Throughout history, student protestors have demonstrated unwavering tenacity in their fight against establishment forces, standing firm for their causes with resolute determination. Their protests, marked by an unyielding commitment to justice and truth, highlight the vital importance of archiving these stories to inform and inspire future generations. Documenting these acts of defiance from the perspective of everyday people provides a rich, authentic historical record. – Sadiya Ahmed

Learning Through Activism: Gaza Encampments and the British Muslim Experience

One of the salient features of modernity is the cultivation of an education system which seeks to not challenge political transgression, but rather a colonised dissemination of knowledge which has lost its true purpose. An education system which is complicit and intertwined with a sequence of events, leading to genocide. Preserving the spirited effort towards recognition of Palestinian human rights will serve as a reminder of the resolute struggle exhibited by British Muslims in a watershed moment for student activism in the UK. The constant merciless bombardment of the Gaza strip which have filled our screens with harrowing images, videos and anecdotes of death, destruction and almost apocalyptic scenes have compelled a cadre of students to challenge their institutions complicity and silence. Departments which adorn their hallways with the faces of those who historically challenged injustice, now find themselves in a seemingly moral quagmire. The tents, the teach outs and the constant stream of activities advocating for Palestinian human rights which are reminiscent of student activity during the invasion of Vietnam and the struggle against Apartheid, provide hope that the philosophical purpose of education lives on, and knowledge is justice. For knowledge equals justice.

The role of British Muslims during the battle for truth with conglomerate media networks highlights the everlasting endurance, channelled by an unwavering hope as illustrated through the Quran. Whilst many of us often assume we have reached the crescendo of this nightmare, we are only welcomed by the oppressors increasing in their barbarity. However, despite this something spectacular is happening. Muslim activism only increases, the encampments only grow, and the pedagogy shifts from the lecture theatres to communal lessons led by students who have reinforced the true meaning of education, one which has justice and morality at its heart. Islam is a unification of all aspects of existence, which encourages the believer to live courageously and in a constant state of spiritual consciousness. The British Muslim experience highlights the power which we have, and begs us to question, with the gift of education, how are we supporting the cause for human rights? Muslims through history have served as the curators of a vast corpus of knowledge, through literature, science and so on without detaching the ethical component from its body.

The importance of documenting and capturing such times cannot be understated. The activism and effort towards Palestinian self-determination, through various means adds to the mosaic which is the British Muslim experience, a configuration of experiences regardless of the diaspora, all bound together by the drive towards justice. The project at Everyday Muslim Heritage aspires to use its archive as a medium to educate and empower, through capturing stories, photographs and building a record of history which captures the British Muslim experience.

The encampments have served as a powerful vehicle which highlights the role leading centres of learning play in the destruction of Palestinians whilst simultaneously highlighting the power and enthusiasm British Muslims have, who refuse to be forced to quieten their disdain. The tireless commitment exhibited by all involved should be captured and documented as it serves not only as a powerful reminder but also breathes the very principles of a community driven by action. In a political climate which has ripped the monopoly of truth from traditional news networks, the battle for narrative has shifted, as the death toll rises, we must feel not the fatigue of activism but instead remember the unwavering resolve and perpetual optimism which characterised the best of creation, May Peace and Blessings be Upon Him.

Author: Qaasim Ali