Taking care of our mental health and protecting our hearts during the war in Gaza.

Written By Stephen Maynard

Many of us are very concerned for both the People of Gazza and The West Bank in the context if the Gazza War following the attacks on Israel on the 7 th of October. As Muslims we generally and more so for Arabs Muslims Palestinians and certainly for those who know people in Gaza and The West Bank, we may be feeling, loss, grief, secondary or vicarious trauma anxiety or a sense of depression. We may not always be able to put the words to our experiences. We may feel a sense of hopelessness, fear, pain perhaps sometimes we are feeling pain in our bodies. We may feel worried, sadness, anger rage or guilt.

Our appetite, or our ability to concentrate might disappear. There may be problems with sleep, or irritability. We might feel no enjoyment in activities, we might feel like withdrawing from people or our minds might be full of intrusive thoughts.

These are difficult reactions to extraordinary events, but they are normal ways that the body, that we physiologically respond to extreme crises. This period is significantly traumatising and for this reason, it is possible in these circumstances as perhaps it was in the pandemic to lose motivation or even have a crisis of faith. If you find yourself experiences these reactions to the situation in Gaza, be honest with yourself, be merciful and in self-awareness acknowledge how you are feeling. Put aside all thoughts of what you should do. Remember Allah judges our intentions not our actions. Understand what is in your heart what you intend to do and do not judge yourself on what you achieve. If Allah is merciful, then be merciful to yourself. Focus on what you feel, focus on what you can do. Allah’s mercy is greater than His wrath so allow yourself mercy, protect your heart. Do not feed guilt. Any believer not in war in destitution is so by the mercy of Allah. Allah is before and after time. He is the ‘all knowing,’ and he is closer to you than your jugular vein and he will give the kingdom to those he chooses to, accept the mercy of your Lord ask Allah to cover your faults. Do not feel doubt, we are told in the Quran that we are created in toil, bearing witness to the suffering of others is toil it is difficult as we want to believe that these things cannot happen. The Prophet peace and blessing be upon his name said:

“Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 49)

Though it is described as weak, it is faith, because it is witnessing the reality not hiding from it, in Trust of Allah and that is noble when all else fails. That is not to say that there is an obligation to take in all the pain of this situation. Protect your heart you alone will know what you can bear. Constant exposure to distressing news and social media can significantly impact our mental health. Know what is too much for you, know your limits and stop.

If salat comforts, you take refuge in salat. No salat is not to become a place where you ‘must’ ask for Allah’s mercy upon the people of Palestine. His mercy is assured. Talk to your Lord in salat honestly from your heart. Say what is true for you at the time, ask for His help in relation to what touches your heart knowing that you can ask Him for help for you.

For some people Quran is their protection in such times. If that makes sense to you read Quran, read the verses that sooth, you read the verses that inspire you. These following verses may be of help to you:

Feelings of hopelessness.

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As Saabiroon (the patient). Who when afflicted with calamity,say: ‘Truly to Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return.’” (Quran 2:155-156)

“O My servants who believe, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good and the earth is spacious. Indeed the patient will be given their reward without account.” (Quran 39:10)

Feelings of being overwhelmed.

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)

Feelings of anger.

“…who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such do-gooders.” (Quran 3:134)

“And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and even when they are angry, they forgive.” (Quran 42:37)

Feelings of guilt.

“Except for those who repent and do righteous work. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 25:70)

“If you give Allah a goodly loan, He will increase it for you several fold and will forgive you. Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing.” (Quran 64:17)

Protect your hearts. Accept the limits of your reality this is also part of submission. Remember as best you can your trust in Allah. If you can gain support from people you trust, who care for you, turn to them for the support you need. Give yourself the support you need to get through this. It is a crisis. We are in a way in survival mode. This is not the ordinary, the everyday. Ask Allah in whatever way is true to your heart to guide and protect you.