Ramadan should be a month of peace, reconciliation, and tranquility for Muslims, including those in Palestine. However, this remains only a hope, a beautiful dream that has yet to become a reality. For Palestinians, especially in Gaza, Ramadan is a month of sacrifice and martyrdom. Even on Eid al-Fitr, Gaza’s day of celebration turns into a day of bloodshed and sacrifice.
On the other hand, the Muslim world seems to be swept away by the tide of “normalizing” this massacre and genocide. We barely hear any strong reaction from the Muslim world, either from the public or the government. The rulers of the Muslim world, who should have the authority and capacity to act, are only able to utter condemnations, as is their antiquated tradition. They are naive and powerless to respond with something real to stop the massacre.
Meanwhile, in the Western world, critical voices that have been loud, especially among young people, including university students, are being silenced by radical racist powers, including in America and Germany. In America, for example, pro-Palestinian activists on various university campuses are being arrested and even deported if they are non-citizens.
All of this illustrates that the issue of Palestine, especially Gaza, is becoming increasingly bleak. This is an undeniable reality. However, the “words of faith” that we utter every moment are only hopes. Our faith is not in question. But reality must also be acknowledged. The Battle of Badr was a reality. But the Battle of Uhud was also real. Faith binds both. But between Badr and Uhud, there is a difference in reality.
The Solution Lies in the hand of the Muslim World
Looking at the reality and the Western world’s response, especially America’s, to Israel’s occupation of Palestine from the beginning until now, should have opened the eyes of this Ummah. They (the West) do not have good intentions to resolve the occupation and violence that continues to this day. And as long as the Ummah places its false hopes in them, then only illusions and beautiful dreams that will drag on.
Therefore, as I have repeatedly said, America and the West should not be relied upon to solve the problem. The Western world, especially America, has domestic problems that influence their global political stance. Especially when it comes to the Jewish state of Israel, there are considerations that are not only incomprehensible to the minds of ordinary people. But an insult to our common sense and rational human judgment.
How can it be that in America, you can criticize the country and your own government, and it will be considered freedom of speech, accepted by law or the Constitution, and even valued as part of the expression of democracy in this country? But when you criticize Israel and its government, you will be considered to have broken the rules or the Constitution, and you must be prepared to be arrested for committing a crime. This is a reality that, in my opinion, violates human norms and common sense.
Therefore, I reiterate that the Ummah and Muslim world must stop relying on America and the West when to comes to solving the Palestinian issue. The solution does not lie with them. It lies in the hands of the Muslim Ummah and leaders of the Islamic world. As long as the Muslim world surrenders the solution to America and the West, then be prepared to bear the painful reality and unending disappointment.
Of course, it is not easy to resolve a problem that has taken almost 80 years. Especially when it involves countries that dominate the world in almost every aspect of life. Even America, as the strongest country in the world, with 26.11% of global GDP, with formidable military power, is still powerless against that “Hidden Power”. What about other countries?
However, I must say that this “hidden power” is actually weak. As the Quran says, “maa lahaa min qaraar” (it has no stable foundation). They are shaky, wavering, and bear endless fear. Often, their strength is merely an image and perception. They seem strong and able to determine the direction of the world. But it should be known that their sense of security and strength is increasingly based on the fact that part of the Ummah and Islamic world, willingly or forcibly, extends their hands to that hidden power.
They currently feel on top of the world because they have managed to make the Islamic world take their side or, at the very least, remain silent in the face of violence and genocide they continually commit. Therefore, once again, the key to the solution lies in the hands of the Muslim Ummah and the Islamic world (Muslim countries and governments).
One crucial thing that the Islamic world must do is “amputate” all relations with Zionist occupiers and their helpers. In this process, the Islamic world must build unity and solidarity. With 57 Muslim-majority countries and immense natural wealth, they have significant bargaining power to weaken the position of what call “hidden power”.
It’s time for the Islamic world to change its “culture of being instant heroes”!with a single fiery speech at high-level meetings. The Islamic world must present a structured plan and take real action to liberate Palestine, Jerusalem and Masjid Al-Aqsa. Stop the antiquated condemnations that have become a cacophony of useless words that are no longer heard and are boring.
Otherwise, shame on you all!
Manhattan, April 3, 2025
*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center & President, Nusantara Foundation
