The term “dehumanisation” has been used with troubling frequency since October 2023. Our children have been exposed to narratives that refer to us as “human animals”, “children of darkness”, and adherents to the “law of the jungle”. [1]

There’s a real contrast in language: Israelis are described as being “killed” while Palestinians merely “die”. [2]

Comparisons have been made to “Amalek”, rendering every man, woman, and child, as well as livestock, valid targets. [3]

Very early on — 10 October 2023 to be precise — the IDF stated that their priority is “maximum damage”, not accuracy. [4]

Three days later, on 13 October 2023, the President of Israel denied the existence of any innocent Palestinian civilians. [5]

Isaac Herzog claimed,

“It is an entire nation out there that is responsible.” [5]

We are not mere weeds that need cutting back

While the colours of the Israeli flag were projected on the White House in a tribute to dead Israelis, not a word of genuine condemnation is uttered when Palestinian civilians are starved, tortured, raped, or killed. [6]

The routine task of “mowing the grass” — a term used by Israel for periodic military assaults conducted in the Gaza Strip — reduces us to weeds that need to be cut back.

In February 2024, the Israeli journalist Gideon Levy wrote in Haaretz,

“Palestinians are seen by most Israelis as non-human and even non-animal.

“In Israel, the more than 29,000 Gazan fatalities are considered a mere number, nothing more.” [7]

Our children also witness how Muslims are only allowed to be victims during media appearances.

Why are we only allowed to speak as victims?

Muslims cannot have an opinion, analyse, or be an expert, as their perspectives are valid only when they speak of their suffering.

Furthermore, they only have that right if they agree to be the “perfect victim”, where they must first introduce their story with offerings of condemnations in order to be given a platform.

Dehumanisation is to portray and treat a people as subhuman. Just as how Nazis portrayed Jews as subhuman and colonisers portrayed native populations as savages, it enables people to morally and emotionally disconnect from the suffering of others.

This allows such people to justify an industrial scale of genocide.

The effects on our children are concerning

Beneath all this is a far more troubling matter: the impact on our children.

Indeed, with time, we risk becoming numb to our own pain and blind to our virtue, as the constant exposure might lead us to internalise this narrative.

And the shock of seeing dead children begins to wear off, media biases are gradually accepted, and the selective application of international law ceases to provoke our anger.

We may start to accept this portrayal as our identity.

We try to protect our children from images of brutality, but when a child loses many relatives, shielding them is not always possible.

My youngest, only five, gave me a startling glimpse into his world. He walked with his arms out of his jacket sleeves.

When I asked him why, he said,

“I want to imagine what it’s like if I get bombed.”

Rediscovering our true identity

It is within the above context that I write this piece.

It’s a call to remember the inherent worth of a believer, as defined by the Maker of the universe, as a people who believe themselves to be inferior can never lead.

To those of us who’ve only ever seen themselves through the media’s eyes, I share with you this tour of self-discovery.

We have been selected by Allah

Allah says,

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ

“You are the best community ever raised for humanity — you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” [8]

We are the ones chosen to know the way, go the way, and show the way!

It is verses like this that explain the absence of genocidal rhetoric from our speech — as seen by the Zionists — and our firm rejection of racism.

This explains Islam’s historical record of welcoming Jews and other persecuted minorities; the absence of any scripture advocating the slaying of children; and the magnanimity of our predecessors who pardoned when they had the upper hand.

This is the character of true leaders who have been entrusted by Allah with the welfare of mankind.

Dignity of those who believe

The Prophet ﷺ said,

أنتم موفون سبعين أمة أنتم خيرها وأكرمها على الله

“You are the fulfilment of seventy nations; you are the best and most honourable of them to Allah.” [9]

The believer holds a place of honour with his Lord, such that, were he to appreciate its reality, his heart would flutter with joy and soar in bliss.

Happiness would envelop him in longing to meet his Lord, so that he may embrace this dignity in full.

