Syria is Free: The Enduring Spirit of Syria – Shaykh Bassem Itani

This is the first in a series of articles based on the Seminar Syria is Free, which looked at the hopes regarding the future of Syria from leading scholars. 

Syria’s resilience and its cherished place in our hearts is a source of deep inspiration. Humans are born free, as they are servants only to Allah. Oppression is the worst state, yet Syria’s transformation inspires hope for peace and justice.  Now why are we talking about Syria? Why are we so overjoyed about Syria and Damascus? Because Damascus is in our hearts.

Syria’s Sacred Place in Islamic Tradition

The significance of Syria, particularly Damascus, resonates deeply in Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) once declared, “Tuba li Sham” (Glad tidings for Sham), explaining that the angels of the All-Merciful spread their wings over it. Damascus, a land blessed by divine mercy, has been walked upon by Prophets and revered by believers.

A Land of Prophetic Heritage

The spiritual legacy of Damascus is profound, as it has been home to numerous Companions of the Prophet.

We see in history how the companions went and were sent from Medina Al-Munawwara to the blessed lands of Sham. And it was an opening, not of the land, but of hearts.

Historical figures such as Sayyidina Abu Darda’, Sayyidina Bilal Al-Habshi, Sayyidina Muawiya, and Sayyidina Khalid Ibn Al-Walid (Allah be pleased with them) played pivotal roles in Syria.

We used visiting the Maqam of Abu Darda’ while attending lessons from scholars like Shaykh Abdul Razzaq Al-Halabi at the Umayyad Mosque. 

It is the crown of Islam, a land of faith, knowledge, and piety. It is a place where scholars, righteous believers, and true servants of Allah (Most High) have flourished.

This is the land of those who follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions—a land dedicated to seeking knowledge. People from around the world would travel there to learn, warmly welcomed and honored by the people of Sham. It is a land of blessings, and every believer is encouraged to make the intention of visiting these sacred lands.

A Call to Preserve and Rebuild

This is a time for rebuilding, a process that demands awareness and mindfulness—on individual, communal, and societal levels. We must have a historical perspective, understanding both the recent struggles of oppression and conflict, and the enduring significance of these lands throughout history.

Sham represents a cradle of civilization, culture, and faith. With collective awareness and conscious effort, we can shield its people from trials and tribulations, paving the way for a free, prosperous, and enduring Sham.

Believers are encouraged to visit these sacred lands, emphasizing their historical and spiritual importance. There is a pressing need for collective awareness (wa’i) to navigate past and present challenges with wisdom and faith.

The path forward requires remembering Syria’s legacy of civilization, culture, and religion while striving for justice and stability. A true believer safeguards lives and properties, embodying mercy and trustworthiness.

A Poetic Tribute to Damascus

I wrote this poem about Damascus capturing its timeless beauty and enduring spirit:

I am in love with Damascus, and love is my destiny,

 She is the heart, and the wound of the heart is a song.

When lovers sing of her, they break,

 On the brow of her passion, embracing yesterday,

 And in tomorrow, longing revives dreams and nights.

In her eyes, I see history standing tall,

 And in her hands, a future proud with light.

 Damascus, O ache of history and radiance,

O bashful smile upon the lips of ages,

 O red rose dwelling in eternity,

 Wrapping time in fragrance upon fragrance.

O Sham, mother of poems, can you see

 A verse worthy of your veiled glory?

 No, I will say nothing but a prayer in the end:

 May Damascus of honor live on

 In the most splendid of eras.