Statement on the Situation in Gaza and the Plight of the Palestinians
And it is He who produced you from a single soul so (there is) a place of dwelling and a repository. We detail Our signs for people who understand. (Al-Quran 6:98)
O you who believe, stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others prevent you from being just. Be just, that is nearer to piety and reverence and respect Allah, for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do. (Al- Quran 5:8)
“In our human creation we are all equal and that human creation is the foundation for all other identities.” (Imam W. Deen Mohammed: Youth Dawah Class, Chicago, IL, September 22, 2002)
The Conveners of Imams associated with the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed support the universal right of self determination, freedom, justice, and equality of all human beings. We thoroughly condemn the tragic loss of life; destruction of homes, schools, places of worship; and the displacement of
hundreds of thousands of human beings in the disputed geography of Israel/Palestine including the Gaza strip. Therefore, we support a cease fire between all the parties involved (i.e. Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority). We also urge and support a sincere sustained effort to resurrect a comprehensive two-state solution for lasting peace.
In our human nature is our equality. The scriptures of our different faith traditions tell us that we have originated from a single soul. We have a common origin and as people of faith, we believe we have a common destiny. In addition, our human life, identity, aspirations, possessions, property, and places of worship are universally recognized as sacred rights.
Today, history and circumstances have brought people of different faiths and backgrounds to one place. Unfortunately, that convergence has resulted in one set of people gaining land and power at the expense of another. This situation has also occurred throughout history. Usually one set of peoples claims a “special or exclusive right” to supplant the property and rights of the existing inhabitants of a land, resulting in the segregation and/or subjugation of the indigenous people. In order to justify this condition, the supplanting population must also “create” a false rationale based on their inherent superiority or entitlement. This scenario has played out all over the world in Africa, Asia, America, and Palestine/Israel. When this situation exists a grave injustice has been done and people of fairness and good-will must speak out.
In the disputed territory of Palestine/Israel, this picture has resulted in the indigenous Palestinian population losing rights to their land for over a hundred years. They have also been forced into segregation, subjugation, and military occupation in isolated enclaves on a fraction of their original homeland. The indigenous Palestinian population has also been deprived of the basic human rights of freedom and self determination and when they practice their natural right to resist and rebel against this internationally sanctioned injustice, they are labeled as “terrorists” and “threats to peace.”
The people of Palestine must be given the universal rights of self determination, freedom, justice, and equality, which they have been too long denied. Palestinians who have been expelled from their lands as a result of illegal and unjust confiscations should be allowed to return or given just compensation. Equitable distribution of land and natural resources should occur based upon the relative populations of both Israel and Palestine. Finally, the universal criteria for justice and equity should be based upon our common human identity.
Imam Bashir Ali,
National Convener of Imams
On Behalf of the Conveners of Imams