Reflections on faith and solidarity

Ibrahim Negm
Tuesday 14 Jan 2025

The firestorms destroying homes in California and the aggression destroying lives in Gaza prompt reflection on our faith, responsibility, and solidarity, writes Ibrahim Negm

 

The firestorms devastating California and the tragic events unfolding in Gaza may appear to be disparate crises separated by geography and context. Yet, I see profound parallels between these tragedies, reminding us of our shared humanity and the responsibility we have to respond with faith, compassion, and action.

Both California’s firestorms and the suffering in Gaza challenge communities to confront loss, displacement, and uncertainty. They are trials that test faith and resilience. The Quran reminds us that “We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” (2:155).

In California, firestorms are reducing homes to ashes, uprooting families and leaving scars on the land. In Gaza, relentless aggression is destroying lives, homes, and dreams, leaving entire communities in despair. For both, patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom are essential, but they must be paired with collective action to alleviate suffering.

These trials remind us of the transient nature of this world. Both disasters prompt reflection on our purpose, priorities, and the need to prepare for the eternal hereafter.

In California, the firestorms are a stark warning about humanity’s failure to care for the Earth. Climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable development have amplified the intensity and frequency of these fires. As Muslims, our duty as stewards of the Earth is clear: “Do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation” (7:56).

Similarly, Gaza’s plight highlights a different form of stewardship – the responsibility we have to care for one another. The ongoing aggression, destruction, and humanitarian crisis are a painful reminder of the Quranic command to protect life and uphold justice: “Whoever saves one life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity” (5:32).

Both crises reveal humanity’s collective failure to uphold these responsibilities. The environmental degradation fuelling California’s fires mirrors the global indifference that perpetuates suffering in Gaza. In both cases, our neglect harms the most vulnerable among us.

The Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon Him) taught that “The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who brings benefit to others.” This principle guides our response to both California’s firestorms and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

In California, we must mobilise relief efforts, provide shelter for displaced families, and advocate for sustainable environmental policies. In Gaza, our obligation is to amplify the voices of the oppressed, provide humanitarian aid, and call for an end to the cycle of violence.

The Quran urges us to “cooperate in righteousness and piety” (5:2). This cooperation transcends borders. Just as we rally to support Californians displaced by firestorms, we must also extend our solidarity to the people of Gaza. The suffering of one community should awaken empathy for all.

California’s firestorms and Gaza’s plight are both symptomatic of larger systemic failures, environmental neglect in the one case and political injustice in the other. Both demand accountability from global leaders and communities.

The fires in California warn us about the consequences of ignoring the environmental crisis, while Gaza highlights the dangers of ignoring human suffering. Both crises call for global cooperation to address the root causes, whether through sustainable environmental policies or advocating for peace and justice in conflict zones.

Moreover, these crises remind us of the interconnectedness of humanity. In the same way that climate change affects us all, the suffering of a community, whether in Gaza or California, should also concern us all. The Prophet (peace be upon Him) said “The believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion, are like a single body. If one part feels pain, the whole body suffers.”

I urge the faithful to see these tragedies as a call to renewed action, both locally and globally. In California, let us embody the principles of environmental stewardship, advocating for sustainable practices and helping communities recover. In Gaza, let us be voices for peace and justice, working to end the suffering of its people and supporting humanitarian efforts.

Both crises require not only prayer but tangible efforts. We must channel our faith into action, reflecting Allah’s mercy through service and solidarity.

Finally, let these events remind us of our shared destiny as human beings. The firestorms in California and the destruction in Gaza underscore the fragility of life and the urgency of working towards a world rooted in compassion, justice, and harmony. May Allah guide us to be true stewards of the Earth and protectors of humanity.

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11). Let us rise to this challenge, for the sake of our faith and our shared future.

 

The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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