اور الْوَهَنَ Pragmatism مصلحت اندیشی
Pragmatism = an approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.
Introduction
Why do some Muslims hesitate to act boldly for Palestine, despite its clear call for justice? The answer lies in a misused form of pragmatism—a practical approach that, when twisted, becomes an excuse for inaction. This passivity reflects a deeper spiritual ailment called wahn, described by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as “love of the world and hatred of death” (Sunan Abu Dawud). On sahilexplicated.blog, we explore how this wahn-driven pragmatism undermines the Palestinian cause and what Muslims can do to reclaim their duty. Join us as we unpack this critical issue and ask: Are we truly strategic, or simply docile?
What Is Pragmatism in the Palestinian Context?
Pragmatism, at its core, is about evaluating actions based on their practical outcomes. In the Palestinian cause, it could mean strategic resistance—boycotts, advocacy, or humanitarian aid. However, some Muslims misuse pragmatism to justify passivity, avoiding the sacrifices needed to confront Israel’s occupation. This caution, often cloaked as “strategic patience,” reveals wahn—a spiritual weakness prioritizing worldly comfort over justice.
The Quran warns against this mindset: “You prefer the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring” (Surah Al-A’la, 87:16-17). When Muslims sideline Palestine for economic or political stability, they betray the spirit of jihad—whether through wealth, words, or action—that Islam demands against oppression.
How Pragmatism Becomes an Excuse for Docility
For many Muslims, pragmatism morphs into a shield for inaction. Here’s how this unfolds:
1. Prioritizing National Prosperity Over Solidarity
Some Muslim-majority nations avoid supporting Palestine to protect trade or diplomatic ties. For instance, normalization deals with Israel, like those signed by certain Gulf states in 2020, prioritize economic benefits over Palestinian rights (Al Jazeera). Leaders frame this as pragmatic, but it sidesteps the moral duty to resist occupation.
2. Lip Service Without Action
Muslim leaders often condemn Israel’s actions in speeches but stop short of concrete steps, such as imposing sanctions or funding resistance. They cite “diplomatic risks” or “complex timing,” presenting inaction as a calculated choice. This mirrors wahn’s fear of hardship, as noted in the hadith: “Nations will gather against you… because you will be afflicted with wahn” (Sunan Abu Dawud).
3. Fear of Economic Loss
Wealthy Muslim nations hesitate to boycott Israel-linked companies, fearing economic fallout. For example, despite global BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) campaigns, only a few Muslim countries have fully embraced such measures (BDS Movement). This reluctance, framed as safeguarding prosperity, reflects wahn’s attachment to worldly gains.
These behaviors show how pragmatism, when misused, becomes docility—a refusal to act that perpetuates Palestinian suffering.
Wahn: The Spiritual Disease Behind Inaction
The Prophet’s warning about wahn—love of the world and aversion to sacrifice—diagnoses the root of this passivity. The Quran echoes this: “Say, if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your tribe, wealth you have acquired, commerce you fear may decline, and dwellings you delight in are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings His command” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:24). For Palestine, wahn manifests in:
- Clinging to Comfort: Choosing trade deals or political stability over justice, as seen in normalization agreements.
- Fear of Consequences: Avoiding bold actions like military aid or sanctions due to fear of Western backlash or economic isolation.
- Symbolic Gestures: Offering prayers or statements without tangible support, a comfortable but hollow response.
This spiritual ailment undermines the Palestinian cause, proving that inaction is not strategic but a symptom of weakness.
Why This Matters for Muslims
The Palestinian cause is a litmus test for Muslim faith and duty. Islam calls for active resistance against injustice, whether through wealth, influence, or effort. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart” (Sahih Muslim). By choosing passivity, Muslims risk failing this test, perpetuating oppression and weakening their spiritual resolve.
Consider the numbers: Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with 1.9 million displaced (UN OCHA). Yet, Muslim-majority countries contribute only a fraction of global humanitarian aid to Gaza (UNRWA). This gap between rhetoric and action highlights the urgency of confronting wahn.
Overcoming Wahn: Practical Steps for Muslims
To move beyond docility, Muslims must reject wahn and embrace active solidarity. Here are actionable steps:
- Support BDS Campaigns: Boycott Israel-linked products and companies. Check BDS Movement for targeted lists to make your choices impactful.
- Advocate Loudly: Use social media to raise awareness about Palestine. Share verified reports from sources like Al Jazeera or [Middle East Eye]