiseworthy. So, when we analyze any political strategy or action, we don't solely rely on trying to prove if the Prophetﷺ did it. Instead, we examine the potential implications and whether they align with noble goals.

Islam allows for boycotts as long as they are done with the right intention and within the boundaries of the religion. Anything is permissible unless proven otherwise, and we should analyze our faith's implications and potential violations regarding boycotts.

Boycotting is based not solely on scriptural commandments but on our natural sense of honor and dignity.

There's an incident in Medina involving Hind bint Abu Sufyan, the wife of the Prophetﷺ. Abu Sufyan was not yet a Muslim at that time. If you were a Muslim in Mecca, knowing that dealing with such aggressive enemies of the Prophetﷺ would potentially enable harm, you wouldn't feel right about it. Even without a single Hadith or scriptural command, that Islamic sensibility inside you would kick in.

Boycotting, in essence, is a non-violent form of resistance.

It is a way for individuals or communities to express their disapproval or opposition to a certain action, policy, or ideology.

It is a way to peacefully stand up for what is just and right.

In the case of the normalization of relations between Israel and certain Muslim countries, it is our duty as Muslims to speak out against it. This normalization has only further marginalized and oppressed the Palestinian people. By boycotting products or companies supporting this normalization, we use our consumer power to send a message and pressure those responsible.

But boycotts can also be personal.

We can choose where we spend our money and what products or companies we support. In an increasingly restrictive and surveilled world, where our freedoms are at risk, boycotting becomes even more important. We must be mindful of the harm that certain products or companies may inflict on our brothers and sisters, and we should strive to distance ourselves from them.

Just as the wife of the Prophetﷺ, Umm Habiba, felt it was inappropriate for Abu Sufyan to sit on the same mattress as the Prophetﷺ, we too can feel a sense of aversion towards supporting those who harm Islam or Muslims. This internal feeling is part of our Islamic sensibility and should guide our actions.

At a personal level, boycotting can also be a means of building character and consciousness. By teaching our children the importance of ethical consumerism and explaining why we choose not to support certain companies or products, we nurture a sense of dignity and solidarity within our families. This will benefit them in the long run and help them develop a strong Islamic character.

Whether it is boycotting companies that support the normalization of relations with Israel or boycotting products that harm our brothers and sisters, it is our duty as Muslims to use our consumer power to make a difference.

By doing so, we uphold the principles of Islam and strive for a more just and compassionate world.

🪞 Reflection:

Evaluate what you are supporting with your purchases.

How can you adjust your lifestyle and product choices to support humanity better?

🎬️ Take Action:

1. Donate to Support Relief Efforts: $50 is food for an entire family. Even if you have donated, contribute again.
2. Access Resources: Everything you need to make an impact.
3. Get Educated: The War on Gaza Explained
4. Boycott Pro-Israel Businesses: Disney, Starbucks, McDonald’s, to name a few.

🕯️ Inspiration:

Are Boycotts Islamic?

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