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Speaking Truth to Power: Islamic Rules for Protests, Civil Disobedience, and Encampments for Gaza | Blog
Are protests allowed in Islam? Explore the Islamic framework for participating in protests, civil disobedience, and solidarity encampments for Gaza.
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Published: May 16, 2024 •Dhul Qadah 8, 1445
Updated: August 22, 2024 •Safar 18, 1446
Read time: 17 min
It is for these reasons perhaps that the protests and encampments that began on a few American university campuses have not only continued, but have spread to university campuses across the world, pitting administrators beholden to money and politics against their own students and faculty. These powerless student groups have put their complicit governments and apathetic societies to shame, and have already secured significant concessions.3
1. Enjoin good and forbid evil
“Participation in protests against oppression is required, as it falls in the category of prohibiting evil, which is an obligation upon Muslims, and it constitutes giving help to the oppressed (which is also required); as for the mixing of genders, it is impermissible whether during or outside the protests.”5
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2. Fulfill the collective obligation of defending Muslims
3. Maintain Islamic etiquette and avoid anything haram
The Prophet said, “The believer who mixes with people and patiently endures their harm is better than the one who does not mix with people and endure their harm.”10
4. Build intentional alliances
5. Recognize your right to oppose injustice
6. Stay focused on the cause
7. Put your trust in Allah
“O you who have believed, stand firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do” (5:8).
References
15 Sunan Abū Dawūd, no. 4344; Sunan al-Nasā’ī, no. 4209, graded ṣaḥīḥ.
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