When we speak of Palestine, we’re not just talking about land. We’re talking about legacy, faith, and an unbroken thread of truth that stretches across centuries.
In his recent talk, “Sacred Roots: A Visual History of Palestine,” Dr Waleed Hakeem shed light on the deep, intertwined history of Islam and Palestine, guiding us to see beyond headlines and uncover the sacred wisdom that lies beneath.
A Lesson From the Past
One of the most powerful reminders from the session was “We don’t want Palestine to become another Andalusia.”
For 800 years, Andalusia was a thriving centre of Islamic civilisation, until it fell under Spanish rule. Muslims were exiled, forced to convert, and stripped of their language, symbols, and identity. What remained was silence. Islam disappeared from Spain for nearly 5 centuries.
The lesson is clear— when faith and history are forgotten, oppression takes root.
Palestine: A Land of Truth and Test
Once home to more than 30 villages, the Hula Valley in Palestine now stands as a reminder of what was lost and destroyed in the name of false claims and political rewriting.
Dr. Waleed emphasised that the Zionist narrative asserting ancient ownership of Palestine contradicts even their own scriptures. True history cannot be erased— it testifies to those who lived, prayed, and built there for generations.
Truth Beyond Borders
Even archaeological findings challenge fabricated narratives. As Dr. Waleed shared, two Jewish professors themselves confirmed that no temple exists beneath Masjid al-Aqsa, dispelling one of the main arguments used to weaken its foundation.
This isn’t a struggle between Muslims and Jews, but between truth and falsehood. And in every faith, there are those who stand for justice.
Palestine as an Amanah
Dr. Waleed reminded us that our reward lies in our intention. Our collective intention today should be to become ambassadors of Palestine, to gain wisdom that leads to meaningful action, to inspire the next generation, and to never let history fade into silence.
Palestine isn’t just a cause. It is an amanah— a trust we hold through knowledge, advocacy, and faith.
The Journey Continues…
For those who found inspiration in Dr. Waleed’s words, his latest book, “The Woman of Two Belts”, continues his exploration of courage, legacy, and faith through the story of Asmaʾ bint Abi Bakr (r.a.), a remarkable woman from Islamic history.
It’s a heartfelt reminder that strength comes in many forms. Through sacrifice, wisdom and unwavering belief in Allah’s (s.w.t.) plan.
