Zelensky condemns ‘vile’ large-scale Russian attacks that killed 20 as reflected on by Dr. Farida Nur-Eldin

The recent news of the ‘vile’ large-scale Russian attacks, particularly the devastating Pryluky apartment destruction, deeply grieves us all at Al-Hikma Institute. We witness again the profound human cost of conflict. My heart aches for the families in Pryluky who have lost loved ones and homes. This tragedy reminds us of our shared vulnerability and the sacredness of every human life. We turn to our faith for guidance in these difficult moments, seeking solace and understanding.

The Sacredness of Breath and Life

In Islamic tradition, we understand breath as a direct sign of Allah’s continuous gift of life. The Quran reminds us that God breathes life into Adam, making breath a divine essence within each person. When bombs destroy homes and steal breath, they violate this sanctity. Each lost life, each breath extinguished prematurely, represents an immense loss to humanity. Our tradition teaches us to protect life, not to destroy it. Furthermore, it calls us to stand against oppression and injustice wherever we find it. We consider every individual a unique creation, holding immeasurable worth.

As a physician, I have witnessed the fragility and preciousness of human breath firsthand. Consequently, I understand the body as a sacred trust, a vessel for the soul. The destruction in Pryluky thus echoes a profound spiritual wound. We believe that God holds all human souls in His care, and we pray for those who have passed. We also pray for those who survive, carrying the heavy burden of grief and displacement. Our faith compels us to offer comfort and practical support to those suffering.

Compassion Amidst Conflict

The teachings of Sufism emphasize boundless compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings. We see the pain of one as the pain of all. Therefore, we must extend our hearts in empathy to the people of Ukraine. The sheer scale of the Pryluky apartment destruction demands a global response rooted in humanity. Our tradition mandates seeking justice and upholding human dignity, even in the darkest times. We must advocate for peace and an end to such senseless violence.

Here at the Al-Hikma Contemplative Circle, we practice grief accompaniment. We recognize that profound loss requires deep communal support and spiritual solace. We offer prayers for healing and peace, knowing that divine mercy encompasses all creation. Ultimately, we must remember that true strength lies in compassion, not in destruction. We pray for an end to the suffering caused by these Russian attacks and for lasting peace in the region. We also pray for all victims of violence worldwide.

Read the original news coverage on BBC News (World).

By Dr. Farida Nur-Eldin

Professor of Islamic bioethics and director of the Al-Hikma Contemplative Circle. Physician trained in clinical genetics and Islamic philosophy. Writes on the sanctity of human breath, compassionate medicine, AI ethics, Sufi poetry, and grief accompaniment.