Sanctity of Muslim blood

How cherished a Muslim must be to Allah, for Him to proclaim,

مَن عادى لي وليًّا، فقد آذَنْتُه بالحرب

“Whoever shows hostility towards an ally of mine, I will declare war on him.” [10]

And for the Prophet ﷺ to declare,

والَّذي نفسي بيدِهِ لقَتلُ مؤمنٍ أعظمُ عندَ اللَّهِ من زوالِ الدُّنيا

“I swear by the One who possesses my soul, that the killing of a single believer is more severe in the sight of Allah than the destruction of the world.” [11]

And for him (ﷺ) to announce,

لَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ وَأَهْلَ الْأَرْضِ اشْتَرَكُوا فِي دَمِ مُؤْمِنٍ لَأَكَبَّهُمْ اللَّهُ فِي النَّارِ

“If all the people of the Heavens and the Earth were to share in the blood of a believer, Allah would cast them all into the Fire.” [12]

Prophet ʿĪsā will return to support us

If still in doubt as to who you are, clarity will come towards the end of times with the return of Prophet ʿĪsā (ʿalayhi al-Salām).

Cradled by the wings of angels, he will descend, clothed in a beige robe, his hair glistening with drops as if they were pearls, arriving next to the white minaret east of Damascus, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foretold.

The world — taken aback with awe and anticipation — will watch closely to see whom he chooses to walk with.

To the astonishment of humanity, he will take a path with the Muslims, will insist on standing behind one of us in prayer, and will hear the Qur’ān being recited.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

فينزل عيسى ابن مريم – صَلَّى اللهُ عليهِ وسَلَّمَ – فيقول أميرهم: تعال صَلِّ لنا! فيقولُ: لا إن بعضكم على بعضٍ أمراءٌ تكرمة الله هذه الأمة

“Then ʿĪsā, son of Maryam — may peace be upon him — will descend and their leader will say: ‘Come and lead us in prayer!’

“He will say: ‘No, you are the leaders of each other, as an honouring from Allah to this Ummah.’” [13]

Honour of being a part of this Ummah

When endless scenes of savagery, bloodshed, and prejudice shake your self-worth, take a moment to pause and reflect on a series of questions.

What way of life is it, that opens its doors to people of all backgrounds to embrace it, a system that remains viable in every era until the last Day, offers perfect guidance for every stage of one’s development and across every aspect of life, all the while without undergoing any transformation, but remaining identical with itself, if not Islam?

What way of life acknowledges and honours every prophet and messenger, from the very first, Ādam (ʿalayhi al-Salām), to the last, Muhammad ﷺ, if not Islam?

Likewise, what way of life can both claim and prove to have the preserved verbatim word of God as He spoke it, if not Islam?

What way of life informs theology, spirituality, personal conduct, interpersonal behaviour, civil laws, foreign policy, in a manner so intricate and harmonious that is clearly beyond human sophistication, if not Islam?

What religion or philosophy has survived the test of time and criticism in a way that all others simply have not, other than Islam?

In an age of science and technology that has caused droves of people to become disillusioned with their religions, why does Islam stand apart, with more people than ever before choosing Islam at a time of atomic breakthroughs and exploration of outer space?

Which way of life has practically demonstrated its capacity in actually delivering inner peace, as claimed by all religions, quite like Islam?

The shining light of Islam will never fade

Just look at the powerful words of a Christian TikToker, who said as she wept,

“They say that a tree is known by its fruits…

“If there is a God, then I believe that the Palestinians and Muslims are God’s chosen people.

“I see evidence of God amongst them in their behaviour, in their hearts, their compassion. They are truly beautiful people … If there is a God, those are His people.” [14]

It is our Ummah that was blessed with Friday, the greatest day of the week, a day presented to the Jews and Christians before us but ultimately bestowed upon us.

Additionally, we were given the ‘Isha prayer, a practice not observed by any prior nation.

We are the ones uniquely nominated for Laylat al-Qadr, a night that adds over 80 years of uninterrupted worship to our accounts of deed.

We are the people whose form in prayer resembles that of the angels.

Every century, we are rejuvenated by a reformer whom Allah sends, a gift to renew our state of affairs.

Among us will emerge the most noble of martyrs, the one who will be slayed by the Dajjāl.

Ours is the greatest Ummah, embracing the most profound religion, guided by the most sublime scripture, led by the most distinguished Messenger ﷺ.

