Symbols of Palestinian Resistance: Islamic Perspectives on Hope and Justice
“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'”
— Surah Fussilat (41:30)
Palestine’s story is one of profound injustice and resilience. For decades, its people have fought against dispossession, occupation, and erasure, embodying the universal Islamic principles of ‘adl (justice) and sabr (patience). Symbols like the keffiyeh, the olive tree, the key, and Al-Aqsa Mosque encapsulate not only their resistance but also the sacred duty of the ummah to uphold justice. For Western Muslim youth, understanding these symbols provides a pathway to connect with their heritage, Islamic values, and a global struggle for human dignity.
The Keffiyeh: Emblem of Unity and Resistance
The black-and-white keffiyeh, with its distinctive checkered pattern, is more than a piece of fabric; it is a declaration of Palestinian identity and resistance. Historically worn by farmers, it symbolised their connection to the land. During the Arab Revolt (1936–1939) and later the First Intifada (1987–1993), it evolved into a universal symbol of defiance.
The interconnected patterns on the keffiyeh reflect the unity of the Palestinian people, while its fishnet design alludes to Palestine’s coastal heritage. For Muslims, the keffiyeh represents the principle of collective solidarity:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:103).
Wearing the keffiyeh is a way to affirm one’s connection to the ummah and stand with those resisting oppression. It reminds Western Muslims of their shared responsibility to support justice and unity.
The Palestinian Key: Symbol of Return and Hope
The iron keys held by Palestinian refugees are among the most poignant symbols of the Nakba, the 1948 catastrophe that displaced over 700,000 Palestinians. These keys represent the homes and lands Palestinians were forced to leave behind, embodying their right to return—a principle enshrined in international law but consistently denied in practice.
In Islamic teachings, the sanctity of one’s home is paramount. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever is killed protecting his property is a martyr.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari).
The Palestinian key is not just a symbol of loss but also of steadfast hope (sumud). It reflects a deep-rooted connection to the land, serving as a constant reminder of the enduring promise of justice and return.
The Olive Tree: Testament to Palestinian Endurance
The olive tree, with its twisted trunk and silver-green leaves, is a cornerstone of Palestinian life and culture. Cultivated for millennia, it provides food, oil, and wood, symbolising sustenance and rootedness.
The Qur’an exalts the olive tree as
“a blessed tree”
(Surah An-Nur, 24:35), further enhancing its spiritual significance.
Despite the destruction of thousands of olive trees by Israeli settlers and the military, the tree remains a powerful symbol of resilience. Its ability to regrow after being cut mirrors the Palestinian spirit—tenacious and unyielding. For Muslims, preserving the olive tree is a sacred act, tied to stewardship (khilafah) over Allah’s creation.
Al-Aqsa Mosque: The Spiritual Heartbeat of Palestine
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, holds profound significance for the global Muslim ummah. Mentioned in the Qur’an as
“the mosque whose surroundings We have blessed”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:1), it was the first Qibla and the site of the miraculous Isra wa Mi’raj.
For Palestinians, Al-Aqsa is not just a place of worship but a symbol of sovereignty and resistance. Its preservation is tied to the broader struggle for justice and liberation. For Muslims worldwide, Al-Aqsa serves as a reminder of the collective duty to protect sacred spaces and uphold the dignity of the ummah.
Handala: The Conscience of Palestine
Handala, the barefooted child created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali, represents the displaced Palestinian refugee. Always depicted with his back turned and hands clasped behind him, Handala symbolises the innocence of childhood lost to occupation and exile. His refusal to face the world reflects a silent protest, waiting for justice to be restored.
The Qur’an urges believers to stand with the oppressed:
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression.”.
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)
Handala’s presence in Palestinian art and culture is a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the moral imperative to advocate for justice.
The Watermelon: Covert Symbol of Defiance
During times when the Palestinian flag was banned, the watermelon—featuring the same colours as the flag (red, green, black, and white)—became a creative form of resistance. Its vibrant colours allowed Palestinians to assert their identity in the face of repression.
This ingenious act of defiance aligns with the Prophetic teaching to use wisdom (hikmah) in the struggle for justice. The watermelon underscores the resilience of a people who refuse to be silenced, even in the most oppressive circumstances.
The Sabra Cactus: Resilience in Thorns
The sabra cactus, commonly found marking the ruins of Palestinian villages destroyed in 1948, symbolises sumud (steadfastness). It thrives in arid conditions and regenerates even after being uprooted, mirroring the Palestinian people’s enduring spirit.
The Qur’an praises patience:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153).
The sabra cactus is a living testament to this divine principle, embodying resilience and hope.
The Stone: Symbol of Defiance
During the First Intifada, stones became iconic symbols of resistance. Palestinian youth used them as weapons against heavily armed soldiers, embodying the David versus Goliath narrative. This imagery recalls the Qur’anic account of Prophet Dawud’s (David) triumph over Goliath, illustrating the power of faith over brute force (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:249).
The stone serves as a reminder that even the seemingly powerless can challenge oppression when guided by faith and justice.
Each symbol of Palestinian resistance tells a story of steadfastness, faith, and hope. For Western Muslim youth, these symbols offer profound lessons: the importance of unity, the sanctity of justice, and the power of resilience. Supporting Palestine is not just a political act but a spiritual duty, rooted in the Islamic values of ‘adl(justice) and rahmah(compassion).
May Allah grant us the strength to uphold justice and stand with the oppressed. Ameen.
Read more about the Palestinian struggle.
