Understanding Its Ongoing Significance from an Islamic Perspective
Table of Contents
The Misunderstanding of Palestine’s Struggle
The issue of Palestine and Lebanon (Levant) is not limited to a specific person or group. Many people mistakenly believe that the matter ended with the passing of leaders like Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, Sheikh Ahmed Yasin and Ismail Haniyeh. Television channels often discuss the “post-Ismail Haniyeh era” as if the situation has concluded. This is a significant misunderstanding.
The Religious Roots and Historical Context
Wise individuals among both Muslims and Jews recognize and openly state that the Palestinian issue is fundamentally a religious one. This core aspect presents challenges that cannot be easily resolved. When Jewish Zionists contemplated establishing a state, they chose Palestine. Had they selected another country, the situation might have been different. They could have settled and perhaps even displaced the original inhabitants, similar to how European colonizers did in South Africa or how settlers did in America, where long-term settlements were established, and indigenous cultures were nearly eradicated.
The challenge of Jewish Zionists lies in entering a land that houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of profound religious significance. ALLAH Almighty mentions nothing in the Quran without purpose. Scholars have long noted that major events influencing the course of history and the Islamic community—whether in times of weakness or strength—are constants that ALLAH has documented in the Quran.
ALLAH’s Intent in Quranic Narratives
Those who deeply reflect and frequently read the Quran will notice the extensive detail given to the stories of the Children of Israel (Bani Israel), surpassing half of the Quranic narratives. While the Quran recounts the stories of peoples like ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh, the accounts concerning Bani Israel appear more frequently, even though they represent a small fraction of the world’s population.
ALLAH’s extensive mention of them is intentional. HE, the All-Knowing and All-Wise, is aware that the relationship between Muslims and the Children of Israel will have lasting implications until the end of times. Despite having received the Torah, they were described as being
“…like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]“1
(Suurat ‘Al-Jumuca, 62:5)
implying they did not benefit from their scriptures. They broke their covenant with ALLAH, and their interactions with Muslims have been significant throughout history and will continue to be so.
Therefore, ALLAH dedicated substantial portions of the Quran to discussing them, emphasizing important lessons for believers. This extensive coverage serves as a foundational principle in Quranic teachings.
Sources:
- Sheikh Dr. Farid El Ansari. لا يمكن ان تنتهي قضية فلسطين اا الشيخ فريد الانصاري رحمه الله. YouTube Video.
- Saheeh International translation ↩︎
