الحمد لله
Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gazed upon the sea of martyrs draped in white shrouds around them. Alhmadullilah: I heard it through tears amidst never-ending rubble and cries. Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gathered scraps of food from the near-empty markets, or managed to fill their jugs with water. Alhamdulillah, “Praise be to Allah SWT,” they continue to say, despite enduring over 400 days of genocide, mass murder, forced famine, abductions, and the systematic denial of all human rights and dignity.
In Islam, the phrase Alhamdullilah is a powerful expression used to acknowledge Allah SWT’s sovereignty and express immense gratitude for all that He has blessed us with. Allah SWT is not in need of our praise, yet all praise is rightfully His. While for many, it is most simple to say Alhamdulillah in moments of joy and ease in our lives, the true essence of Alhamdulillah is in moments of profound hardship and suffering. For Gaza, for Palestine, as 400 days of genocide and eight decades of occupation, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid are surpassed, there is a continuous trial of steadfastness, faith, and resilience, and in the face of these trials, solace and strength are found simply in Alhamdulillah.
Undoubtedly, the phrase, known to be recited in moments of gratitude, may seem off-putting being utilized in the midst of devastation, death, and siege. It prompts a question that many have pondered over the last year: how can they thank Allah SWT in times of immense hardship and pain? How is it possible to view these treacherous trials as blessings? Allah tells us in Surah al-Baqarah:
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allah?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. [Qur’an, 2:214]
This verse recounts the enormous suffering and hostility encountered by the Prophets and their followers at the hands of the disbelievers and their resistance and belief in Allah SWT as a result. It teaches Muslims to remain patient in the face of aggression from those in rebellion while placing their trust in Allah SWT. Through enduring their struggles with faith, their perseverance, strenuous efforts, and belief in Allah SWT during these hardships will be the key to attaining eternal peace in paradise. The verse teaches us that trials are not signs of abandonment by Allah but rather a test of faith. Allah SWT’s wisdom is greater than our understanding, and His help is always near. It serves as a reminder to praise Allah SWT in times of distress and practice earnest supplication, as His aid is most imminent in moments of utter depletion. For this, Alhamdulillah takes on a deeper significance—a reminder to the people of Gaza that the power of gratitude and praise lies in surrendering to the Most High. Even amidst suffering and uncertainty, it is the understanding that both ease and hardship are part of a greater divine plan and that their struggles are not in vain.
In this context, Alhamdulillah goes beyond an expression of gratitude; it becomes a declaration of perseverance and unwavering trust in Allah SWT’s plan. No matter the adversity, the spirit of the Gazan people cannot be broken as they put their trust in Allah SWT, who says:
“If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.” (Quran 14:7)
The people of Gaza express gratitude for the smallest blessings, blessings which we may perceive as ordinary moments–the ability to gather for prayer, to share a meal, or to hold their loved ones close. Similarly, amidst the unimaginable challenges of losing their homes, their loved ones, and all that they hold dear, their response is to praise Allah SWT with a deep understanding that it is all a part of His divine plan. In the face of profound hardship, they find strength in their faith, recognizing that every trial, no matter how painful, is ultimately within the wisdom of Allah SWT’s will. This unwavering gratitude, even in the most desperate of circumstances, reflects a profound trust in His mercy and a belief that His plan encompasses ease in adversity. Gaza persists, endures, and will forever live on as it continues to express gratitude, holding onto the positive that remains and acknowledging both the hardships and blessings, no matter how great or small. In Gaza, where the people have faced genocide, displacement, and siege for decades, Alhamdulillah is not just a phrase spoken in gratitude but is a declaration of resilience, a testament to faith, and a recognition of Allah SWT’s mercy that will sustain them despite insurmountable challenges. Gaza has reminded us that the essence of Alhamdulillah is not in how much we have, but in how much we can appreciate, even in the midst of suffering. It is about recognizing the countless blessings and knowing that every moment is an opportunity for gratitude and praise. Allah SWT has granted us the opportunity to bear witness and become familiar with the steadfastness, faith, strength, generosity, and kindness of the people of Gaza. For this, I am eternally grateful. Alhamdulillah.