Palestine Awakens the Ummah


Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy tells us about the ways in which the Ummah must respond to the genocide in Gaza. These events must awaken the inner spirit of our Imam, and guide us to steadfastness in our faith, for the sake of the Ummah.

He discusses the hadith that warns of a time when nations of the world will invite one another to devour and consume Muslims, as if they were a dish. The speaker explains how this prophecy has manifested in various ways in the past, such as the famous painting from 1802 in the British Museum, where powerful European figures are depicted carving up the Turkey, symbolizing the Ottoman Empire and the Muslim caliphate.

The prophecy is precise, the speaker notes, and it predicts that there will be two billion Muslims in the world on that day, but they will be weightless and without any significance, as European powers will have no fear or intimidation of their enemies. The source of this weakness, the speaker says, is that Muslims will become obsessed with living in this world, and too afraid of death. The speaker does not specify the events that will lead to the persecution of Muslims, but emphasizes the severity of the situation and the danger it poses for the Muslim community.

Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy brings up the futility of being concerned about one's own life and livelihood when faced with hardships in comparison to trusting in Allah. He highlights the story of the people of Gaza, who have been subjected to atrocities and yet still have achieved success, according to the Quran, by accepting death over disbelief. Elshinawy also emphasizes the importance of staying close to the Quran to strengthen one's heart and trust in Allah. He uses examples of individuals who have faced persecution and loss for speaking out against injustice, including Harvard University students and a physician in New Jersey, to illustrate the impact of resilience and faith in making a difference.

He discusses how petitions were circulating to reinstitute a co-worker who was wrongfully fired due to speaking out against the company he was working for. The speaker notes that many people were saying, "what's the point of trying to do anything when the people in power own the politicians and lobbies and are the biggest donors to corporate interests?" However, he emphasizes that some people still believed it was important to do something and to not give up hope. The speaker then shares an example of how a group of employees who were upset with a one-sided statement from management managed to convince their employer that they didn't have the full story and received a response that they didn't know. The employer later donated $1.5 million to charity through the Red Crescent for the people of Gaza and agreed to match up to $200,000 for employees who wanted to donate in that direction. The speaker then quotes from the Quran to reinforce the importance of not giving up on hope and emphasizing that the greatest reminder is available in the Quran, and that just remembering it is not the goal, but rather reviving oneself from being absent-minded and heedless. He encourages his listeners to understand the resilience of Gaza's people, who memorize the Quran in large numbers and have the ability to keep together during difficult times.

Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy discusses the importance of understanding the reality of Allah's creation and the significance of regular prayer and studying the Quran. He emphasizes the need for individuals to deepen their understanding and relationship with the Quran, as it is only then that they can find certainty and guidance. Sh. Elshinawy also talks about the dangers of getting caught up in the distractions of this world and becoming oblivious to our religious responsibilities. He quotes the Hadith of response, which emphasizes the importance of coming together in the Ummah to worship and serve Allah. He also talks about the current state of the Muslim world, where Islam is under threat in various parts of the world. Overall, Sh. Elshinawy encourages his viewers to take a radical approach to their lives and prioritize their religious obligations, emphasizing that the future of the Ummah depends on it.

Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy speaks about the impact of colonialism on North Africa and Algeria in particular. He notes that the French replaced the Arabic language with their own, making it difficult to understand Islamic traditions such as wearing the hijab. He also points out that despite efforts to erase Palestine from history, it remains resilient, and the fact that the streets of Algeria celebrate the return of the Commander of the Faithful by its monument at the Grand Mosque in prayers suggests a connection between Muslims around the world. Elshinawy emphasizes that the struggle for justice is a personal decision, and individuals must choose whether to align themselves with the values of Islam or the values of hypocrisy. He refers to the Hadith of the Messenger of God (SAW) who promised to support those who stand and fight for a ground that is in line with Islam's true direction, free from disbelief and doubts. Finally, Elshinawy speaks about the need to support and rebuild the ethnic and religious community, making it an asset for Islam rather than a hindrance.


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