Taraweeh: Time for Salah or Time for Politics?

There are thousands of people who are dying across the Middle East as we speak. The outrage on behalf of their suffering is understandable when expressed at appropriate times. However, it is unwarranted when an all-consuming emotional outcry over the political injustices against Muslims virtually takes over a holy and sacrosanct religious event that no spiritual awe and reverence is left for Allah. I went to pray Taraweeh at a local Arab Masjid this week and everyone was so busy weeping over the arson attacks on Palestinians in Gaza that hardly a tear was left for Allah. The Imaam's anger and indignation, though could have been justified under any other context, it was really farce and grotesque during Salah. Far from creating an environment conducive to reflection and meditation over the Qur'an, spiritual growth and connection with Allah,  he turned this act of worship into a political campaign.  I completely lost my focus from Allah and got sucked into  daggers drawn for a political cause. Even the congregation, previously jaded and bored for the most part of the Taraweeh suddenly became impassioned during Qunoot supplication. Does we love Palestine more than Allah?

I love Palestine because of Allah. He sent revelation to Palestine. He sent Messengers (a.s) to Palestine. He sanctified Palestine. In my unenlightened opinion,  Allah comes first and then.. and only then Palestine. Please do not get me wrong, I do not mean to be insensitive about the loss of innocent lives in Palestine. I intend to convey that we should not run over religion with politics.As emotionally charged as we may be, the purpose of religion is not the establishment of a political goal. Our political activism should not compromise religious devoution. Many Muslim sisters arrive at the forefront of public demonstrates for Palestinians rights and debate panels proving the gross injustices of the Israeli apartheid state at the cost of their Salah (5 daily prayers), Qur'an (understanding the Book of Allah), Fasting, Akhlaaq and Hijab.

Let's face some facts - religion is far from its central place in the lives of most Muslims (Palestinian or not) in the West and Middle East. Islam has retreated from its individual and social sphere; it is manipulated only for political purposes. We only marginally see our lives in this world as a transition and preparation for life in the next world; rather,we believe the world has intrinsic value and significance solely in it sown right and not justified by any reference to Allah.
I say this in the aftermath of living 7 years in the Middle East and 15 years in an Arab community in Canada, where most grocery stores owned by Arab Muslims sell non-halal, non-zabeeha meat, offer lottery tickets and serve alcohol in their restaurants. They pass as religious because they speak Arabic and 'look' Muslim but to be honest, hardly any 20-something year old Arab regularly comes to the Masjid. (This is not to say that Pakistani youth is perfect. Hardly! We have our own set of problems which are beyond the scope of this article). European colonization wiped out any form of normative Islamic supervision from political, judicial and educational institutions in the Middle East. A century of occupation from a foreign culture has resulted in the decline of Islamic beliefs and observances as reflected in the Arab community. Nationalism, Hollywood and atheism have eclipsed religious devoution.

I appreciate that we are making duaa - that's the first step in the right direction: turning to Allah for help. The accompanying and equally important aspect of making duaa is obeying Allah. If we want Allah to respond to our call, we should believe in Allah and do as He says. We should forgo the militant rivalry with Israel and pick up Da'wah (calling people to Allah) and Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness of Allah). Palestinians will not be returned any inch of their land seized by the Israelis. Every government in this world and especially the UN is topsy-turvy about Israel (apparently the internal criminal laws do not apply to Israel) so their irredentism is universally supported. (After his Ramadan greeting video, I almost believed Trudeau Junior would make a good future Prime Minister. Soon after he released another video saying Canada has got Israel's back - see what I mean?) Every political campaign launched to free Palestine has caused more genocide. Is Palestine worth hundreds of thousands of deaths each year? Allah asks us to protect the Deen and protect human life. I strongly believe we are squandering both over a fist fight with Israel over a piece of land which belongs to Allah.
What did the Prophet (s.a.w) say to the companions when they were in no shape to face the Quaryshi onslaught? He commanded them to migrate instead of fighting a senseless battle. The early struggle to establish Islam was filled with night prayer, Da'wah, taziyah (purification of the soul), charity and Hijrah (migration). If our struggle for Palestine is for Allah then we will do what Allah says.