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Roy Hirsch
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October 7 Marks a Stark Contrast Between Netanyahu’s Resolve and Muslims’ Failure

 

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Actually I enjoyed my first article with Dr. Zamani and I wanted to prepare an article with Dr. Zamani for October 7. I hope that many of the important statements in this article will serve as an example for Muslims who are known to be anti-Israel.

Dr. Tanveer Zamani, an American Muslim Surgeon, marking the anniversary— decoded the contrast between PM Netanyahu’s triumph through scriptural adherence and the Islamic world’s failing jihad due to total disregard for Qur’anic directives issued centuries ago regarding anticipated Israel-Arab conflicts.

Dr. Zamani urged the Supreme Leader of Iran to advocate for a return to the core Qur’anic verses addressing the Arab-Israeli geopolitical conflict, offering resolutions from over 1,390 years ago, before further manipulation by fragmented Islamic radical leaders. She hopes that reviewing the Qur’anic verses presented in this article will inspire genuine Muslims to fully embrace submission to peace—true to the essence of Islam—and pave constructive paths forward. This reflection may also help them understand their persistent failures in the 80-year jihad and the ongoing loss of lives resulting from neglecting their own Qur’anic scripture that resolves the conflict.

This article highlights her perspective that Quranic scripture does not validate Muslims’ claims of religious custody over East Jerusalem. She presents a compelling analysis showing that these claims lack Quranic support and have led to decades of regional instability, adversely impacting global trade and peace.

Based on discussions with Dr. Zamani, we present Quranic references with deep respect. She ensures strict adherence to the original verses of the Holy Quran, preserving its text and preempting any claims of alteration.

1 – Revisiting the Abraham Accords: A Scriptural Directive:

The religious and historical narrative surrounding Abraham is pivotal in grasping the intricacies of the Middle East conflict. Ignoring this narrative due to historical ignorance has led to misguided interpretations, particularly concerning the sacred city of Jerusalem and its susceptibility to division.

Genesis 16:15-16 states that Ishmael, Abraham’s son with Hagar, was born before Isaac, his second son with Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7). Both births took place in Canaan, which corresponds to present-day Israel and neighboring regions.

Islamic tradition recounts that God commanded Abraham to leave Hagar and Ishmael in a barren valley of Mecca. Abraham’s obedience to this divine directive is revealed in Quran, Chapter Ibrahim 14:37.

رَّبَّنَآ إِنِّىٓ أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِى بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِى زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ ٱلْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱجْعَلْ أَفْـِٔدَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ تَهْوِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ وَٱرْزُقْهُم مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ

Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So, make the hearts of ˹believing˺ people incline towards them and provide them with fruits, so perhaps they will be thankful – https://quran.com/ibrahim/37

The descendants of Isaac, including Israelites and Christians, were raised in Canaan land in the ancient Near East, while those of Ishmael, such as Ishmaelites and Arabs, including Prophet Muhammad (SAW), were brought up in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam in 610 CE.

The deliberated divergence between the descendants of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, shaped distinct cultures and identities in their respective regions—Ishmael in Mecca and Isaac in Canaan. This historical divine division, initiated by Abraham, establishes clear land boundaries and religious jurisdictions, providing a foresighted framework for resolving contemporary land disputes. It should serve as the foundation for defining the ‘Abraham Accords’ by the United Nations, disqualifying all resolutions presented in the last 60 years.

2 – Jerusalem’s Islamic Connection: The Prophet’s One-Time Stop En Route to Heaven:

The significance of Jerusalem for Muslims stems from its association with Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) nocturnal journey and ascension to Heaven in 620 CE. This journey, which commenced in Mecca from ‘Masjid al Haram’ (the sacred mosque) and continued to ‘Masjid al Aqsa’ (the farthest mosque; the holy esplanade at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem), before ascending to the heavens, is narrated in Quran, Chapter Al-Isra 17:1. https://quran.com/al-isra/1-3

 سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ

Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muḥammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

The purpose of this brief stop at the Temple Mount was to witness the celestial signs of the Holy Land associated with previous prophets such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Zakariya, and Jesus. This visit to the Temple Mount was simply a stage of his journey, rather than the ultimate destination.

It is crucial to understand that the Arabic term ‘Aqsa’ denotes the ‘farthest’ mosque from Mecca, which, during that era, referred to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The mosque exists today and named Al-Aqsa and a cause of conflict was not even present during Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) visit in 620 CE.