Muslims on the Day of Judgment

Setting aside all of the above, however, it is not today that the true pre-eminence of this Ummah will be realised. That is reserved for the Day of Reckoning.

This will be a moment when humanity, from the first individual to tread upon the Earth to the last to leave it, will be assembled on a singular expanse of land.

It is a time when familial bonds will dissolve in the face of overwhelming dread; a son will flee from his mother, a husband from his wife, driven by a fear so potent that it centres solely on the self.

The Sun will hang dangerously close, a mere mile overhead, casting down its scorching heat, while people find themselves engulfed in their own sweat, varying in depth from their ankles to their throats.

Amidst this turmoil, Hellfire will be unveiled for all to witness, its rage and fury palpable.

At this time, the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ will be summoned.

Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ said,

فَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى أَنْ يَصْدَعَ بَيْنَ خَلْقِهِ نَادَى مُنَادٍ أَيْنَ أَحْمَدُ وَأُمَّتُهُ فَنَحْنُ الْآخِرُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ نَحْنُ آخِرُ الْأُمَمِ وَأَوَّلُ مَنْ يُحَاسَبُ فَتُفْرَجُ لَنَا الْأُمَمُ عَنْ طَرِيقِنَا فَنَمْضِي غُرًّا مُحَجَّلِينَ مِنْ أَثَرِ الطُّهُورِ فَتَقُولُ الْأُمَمُ كَادَتْ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةُ أَنْ تَكُونَ أَنْبِيَاءَ كُلُّهَا

“When Allah wishes to make a decision among His creation, a caller will call out: ‘Where is Ahmad and his Ummah?’

“So we are the last and the first; we are the last of the nations and the first to be judged. Thus, the nations will part ways for us, and we proceed, radiant and glowing from the effects of purification, causing the nations to say: ‘This Ummah was almost entirely prophets.’” [15]

There is more; the Ummah will be called upon to testify on behalf of prophets and messengers despite having never encountered them in life.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

يُدْعَى نُوحٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَيَقُولُ لَبَّيْكَ وَسَعْدَيْكَ يَا رَبِّ فَيَقُولُ هَلْ بَلَّغْتَ فَيَقُولُ نَعَمْ فَيُقَالُ لِأُمَّتِهِ هَلْ بَلَّغَكُمْ فَيَقُولُونَ مَا أَتَانَا مِنْ نَذِيرٍ فَيَقُولُ مَنْ يَشْهَدُ لَكَ فَيَقُولُ مُحَمَّدٌ وَأُمَّتُهُ فَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّهُ قَدْ بَلَّغَ

“Nūh will be called on the Day of Resurrection, and he will respond, ‘At your service and pleasure, O Lord.’

“Then it will be asked, ‘Did you convey the message?’ He will reply, ‘Yes.’

“His people will then be asked, ‘Did he convey the message to you?’ They will say, ‘No warner came to us.’

“Then it will be asked, ‘Who will bear witness for you?’ He will say, ‘Muhammad and his Ummah.’ So you will testify that he indeed conveyed the message.” [16]

In another narration, he (ﷺ) added,

فيقال: وما علمكم بذلك ؟ فيقولون: جاءنا نبينا فأخبرنا أن الرسل قد بلغوا فصدقناه

“Then it will be asked, ‘How do you know this?’

“They will respond, ‘Our Prophet came to us and informed us that the messengers had indeed delivered their messages, and we believed him.’” [17]

Next, the bridge spanning over Hellfire, leading directly into Paradise, is set in place. Who will be the first to make the crossing?

The Prophet ﷺ revealed,

ويُضْرَبُ الصِّراطُ بيْنَ ظَهْرَيْ جَهَنَّمَ، فأكُونُ أنا وأُمَّتي أوَّلَ مَن يُجِيزُ

“The Sirāt (bridge) will be established over the back of Hell, and I and my Ummah will be the first to cross it.” [18]

Upon approaching the vast gates of Paradise, yet another unique privilege will be awarded to this Ummah.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

وعدني ربِّي أن يُدخِلَ الجنَّةَ من أمَّتي سبعينَ ألفًا لا حسابَ عليهم ولا عذابَ معَ كلِّ ألفٍ سبعونَ ألفًا وثلاثُ حَثياتٍ من حَثياتِ ربِّي

