Growing up, my father often educated me about the resilience and deep faith of my people, the Palestinians. As I learned more of the hardships faced in Palestine, I realized how strong and unwavering their connection with God was, despite the challenges they encountered daily. That connection with God became a source of inspiration to me, strengthening my own faith and shaping the way I view life. In Palestine, where uncertainty and struggle are part of everyday life, faith is not just a belief; it’s a lifeline. I’ve seen and heard of families who, despite losing homes or loved ones, never lost their trust in God. They stood firm in their belief that God’s wisdom was greater than any hardship they faced. “Alhamdulillah,” meaning “Praise be to God” is often said by the Palestinian people, even so as they look down on the rubble of their homes and the corpses of their family. The people’s prayers, their reliance on God, and their gratitude for even the slightest blessings left me awestruck and enhanced my connection with God.
For the Palestinians, faith is a constant reminder that beyond the difficulties, hope awaits beyond. Despite all they’ve endured, citizens of Palestine continue to give charity and protect one another through this agony, embodying what it means to be an exemplary human being. The martyrs of Palestine, who have selflessly sacrificed their lives in the name of God, are extraordinary examples of being a devoted follower of Al Azeez, The All Mighty. The allegiance of God isn’t about seeking a miracle, but recognizing the miracles that are currently present. Faith is not simply embracing God when times are advantageous, it is trusting in God even in spite of uncertainty. This kind of faith calls us to be better—to be compassionate, to be generous, and to be patient, just as He instructs.
The strength of my people has made me proud to be Palestinian, not just because of our shared history and culture, but because of what that identity represents. It reminds me that being Palestinian is about embodying values like perseverance, generosity, and unwavering trust in God’s plan, even through adversity. Watching their resilience has drawn me closer to my own faith, causing my immense gratitude for the blessings in my life and has amplified my mindfulness of the power of prayer and community.
The constant reminder of the decades of suffering the Palestinians have persevered through without losing their trust in God has enabled me to see challenges not as punishments but as lessons. I started noticing small blessings around me — the unwavering support of family, the beauty of the sun rising each morning, and the strength that faith gave me to keep moving forward. My struggles became lighter because I knew I wasn’t carrying them alone. Faith isn’t about living a life free of challenges; it’s about trusting God to guide you through them. It’s about realizing that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. My beloved, Palestinian people have reminded me to be profoundly appreciative, not just for life’s blessings but also for the misfortunes, because that is precisely what has shaped me into who I am today. Henceforth, whenever life throws me a curveball, I remember that time, that conversation with my father, and the power of prayer. And with each challenge, I draw closer to God, knowing that through faith, I am equipped to confront the beautiful struggles of life.
