{"id":8478,"date":"2025-06-14T16:40:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T16:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationaldiplomat.com\/?p=8478"},"modified":"2025-06-14T16:40:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T16:40:26","slug":"when-compassion-feels-lonely-a-personal-reflection-on-conflict-and-humanity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/?p=8478","title":{"rendered":"When Compassion Feels Lonely -A Personal Reflection on Conflict and Humanity"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Compassion Feels Lonely -A Personal Reflection on Conflict and Humanity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lately, I\u2019ve found myself sitting with a quiet kind of pain. Not just because of the violence and loss I see in the world, but because of the way so many people react to it. I see people \u2014 on both sides of this conflict \u2014 rejoicing when others are hurt, when cities are destroyed, when children are killed. And it breaks my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some Muslims say \u201cAlhamdulillah\u201d when they hear of destruction in Israel. Some Israelis cheer when Gaza is bombed. There are people who post flags and slogans while civilians are dying \u2014 as if suffering can be owned or justified.<\/span><\/p>\n

What I keep thinking is: How can anyone celebrate this?<\/span><\/p>\n

What kind of world have we created where we clap for someone else\u2019s funeral?<\/span><\/p>\n

What My Faith Teaches Me<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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As a Muslim, I want to say clearly: Islam does not teach this.<\/span><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t teach me to hate. It doesn\u2019t teach me to celebrate loss or suffering. Islam teaches me that all human life is sacred. That justice matters \u2014 yes \u2014 but that mercy is greater.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Qur\u2019an says:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever kills a soul\u2026 it is as if he has killed all of humanity.\u201d (Qur\u2019an 5:32)<\/span><\/p>\n

And the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo not rejoice in the misfortune of others.\u201d (Tirmidhi)<\/span><\/p>\n

That means everyone. No matter their religion, their nationality, or whose side they\u2019re on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Pain Is Not One-Sided<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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I see the innocent on all sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Palestine. In Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n

I see mothers grieving, children hiding, families broken apart. And my heart aches for all of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen videos of people singing and celebrating while others weep. It\u2019s not just one group \u2014 it\u2019s happening on both sides. And it\u2019s not the way forward. It’s not how peace is built.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can demand justice without loving revenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can grieve one side without denying the pain of the other.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

I<\/strong> Will Not Celebrate Suffering<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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I refuse to become numb. I refuse to cheer for destruction \u2014 no matter who it affects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even when I\u2019m angry. Even when I feel helpless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because revenge is not the same as justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

And cheering for death doesn\u2019t bring anyone back.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know some people will say I\u2019m being too soft. That I don\u2019t understand history or politics. But I believe compassion doesn\u2019t make you weak \u2014 it makes you human.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This Is What I Believe<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I believe there are kind, loving, innocent people on every side of this conflict. I believe there are people who just want to raise their children in peace, without rockets or fear. And I believe we dishonor them when we cheer for their pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

When I say Alhamdulillah, I want it to be for life, for healing, for safety \u2014 not for bloodshed.<\/span><\/p>\n

My Prayer Is Simple<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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May the oppressors be stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

May the innocent be protected.<\/span><\/p>\n

May the broken be comforted.<\/span><\/p>\n

May the cycle of hate be broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

May our hearts stay human.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because no matter how loud the hatred gets, I still believe in something stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mercy. Compassion. And the dignity of every soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if that belief feels lonely sometimes \u2014 I will hold onto it.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Marianne Rothmann <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n