Palestine and its significance
Palestine is a blessed land intertwined with the sentiments of Muslims. In this regard, numerous special prophecies and historical accounts are cited in Holy Qur’an, Al-Hadith, elevating the land of Palestine to an honorable place in the life of a Muslim. Almighty Allah designates the land of Palestine as a blessed land in Holy Qur’an.
“Glory be to the One (Allah) Who took His Servant ˹Muḥammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed so that We may show him some of Our signs” (Surah 17 Verse 01)
Masjid al-Aqsa, one of the Mosques built by the Prophets and the second Waqf (endowment) in the world, is situated on this sacred land.
Many of the Prophets were born in Palestine, lived, preached and demised and were buried, finding their final resting places in its land.
Prophet SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam started his heavenly journey from Masjid al-Aqsa in Palestine. Likewise, “The Prophet, prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis for sixteen or seventeen months…” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 399)
Therefore, Palestine is a land of marked by numerous distinctions and holds a special place in Islam.
Palestine and its history
In the year 638 AD, during the rule of Umar Ibn Khattab (R.A), the 2nd Caliph of the Islamic Empire, Palestine was under the custody of the Muslims. Historical records attest that Muslims, Jews and Christians were treated justly, enjoying complete freedom and rights without any confusion and problems during that period.
In the late 1800s, a series of intrigues, secret meetings, and conspiracies unfolded, marking the commencement of gradual efforts of Jewish Zionists to invade Palestine with the approval of the Western powers. Subsequently, post the Second World War, a large-scale resettlement of Jews occurred in various parts of Palestine. Consequently, dominant settlements began to take shape, culminating in the declaration of Israel as a country on May 15, 1948.
Since the establishment of Israel, persistent conflicts and struggles have ensued between Palestinian liberation fighters and Israeli occupying forces. The ongoing conflicts, which initiated on October 7th, persist to this day, resulting in devastating consequences for Gaza and other regions of Palestine due to brutal attacks by Israeli occupation forces. Over 225,000 houses have been damaged, and the death toll has surpassed 14,500, with two-thirds of the casualties being women and children and more than 4,000 people are reported missing. Moreover, over 35 hospitals, 52 medical treatment centers and more than 55 ambulances have been destroyed. Furthermore, 83 mosques have been leveled and 166 mosques have been damaged too.
ACJU appeal to international countries
Demonstrations are erupting worldwide in condemnation of these aggressive actions. On behalf of the Sri Lankan Muslims and Ulama, the ACJU has condemned the actions of the Israeli occupation forces.
In response to the Palestine-Israel conflict, a resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly on 26.10.2023 calling for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire. The said resolution addresses various issues such as protecting civil rights, insisting on upholding humanitarian international laws, continuing humanitarian work in Gaza and carrying out basic facilities, ensuring essential goods, services, relief, and civil protection.
The President of ACJU, Mufti M.I.M Rizwe during his recent visit to Geneva, handed over an official letter dated 03.11.2023 on behalf of ACJU appreciating the resolution of the UN.
The UN resolution received support from 120 countries with 14 countries voting against it, and 45 countries abstained from voting. However, the Sri Lankan Government had voted in favor of the decision. On 30.10.2023, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, ACJU appreciated the Government of Sri Lanka for taking such a stand on the basis of humanity, justice and honesty in this economic crisis and also expressed its gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka on 30.10.2023. Following the policy of non-aligned countries, Sri Lanka has continued to support the liberation struggle of the Palestinian people.
In 1975, the Embassy of Palestine was established in Sri Lanka and placed it at the Independent Square. When the State of Palestine was declared in 1988, Sri Lanka recognized it and Sri Lanka has continuously supported all UN resolutions against Israel’s oppressions on Palestine.
The Sri Lankan Government is of the position of the Arab Muslim countries, the UN and the Western countries which declare a Palestinian State based on the borders demarcated in 1967, with Al-Quds as its capital. Accordingly, we Sri Lankan Muslims owe a debt of gratitude to this Nation and its people.
Following are some of the initiatives of ACJU and public guidance issued, pertaining to Palestine.
