By: Abahroy
Journalist, Aswinnews.com
Amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, some Muslims seem more preoccupied with the warning: “Let’s not provoke World War III.” A concern that may appear rational, but in truth, reflects a deeper crisis in our reasoning and faith today.
As Israel and its allies intensify their brutal aggression, much of the Islamic world remains restrained—for the sake of global stability. Yet history teaches us that truth and victory are never born from fear. In the era of the Caliphate, Muslims faced foes with far superior military power and technology. But victory did not belong to those with greater numbers or more advanced weapons—it belonged to those with faith and the courage to declare: “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakiil” (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs).
Tragically, such spirit is almost absent today. The Islamic world appears paralyzed not due to weakness, but from a lack of direction and courage. Major Islamic organizations like the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and the Arab League continue to issue statements of concern—without real political or economic action. No sanctions. No real pressure. In fact, several member states have normalized ties with the occupiers, smearing Palestine’s wounds with false diplomatic smiles.
Yet, amid this silence, the world was briefly shaken in April 2024, when Iran retaliated against an Israeli airstrike that destroyed its diplomatic facility in Damascus and killed senior military commanders. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory directly. The world gasped: “Is this the beginning of World War III?”
But what truly happened?
Nothing close to a world war. Instead, the world stood stunned. For the first time in decades, a Muslim-majority country boldly signaled that dignity and honor are not mere slogans. Iran—whether we like it or not—showed that retaliation is not insanity, but a powerful message: an oppressed people will not remain silent forever.
This is not about idolizing Iran. This is not about choosing between Sunni or Shia. This is about conscience and the dignity of the ummah.
On a national level, Islamic organizations across many countries—including Indonesia—have expressed concern and raised humanitarian funds. But is that enough? Where is the diplomatic pressure on Muslim-majority nations to act in international forums? Where is the collective strategy to turn solidarity into global influence?
We do not lack voices. We lack direction, resolve, and courage. We don’t seek a Third World War—but we also cannot keep tolerating genocide in the name of “maintaining peace.”
If the world continues to hide behind the fear of global conflict, then what is the point of having a Muslim population in the billions? What is the value of mosques filled every night if our collective voice cannot even stop the weeping of children in Gaza?
The fear of World War III should never be an excuse to silence the truth. This is the moment for Muslims to prove that faith is not merely a private ritual—but a collective force capable of shaking the world.
