“In the crater of the Earth, in the land of Gaza right now, there is a portal to the heavens that is possibly larger than any portal to the heavens in any place on planet Earth.”
These powerful words from Imam Dr Omar Suleiman set the stage for a discussion that transcends headlines and political rhetoric. For Muslims in the West, the last nine months have been a gruelling test of faith, patience, and resolve. The constant stream of devastating news from Palestine has left many feeling helpless, angry, and spiritually drained.
OnePath Network sat down with Imam Omar Suleiman, a prominent voice for the Muslim community and a scholar of Palestinian origin, to navigate these complex emotions. This conversation offers a beacon of light, providing spiritual guidance, practical advice, and a framework for understanding our role in these unprecedented times.
Finding Strength Amidst Unspeakable Grief
When asked how he is personally coping with the crisis, Imam Suleiman draws a deeply personal parallel to the greatest tragedy of his life: the death of his mother. He found comfort then, as he does now, in the Islamic understanding of martyrdom and the unseen reality of the Hereafter.
He reflects on the Quranic verse, “Do not think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision” (Quran 3:169). This perspective allows for the complex emotional state of a believer:
- Outrage over Injustice: We can feel deep anger and sorrow for the brutal murder of innocent people.
- Peace in Martyrdom: Simultaneously, we can find peace in knowing the immense reward and joy Allah has promised the martyrs (Shuhada).
“The complexity of the believer is that I can see at the same time the ugliness of the genocide and the beauty of the faith of the people of Gaza,” he explains. “That complexity is not understood except by someone who has faith.”
He finds comfort in knowing that Allah’s promises are true: the oppressors will face justice, the efforts of the good-doers will not be wasted, and Palestine will ultimately be free. It’s a matter of when, not if.
The American System on Trial: A Response to Netanyahu’s Address
Watching Benjamin Netanyahu receive numerous standing ovations in the U.S. Congress was a difficult, though not surprising, scene for many. Imam Suleiman views this as a clear indictment of a system held hostage by foreign interests.
“The American Empire and Israel are one,” he states bluntly. “Every single one of them has what one Congressman called a ‘babysitter from AIPAC’.”
He points out the hypocrisy for both sides of the political aisle:
- For “America First” Republicans: How can you chant slogans of patriotism while giving a foreign leader, a man with an arrest warrant for war crimes, an ovation that an American leader wouldn’t receive?
- For Democrats Championing Diversity: How can you watch your party act “like a bunch of dogs in front of a war criminal” while he justifies a genocide being carried out with American-funded machinery?
However, he sees a silver lining: the veil has been lifted. The blatant display of subservience has made the pathetic nature of American imperialism obvious to sincere people who may have never seen the Palestinian cause through the lens of justice before.
A Moment of Clarity: “In the course of that speech, children were killed by the machinery that was provided from the house that he was standing in.” – Imam Omar Suleiman
Navigating the 2024 Election: A Muslim Perspective
With an election looming, many American Muslims feel trapped between two equally unappealing options. Imam Suleiman cautions against falling for illusions about either party offering a solution.
Beyond Trump vs. Biden
He reminds us that while their rhetoric may differ, their policies regarding Palestine have been devastating.
- Donald Trump moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, has illegal settlements named after him, and pushed for the Abraham Accords.
- Joe Biden has overseen and enabled what Imam Suleiman calls “his genocide,” making him directly complicit.
“The problem is not Republican, the problem is not Democratic,” he asserts. “The problem is that the entire American system is Hostage to the Israeli occupation.”
A Strategic Path Forward for Muslims
Instead of despair, he advises a principled and strategic approach. Here are actionable takeaways:
- Interrogate Policy, Not Words: “I don’t want to hear you say this needs to end. I want you to make it end by putting an arms embargo on Israel right now.” Demand concrete action, not just “expressions of concern.”
- Unify Your Strategy: Consider collective action, whether it’s a national write-in campaign, voting for a third-party candidate as a protest, or leveraging the “uncommitted” vote that successfully caught the White House’s attention.
