Summary of "Gaza: Are US Muslims Doing Enough? | Dr. Omar Suleiman"

The video features an in-depth discussion with Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman on the role and responsibility of American Muslims amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The conversation explores the moral, spiritual, and practical dimensions of Muslim engagement with the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of solidarity, activism, and self-accountability.

Key Points:

Complicity of the United States Dr. Suleiman stresses that no country is more complicit in the Gaza genocide than the U.S., given its political, military, and economic support for Israel. American Muslims, by virtue of living in the U.S., bear a heightened responsibility to oppose this complicity actively.
Moral and Spiritual Dilemma: “What Does It Mean to Eat While Others Starve?” The discussion highlights the discomfort Muslims should feel when enjoying normal life comforts while witnessing starvation and suffering in Gaza. This discomfort is framed as a necessary part of faith (iman), a call for empathy, and a reminder of accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
- Muslims must balance living their lives and fulfilling religious duties while maintaining active empathy and solidarity with the oppressed.
- Extravagance and complacency are morally offensive, especially during genocide.
Psychology of Solidarity and Empathy The hadith of the Muslim community as one body is explored deeply, with emphasis on the biological and spiritual response to suffering—sleeplessness and fever symbolize vigilance and internal pain.
- Muslims must feel the pain of Gaza’s suffering as if it were their own, reflecting active love, mercy, and sympathy.
- Solidarity ranges from direct aid to at least hating the evil in one’s heart if no other action is possible.
Practical Actions and Boycotts
- Protest, boycott, and economic activism are crucial tools. Even if some doubt their effectiveness, the Israeli government’s attempts to suppress protests and movements like BDS show their impact.
- Muslims should scrutinize investments and avoid supporting companies complicit in the genocide, equating support for such companies with supporting immoral practices like gambling or alcohol.
- Small actions, including donations, dua (prayers), protests, and raising awareness, all contribute to collective impact.
Historical Parallels and Lessons from the Prophet Muhammad’s Time The discussion draws parallels between the current siege of Gaza and the boycott/starvation faced by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions in Mecca.
- Just as early Muslims persevered, modern Muslims must find inspiration and play their roles, whether inside or outside the “trench” of direct conflict.
- Supporting those who can act is also a valuable contribution.
Building Alliances with Non-Muslims in the U.S.
- Longtime non-Muslim pro-Palestine activists have been joined by new allies across political and religious lines, including some who have recently converted to Islam inspired by Gaza’s plight.
- The movement is becoming mainstream, attracting diverse groups, though caution is advised against those who seek to dilute or co-opt the cause (e.g., liberal Zionists or those who only oppose Netanyahu’s government rather than the broader apartheid system).
- Engagement with both left and right-wing allies requires moral clarity and safeguarding Islamic principles without compromising identity.
Challenges within the American Muslim Community
- Despite resources and awareness, turnout for protests and activism remains limited compared to other countries like the UK.
- Comfort and privilege among many American Muslims create barriers to sustained activism and sacrifice.
- There is a need for greater communal responsibility, including supporting political prisoners and refugees locally.
- Examples of impactful activism, such as letter-writing campaigns for imprisoned activists and solidarity events, show the power of community engagement.
Accountability and Introspection American Muslims are particularly accountable due to their position in the U.S. and must escalate their methods of protest and advocacy.
- The community must support those facing repression for activism and not allow fear to silence them.
- There is a call for building institutional power and long-term strategies beyond immediate emotional responses.
Hope and Encouragement Despite shortcomings, small victories and growing activism provide hope.
- Sincerity in action leads to creativity and divine guidance.
- The global pro-Palestine movement’s strength lies in the collective efforts of many, and persistence will lead to eventual success, God willing.

Presenters and Contributors:

Dr. Omar Suleiman – Islamic scholar and activist, main speaker
Mahmud Ansari – Host and interviewer, contributor to the discussion
Additional voices include protesters, activists, and community members referenced throughout the conversation.

This dialogue serves as both a spiritual reflection and a practical call to action for American Muslims, urging them to overcome complacency, engage deeply with the Gaza crisis, and build broad, principled solidarity.