By Zuhaimi Abdul Rahim

Director of the University Islamic Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Sacrifice can be interpreted as a universal value that is also the basis of a human being's dignity. In every struggle, success is achieved through sacrifice, whether in terms of energy, life, property or time.

To explain what universal humanity means, it can all be seen through the sacrifice and courage of volunteers from all over the world participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission. A great and courageous initiative to send humanitarian aid to the land of Gaza which is besieged and tested due to Israeli cruelty resulting in endless suffering.

Although the mission was full of uncertainty as to whether it would succeed in breaking through the Zionist military blockade or end in arrest, that was no reason for the volunteers to stop carrying out the mission, in fact they were more determined to continue the struggle.

Here we can see the true meaning of sacrifice, where humans do something great not because they are confident they will win, but because they know it is the right thing to do and should be done.

The meaning of sacrifice is not just an outward act, but it is also a symbol of the sincerity of a person's heart. Allah SWT says: "You will never attain righteousness (perfectly) until you spend out of your wealth of what you love." (Surah Ali Imran, verse 92)

Based on this verse, it can be clearly seen that the value of a sacrifice can be measured by a person's willingness to give up what they love in order to help others.

To prove this, it can be seen through the spirit of GSF volunteers from all over the world, some of whom sold their own property to finance their journey to Gaza, leaving behind their beloved family members and willingly facing the trials and challenges of a long sea voyage to reach their destination in order to bring medical aid and food to the people of Gaza. Fighters from all over the country who participated in this mission knew the risks they would face such as the possibility of being intercepted, not returning safely, but they remained steadfast in their struggle because in their hearts they had a belief that human values ​​should not be subject to fear.

The word Sumud is not just the name of the mission, but it is taken from the Arabic language and means perseverance, endurance and also steadfastness. Sumud reflects the spirit underlying the struggle of our brothers in Gaza who have long been deprived of their rights and oppressed.

Their perseverance is a source of extraordinary strength. Even though the world turns a blind eye to every atrocity, they still do not back down, and are even more determined to send aid to the land of Gaza.

Mission to open the eyes of the whole world

From this mission, the volunteers unknowingly embodied the spirit of the Sumud through what they undertook, continuing their journey across the vast and long ocean not because they did not know the dangers that awaited, but because they realized that silence meant surrendering to the relentless Zionist tyranny.

One of the volunteers who participated in the GSF showed the whole world, regardless of religion or race, that even in the ocean, there is no guarantee of certainty, it is still possible to fight to defend human values ​​in this mission, saying: "We may not be able to completely break the barriers, but we can break the silence of the world."

We can understand this as a true sacrifice where they do not expect immediate results, but rather ignite hope for our oppressed brothers.

A sacrifice born from a sincere heart does not end in vain. Although the GSF mission may not have fully achieved its set goal, they managed to deliver a message and open the eyes of the entire world to expose Israel's atrocities, thus proving that there are still people who dare to fight for justice for the sake of humanity.

GSF volunteers do not wait to become rich or powerful, but continue to act with what they have, which we can see ourselves in many women participating in the mission. It is a lesson that sacrifice does not wait for the perfect time to be implemented, but begins when the heart is attached to sacrifice for a good cause.

GSF shows the entire world, regardless of religion or race, that even in the ocean of uncertainty, it is still possible to fight to defend human values.

The courage of volunteers to try is enough to open people's hearts to care about what is happening. The spirit of sumud must continue to burn within every Muslim, to encourage them to do good together, even in small ways, and to fight even when it is difficult.

Sacrifice is not just an action, but a belief that every sincere effort made has value and becomes a light in the sight of Allah SWT.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever frees someone from the hardships of this world, Allah will free him from the hardships of the Day of Judgment. Whoever makes it easy for someone in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever covers the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah will cover his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah will help His servants as long as His servants help their brothers." (Muslim)

Date of Input: 15/10/2025 | Updated: 15/10/2025 | asmunir