veiled4allah: leading Palestinians call for non-violence

When I posted here previously about Islamic non-violence, some people in the comments felt that I was advocating for "surrender" or for inaction in the face of oppression. That is not correct. I was advocating for non-violent action.

That a call for non-violent struggle is different from a call for "surrender" or "inaction" is illustrated by this advertisement placed by leading Palestinians, such as Hanan Ashrawi, Shaher Sae'd, head of the Palestinian trade union federation, and others (see linked page for complete list of signatories):

We, the undersigned, Palestinians from various political, intellectual and social institutions, united in our endurance and struggle for freedom, emphatically condemn and denounce Israel's blatant aggression on our people. The cold-blooded murder of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and his faithful companions by Sharon and his right-wing extremist government two days ago epitomizes Israel's criminal and insidious behavior.

While we assert our people's rights, guaranteed by all international covenants, to defend themselves by all means available and despite the enormity of our pain at this horrific tragedy and its impact, we nevertheless call upon our people throughout Palestine, guided by the imperatives of national interest and the removal of the initiative from the hands of the criminal occupation gang, to repress their rage and rise once again in a widespread, popular and peaceful Intifada, based on clear objectives and forthright discourse, with the fate of our people steered by the masses.

Such an Intifada would be conducted by our valiant people as a proactive approach to deny Sharon the pretext to continue escalating his aggression on our people and holy sites and would prevent him from finalizing his “security” plot.

We call for this unified Intifada as a step towards the resurrection of constructive and disciplined popular action, with clear objectives as well as a binding program and political return. We reaffirm our commitment to our just and legal demands and to our people's inalienable rights. We call for uniting ranks on grounds of national unity and a unified leadership that can effectively resist the occupation.

Here, the objection to violent tactics is a practical one: they backfire and only bring more misery and repression upon the Palestinian people. Thus non-violent action is proposed as an alternative tactic for continuing the struggle.

My blog entry on Islamic non-violence presented a moral argument: certain types of tactics (e.g., attacks on civilians, mutilation, etc) and weapons (e.g., nuclear weapons, cluster bombs, landmines, depleted uranium, and other weapons that kill civilians along with military targets) are forbidden by Islam and must be refrained from by those who wish to abide by what Allah SWT has commanded. In situations where the only tactics or weapons that can be used are those which are forbidden, non-violence provides an alternative, lawful means of action and struggle.

Remember, Muslims, the pains and joys of this world are fleeting; the Hereafter is forever. Don't sell your happiness in the Hereafter for an illusory gain of victory in the world that is obtained by means that Allah SWT has forbidden. Better to remain patient and endure the suffering, and achieve Paradise, than to use forbidden tactics and be cast into Hell.

N.B. See also Could a Palestinian non-violence movement work? and Follow-up on Palestinian non-violence movement. Other related posts include A Muslim Gandhi, Resources on Islamic non-violence, and (from Open Source Politics), Islamic Non-Violence (written for the anniversary of 9/11 last year).

Update: Unfortunately, I had to close the comments on this entry because it turned into an abuse-slinging session instead of a discussion. Unfortunately, it seems that the subtleties I mentioned in the first paragraph of this entry remain difficult to grasp. If you would like to share your thoughts on the topic of non-violence in a positive manner, please email me. Thanks.

Update 2: Brother John submitted an excellent comment by email, which you can read in the extended entry field; just click "Read more" if you need to, inshallah.

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Comment submitted via email by John:

Asalamu alaykum, Here is my comment on your closed thread:

I think what was written in the white column is one of the most, if not the most effective things, after calling to Allah for help. The world recognizes nonviolent struggle. And I thought it had and will have a huge effect if the people in Palestine do this. They did it briefly a year or more ago, I saw the pictures of the peaceful nonviolent protest by some intellectuals, I saw it and was very happy. People can understand intellect and discourse and ask, "Why are these people marching? Who is against them for that, and who will do something to them just for that?" But killing people, I don't think it has been effective, and any gov't can warp the situation if a Palestinian does that. Not to mention I don't agree with what some Palestinians do, they are my brothers and sisters and I am not in their situation, still I do not like some things.

I agree with sister Muhajabah that those acts she listed are forbidden.

PS: this was the comment I was going to put on your original website, then read below you closed it. Thanks sister, I believe you are fighting for the right cause, the cause of Allah SWT. jazakallah khayr. Don't falter and pray to Allah for guidance. Asalamu alaykum wa rahmattallah.