8hb April 2012: Visit to Lebanese-Palestinian Border
From ‘Umar, Al-Mughîrah, Thawbân, Abu Hurairah, Qurrah bin Iyâs, Jâbir, ‘Imrân bin Husain, ‘Uqbah bin ‘Âmir, Jâbir bin Samurah, and Abu Umâmah (may Allah be pleased with them all) who narrated,“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘A group from my nation will remain adhering to religion victorious by it, and conquering their enemy. Not (the least) harmed by those who desert them, except for the hardship they suffer until the Command of Allah (the Last Day) comes to pass while they are still so.’ They (the Companions) asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Where are they? He answered, ‘In Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and the environs of Baitul-Maqdis.’ (At-Tabrani)
The Lebanese-Palestinian border is approximately 3 hours south from Beirut. As we approached the border, we had to stop at several army checkpoints. At the last checkpoint, our passports were checked. Ironically, Palestinians are not allowed to go near the border without permission beforehand.
Despite looking composed every time we were scrutinised, it was a nerve-wrecking experience to be within close proximity to armed fierce-looking soldiers with tanks nearby. Imagine living with that every day, and having to pass such hostility just to have a glimpse of your hometown.
We passed by two more refugee camps; Ar-Rashidiah and Ain Helwah. The highway to the border was along the coast, and the difference between our views on the opposite sides was starkingly horrendous. On our right was the beautiful Lebanese coast. Luxurious hotels filled the panorama, with clear blue sea as the background.
In contrast, to our left was a disorganised area of crumbling, half-bombed buildings which was a sore to the eyesight. Even from afar, we could feel the suffering. How could people stay in those posh hotels fully aware that opposite them were people living in such disgraceful conditions?
As we approached the border, we saw several Lebanese villages which were destroyed several times by the Israeli army during their invasion. But these houses were rebuilt and rebuilt, again and yet again, every time this happens.
This is normal, according to Brother Mahmood. For them, life is about perseverance. They will continue to rebuild their lives, every time Israel tries to destroy them.
The Lebanese-Palestinian border is a long stretch of road, with a high wired fence on both sides. We stopped at several points along the border to get a better view.
Across the fence, we saw nicely arranged fields and houses. These are Israeli settlements in Palestine. There were cars passing with people looking happy inside, living life as if nothing had happened.
“Imagine people robbing your house, killing your family, and driving you away from your house. Then, you come back to see them living life there so guilt-free you wonder if anything really happened,” exclaimed Brother Mahmood as he gazed the land of his hometown.
We continued the journey, and Brother Mahmood sang Palestinian songs, as an expression of his deep longing to return home.
Then, we stopped at Hadiqah Iran, a recreational park facing the land of Palestine. There, many Lebanese families were enjoying themselves, however we decided to gather together facing Palestine and reminded ourselves the reason why we are fighting for this sacred land.
“We are sad, but we are hopeful. We believe that one day we will return, it is just a matter of time,” says Brother Mahmood.
He then reminded us the three conditions in order to liberate Palestine.
- Faith in Allah and his promise of victory (Al-Imaan Billah)
- Strong preparation; in terms of knowledge and material.
- Perseverance (As-Sabr)
At the last point we stopped by, we were literally 2-3m away from the sacred land. It was so near, yet so far, prevented by the high barbed fence and UN soldiers guarding the area. It was so frustrating and saddening at the same time. We vowed that one day, the fence will be torn down and we will have the chance to walk freely across the grass and pray in Masjidil Aqsa.
InsyaAllah.
Ya Allah, please liberate Palestine and make us among its liberators.
-team iLubnan 2012