Is the pen your weapon?
Exploring resistance through writing
In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Writing to Resist
Writing is extremely emotional, powerful, and a means by which we can resist oppression. Especially for those who have their voices systematically silenced, oppressed, distorted, and history twisted, writing becomes a means to express their emotions and tell the story of their experience. It is also a place where they safeguard their narratives by affirming their identity. It is a profound piece of their lives preserved with the power of the written word. This is a formidable act of courage, one that is even defiant. It has a deeply rooted place in our human existence, from the cave paintings as early forms of writing, to modern-day expressions, from professional writers to the girl penning her experiences and expressing her emotions in her diary.
Acknowledging Palestinian and Sudanese Writers
This week, I want to acknowledge Palestinian and Sudanese writers who have a long history of using writing to tell the narrative of their people's struggles. It's a manner of channeling their pain, echoing their hope, and sharing stories of their loss, and their resilience. We have Palestinian writers like Mohammed Alkurd, Susan Abulhawa, and Najwan Darwish. These writers have shown us what it is like to live under occupation. They force the reader to engage beyond what we hear in the news, beyond the narrative carved by the media or by their oppressors. What we find are everyday stories of heartbreak, displacement, and the pressure of living under occupation. Sharing these stories with others shows us, the readers, the emotional heaviness they endure and how they maintain the everyday acts or normalcy we may take for granted.
The Power of Poetry and Prose
In "Rifqa," Alkurd's poetry talks about his beautiful homeland and the constant threat of destruction it lives under. His words bring it so intimately close, and in the rawness, we feel the urgency of those stories. In Abulhawa's "Mornings in Jenin" we are invited to be witnesses of what it feels like to have your family torn apart. It shows the suffering, yet how their spirit lives on. These writers are not just telling stories; they are preserving their memories and sharing them with us as a collective humanity. They uphold their dignity, standing witness to the truth. We, as readers, get to share in that, and this is the transformative power of writing.
Sudanese Writers and Their Narratives
In Sudan, writers like Safia Elhillo and Rania Mamoun articulate beautiful, emotional, deep stories, weaving a landscape of people torn between home and exile, peace and conflict. Elhillo's works resonate with what it means to be Sudanese and what it means to belong to that land, exploring the existence of a displaced person and how it impacts one’s identity. In poems like "The January Children," she expresses a deep sense of homesickness. Imagine spending time away from your home, maybe at summer camp, but then consider that this displacement might last the rest of your life or even generations. She talks about the desire to bridge the gap between now and the ideal for the homesick. Mamoun's stories capture the daily struggle under political turmoil, showcasing resilient Sudanese men and women who find ways to survive and even thrive under adversity.
The Resilience in Writing
These writers help us see the resilience we have been created with. The act of writing and bearing witness is deeply entrenched in Islamic tradition. Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, one of His beautiful names is Ash-Shahid, the Witness. He is the ultimate overseer of the truth. One of Allah’s perfect attributes is that nothing escapes His sight: no injustice, no suffering—every act from the beginning of time until the end of time is known by Him.
Writing as a Duty
For me as a writer, this is a source of comfort but also a reminder of my duty. My writing is witnessed by Allah, and I have an opportunity to share the truth. There's a powerful reminder in the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 42, where Allah says,
"And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]."
We are called to share truthfulness. I want to honor writers who do that in their own way.
Another powerful ayah is:
"O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him. So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate. And let him fear Allah , his Lord, and not leave anything out of it. But if the one who has the obligation is of limited understanding or weak or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses - so that if one of the women errs, then the other can remind her. And let not the witnesses refuse when they are called upon. And do not be [too] weary to write it, whether it is small or large, for its [specified] term. That is more just in the sight of Allah and stronger as evidence and more likely to prevent doubt between you, except when it is an immediate transaction which you conduct among yourselves. For [then] there is no blame upon you if you do not write it. And take witnesses when you conclude a contract. Let no scribe be harmed or any witness. For if you do so, indeed, it is [grave] disobedience in you. And fear Allah . And Allah teaches you. And Allah is Knowing of all things." Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 282.
The Importance of Clear and Documented Writing
Allah has established the importance of writing and witnessing in securing justice. It needs to be clear and documented and is a responsibility (an Amanah) upon us. We will be held accountable by Allah, and we should not manipulate the record. This resonates deeply with what is happening today in Palestine. We see the political narrative of oppressors throughout history, wanting to change the narrative, be it in writing or media stories, using the narrative as a form of oppression. That’s why resistance in writing is of vital importance.
Writing as an Emotional Tool
Writing is emotionally transformative. It has the power to heal, share grief, transform pain into strength, get out of our bubbles, and empathize with others. It is an emotional tool that can create bridges through words, allowing the reader to experience the writer's truth.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The first thing that Allah created was the pen, and He said to it, 'Write.' It said, 'What should I write?' He said, 'Write My decree about all that is to happen.'”
This narration emphasizes the importance of writing and that it is a tool given by Allah as a blessing. We are also reminded that on the Day of Judgment, our deeds will show up in our record.
Allah tells us in the Quran, "The record of deeds will be placed open, and you will see criminals fearful of that within it. And they will say, 'Oh, woe to us, what is in this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it is enumerated.'" (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 49).
Personal Connection to Writing
For me, writing is a way to connect, share my story, put things in order in my head, and remind myself. It's something we use in our everyday lives, be it in the form of gratitude, remembrance, or a text sent to a loved one. Writing is a way of connecting when used responsibly, and I cherish this gift from Allah.
Allah encourages us in the Quran, "Be grateful to Me and do not deny Me," (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152).
When we write with the intention to appreciate Allah's blessings and to please Him, it becomes an act of worship in its simplest form.
Writing as Healing
Lastly, writing can be healing. Whether through reflections or gratitude each day, it is an opportunity to get closer to Allah, and to express ourselves in ways we can't verbally. Writing has the power to put pain into words, acknowledge our experiences, and transform our sorrow. I want to leave you with a prompt:
Journal Prompt
Think and reflect on a difficult experience you’ve had and ask yourself, how can you transform this pain into a reminder of Allah's mercy, His strength, and His blessings?
Much love,
Nour Cauveren
P.S. For those struggling with the recent betrayal in our community by a prominent leader I found the webinar by Al Maghrib a few days ago about validating my feelings and beneficial. There will be an additional webinar today:
“Healing With Quran”
SUNDAY NOV 10, 2024 - 4 PM EST
In this session, Ustadha Taimiyyah Zubair and Dr. Zohair Abdul-Rahman will explain us how the Quran guides us back to hope and healing.
To RSVP click here,
https://lives.almaghrib.online/faith
I decided not to share my opinion. I am however deeply impacted and struggling emotionally to process it but what I do know is that my trust and faith (imaan) is stronger because of it!
Do remember me and my family in your duas!