The Quran is a universal book of human rights, that teaches mankind how not to transgress the limits of decency and morality. But human rights come with human responsibilities. For shame, the Ummah have chosen to ignore this. Each person fighting to ensure that their rights are met while conveniently ignoring the rights of their brothers and sisters. There is such a strong emphasis in Islam upon human responsibilities and if each person ensured that they fulfilled their responsibilities and duties then undoubtedly they would be able to exercise their own rights freely without infringement.

I went to the MPACUK Gaza Workshop hosted by the Manchester branch and embarrassed is perhaps understating how I felt when I realised how disorganised, apathetic, and ignorant we are as an Ummah. You see, I knew we were all the above but its kind of worse than I thought. If there was a spectrum of incompetent, self absorbed, ignorant twits I think I am at the extreme of that spectrum.

But there is hope, always. Allah (swt) has blessed the Ummah with spirited, intelligent and sincere Muslims who have allowed their Iman to transcend to the very social responsibility that Islam asks of us. True humanity, that does not lament at the sorrow of the state of the Muslims then disengage from their responsibility. The type of humanity that is able to translate sorrow into action and I believe this is true sincerity. Difficult not to admire when you see it and its something I finally aspire to.

Islam teaches us how to be moral beings in the context of the modern world. We are so often told about ‘living Islam’. There is nothing more beautiful than the Spirit of Islam practised with genuine devotion and sincerity and it was there in that room and I have never seen it before.

Yes, the workshop was incredibly useful. Why? Because, I can see the vision and I believe it is possible. It is our unity that is our strength. All of the world knows our unity is our strength but us. If we really knew how potent a force it was, we would disregard our differences and stand firm. Secondly, the solutions are so simple. We are capable of implementing them, 'it really isn’t rocket science its better than that!'

History has shown us that our moral compass fails us too often and too frequently. That our ignorance paralyses us and yet it obligatory to seek education. Within our own silence and inaction we betray ourselves and others.

My silence is a betrayal I can’t bear, for I know Allah(swt) will ask me what I did and what I didn’t do. I suspect what I didn’t do will be worse because I know I was capable of doing it had I tried. Time scares me, or the lack of it but I ask Allah(swt) to place Barakah in my time so I am capable, able and always willing.

Is your silence a betrayal…..or does the denial live on in your heart?