Gaza: The Struggle of the Muslim Ummah

The concept of "Ummah" holds a significant place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It generally refers to a community of believers united by their faith in Islam. In Arabic, the term can also mean "nation" or "mother source," but its theological implications are much deeper. The Ummah is a collective of individuals who profess that there is no god but Allah and that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is His final messenger. This idea suggests that humanity is one large family, with the Ummah representing a smaller, close-knit group. Therefore, when one part of this family suffers, it should concern all members.

However, many pragmatists argue that the notion of a Muslim Ummah is merely a dream. They point out that despite the existence of approximately 54 Muslim-majority countries, these nations often find themselves divided and at odds with one another politically, socially, and economically. Unlike the European Union, which has established a political and economic bloc, there has been no similar unity among Muslim countries. Even the oil-rich Arab nations have failed to unite on critical issues, such as the ongoing Palestine question.

The only notable attempt at unity was the United Arab Republic, formed in 1958 by Egypt, Syria, and Yemen under Gamal Abdul Nasir's leadership. Unfortunately, this union lasted only three years before collapsing in 1961. A more successful example of Muslim unity occurred in South Asia when Muslims came together to create Pakistan in 1947. Yet, even in this case, many nationalist Muslims opposed the idea, and today, India has a larger Muslim population than Pakistan.

Across the globe, Muslims are facing severe challenges, including atrocities, genocide, and oppression. The Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar are trapped in dire refugee camps in Bangladesh, while the Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir endure brutal oppression under the Modi regime. In Sudan, a vicious civil war rages, yet the so-called Ummah appears indifferent to the suffering of its members.

The Arab-Israeli conflict, which has persisted since 1947, exemplifies the plight of the Palestinians, who have been stateless for decades. Currently, the people of Gaza are enduring a horrific onslaught from Israel, yet no unified response from the Muslim Ummah has emerged. Ironically, European nations have seen more significant demonstrations and condemnations of Israel than many Muslim countries. It seems that many in the Middle East and Asia are unresponsive to the cries for help from Gaza, raising serious questions about the solidarity of the Ummah.

The ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict starkly highlights the collective failure of the Muslim Ummah to protect the weak and oppressed. For years, Palestinians have faced relentless attacks from Israeli forces. As violence escalates in Lebanon and Palestine, it becomes increasingly evident that the Muslim Ummah has failed to safeguard its own people. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is supposed to champion Muslim rights, has proven ineffective in addressing the plight of Palestinians. Internal divisions and political maneuvering have rendered the OIC impotent in the face of Israeli aggression, exacerbating the suffering of Palestinians and emboldening Israeli actions.

To an observant eye, the concept of the Muslim Ummah appears to be failing. Each Muslim-majority country seems to prioritize its own geopolitical interests over the needs of suffering Muslims. Countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain maintain diplomatic relations with Israel while ignoring the plight of Gaza's residents. In this context, the OIC resembles a mere debating club, where nations gather to make speeches and enjoy grand dinners, only to return to their own issues.

Currently, the Muslim world is experiencing significant power shifts, with new players vying for leadership. The landscape is gradually transitioning towards a multipolar system, moving power away from Saudi Arabia to Turkey. This shift is driven by Turkey's desire to play a more prominent role in the complex Muslim world, while the Saudi-led system has struggled to address long-standing conflicts and the rising Islamophobia affecting Muslims globally.

In 2020, leaders from 52 Muslim countries convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a conference titled "The Role of Development in Achieving National Security," aimed at responding to Islamophobia. However, the absence of Saudi Arabia, the most influential Muslim state, from this summit highlighted the fractures within the Ummah. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were notably not invited, while Qatar and Iran, two of Saudi Arabia's main rivals, participated.

The ideal of a united Muslim Ummah remains a distant dream, overshadowed by political divisions and self-interest. The suffering of Muslims worldwide, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, calls for a reevaluation of priorities among Muslim nations. Only through genuine solidarity and collective action can the Ummah hope to address the pressing issues facing its members and work towards a more just and equitable world.