An inspiring video on standing up for Justice, even if it’s against your own kind.

One of my more favourite verses of the Quran is when it commands us to speak and act justly even if it be against your community, your parents, even yourself. The exact verse is:

4:135 O you who believe! Be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness of Allah’s sake, though it may be against your ownselves or parents or near relatives; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them both in compassion; therefore do not follow (your ) low desires, lest you deviate; and if you swerve or turn aside, then surely Allah is aware of what you do.


Pretty common sense when you come to think of it. But very difficult to live by. How many times we protect our loved ones for wrongs that they have done. As parents we protect our children for their mistakes, instead of letting them face the music. Or as a Manager or Fellow employee protect another fellow employee. We give in to our “low desires” rather than striving for and sticking to higher ideals of living that we’ve been destined for.

I’m posting the below video not to air my political views, but simply to share my awe in how he is not afraid to speak up for what he believes is right inspite of the seemingly overwhelming opposition. Furthermore this video is also an epitome of the Silent Majority syndrome. Observe how vociferous the minority of the audience gets when what they hear is not to their liking; but as soon as the speaker responds at 1:14 the crowd explodes in applause. The same thing happens towards the end, the crowd responds in an overwhelmingly positive manner. The question is, why was the crowd silent till that time? Why did they wait for the Norman Finklestein to air his frank views on the Holocaust to then offer their support? It’s the same reason why I don’t standup for the corruption and injustice that I see today. It’s so much more comfortable to sit and watch instead. And give support when only when everyone else is doing so.

Have a look at this landmark 3 minute video:

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