Table of Contents
Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you),
Why are we discussing the boycott in support to Gaza and Lebanon? There are several genuine reasons:
First, the extended duration has led some people to relax their commitment to the boycott, especially in Arab and Muslim countries, and even among Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries. For instance, some expatriates return during the summer carrying with them a culture of underestimating the importance of the boycott from the countries they visited. This attitude affects the commitment of people in Arab and Islamic nations.
Second, some brothers studying Islamic knowledge in places like the Land of the Two Holy Mosques have told me that even their colleagues in Sharia colleges—students of Islamic jurisprudence—do not participate in the boycott. They even argue that the boycott is neither beneficial nor meaningful. Therefore, we need to renew our resolve, address objections, and clarify that we need the boycott more than anyone else. Its impact on us may be greater than its effect on our brothers and sisters in Gaza and Lebanon.
The purpose of this message is to emphasize the principle of the boycott. To keep it brief, we will discuss in another message some guidelines that make the boycott more reasonable and sustainable, Insha’ALLAH (GOD willing). But for now, let’s focus on reaffirming the importance of the boycott.
Wealth as the Backbone of Nations
Dear friends, wealth is the backbone of nations. ALLAH Almighty says:
“And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you“1
— Suurat An-Nisaa’
If a man passes away and leaves behind a million dinars, it is not permissible to hand over this wealth to his young son who cannot manage it properly, saying, “Here, my dear, this is your inheritance from your father“. Why? Because ALLAH has made wealth a means of support—a backbone—for societies.
Much of the dominance exerted by unjust international systems over Muslims today is through economic means. The manipulation of public consciousness and national positions by adversaries often occurs through financial influence. So, it is not permissible to squander wealth by giving it to those who cannot manage it properly, such as young children. Imagine not giving money to a Muslim child who can’t handle it, yet giving it to those who aid in harming our brothers and sisters.
Is the Boycott Truly Effective?
But is the boycott actually beneficial? Does it really affect those who oppose us? Are we required to boycott everything? To answer these questions, I’ll refer to an article by Dr. Kareem Helmy, may ALLAH grant him success, with some simplification and additions.
Dr. Kareem states in his insightful article:
“I am cautious about making a general ruling on the economic boycott, either mandating or prohibiting it based on Sharia (Islamic law). I believe broad generalizations are inappropriate in this matter; instead, it requires careful detail. However, I view the principle of the boycott as generally good, beautiful, and beneficial. I don’t wish to engage in debates over the direct economic impact on the adversaries of Muslims, which often involve exaggerations or naive underestimations.
What matters to me is the psychological and social impact on Muslims themselves and how it reinforces zeal for Islam and its followers, inspires righteous anger for the sake of ALLAH and HIS Messenger, and fosters loyalty among believers and disassociation from those who oppose them”2
Dr. Kareem highlights our need for the boycott as Muslims. The boycott plays a role in cultivating and developing these significant values that we desperately need—values that are no longer taught in schools or universities and are seldom discussed in Friday sermons. These are the foundational pillars of Islam:
- Zeal for Islam and its followers
- Righteous anger for the sake of ALLAH, HIS Messenger, and the Muslims
- Loyalty to the believers and disassociation from those who oppose them
The boycott nurtures all of these within us.
How We Benefit from the Boycott
Dr. Kareem outlines how we benefit from the boycott:
1. Practical Commitment
The boycott is an active behavior that goes beyond merely observing the struggle between our brothers and others. This practical action moves us out of our comfort zones, prompting us to take on responsibilities and duties. It deepens our feelings of solidarity with our brothers and sisters. As Dr. Kareem says:
“Engraving action upon the soul leaves a much deeper imprint than mere observation or listening”3
2. Sustaining Engagement
Emotions can fade over time, and our interest in a particular cause may weaken if we remain passive. However, maintaining a positive action that we practice daily—making conscious decisions each time we purchase something—helps keep that interest alive. Bringing up the boycott when shopping keeps the cause of our brothers and sisters alive in our hearts.
3. Self-Discipline
Utilizing our current feelings to refine ourselves, toughen up, and break free from certain habits is one of the objectives of Sharia. One reason for our weakness is our attachment to consumerism and materialism. Sacrificing some comforts for the sake of ALLAH helps us liberate ourselves from material dependencies.
4. Economic Independence
Freeing ourselves from an overreliance on global brands—even if alternatives are of lesser quality or scarce—can contribute to breaking free from certain forms of economic dependence. This might encourage local industries or support products from Muslim countries or at least those not hostile towards Muslims.
5. Simple Symbolism
When friends gather and someone suggests a place to eat or shop, and another says, “Boycott“, that single word symbolizes numerous values and rekindles them without lengthy discussions. This is especially impactful when teaching children. Through a simple action, we instill values like pride, zeal, dignity, loyalty, disassociation, truth versus falsehood, and faith versus disbelief.
This may be the most crucial aspect: training ourselves and our children in these profound values.
Solidarity with Our Brothers and Sisters
Regardless of the economic impact of the boycott on those who oppose us or support them, we desperately need these psychological, social, and educational effects.
A sixth point to consider is making our brothers and sisters in Gaza and Lebanon feel that we are with them. Imagine how it feels for someone in Gaza and Lebanon to see us enjoying products from companies that openly support those who harm them. How does this align with the Prophet’s saying:
“The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are like one body. When one limb suffers, the whole body responds with wakefulness and fever“4
Instead of aiding them in any way we can, we indulge in products from companies that do not support their well-being.
The Duty to Denounce Wrong
Dr. Kareem further states:
“One of the greatest principles in Sharia is the encouragement to denounce wrongdoing, even if we believe our efforts might not bring immediate change. Social rejection of wrongful acts is required by Sharia, even if it’s not strong enough to prevent the wrongdoing entirely. One of the significant objectives of Sharia is to prevent people from becoming desensitized to evil over time under the pretext of ineffectiveness. Denouncing wrongdoing is as necessary for the one who denounces as it is for the one being admonished. This is why one of the obligatory levels of denouncing wrongdoing is to disapprove of it in one’s heart, because your heart needs to hear your rejection, even if others do not”5
The boycott is one of the means by which we express our disapproval of the injustices happening to our brothers and sisters and the conspiracies against them. This denunciation is required in itself, regardless of immediate results.
A Call to Continue the Boycott
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, the boycott must continue. We remind Muslims in all countries—including the Gulf states and the Land of the Two Holy Mosques—of its necessity. Let us be mindful of ALLAH in this matter.
May ALLAH guide us to what pleases HIM and strengthen us in supporting one another.
Sources:
- Dr. Eyad Qunaibi. لماذا نحتاج نحن المقاطعة؟. YouTube Video.
- Saheeh International translation ↩︎
- Kareem Helmy’s Article ↩︎
- Kareem Helmy’s Article ↩︎
- Riyad as-Salihin – The Book of Miscellany ↩︎
- Kareem Helmy’s Article ↩︎
