Baitul Maqdis, the sacred land that has witnessed the historical struggles of the Muslim ummah, is once again in the global spotlight. In a public event held at the UGM Mosque, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Al-Fattah El-Awaisi, an expert in international relations and a historian specializing in Baitul Maqdis, shared deep insights into the struggle for the liberation of this holy land. This event was not only an academic discussion but also a reminder that the fight for Baitul Maqdis is a collective responsibility of the Muslim ummah.
Why is Baitul Maqdis Important?
Prof. Abdullah began his speech by emphasizing that Baitul Maqdis is not merely a political or territorial issue; it is a matter of faith. Since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Baitul Maqdis has been a symbol of unity and struggle for Muslims. In fact, the Prophet himself had devised a strategy for its liberation, which was later realized during the caliphate of Umar ibn Khattab.
However, history records that Baitul Maqdis has undergone various occupations, from the Romans and Persians to the Crusaders. Interestingly, Prof. Abdullah highlighted that Muslims in the past never perceived these occupations as wars against a specific religion but rather as a fight against foreign invaders. This serves as an important lesson for us today—to avoid being trapped in divisive narratives.
Lessons from History: The Generation of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi
One of the key points discussed by Prof. Abdullah was the role of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi’s generation in liberating Baitul Maqdis from the grip of the Crusaders. It took 88 years for Muslims to unite their strength and finally succeed in reclaiming the holy land. This demonstrates that struggle requires patience, thorough preparation, and collaboration across various disciplines.
Prof. Abdullah stressed that we, as the younger generation, must learn from history. “We cannot just shout about Palestine without understanding the root of the problem,” he stated. Education is the primary key. We must study history, politics, and international strategies to effectively contribute to this cause.
Challenges Faced by the Muslim Ummah Today
One of the biggest challenges facing the Muslim ummah today is the “colonization of the mind.” Prof. Abdullah pointed out that many of us are trapped in a colonial mindset—we think like Westerners, even though we are Muslims. This prevents us from thinking creatively and strategically in solving issues affecting the ummah, including the matter of Baitul Maqdis.
He also noted the striking similarities between the present situation and the past. The genocide happening in Gaza today reminds us of the massacre of 70,000 Muslims by the Crusaders when they occupied Baitul Maqdis. However, what is even more disheartening is that despite having greater access to information, we still struggle to take effective action to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
What Can We Do?
Prof. Abdullah provided several concrete steps that we can take:
- Read and Learn – Start by reading books about Baitul Maqdis and Palestine. Knowledge is our primary weapon.
- Build a Culture of Liberation – Make the issue of Baitul Maqdis part of daily discussions, whether in academic settings or within the community.
- Educate Yourself and Others – Education is the key to change. We must become experts in our respective fields and use our skills to contribute to the struggle of the ummah.
Hope for the Younger Generation
The event concluded with an inspiring message from Prof. Abdullah. He reminded us that Indonesia, as the largest Muslim-majority country, has great potential to be a beacon of hope for Palestine. However, this can only happen if Indonesia’s youth make the most of their educational opportunities.
“Knowledge drives change, liberation, and civilization,” he emphasized. Knowledge will bring transformation, freedom, and progress. Let’s start with ourselves—by reading, thinking, and taking action. Baitul Maqdis is waiting for our contribution.
Let’s take the first step now! Pick up a book about Baitul Maqdis, join discussions, and spread awareness among your friends. Together, we can be the generation that brings change.
Watch the full lecture video here: Liberation of Baitul Maqdis
Photo & writer: Deski Jayantoro