With a mounting death toll of over 1,500 lives, we are yet again witnessing the oppression of Palestinians unfold before our very eyes. Dogma Disrupted series offers a unique perspective on the situation, shedding light on the nuances and complexities often overlooked in mainstream discussions. While the media buzzes with news articles, think pieces, and commentary, much is lost on the context and crux of the issue—primarily, the liberation of Palestinians from an apartheid regime that is committing genocide. Why is it so hard to explain this without being attacked? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Dr. Ovamir Anjum join Imam Tom Facchine to contextualize the history leading up to this moment and unpack the influence of language and framing of how this conflict is told.
Omar Suleiman Expresses His Thoughts on Palestine’s Current Horrific Situation
In the Dogma Disrupted Series, Omar Suleiman said that Gaza is encountering a catalog of war crimes. Ones that seem to mean nothing to the powers that be. And you essentially have a population, and the Palestinian people Palestine is all occupied. Still, many people forget that Gaza is 60% refugees; you know, I have family in Gaza. They didn’t start in Gaza; 60% of refugees fled from other territories. Those occupied by Israel are the Palestinians. And this open-air prison has been an experimental laboratory where the most sophisticated weapons in the world are being used against the most desperate population. Whether you speak about population density or infrastructure, there is no place in the world like Gaza.
And for them to be shut off from all directions, their water supply is shut off. To have their power shut off, their fuel shut off, and to be bombed from every direction. There is absolutely no schism that is recognizable to the people of what the pattern of these bombings is. You’re guessing every night whether you should try to spend the night in your home or try to go next door to your family’s home.
Maybe cousin’s home, or whatever it is because you can’t figure out where the bombing is going to be next. And now we have proof of the use of chemical weapons. So, Human Rights Watch released just a few hours ago that Israel has been using white phosphorus. And if any of you have ever seen children after a white phosphorus attack, it is horrific, says Omar Suleiman.
Media’s Silence Towards Palestinian Suffering – Dogma Disrupted Discussion
During the discussion on the Dogma Disrupted Series, we know that it was used against the people of Syria. This is not the first time it’s been used against the people of Gaza, but to have it confirmed at this point. To still not have a word being spoken by the American administration or a word about Palestinian suffering in mainstream media has been particularly outrageous. And I think that as we are witnessing this unfold before our eyes, there’s a sense of betrayal that I believe the Muslim community is feeling and that Palestinians are feeling in particular. Just because people are parroting the worst types of tropes about Muslims and the quote-unquote Arab savages that we’ve seen since 9-11, continues Omar Suleiman on the Dogma Disrupted episode.
The way this issue has been portrayed is deeply troubling. The erasure of the Palestinian perspective and their very humanity is evident not only in the discussions on social media. Also in workplaces, company statements, and even in official statements from sports organizations like the NFL and NBA. It feels like this one-sided narrative is coming at us from all angles. In this critical moment, it becomes even more vital for everyone with a voice. Including everyone here – to use that voice for sincere prayers and to speak out.
We should use our platforms and positions to amplify the rapidly silenced Palestinian voices. It’s worth noting that the situation we’re witnessing didn’t suddenly erupt on a specific date. Like October 7th, as some may suggest. Understanding that this recent escalation cannot be separated from the larger context of ongoing violence is crucial. The everyday lives of Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, are marked by profound and persistent violence.
Dogma Series Continues The Discussion on Palestinian Resilience and the Challenges of Misinformation
During the talk on the Dogma Disrupted episode, the conversation is intriguing as the speakers delve into misinformation and disinformation throughout history. They cite numerous historical instances, including the Vietnam War. The use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Gulf Wars. All of which were marred by deception and the propagation of false narratives. The speakers collectively underline the importance of fostering critical thinking and vigilant investigation when confronted with information. Mainly when it originates from untrustworthy sources. As a contemporary illustration, they discuss the dubious claims surrounding the alleged beheading of 40 babies. Revealing the extent of fabrication and misinformation prevalent in today’s media landscape.
Despite the evident indignation from disseminating false narratives. The speakers adeptly reframe this issue as a testament to faith and truth. This situation is likened to the historical tactics used against the revered Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), underscoring the resilience and strength of the Palestinian and Gazan populations. The speakers concluded by offering heartfelt prayers for the Palestinian people. Positioning them as a source of profound inspiration and invaluable life lessons. This illuminating dialogue underscores the need to acknowledge the ongoing struggle and its enduring relevance in the context of the Qur’an.
Dr. Ovamir Anjum’s Perspective on Du’a, Action, and the Palestinian Issue
In this discourse by Dr. Ovamir Anjum, the speaker highlights the importance of offering supplications (du’a) and taking practical actions. The discussion centers on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the need to approach it from various angles. By including understanding the oppression, violations of international law, and transgressions against the laws of Allah. The promises of Allah about these struggles and pertinent Quranic verses are also explored.
Dr. Anjum further delves into the narrative of the Prophet Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh, as found in Surat al-Shu’ara in the Quran. In this story, Pharaoh attempts to sway Musa through propaganda and by recalling the favors he had granted him. However, Musa firmly aligns himself with his people, Bani Israel (the believers of that time), acknowledging the oppression and enslavement imposed upon them by Pharaoh. Musa’s resolute stance illustrates his unwavering commitment to his people and is a powerful example of deconstructing Pharaoh’s manipulative narrative.
This discourse underscores the importance of comprehensively addressing contemporary issues such as Palestine while remaining steadfast in one’s commitment to the cause and adopting a well-informed and multifaceted approach. That’s decoloniality. That’s Qur’anic decoloniality that I want to teach our next generation.
The discussion concludes with a poignant statement by Dr. Omar Suleiman. He emphasizes the crucial link between justice and peace, quoting the Quranic verse “inna Allah ya’muru bil adli wal ihsan” (Allah commands justice and kindness) and the insight from Ibn Abbas that justice (adl) is a prerequisite for kindness and excellence (ihsan). Dr. Suleiman highlights the consistency and coherence in the conversation, expressing the shared desire for peace but underlining that peace cannot exist without justice. He concludes by expressing prayers for justice for the people of Palestine and the hope for peace.
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