بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
The Urgent Call for Muslim Armies to Save Gaza
In light of the ongoing events in Gaza, it is imperative for Muslim armies to take decisive action to halt the genocide and protect the lives of innocent Muslims and ultimately the Ummah. The current situation demands a break from pragmatic politics that Muslim leaders have adopted from the disbelievers and calls for adherence to the principles of Islamic governance, which prioritize Allah’s rules and its implementation.
Western political philosophy is rooted in pragmatism, a framework that relies on adapting policies based on changing realities. Pragmatism, which emerged in the 19th century, attempts to balance rationalism and empiricism by continuously testing and modifying theories based on new observations. While this approach allows for flexibility, it inherently lacks a steadfast moral compass, often leading to shifting ethical standards and policies that prioritize immediate benefits over long-term justice.
In contrast, Islamic political philosophy is grounded in immutable principles derived from the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). These principles provide a clear and consistent framework for governance, emphasizing justice, mercy, and the protection of human dignity. The political philosophy of Islam does not waver based on changing circumstances but remains steadfast in its commitment to the divine laws of Allah (swt).
One of the core tenets of Islamic governance is the duty to protect the oppressed and to stand against tyranny. The Qur'an explicitly commands Muslims to defend those who are wronged, as stated in Surah An-Nisa (4:75):
[وَمَا لَكُمْ لاَ تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاء وَالْوِلْدَانِ]
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children?”
Given the severity of the situation in Gaza, where Palestinians face systematic oppression and violence, it is incumbent upon Muslim nations to rise to their defense. This is not a call for reckless aggression, but for a well-coordinated, strategic intervention that aligns with Islamic principles of justice and protection of the innocent.
The historical example of the Battle of Mu'tah during the Prophet's time illustrates the importance of standing firm against overwhelming odds when Islam is at stake. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Muslim army engaged in battle to uphold the honor and safety of their community, guided by their faith in Allah (swt) and a commitment to righteousness.
In today's context, pragmatism would suggest a cautious or non-interventionist approach, fearing political and economic repercussions. However, the Islamic duty to protect the oppressed transcends such considerations. The actions of Hamas on October 7th demonstrated a refusal to accept injustice passively, embodying a spirit of resistance against a much stronger adversary.
Muslim armies must embody this spirit by preparing to intervene decisively in Gaza. This involves military action to remove the oppressors.
The time for pragmatism within the Muslim minds has passed. The ongoing genocide in Gaza requires immediate and resolute action from Muslim nations, guided by the unwavering principles of Islamic justice. The lives of countless Palestinians depend on the courage and commitment of the Muslim world to stand united against oppression and to fulfill their divine duty to protect the oppressed. With faith in Allah (swt) and adherence to Islamic principles, Muslim armies can and must act now to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza, and ultimately the Ummah as a whole.
Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Sumaya Bint Khayyat