Why I'm Coding for Gaza's Truth
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza represents one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. As someone raised in an Islamic boarding school with strong ethical principles and now working in technology, I've found myself compelled to use my Django skills to amplify awareness about the situation in Gaza.
From Islamic Boarding School to Programming
Yo, I'm ridwaanhall—coding by day, memorizing Quran by heart—who else but me? Gaza's crisis ain't just a headline for me; it's a call to debug the biggest bug: injustice. Growing up in an Islamic boarding school, I learned fairness is non-negotiable, Surah by Surah. Now, as a coder, I'm using Django to build platforms like this blog to share the truth about Gaza.
My journey from traditional Islamic education to tech wasn't random—it was guided by the principle of "ilmu yang bermanfaat" (beneficial knowledge). At our Islamic boarding school, we didn't just memorize verses about justice—we lived them. That foundation now drives my coding projects focused on humanitarian issues.
Gaza's Reality: Facts and Figures
Let's talk facts: since October 2023 until april 2025, 42,000+ lives have been lost in Gaza—kids, families, dreams. Over 1.9 million people, 90% of the population, are displaced, scraping by in tents. And 60%+ of homes, schools, hospitals? Gone. These aren't my numbers; they're from OCHA and UNRWA.
The statistics alone are staggering, but they don't fully capture the human reality. Gaza's infrastructure has collapsed nearly entirely—with 97% of water resources contaminated and undrinkable. The healthcare system operates at minimal capacity, with only 16 of 36 hospitals partially functioning as of May 2025. Average daily caloric intake has fallen to dangerous levels, with widespread malnutrition affecting over 31% of children under five.
Using Django to Spread Awareness
Why do I care? My Islamic boarding school taught me to stand for what's right, no matter the stack. Coding taught me to solve problems, whether it's a Django bug or a crisis screaming for truth. Gaza's not just data—it's people fighting for dignity. That's why I built this blog using Django to curate resources like WHO's health reports or B'Tselem's raw stories.
This blog is my way of using technology to speak truth. The Django framework gives me the tools to share verified information and counter the misinformation that often surrounds this crisis. It's how I connect my Islamic boarding school values with my technical skills.
How You Can Help
Here's the deal: you can help. Donate to UNRWA—they're feeding families right now. Share this post on X to cut through the noise. Or dive into a book like Justice for Some by Noura Erakat to get the full picture. Every move counts.
Faith, Technology, and Humanitarian Action
This blog's my code for Gaza—built with faith, facts, and Django. My Islamic boarding school gave me roots; coding gave me tools. Together, let's amplify the message that Gaza is not okay and needs our support. Who's with me?
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, "Whoever sees an injustice, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart." Today, my tongue is this blog, powered by Django and driven by the values I learned in my Islamic boarding school.
I invite you to join this effort. Comment below with your thoughts or expertise. Share this article if it resonated. One act of solidarity at a time—we can make a difference for Gaza.