Palestine: A Land of Prophets, Pain, and Unbroken Resistance
Book Review of Palestine: Occupation & Resistance by Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi

By: Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
Subeditor: Eastern Crescent

Palestine has never been an ordinary land. It is not merely a territory marked on maps; it is a living chapter of sacred history. This blessed soil witnessed the footsteps of countless Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Among its greatest symbols stands Masjid al-Aqsa, a sanctuary whose spiritual light has illuminated centuries of faith and struggle.

According to Islamic tradition, the foundations of this sacred structure trace back to the era of Sulayman (AS), when the Jinn, under his command, participated in its construction. Thus, Al-Aqsa is not simply a building of stone and mortar; it is a monument woven into divine history — a symbol of servitude to Allah and a sign of sacred continuity.

Throughout history, Palestine has endured waves of oppression — yet each time, justice rose like dawn after a dark night. When tyranny overshadowed the land, the just leadership of Umar (RA) restored dignity and peace. When the earth of Palestine was stained red with the blood of innocents, the unparalleled courage of Salahuddin Ayyubi (RA) reclaimed Al-Aqsa and symbolically purified it with rose water — a gesture that history remembers as both victory and reverence.

Yet today, history appears to be passing through one of its darkest and most painful chapters. The scale of brutality, displacement, and bloodshed has shaken the conscience of humanity. The sacred land of Al-Quds cries beneath the weight of occupation, while the world watches in uneasy silence. The longing for another Umar, another Salahuddin, echoes in the hearts of millions.

It is within this emotional and historical context that Palestine: Occupation & Resistance by Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi emerges as a powerful and timely contribution. Spanning 408 pages, the book stands as both testimony and resistance. Its striking cover — adorned with the Palestinian flag, the image of Masjid Al-Aqsa, and a shadow of blood — visually captures the dual narrative of glory and grief, heritage and horror.

But this book is more than an account of events. It is a document of memory. It chronicles the brutal oppression, the horrific crimes, and the relentless aggression inflicted upon the indigenous people of Palestine and the sacred precincts of Al-Quds. At the same time, it records the spirit of resistance — a resilience that refuses to be erased despite decades of suffering.

This book does not allow the reader to remain neutral. It stirs emotions, provokes conscience, and demands reflection. It invites us to remember that Palestine is not only a geopolitical issue — it is a moral question, a spiritual responsibility, and a test of human integrity. The book compels readers to confront uncomfortable realities, to revisit neglected truths, and to understand the political, historical, and humanitarian dimensions of the Palestinian struggle.

For those who wish to understand the depth of Palestinian suffering and the strength of its resistance, Palestine: Occupation & Resistance is not merely recommended  it is necessary reading. It is a mirror of history and a call to awaken the sleeping conscience of humanity.