- Focus on Every Race: The presidential election isn’t the only one that matters. Public opinion has shifted on Palestine. Muslims and their allies can exert significant influence in local and congressional races. The fact that around 130 Democrats did not attend Netanyahu’s speech is a sign of this growing pressure.
- Punish Genocide: If the community does not hold politicians accountable for enabling genocide and apartheid, it loses all moral standing.
Building Bridges: Why Activism is Dawah
Some question the balance between activism (the call for justice) and Dawah (the call to worship Allah). Imam Suleiman argues they are inseparable.
He uses the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) standing on Mount Safa. The Prophet first reminded his people of his track record of trustworthiness and concern for their worldly well-being. He then used that credibility to call them to salvation in the Hereafter.
“The call to maintain the sanctity of human dignity in this life is intimately linked to the call to salvation for humanity in the next life,” he explains.
True Dawah is a genuine manifestation of care for people’s well-being in this life and the next. In fact, many people have embraced Islam after witnessing Muslims show up for causes that were not “Muslim-specific,” demonstrating a consistent, principled stand against all forms of oppression.
A Beacon of Faith: The Story of Wael Al-Dahdouh
One of the most moving parts of the interview is Imam Suleiman’s reflection on meeting the acclaimed Al Jazeera journalist, Wael Al-Dahdouh. He describes watching Wael have everything taken from him: his wife, children, and colleagues, while remaining a pillar of sabr jameel (beautiful patience) on screen.
When they finally met, Imam Suleiman was struck by the journalist’s profound certainty (yaqeen) in Allah. With every “Alhamdulillah,” he could feel it coming from his heart. Wael connected every tragedy to Allah’s names and attributes: His Mercy, His Justice, His Promise.
Speaking of his family, Wael said, “The only difference between me and them is that they went to Jannah, and I came to Doha.”
This unwavering faith, even in the face of unimaginable loss, is a powerful lesson for us all. It is a certainty that only a true believer can possess.
Confronting Rising Islamophobia with Courage
The weaponisation of anti-Semitism to silence criticism of Israel has fueled a surge in Islamophobia. Imam Suleiman recalls the funeral of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, stabbed to death by his landlord, and the shooting of three Palestinian students in Vermont.
He challenges us to imagine the media outcry if Wadea had been a Jewish boy killed by a Muslim landlord. The double standard is sickening and is used to suffocate the very real violence and hatred being directed at Muslims and Palestinians.
So, does he fear for his own life?
“Absolutely not,” he answers without hesitation. “If we’re not learning from the people of Gaza to not be afraid, then what are we learning? Fear is so crippling. If you live in fear, you’re not alive.”
His advice is to stare that fear in the face and squash it. Be wise, but be courageous.
The Final Judgment: Where Justice is Guaranteed
For those feeling helpless, Imam Suleiman paints a vivid picture of the Day of Judgment, which is a day when no one will be wronged. He describes the scene from a hadith where a murdered person drags their murderer to the throne of Allah, saying, “Oh my Lord, this one killed me without right. Take vengeance for me.”
Imagine the people of Gaza dragging their tyrants before God. On that day, the oppressors who received standing ovations on Earth will be like ants, trampled under the feet of the believers.
“There’s mercy in justice,” he reminds us. While we hope for Allah’s mercy for our own sins, part of His mercy is ensuring that absolute justice is served for the oppressed.
The Path Forward
The journey through these difficult times requires a unique blend of outrage and hope, action and prayer, worldly strategy and otherworldly certainty. Imam Omar Suleiman’s insights provide a comprehensive guide:
- Find strength in the promise of Allah and the example of the faithful.
- Engage politically with principle and strategy, focusing on policy over rhetoric.
- Unite activism and Dawah by demonstrating a consistent concern for humanity.
- Conquer fear with the courage inspired by the people of Gaza.
- Trust in the ultimate justice of the Hereafter.
The road is long, but our faith is our compass. As we continue to advocate, educate, and pray, we must hold onto the certainty that victory is for the believers, and Allah does not let the efforts of the righteous go to waste.