Every time news about Palestine appears on the screen, our hearts are torn apart. Images of ruined buildings, the cries of children, and the sound of the call to prayer echoing amid smoke and dust are scenes that are impossible to truly accept. The world may have grown accustomed to it, but for hearts that are still alive, the suffering remains close. As fellow human beings, and even more so as fellow Muslims, we cannot remain silent. We may be far away, but compassion knows no distance.
Palestine is not just a place on the map, but a symbol of struggle, resilience, and injustice that continues to this day. In that blessed land, many souls have lost their homes, families, and sense of security. But behind the suffering, there is extraordinary strength: faith in Allah and the spirit to remain standing even as the world collapses around them. The question is, how should we as Muslims respond to the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine? What can we do, even from afar?
The Attitude of a Muslim: Care, Pray, and Help
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “The example of the believers in their mutual love, affection, and compassion is like one body; if one member suffers, the whole body feels feverish and cannot sleep.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith teaches us that the suffering of Muslims anywhere is also our suffering. When our brothers and sisters in Palestine are struggling to survive, we cannot close our eyes and feel that prayer without action is enough.
Prayer is indeed important; it is a spiritual force that connects our hearts to Allah. However, sincere prayer always leads to action. Prayer without effort is just a hanging hope. Therefore, the form of love for Palestine is not only by watching the news and feeling sad, but by doing what we can.
Some of us can voice the truth. Some can help through wealth. And some others can continue to strengthen their prayers, so that Allah will give strength to those who are enduring this severe test.
Every small action we take has great meaning for those living in the midst of crisis. When we donate, it may only be a few rupiah, but for a mother in Gaza, it could mean food for her child that day. When we offer help, it may seem simple, but for them, it is a sign that the world has not completely turned a blind eye.
Compassion is not about how much we give, but how deeply we feel connected to the suffering of others. Islam guides its followers to be rahmatan lil ‘alamin, a blessing for all of creation. This means that our compassion and solidarity should not stop at geographical boundaries. Palestine may be far away, but their cries are a call to humanity for hearts that are still alive.
Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Ma’idah verse 32:
“Whoever saves the life of one person, it is as if he has saved the lives of all mankind.”
This verse emphasizes that saving one soul, no matter how small the contribution, has extraordinary value in the sight of Allah.
From Empathy to Concrete Action
Helping Palestine does not have to wait until we are rich or influential. Everyone has a role to play. Some can voice their concern on social media, educate their friends, or write about Palestine so that the world does not forget. Others can set aside some of their wealth to alleviate their suffering. All forms of support, no matter how small, will always be meaningful in the eyes of Allah.
Now, as sad news continues to come in without stopping, the world needs more caring hearts. Maybe we can’t be there physically, but our hands can reach them through alms and zakat. The wealth we give away will not diminish anything, but rather add to our blessings and deep gratitude. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Almsgiving does not diminish wealth.” (HR. Muslim)
Helping Palestine is not only about giving, but also about improving ourselves. When we reach out to others, we are actually cleansing our hearts and wealth from stinginess and indifference.
The alms and zakat we give to Palestine are a form of gratitude for the blessings we still have. We can still eat in peace, sleep without the sound of bombs, and look at the sky without fear. Therefore, that gratitude should encourage us to share with those who have lost all of that.
Every rupiah we spend is a testament to our faith. It becomes a bridge between our comfort and their suffering, between prayer and concrete action. Therefore, let us make this concern not just an emotional response, but a sustained commitment. Not just once when the news is hot, but continuously until justice is truly served for the Palestinian people.
Palestine may seem far away, but it should always be close to our hearts. They are our brothers and sisters, part of the same body.
In the midst of seemingly endless suffering, we can choose not to remain silent. We can choose to do something, even if it is small, but sincere. Friends can help Palestine together with Dompet Dhuafa by donating here.