TikTok and the Battle of Islam: Analyzing Palestinian Resilience against Israel and its Impact on the Perception of Islamic Moderation

Abstract

TikTok has brought global attention to 75 years of Israel’s occupation. It has transformed into a platform that catalyzes significant social and political activism, creating a robust public forum for amplifying content related to Palestine while simultaneously countering Israeli propaganda. As TikTok evolves into a battleground for public opinion, Israel's narratives are increasingly eroding. Meanwhile, more people are beginning to recognize the resilience of Palestinians amidst the crisis. This shift has contributed to a growing number of TikTok users, particularly in the West, who are encouraged to explore the Palestinian background as Muslims. This exploration has, in turn, led to a rise in Muslim conversions in the West, a trend encapsulated by hashtags such as #WhiteReverts and #QuranBookClub. Using a qualitative methodology rooted in digital ethnography, this study involves content analysis of prominent materials extracted from TikTok and news platforms related to these trends spanning from 2023 to 2024. The analysis is further supplemented by library research to contextualize the growing attachment of TikTok users, especially in the West, toward Islam amidst the surge of Palestinian-related content on TikTok. The study concludes that the resilience displayed by Palestinians on TikTok has significantly influenced users’ growing awareness, prompting them to critically assess both Islamic teachings and Israeli propaganda. This awareness has, in turn, increased attention toward Islamic moderation in general.