In the January third speech by Imam Khamenei, a particular sentence resonated more than others through Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah: "The Islamic world’s pulse is beating in Gaza today." A pulse serves as a sign and symbol of life and vitality. To determine someone's life or death, their pulse is checked. Now, the initial question that arises is how the pulse of the Islamic world can resonate in a city where, in less than 90 days, over 22,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in bombings and ground invasions by the Zionist regime; approximately 60% of its homes are demolished in Gaza, and an unimaginable number of people are displaced and orphaned. Especially in a city where the lifeless bodies of defenseless citizens are left exposed in its streets and alleys, and at any moment, a several-ton bomb could descend, claiming dozens of lives at once. Does such a place even have a pulse?
To better understand this statement, let's put aside the usual outlooks about life and death and approach it from a different perspective, distinct from modern ones. Looking through the lens that sees material life as all there is, it becomes challenging to perceive Gaza as a pulsating heartbeat. Someone using such a viewpoint might not even feel inclined to keep up with the news of Gaza or contribute to helping its people, opting to distance themselves from a conflict that puts their own life at risk. Through this perspective, Gaza isn't a pulse but an incurable wound in the world of Islam.
In contrast to this perspective, there's another lens that doesn't limit life to the material world. It doesn't get bogged down in the ups and downs, indulging in entertainment and daily routines but rather sees life in this world as a prelude to what comes after. In this outlook, "ending" generally loses its significance, yet the concept of death remains present. When there is no end, the definition of death takes on a different meaning.
Exploring life and death in the Quran
This second perspective echoes Imam Khamenei’s portrayal of Gaza as the beating pulse of the Islamic world, which is inspired by the teachings of the Holy Quran. The concepts of "life" and "death" in the Quran carry profound significance. In interpreting the concept of life from verse 24 of Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), Imam Khamenei emphasizes: "'O believers! When God and the Prophet invite you to life and genuine existence, answer their call.' What kind of life do God and the Prophet beckon us to? Essentially, it's the dignified life of a human being... A purposeful life goes beyond mere consumption, enjoyment, and yielding to worldly desires; such a life rejects the summons of God and the Messenger. The inherent instinct of every human guides them toward an animalistic existence. While all animals strive for sustenance and the fulfillment of desires, fighting for their survival, a righteous life aligns with this existence on the path of God and strives for noble goals.”[1] He further explicates, "The dignified life of a human being extends beyond mere bread and water; humans seek purpose, love, lofty ideals, freedom, and dignity. If a nation's stomach is filled but its honor and dignity are stripped away, subjected to commands and subjugation, how can that nation find comfort and tranquility?"[2]
The concept of death in the Quran goes beyond mere physical destruction. Imam Khamenei, in interpreting verses 41 and 42 of Surah At-Tawbah (9:42), sheds light on the meaning of "halaakat" (destruction) in the Quran. He emphasizes, "'destruction' isn't confined to physical death or the departure of the soul from the body. Moreover, eternal destruction doesn't imply everlasting physical death. In many Quranic texts and traditions, this interpretation isn't employed; instead, destruction carries a broader meaning, signifying annihilation, spiritual decline, and the demise of virtues. This nuanced interpretation delves into a more profound understanding. Despite having a soul, many are unfortunate and spiritually lifeless. Historically miserable people are among these. Individuals who are shackled in worldly misery are also spiritually lifeless. In these Quranic verses, God addresses believers, urging them to 'give up their lives and wealth' while cautioning against throwing themselves into destruction by withholding their wealth and lives. The emphasis is on highlighting that destruction in the Quran isn't solely about the cessation of breath and physical death; it encompasses the ruin and decline of the spiritual realm. The collapse of morality, social and ethical degeneration, and the erosion of honor constitute destruction. Deviating from the path of societal strive for perfection, and succumbing to material poverty represents destruction, and living under societal oppression signifies a downfall."
