Why don’t the people of Palestine leave?

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most Merciful Most Kind

Short Answer

Despite the oppression, the people of Palestine don’t leave. The strength and patience of our brothers and sisters there help the Ummah in so many ways. This is because our beloved Prophet ﷺ predicted how people in that land will remain in their homeland despite the difficult circumstances. This is a great prophecy of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. As such the presence of Muslims in Palestine is a manifestation of this prophecy which explains why the people of Palestine don’t leave.

A Prophecy

وَلَيُوشِكَنَّ أَنْ لَا يَكُونَ لِلرَّجُلِ مِثْلُ شَطَنِ فَرَسِهِ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ حَيْثُ يَرَى مِنْهُ بَيْتَ الْمَقْدِسِ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا جَمِيعًا. قال الامام الذهبي: صحيح

The Prophet ﷺ said: There will come a time when an area of land, smaller than the reign of his horse, from where he can see Bayt al-Maqdis, will be more valuable to a man than the entire world. (Mustadrak Hakim 8553, Sahih according to Imams Hakim and al-Dhahabi).

In the Sahih Hadith above, we find an incredible prophecy of our blessed Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ spoke about people remaining in the area close to Masjid al-Aqsa despite the hardship in doing so. The Hadith mentions that, even if a person has an incredibly small piece of land, which would make life very difficult, he will prefer to remain where he is.

This prophecy can certainly be witnessed today. Despite the intense suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine they remain there. That land is beloved to them. This benefits the Ummah as they are embodying and promoting a prophecy. As such, by the people of Palestine not leaving, this is a proof of the veracity of our beloved Prophet ﷺ.

Protecting al-Aqsa

Their presence in Palestine and refusal to be removed benefits the Ummah in many other ways too. They are protecting the holy sites present in those lands. Primarily al-Masjid al-Aqsa, but there are many other historical sites in Palestine too. If the people of Palestine, the Muslims, were to leave, such historical sites would almost certainly be destroyed.

Drawing people to Islam

Furthermore, the faith and steadfastness they demonstrate is seen around the world. It astonishes many people who observe it and brings them closer to Islam. In recent months, so many people have become Muslim after observing the faith of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Likewise, so many Muslims have returned to a more comprehensive practice of Islam.

Additionally, the situation of the Palestinian people also exposes the lies and hypocrisy of the media and politicians. This is because the media and politicians are amongst the biggest barriers to people gaining a true understanding of Islam. Therefore, people Thus, people realise that they have been lied to when it comes to Islam and the Muslims. As such, they come closer to the truth and reality.

Concluding Remarks

Due to all the above reasons: showing a sign of prophecy; protecting Al-Aqsa and other historical sites; and drawing people to Islam; we must support our brothers and sisters in Palestine in every possible way. They are suffering in so many ways.

Despite this suffering, too many Muslims are silent regarding their plight. However, it is always obligatory to support the oppressed. This imperative for Muslims and it is even more important when the oppressed are benefiting the Ummah in such an impactful manner.

And Allah Most High Knows Best.

–Answered by Shaykh Noorud-deen Rashid (14.02.24)