How can we alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza during Eid al-Adha?

This is the second Eid that the people of Gaza are experiencing while in the midst of war. Days pass, and the war continues. There are calls during every occasion to limit the joy of the holidays to religious rituals in solidarity with the people of Gaza. A state of sadness and incomplete joy pervades the general atmosphere, yet it is necessary to rise and engage with daily life.

It is a fact of life that people face various changes, calamities, and shifts, and they must interact with them, whether good or bad. However, each individual’s response to these changes varies. After all the massacres and bloodshed in Gaza, there is a psychological impact on its people. The trauma and pain, which differ in terms of how they are endured and responded to from person to person, leave a psychological impact similar to a crack in a vessel. After all this, with what spirit and emotions can a Gazan celebrate Eid? Some will try to live through Eid and its joy despite the pain and loss, while others will be unable to overcome the sorrow and the aftermath of the war.

How can we alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza during Eid al-Adha? It is essential to provide them with material aid. I read on a website that some scholars have prioritized giving money over performing the sacrifice, stating that aiding the people of Gaza is more important than the sacrificial ritual. I will quote what I read: “A correct and valid opinion because, when faced with competing obligations, the more necessary and important one takes precedence. The sacrificial ritual is a Sunnah (a non-mandatory act of worship), but resisting the aggressor is obligatory. However, this is said when obligations conflict, and I do not see a conflict here. Instead, I see that one can opt for an alternative, which is to donate the price of the sacrificial animal. In this case, the opinion of Imam Malik and other reputable scholars can be followed, which is to donate the price of the sacrifice, and the person will have the reward of the sacrifice, God willing.”

We are looking for everything we can do to help the people of Gaza and alleviate their pain and sorrow so that Eid does not pass without leaving some joy for them. There are reports suggesting that the war may cease, and Gazans might return to their homes. I pray for that to happen because it is time for the war to end and for the people of Gaza to enjoy security and safety. It is time for them to heal their wounds and return to their normal lives.

I have a friend on Facebook from Gaza. I regularly check her posts to ensure she is safe. Despite the sadness, she resists and has strong faith in God. One of the last things she wrote was: “I am waiting for the Day of Arafah to tell God everything in my heart.” My friend, may God fill your heart with more faith and make your prayers answered at all times. The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, when Muslim pilgrims stand on Mount Arafah, which is one of the most important rites of Hajj. On this day, prayers are answered, and God forgives sins and mistakes. So, Lord, remove the sorrow from the people of Gaza and replace their sadness with joy and happiness.

It is our duty to prepare for the rituals of Eid, to revive them, and to celebrate Eid with joy. I searched for the legitimacy of showing joy on Eid despite the grief and loss that afflict Muslims in Gaza and found this answer on the Islam Q&A website: “A Muslim should combine both matters: to perform the religious rituals, such as the Eid prayer and to show some joy and happiness, and at the same time, to grieve for the misfortunes that have befallen his brothers and to feel their pain. Undoubtedly, the more a Muslim feels and senses the pain of his fellow Muslims, the less he will indulge in permissible amusements, although he can still allow himself a measure of beneficial joy on Eid and be thankful for God’s blessings.”

Eid, in whatever condition you return, whether with memories of the past or a renewal of the present, even though my loved ones are far beyond reach. I wish there were vast deserts between us. Although I do not like this verse by Al-Mutanabbi because it dims the joy of Eid, it has become the motto of all Muslim holidays since the beloved Palestine was occupied. Despite the sadness and pain, the Palestinian people’s struggle continues to script stories of heroism and holidays. They are a people of strong will, who love life. Here, I quote Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry:

“We love life whenever we can find a way to it. We dance between two martyrs and raise a minaret of violet or a palm tree.”