Jerusalem: Revisiting Scriptural, Historical, and Geopolitical Claims by Muslims

Redefining Jerusalem: An Innovative and Analytical Review Revisiting Scriptural, Historical and Geopolitical Evidence on Muslims’ Claims to East Jerusalem.

Dr. Tanveer Zamani, a respected American surgeon, is someone whose views I believe in very much and who has important ideas for our nation. Her insights, which emphasize a thorough reevaluation of historical and scriptural claims to East Jerusalem, remain highly relevant today. This analysis, revisits Dr. Zamani’s approach and provides a fresh, balanced examination of the claims surrounding this pivotal city.

Dr. Zamani called for a thorough investigation of historical, Scriptural both Biblical and Qur’anic, and geopolitical issues to challenge certain custody claims to East Jerusalem, as tensions rose. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has intensified, making her perspective on overlooked Quranic ordinances crucial.

Dr. Zamani aims to educate worldwide Muslim youth, addressing historical misunderstandings that led to misguided protests and mistaken support. She offers a framework for informed decisions, acknowledging the suffering and rights of Jews to “the promised land” and supporting Jerusalem as the indivisible capital of a democratic state. Dr. Zamani aims to educate worldwide Muslim youth, addressing historical misunderstandings that led to misguided protests and mistaken support. She offers a framework for informed decisions, acknowledging the suffering and rights of Jews to “the promised land” and supporting Jerusalem as the indivisible capital of a democratic state. She proposes an option for Muslims to undertake an annual pilgrimage to Al-Aqsa Mosque, under controlled visas and strict security surveillance.

Netanyahu reiterated her remarks on May 23, 2024, calling for an end to persecution and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. This holistic view aims for long-term peace and stability, with Netanyahu stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and sovereignty during a joint Congress meeting in July 2024. He highlighted the threat from Iran-backed anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and anti-Western groups. Dr. Zamani further argued that these groups lack jurisdiction over Jerusalem; they should renounce their false historical claims and be barred from any peace negotiations or dialogue.

Dr. Zamani contends that the Quran does not support specific Muslim claims to East Jerusalem, emphasizing the lack of a solid scriptural foundation or credible evidence for such assertions. Instead, she highlights the abundant evidence supporting Bani Israel’s right to the Promised Land.

Religious factors

Holy Scriptures Offer No Validation for Muslim Sole Claims to East Jerusalem

Abraham’s theological and scriptural history is crucial for understanding the region’s conflict and provides clear insight into resolving it. According to Genesis 16:15-16 and 21:1-7, both Ishmael to Hager and Isaac to Sarah were born in Canaan, which includes modern-day Israel and its neighbors. The Quranic chapter Ibrahim 14:37 recounts that God instructed Abraham to leave Hagar and Ishmael in the barren valley of Mecca, while Isaac stayed in Canaan. This deliberate landmark separation not only highlights the distinct identities of these religious civilizations but also provides insights into resolving contemporary disputes over land claims.

The Islamic connection to Jerusalem is linked to Prophet Muhammad’s brief, one-time stop at the farthest Temple Mount during his nocturnal journey to Heaven in 620 CE, as mentioned in Quran, Al-Isra -17:1. This passage describes a fleeting visit that should not be misused as a lasting religious claim. The stop at the Temple Mount was an initial stage of Prophet Muhammad’s nocturnal journey to Heaven, involving the witnessing of heavenly signs on Earth before his ascension. These Holy sites, associated with earlier prophets such as Abraham, and Isaac, lineage; Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, and Zakariya, served as a prelude to his ultimate ascent to Heaven. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, established by Caliph Umar in 638 CE, was not even present during the Prophet’s time.

Dr. Zamani emphasized the importance for Muslims to honor the long-standing sacred sites associated with Isaac’s lineage. She urged moving beyond claims based on the brief visit to the Temple Mount. Instead of perpetuating religious conflicts, it is crucial to acknowledge that Muslims already have two central holy sites of profound importance: the Sacred Mosque in Mecca and the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, both of which are exclusively reserved for Muslims.

Muslims initially prayed facing Jerusalem, but the Qibla, or prayer direction, was changed to Mecca in 624 CE. This change is documented in Quran chapter Al-Baqarah 2:144, underscoring Mecca’s significance and refuting later claims about Jerusalem’s central role in Islamic custodianship.

Dr. Zamani dispelled misconceptions about the Quran, particularly those spread by radical groups impacting young Muslim minds. A common misunderstanding is that the Quran promotes violence against Jews or Israelites. This is refuted by the fact that “Bani Israel” (Children of Israel) is mentioned 43 times in the Quran, often in a neutral or positive light (Quran – Al Araf 7:137). These references accentuate their role as recipients of divine guidance and promises, including the Holy Land.

