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‘Repeated ceasefire violations, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and disregard for human life reveal a clear betrayal of peace and justice.’
Text of a pre-Khutbah talk delivered at the Islamic Centre in Michiana, South Bend, Indiana, USA.
By IMAM DR ABDUL RASHIED OMAR
Introduction
As we gather for this sacred Jumu’ah service, we do so with hearts both cautious and hopeful, turning to Allah in gratitude and supplication as we witness a temporary ceasefire in Gaza.
Over the past 15 months, since October 7, 2023, our souls have been burdened with sorrow at the horrific violence, immense suffering, and the tragic loss of innocent Palestinian lives – especially those of children and women. Entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, many precious lives have been lost, and countless families have been left homeless and bereaved.
This temporary ceasefire in Gaza represents a crucial first step toward alleviating the immediate suffering of civilians. By pausing airstrikes and rocket fire, as well as easing border controls to allow for much-needed humanitarian aid, this interim ceasefire can help provide much needed reprieve for the beleaguered people of Gaza. It is an opportunity to bring relief to their wounded hearts and weary souls.
Notwithstanding all of these temporary benefits, we remain aware of how tenuous and fragile such truces can be. Without sincere follow-through and an unyielding commitment to peace with justice, there is a risk that the ceasefire may only postpone rather than resolve deeper hostilities.
Saving lives and remaining vigilant
Despite the difficult challenges that lie ahead, we affirm our gratitude (shukr) to Allah for every pause in violence, every moment that spares a child from trauma, and every precious life saved.
At this sacred hour of Jumu’ah we make dua and pray for the Shuhada (the martyrs) of Gazza that Allah, the Lord of Compassion and Mercy, grants them the highest abode in the life hereafter, jannatul firdaws al’ala. We make dua and pray that that this ceasefire be a first step toward lasting peace – a peace that does not merely silence the guns but also addresses the deep injustices fuelling this longstanding conflict.
In this regard, Allah, the Lord of Guidance, reminds us in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah al-Anfal, chapter 8 verse 61:
وَإِنْ جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا
وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
‘And if they (your enemies) incline to peace, then you [Prophet] also incline to it, and put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.’
A contemporary Quranic scholar, Muhammad Asad, in his translation and commentary The Message of the Qur’an interprets verse 61 of Surah al-Anfal, chapter 8 to mean that Muslims should welcome opportunities to end bloodshed while remaining alert to the necessity of addressing systemic injustices at the core of conflicts.
Since the January 19, 2025 ceasefire, Israeli forces have intensified attacks in the West Bank, killing a number of Palestinians in Jenin and Rafa, making numerous arrests, and increased movement restrictions and settler violence. These actions violate international law, the ceasefire, and deepen Palestinian suffering and mistrust.
This hypocritical and treacherous behaviour on the part of the Israeli regime is neither new nor surprising. In fact, it is consistent with their actions since the Nakba, when the settler-colonial regime was first established in 1948. Such duplicity – committing to peace but violating it at every opportunity – is echoed in the Qur’an. In Surah al-Baqarah, Verses 11 and 12,
Allah, the Lord of Guidance, proclaims:
وَإِذَا قِيَلَ لَهُمْ لَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ
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قَالُوا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ.
أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ هُمْ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَكِنْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ.
‘And when it is said to them, “Do not cause corruption on the earth,” they say, “We are peacemakers.” Indeed, it is they who are the perpetrators of corruption, but they do not perceive it.’
Verses 11 and 12 of Surah al-Baqarah vividly portray the hypocrisy of those who claim to be agents of peace while their actions bring devastation and injustice. Repeated ceasefire violations, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and disregard for human life reveal a clear betrayal of peace and justice. It is our duty to remain vigilant, to raise our voices against oppression, and to work tirelessly for a world rooted in justice, compassion, and truth. May Allah guide us to be steadfast in our efforts for justice and grant us the wisdom and strength to be witnesses to Justice and agents of positive change in this world. Allahumma Amin.
Justice, accountability and a just peace
Several Muslim organisations, among them the Islamic Society of North America (SNA), and the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), have welcomed the temporary ceasefire in Gaza while underscoring the necessity of true justice. For Islam exhorts believers to stand for justice at all times. In this regard, Allah, the Lord of Compassionate Justice, proclaims in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah al-Nisa, chapter 4, Verse 135:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ ۚ
إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًا فَاللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا ۖ
فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الْهَوَىٰ أَن تَعْدِلُوا ۚ
وَإِن تَلْوُوا أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا
‘O Believers, be persistently standing firm in justice, bearing witness for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So do not follow personal inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.’
Verse 185 from Surah al-Nisa underscores the vital importance of justice and standing for truth, even when doing so is challenging or against personal interests. It further implies that a mere cessation of overt violence is insufficient. True peace (salām) can only be achieved when the root causes of suffering – systematic dispossession, blockades, and the denial of basic human dignity – are addressed through the establishment of justice.
In this context, a well-known hadith recorded in the collections of Imams Bukhari and Muslim highlights our collective duty to support our brothers and sisters, whether they are oppressors or oppressed; meaning, we stop the oppressor from oppressing, and we rescue the oppressed from tyranny by establishing justice.
The Companion Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s everlasting peace and blessings be upon him) said
انْصُرْ أَخَاكَ ظَالِمًا أَوْ مَظْلُومًا
‘Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.’
A man asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I know how to help him when he is oppressed, but how can I help him when he is an oppressor?’
قَالَ: تَحْجُزُهُ أَوْ تَمْنَعُهُ مِنَ الظُّلْمِ، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ نَصْرُهُ
The Prophet responded by saying,
تَحْجُزُهُ أَوْ تَمْنَعُهُ مِنَ الظُّلْمِ، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ نَصْرُهُ
‘By preventing him from oppressing others, for that is how you help him.’
Five recommendations
In the spirit of this hadith, I recommend the following five actions:
- First, we should continue our Palestinian Solidarity Campaign despite the ceasefire.
- Second, we should demand accountability for war crimes and violations of international law to prevent future atrocities.
- Third, we should increase our support for reliable relief agencies delivering critical aid to Gaza during the temporary ceasefire.”
- Fourth, we should continue pressing leaders at all levels to enact policies ending injustices, lifting blockades, and ensuring freedom of movement in the occupied territories.
- Last but not least, we should continue our collaboration with allies and neighbours of all faiths committed to protecting innocent lives and upholding human rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while we welcome this ceasefire, as a temporary relief from the Genocide, we pray fervently that it evolves into genuine movement for peace with justice in Palestine and all oppressed peoples worldwide.
At this sacred hour of Jumu’ah we turn to Allah, Mujib al-Da`wat (the Responder to All Supplications):
Allahumma Antas Salam
O Allah Thou Art Peace
Wa Minkas Salam
And Peace Emanates and Comes from Thee
Make this ceasefire in Gaza the beginning of a pathway towards justice and peace.
O Allah Guide hearts to truth, remove oppression from every oppressed one, and make us among Your servants who fill the earth with justice and mercy.
O Allah, at this sacred hour of Jumu’ah
We beseech you to receive the souls of the martyrs of Gazza with your Rahmah – Your Infinite Mercy and Compassion – and to allow them to enter al-Jannah without reckoning. Bless their loved ones and grant them sabr – perseverance – and contentment.
O Allah, bestow Your blessings and peace upon our leader and exemplar Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Dr Abdul Rashied Omar is the Imam at the Claremont Main Road Masjid, Cape Town and is currently in the United States in his post as associate teaching professor of Islamic studies and peacebuilding in the Keough School’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
