Historical and Contemporary Interfaith Heroism: Muslim Heroes Who Saved Lives and Protected Sacred Sites

Introduction: Bravery That Knows No Boundaries

The values of courage and humanity transcend the barriers of religion and race. Our history is rich with stories that embody this principle, starting from the early Islamic eras right up to the darkest moments in modern history. The heroic stance of any individual defending the lives of the innocent or protecting the sacred sites of others reflects the core teachings that prioritize the preservation of human life and religious freedom. These narratives shed light on this truth, confirming that coexistence is a practice before it is a slogan.

1. Modern Rescue Models: Muslim Heroes of the Holocaust

Similar to the courage of Ahmed Al-Ahmed in protecting worshippers on Bondi Beach, many Muslims carried out similar heroic acts to save Jews from certain death during World War II and the Holocaust:

• Khaled Abdul Wahab (Tunisia): Often called the “Arab Oskar Schindler.” Khaled Abdul Wahab was a young Tunisian man during the German occupation who risked his life and the safety of his family to hide approximately twenty Jewish families on his farm in the Tunisian city of Mahdia, protecting them from Nazi raids until the end of the occupation. He was later honored for this humanitarian work.
• Albanian “Besa” Honor (Albania Besa): Besa is a concept deeply rooted in the culture of Albania, a Muslim-majority country, meaning “to keep the promise” or “the code of honor.” Thanks to this ethical and religious commitment, Albania was the only European country where the Jewish population increased after World War II. Albanians protected and sheltered thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis, claiming they were relatives, and refusing to hand them over regardless of the consequences.

2. Protecting Places of Worship: A Firm Islamic Principle

The commitment of Muslims to protecting churches and synagogues reflects Islam’s respect for religious freedom and the sanctity of places of worship, a foundational principle in Sharia:

• The Stance of Omar ibn Al-Khattab and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Upon the conquest of Jerusalem, Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him) refrained from praying inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, choosing instead to pray outside. The reason for this decision was the fear that Muslims after him would turn it into a mosque, thereby threatening its religious identity. This stance established the principle of protecting the places of worship of others and preserving their original identity.
• The Covenant of Khalid ibn Al-Walid to the People of Damascus: During the period of conquests, the commander Khalid ibn Al-Walid granted a covenant of security (Aman) to the people of Damascus regarding their lives, their churches, and their possessions. This covenant represents a historical commitment to protecting religious minorities and guaranteeing their right to practice their rituals safely, confirming that protecting non-Muslim places of worship is an Islamic responsibility.

3. The Moral Lesson: Humanity is the Baseline

These stories, whether a bold individual act of rescuing a family or a complete societal commitment like the stance of Albania, confirm that the essence of shared values can be summarized as follows:

• Sanctity of Life: Saving any human life is a supreme goal in all religions, especially in Islam, which places the “Preservation of the Soul” (Hifdh al-Nafs) as one of its major objectives.
• Rejection of Extremism: These actions serve as the most eloquent practical response to the currents of violence and extremism that attempt to distort the image of religions.
• Good Neighborliness and Citizenship: Viewing those of different faiths as neighbors and citizens with full rights to protection and peaceful living is an application of high moral and religious principles.

Conclusion: Heroes of Coexistence in Every Era

Heroism is not limited to battlefields; it is manifested in its most wonderful forms during moments of danger when individuals choose to risk their lives to save others. These stories, ranging from protecting a Jewish temple in Australia to safeguarding churches in the Levant throughout past centuries, solidify the truth that tolerance and justice are the foundations upon which stable and secure societies are built.