“My Lord promised me that seventy thousand of my nation would enter Paradise without any prior accountability or suffering, with every thousand, [there are] seventy thousand more, and three handfuls from His handfuls.” [19]

Upon entering Paradise, Muslims will make yet another welcome discovery; they make up half of its population.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ūd said,

كُنَّا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي قُبَّةٍ نَحْوًا مِنْ أَرْبَعِينَ رَجُلًا فَقَالَ أَتَرْضَوْنَ أَنْ تَكُونُوا رُبُعَ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ قَالَ قُلْنَا نَعَمْ فَقَالَ أَتَرْضَوْنَ أَنْ تَكُونُوا ثُلُثَ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ فَقُلْنَا نَعَمْ فَقَالَ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنِّي لَأَرْجُو أَنْ تَكُونُوا نِصْفَ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ

“We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in a tent with about forty men.

“He said, ‘Would you be pleased to be a quarter of the people of Paradise?’ We said, ‘Yes.’

“He then said, ‘Would you be pleased to be a third of the people of Paradise?’ We said, ‘Yes.’

“He then said, ‘By the One in whose hand is my soul, I hope that you will be half of the people of Paradise.’” [20]

Don’t view yourself in any negative light!

It’s through this lens that we view our hardships today.

Allah expects us — with all this virtue — to be the leaders in goodness, sheltering the world from racism, tyranny, and injustice.

Therefore, whenever Allah sees that we are not performing this function at any given time, He will allow calamities to befall us in order to shock our systems and jolt us back onto the path of leadership that He intends for us.

So, with all that said, beware of seeing yourself in any different light.

Protect your children from all false narratives

Continuously share these truths with your children, shielding them from a narrative that only showcases the oppression of Muslims.

Elevate their morale, raise them to be dignified, nurture them to be people of morality in this depraved world of ours.

Constantly remind them how it is the finest of metals that experience the fiercest fire; how precious things are always challenged, never ignored; how adversity seeks out the worthy, not the weak; how the brightest lights draw the deepest shadows, and how Allah’s planning for this Ummah is better than our own.

Remind them how — despite us all being guests in life — we are, of all mankind, the only ones abiding by the laws and expectations of the host, as you recite:

هُوَ اجْتَباكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍۢ ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّىٰكُمُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِى هَـٰذَا لِيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ

“He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Ibrāhīm.

“He [i.e. Allah] named you ‘Muslims’ before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation], that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people.

“So establish prayer and give zakat and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector; and excellent is the Protector, and excellent is the Helper.” [21]

---

Source: Islam21c

By Shaykh Ali Hammuda

Notes

[1] https://www.newarab.com/news/netanyahu-deletes-palestinian-children-darkness-tweet

[2] https://twitter.com/ChrisHu34451470/status/1713705668249813071

[3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/south-africa-reminds-icj-of-netanyahus-amalek-rhetoric-to-invoke-genocide-against-palestinians/3106313

[4] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/right-now-it-is-one-day-at-a-time-life-on-israels-frontline-with-gaza

[5] https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/israel-gaza-isaac-herzog_n_65295ee8e4b03ea0c004e2a8

[6] https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4246491-white-house-to-light-up-blue-and-white-for-israel/

[7] https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2024-02-14/ty-article-opinion/.premium/with-the-perfect-rescue-operation-israels-dehumanization-of-gazans-reached-a-new-low/0000018d-a8d6-d61b-a19d-efd791640000

[8] al-Qur’ān, 3:110

[9] Ibn Mājah, on the authority of Mu’āwiya al-Qushayri

[10] al-Bukhārī, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah; https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6502

[11] al-Nasā’i, on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr

[12] al-Tirmidhi, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah

[13] Muslim, on the authority of Jābir

[14] https://youtu.be/N3yQv770CrQ

[15] Ahmad, on the authority of Ibn Abbās

[16] al-Bukhārī, on the authority of Abu Sa’īd al-Khudri

[17] Ahmad

[18] Muslim, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah

[19] al-Tirmidhi, on the authority of Abu Umāmah

[20] al-Bukhārī and Muslim

[21] al-Qur’ān, 22:78