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It has been one year since the escalation of brutal violence against our brothers and sisters in Palestine began.

The world has watched as homes were destroyed, families torn apart, and countless lives shattered.

The suffering of the Palestinian people defies words—a relentless nightmare with no apparent end.

We must honor their immense courage and resilience.

The Palestinians are not merely victims of oppression; they are warriors of faith, standing firm against a system intent on erasing them.

Each day, under constant threat, their strength endures.

Their unwavering trust in Allah is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

While we continue to stand in solidarity, it's essential to shift how we view our brothers and sisters in Palestine—not just as victims but as something far more profound.

The Mujaddid of Our Time

In Islamic tradition, there is the concept of the mujaddid—someone who comes every 100 years to revitalize the faith and breathe new life into the hearts of the ummah.

Great figures like Imam Al-Ghazali and Imam Al-Haddad are remembered as mujaddids of their time, scholars whose knowledge and spiritual depth reawakened generations and revived the essence of Islam.

But in our time, the mujaddid has not come in the form of a scholar or teacher.

It has not emerged from a lecture hall or a religious institution.

Rather, the mujaddids of our time is the Palestinian people themselves.

Their resilience, unshakable tawakkul (trust in Allah), and refusal to submit to tyranny have breathed new life into our ummah.

Amid their suffering, they have become a beacon of light, illuminating the darkness that has enveloped so many of us.

They have reminded us of the depth of our faith and called us back to our true purpose.

Where our hearts had grown cold or been distracted by worldly illusions, the Palestinians have sparked a spiritual revival through their patience and steadfastness.

They have exposed the evil and hypocrisy of self-serving powers but, more importantly, revealed the beauty and strength of our deen in its purest form.

Reviving Dead Hearts

Through their trials, the Palestinian people exemplify what it truly means to trust in Allah.

Over the past year, many of us have reconnected with our faith more deeply than ever before.

Their steadfastness has inspired transformations within us—altering how we approach our prayers, charity, and sense of responsibility.

For many, it has ignited a new clarity and purpose.

Their resilience has been a spiritual wake-up call, reminding us that Islam thrives in adversity and grows stronger in the face of oppression.

Even in the most desperate circumstances, a heart that trusts in Allah remains unbreakable.

A Light to the World

It's not only the Muslim ummah that has been touched.

The truth and beauty of Islam have captured the attention of people worldwide due to the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.

Through their unwavering faith, they demonstrate what it means to stand for justice and maintain dignity when everything is stripped away.

Their story transcends politics and geography—it is a global testament to the strength derived from true faith.

Their resilience has sparked curiosity, admiration, and solidarity across different faiths and backgrounds.

They have united people around a shared vision of justice and humanity in a divided world.

Strengthening Our Ummah

Perhaps most profoundly, the Palestinians have strengthened the ummah, breathing life into it.

Many not practicing before have experienced shifts in their spiritual lives or mindsets this year.

The plight of Palestine has reignited our sense of duty—not just to our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the West Bank but to oppressed people all around the globe and even to our souls.

It has reminded us that we are part of something greater and eternal.

Their struggle has deepened our connection to Allah and renewed our sense of purpose as Muslims.

As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The believers are like one body; when one limb aches, the whole body responds with wakefulness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim)

The pain of the Palestinians has unified us, revealing our shared strength and destiny.

Moving Forward with Purpose

By Allah's grace, the Palestinian people have brought us back to life.

They have shown us the power of tawakkul and the beauty of patience—that even in the darkest times, the light of faith shines brightest.

Now, it is our responsibility to continue this transformation.

We must carry their spirit forward—through our prayers, actions, and unwavering support for justice.

The flame they've ignited within us must not be allowed to flicker out.

We must nurture, protect, and let it guide us toward a future where justice prevails and the ummah stands united in strength and faith.