The Quran provides a pathway to evade decline and attain the desired life—through jihad (struggle) on the path of God and maintaining patience in the face of challenges. In verses 24 of Surah Al-Anfal (8:24) and 195 of Al-Baqarah (2:195), one can discern the voice of Allah, guiding humanity towards escaping genuine destruction and finding liberation from the chains of the arrogant powers and oppressors. This escape involves overcoming material temptations, all encapsulated in the jihad in the path of God through giving up both worldly life and material wealth. “The Quran asserts that abstaining from jihad not only leads individuals to their own demise but also brings calamity upon their society. This verse makes it unequivocal that any society that neglects its divine responsibilities and refuses to bear its burdens is essentially thrusting itself into destruction. Therefore, this statement warns of the severe consequences of avoiding jihad.”[3]
This jihad should be coupled with patience in the face of ensuing hardships, and through this endurance, resilience, and jihad, individuals are enabled to escape death and experience a revival of life. (1:153-7)
Gaza as the pulsating heart
Presently in Palestine and Gaza, a life like what is explained, molded by resistance for justice and unwavering strength against invading oppression is reaching its zenith. To put it differently, the Palestinian Resistance Groups and the people of Gaza have evolved into a beating heart within the Islamic world, exemplifying and embodying life-giving principles from the Quran. The impact of their life-giving endeavors is not confined to the Islamic Ummah alone but extends to the society at large, encompassing even non-Muslims. The Jihad and striving in the path of God, resistance, and patience exhibited by the people of Gaza resonate throughout the Islamic world, igniting fervent support for the oppressed. The Islamic world, entangled in internal conflicts and strife due to Western colonial-imperial conspiracies in recent decades, is now uniting to reclaim its vitality by supporting Gaza. While a substantial part of the Islamic world has grappled with internal conflicts and wars resulting from the exploitative policies of colonial and hegemonic powers, Gaza is currently showing the right path through its brightness. It lays bare the identity of the common enemy of the Islamic community, unifying the Islamic Ummah with a resounding voice in the fight against this shared adversary, forming a united front. Despite the constraints imposed on the will of Muslim nations by Western and Zionist powers, Gaza, through its resistance, actively dismantles these chains from the feet of the Islamic nation.
The life-giving resistance in Gaza has courageously unmasked the adversaries of the Islamic Ummah, rejecting the conciliatory approaches that some Islamic countries were considering. The Zionist regime and the US as its main supporter aimed to normalize relations between the Zionist regime and Islamic countries through the promotion of the "Abraham Accords," contradicting the desires of the Islamic Ummah and relying on their imposed power. The Al-Aqsa Flood Operation and the people of Gaza successfully thwarted this conspiracy, once again bringing the issue of Palestine to life within the Islamic Ummah. Through their jihad and patience, the people of Gaza exposed the true nature of the criminal and bloodthirsty Zionist regime and its supporters, especially the United States, who had concealed their warmongering agenda behind a façade of seeking peace. They infused fresh energy into the Islamic Ummah’s struggle against the fronts of disbelief and Western Arrogance.
Since October 7, there have been unprecedented protests across almost all Muslim countries, demonstrating practical support for the people of Gaza. The Resistance Forces known as the Axis of Resistance has engaged in a direct confrontation with the usurping Zionist regime, actively supporting the people of Gaza.
If we, as Muslims, seek to fulfil the Quranic way of life, it is crucial to strengthen our "pulse" by clarifying and sharing the Palestinian narrative and, supporting the resistance in Palestine by any means necessary. The Islamic Ummah is currently more alive than ever in recent decades, and Gaza has gave this life to it.
[1] From the meeting in Mashhad, April 18, 1991
[2] From the meeting with the people of Bushehr, Jan. 1, 1992
[3] Sayyid Ali Khamenei. بیان قرآن: تفسیر سوره برائت [Clarifying Quran: Surah Al-Tawbah Exegesis], Islamic Revolution Publications, 2018.
