Towards a politics of social justice

One aspect of the huge pro-Palestine demonstrations over the past weeks has been the dominance of Muslims. Whilst often organised by secular organisations, it is Muslims that have provided the social weight behind them. Muslims are getting organised, and are marching. What then, should be the strategy going forward? What should be done to ensure we win the justice we are struggling for?

There are three principles that could guide a Muslim political movement:

Salaam

Embracing 'salaam', peace, does not mean a limp or abject pacifism. Instead, it means working legally and democratically to deconstruct and dismantle the wider military-diplomatic apparatus that supports the oppression of Palestine. It means working with other campaigns focused on this aim. It means using peaceful and legal means, up to and including legal forms of civil disobedience.

Solidarity

Palestine is not exclusively a Muslim issue, of course. 15% of Palestinians are Christian. Although Muslims have provided the mass of the protests, and thus its power, it is important to note the presence in the demonstrations of trade unions, socialists, communists, anarchists and other left-wing campaigns and organisations. If racists and fascists march on mosques, it is to these organisations that Muslims will rely for defence. Solidarity depends on the principle of being there for each other, when called upon. If the organised left and the organised anti-war movement stand for Palestine, than Muslims must be committed to building those links of solidarity when those campaigns need them, such as during strikes, anti-poverty campaigns, bigoted attacks or anti-raid actions. This can only strengthen the wider movement which then will come back stronger for Palestine next time.

Strategy

Finally, there needs to be a strategy regarding where best to focus efforts to effect change. As the saying in activist circles goes, 'you get the justice you have the power to compel.' In what situations, scenarios or contests can a concerted campaign by Muslim communities compel justice? It could be council wards or parliamentary constituencies where Muslims make up a decisive swing electorate. It could be the symbolic or financial power that Muslims offer that could be skilfully deployed.

A final thought. As Bertold Brecht has Galileo say, 'unhappy the land that needs heroes.' Unhappy too is the community that relies on personalities or charismatic leaders. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. A Muslim politics must be built on organisations and institutions, rather than individuals. It must be based on salaam, solidarity and strategy. It is in our democratic power to compel our Government to speed and hasten a just solution for Palestine. Therefore it is our duty to do so. And then, who knows what else we might achieve.