The Quran underscores the covenant between God and Bani Israel, detailing their historical experiences and responsibilities (Quran – Al Maidah 5:20). These references serve as warnings to Bani Israel, reminding them of their covenant with God, their status as a “chosen” community, and the Holy Land destined for them. Misinterpretations of these references by some Muslims not only distort the true message of the Quran but also perpetuate antisemitism, as evidenced by anti-Israel protests and slogans from Muslim students worldwide.

Historical factors

Dispelling the Myth of ‘Jewish Invasion’: The Historical Context of Jewish roots:

On July 24, 2024, during a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a powerful critique of global protesters chanting “From the river to the sea.” He challenged their understanding of the historical context by stating, “Many of these protesters lack a fundamental grasp of what river and what sea they are referring to. They label Israel as a colonialist state, but do they not recognize that the Land of Israel is the very place where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached, and where David and Solomon once ruled?”

PM Netanyahu highlighted the need for a thorough examination of historical and geopolitical factors to educate those, particularly young protesters, who follow radical Islamic groups with a distorted view of Jerusalem’s history and geopolitics, rooted in misconceptions and religious rivalry.  Dr. Zamani debunked Muslim claims to East Jerusalem by narrating objective historical facts and geopolitical perspectives.

During the Bronze Age (3500-1150 BCE), Canaan was a prominent Semitic-speaking civilization in the Southern Levant, encompassing modern-day Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and parts of Syria. This region, closely linked to the ancient Canaanites, saw the rise of the Israelites (Bani Israel), who became established as indigenous inhabitants by the Iron Age.

Contrary to misconceptions of Jewish invasion, the Philistines, who arrived on Canaan’s southern coast around 1200 BCE, were newcomers from the Aegean Greek islands, specifically Crete and the Aegean region. The term “Philistine,” from Hebrew “Pelesh/Plishtim,” highlights their status as outside settlers, unlike the native Israelites.

Moreover, Dr. Zamani emphasizes that the allegation of a ‘Jewish invasion and occupation of Palestinian land is a misnomer’. Referring back to 1922, the League of Nations established mandates, with France controlling Syria and Lebanon and Britain overseeing Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Transjordan (now Jordan), and Iraq. In 1947, as British rule ended, the UN proposed dividing the land into Arab and Jewish states, but this plan was rejected by the Arab League, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. On May 15, 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to invasions by Jordan and Egypt into Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, resulting in the displacement of about 700,000 Palestinians, known as the “Nakba” or “catastrophe.”

These events clarify that the 1947 UN Partition Plan was rejected by Arab nations, not Israel, and the 1948 invasions, which led to significant displacement of Palestinians, were initiated by Jordan and Egypt, not Israel.

Geopolitical Factors

Constantly Creating Geopolitical conflicts Do Not Justify Claims to East Jerusalem

Dr. Zamani declares that the deliberately maintained, ongoing chaos, conflicts, and geopolitical destabilization caused by Hamas over decades in the Holy Land still do not provide a reason to justify the claim to the custodianship of East Jerusalem.

Understanding the intentionally maintained geopolitical dysregulation is crucial amidst claims to East Jerusalem. Since Hamas’s 2006 electoral victory, its control over Gaza has led to internal conflict with Fatah, weakened democratic institutions, and resulted in unchecked authority. Its use of civilian infrastructure for tunnel construction has perpetuated terrorism, undermined peace agreements, and disrupted Israeli politics. Despite its 2017 charter accepting a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, Hamas still rejects Israel’s legitimacy as outlined in its 1988 charter. Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iranian-backed militias have also engaged in hostilities against Israel. Hamas’s tactics, including using civilians as human shields and rejecting peace agreements, with Arab, Jewish, and Western entities obstruct progress. Conflicts like the eleven-day Gaza conflict in May 2021 and the October 7, 2023 attacks highlight ongoing violence. In response to escalating tensions, Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas have necessitated evacuations to safeguard civilians. Hamas has coerced Palestinians into difficult choices, prioritizing land over life and obstructing safe migration. Historical events like the 1970 Black September have further complicated Palestinian migration and led Arab nations to avoid offering refuge.

Dr. Zamani emphasizes that “no Holy site is Holier than the life of a believer.” She argues that rejecting militant tactics and excluding Hamas from negotiations is essential, focusing on respectful dialogue that honors historical and religious sensitivities. She stresses the need for accurate Quranic translations by UN bodies and global Arabic language scholars to counter biased misinterpretations and prevent inter-religious conflict. Supporting militant groups blindly undermines the values of Islamic history and the pursuit of peace. Dr. Zamani encourages youth to independently research historical and religious contexts, pointing out that finding information from as far back as 3000 BC is quite accessible in today’s digital era. She advises them to avoid inheriting or blindly following hatred expressed through street slogans and protests.

She presents a new vision for the indivisible ‘Promised Land of Jerusalem,’ asserting that no scriptural, historical, or geopolitical evidence supports a sole Muslim claim to East Jerusalem.