Last week, Shaun King delivered an inspiring talk during his visit to Malaysia, focusing on the critical issue of Palestinian freedom and the role that each of us can play in this fight. In this blog, we’ll break down the 5 key takeaways from his talk, providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to join the fight for justice and make a difference for Palestine. In a time when the struggle for justice seems endless, his message resonated deeply with the audience, emphasising how we can channel our energy and resources to support Palestinians meaningfully. Let’s dive into the key insights from Shaun King.
Fighting this Battle: The Right Way
Abu Sa’eed said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: ‘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—and that is the weakest of Faith.'”
The Prophet taught us to use our bodies to fight injustice, followed by our words and, last, our emotions. The majority of us, however, live this hadith backwards, with few of us engaging in physical battle against injustice; instead, we mostly use prayer and social media to advocate for justice. This sequence must be adjusted if we are to have a significant impact. Let’s all of us start taking matters into our own hands.
Essential Steps of Initiate Changes
- Energised people
Energised people are the people we usually see during rallies and protests. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be there physically. Those who continuously post on their social media are also highly energised people. As you can conclude, most of us are already highly energised in trying to fight for the freedom of Palestinians. But how can we channel this energy the right way?
- Organised people
Energy is important, yet it is insufficient on its own. Shaun King emphasised how crucial organisation is. Having motivated individuals is only the first step; what really counts is transforming motivated individuals into organised individuals. Organisation can be done in many ways, such as organising people based on their skills or free time to do volunteer work. Often, movements falter not because they lack passion but because they lack structure. Organising people ensures that their collective energy can be sustained and directed effectively toward a common goal.
- A Sophisticated Plan
“A plan is only as functional as the ability of everybody to repeat it back to you.”
– Shaun King
This powerful statement underscores the importance of having a clear, actionable blueprint that everyone involved can understand and contribute to. He emphasised that many confuse understanding the problem with having a plan to solve it. Despite widespread awareness of the genocide against Palestinians, there is frequently no well-thought-out plan that takes into account how complicated the situation is.
- Courage to Act
Faith and dedication are closely connected to courage. Frequently, what seems to be a lack of courage is actually a lack of planning. People are more likely to act bravely when they are well-directed and aware of their place in the bigger scheme of things. Thus, let’s trust in Allah and his plan and take a step forward toward justice.
- Finances to Sustain the Movement
Securing funding that can support long-term initiatives is the last crucial element in bringing about change. Currently, a large portion of the Muslim community’s financial contributions go towards providing food and medical supplies to Palestinians as well as other humanitarian help. Unquestionably, this is important, but we should also consider options other than immediate relief. Some of these resources should be directed towards strategic projects that can put an end to the oppression in order to properly address the crisis’s underlying causes. Muslims together donated more than $1 billion to aid Palestinians last year alone, demonstrating that there is a willingness to help but that it must be directed strategically.
The Bigger Picture
Shaun King was unafraid to call attention to the terrible truths of our reality. Even though we think that humanity has advanced, history seems to be repeating itself. Think about it: if humanity were truly getting better, why is there still genocide in 2024? Let’s face the unsettling reality that we still haven’t learnt from the past.
In order to increase awareness, the media and influential voices are essential. We now have access to real-time photos and films that highlight the dire circumstances in Palestine, unlike prior generations. This transparency plays a significant part in influencing public sentiment and creating change momentum. But it also entails the duty to ensure that this awareness is translated into significant action.
What Comes Next?
Shaun King’s talk was not just an analysis of the Palestinian struggle; it was a call to action for everyone present. He reminded us that if we are prepared to be organised, establish strategic plans, act bravely, and manage our resources well, we can make a difference. Although the Palestinians have a long and difficult road to freedom, change is achievable with perseverance and a proper strategy.
It’s time for our community to get over its sense of helplessness. It’s time to turn our passion into plans, our energy into action, and our hope into real help for those in most need. Shaun King’s message was quite clear: we can all work together to create a society where justice is upheld, and even the smallest action matters.
That is all for today’s blog. Share and spread this blog to your friends and loved ones. May the knowledge you earn from this blog be beneficial to you. See you in our next blog post. Free, Free Palestine! 🍉🇵🇸