In 638 CE, Caliph Umar bin Khattab founded the Al-Aqsa Mosque following a treaty with Patriarch Sophronius after the Byzantine surrender at the Battle of Yarmuk in 637 CE. When invited to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Umar declined to avoid the risk of the Church being later converted into a mosque, thus preserving Christendom’s sacred site. Instead, he prayed outside, where the Mosque of Umar was later established.

Today, the Mosque of Umar, located across from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem, includes the mihrab in the southeastern section of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Radical Muslims today could learn from Umar’s example of respect and foresight to avoid unnecessary sectarian conflicts in the sacred land of Jerusalem. Subsequent renovations were undertaken by the fifth Umayyad caliph, Abd al-Malik, with completion in 701 CE.

Unfortunately, this mosque now stands as a focal point of religious and territorial conflict within the southern compound of the Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock. It is falsely presented as the landmark commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) brief prayer and visit, despite the fact that the mosque did not exist at that time.

It is crucial to clarify to the international community, especially in the West and among UN members, that the Muslim claim of sole custodianship over the holy site of East Jerusalem is not mandated by the Quran and lacks religious justification. Particularly, while Al-Aqsa is deemed the third-holiest site by Muslims, the cities of Mecca and Medina are renowned for their magnificent architectural splendor in Saudi Arabia. These cities are celebrated for their breathtaking and iconic status as the primary holiest Islamic sites. They are profoundly significant as the origins and flourishing centers of Islam. Serving as pivotal centers of trade and worship, they host an annual pilgrimage where millions of Muslims travel and are accommodated each year. Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and his final resting place is in Medina, where non-Muslims are prohibited from entering these sacred cities.

3- Rationale behind the Quranic Ordainment of Qibla Change:

For centuries since 2500 BCE, Jews have faced the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (Al Quds) during prayers, symbolizing their spiritual connection and historical homeland. This direction is significant due to the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple. The Western Wall remains as the sole remnant of the Second Temple, reinforcing this spiritual bond.

Early Christians, up until the first few centuries CE, also recognized the significance of the Temple Mount. However, Christian worship practices evolved, placing less importance on a fixed orientation during prayer, focusing instead on a personal connection with God.

With the advent of Islam in 610 CE, the Temple Mount retained its significance as a sacred site. The practice of offering prayers became mandatory in 620 CE.

Initially, Muslims, including Prophet Muhammad (SAW), residing in Saudi Arabia, prayed facing towards Jerusalem, in adherence to ancient Jewish customs. This direction of prayer, known as the ‘Qibla,‘ was shared by the newly formed Muslim community in Saudi Arabia with Jews and other ancient religious followers, which posed challenges and led to confusion and criticism, questioning the independent standing and identity of their new Islamic religion.

In 624 CE, during the noon prayer in Medina, Allah (God) ordained a change of Qibla through a revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as narrated in Quran, Chapter Al-Baqarah: 2:144.

https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/144

قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةًۭ تَرْضَىٰهَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُۥ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ لَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ

Indeed, We see you ˹O Prophet˺ turning your face towards heaven. Now, We will make you turn towards a direction ˹of prayer˺ that will please you. So, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque ˹in Mecca˺—wherever you are, turn your faces towards it. Those who were given the Scripture certainly know this to be the truth from their Lord. And Allah is never unaware of what they do.

This shift marked Islam’s independence from Judaism and Christianity, emphasizing its distinctiveness. The Qibla was changed to the sacred mosque ‘Masjid al-Haram’ in Mecca – Saudi Arab symbolizing a pivotal shift from the ancient temple mount in Jerusalem.     

The Qibla shift from Jerusalem to Mecca provided Islam with a distinct identity and established Mecca and Medina as primary Holy cities for Muslims, where non-Muslims are not even permitted, ensuring exclusive religious custodianship in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding this rationale is crucial for Muslims to discontinue regional unrest and sole custody claim of East Jerusalem. Such unrest deprives Jews and Christians of their sanctuary and making Jerusalem’s custody controversial. This has led to territorial conflicts, bloodshed, and militant activity around the sacred site, turning the esplanade into a battlefield and harboring hubs of supportive Islamic militant groups.

REORIENTING ISLAMIC QIBLA TOWARD MECCA: A DIVINE MANDATE TO PROTECT ISAAC’S RELIGIOUS HERITAGE IN JERUSALEM AND PREVENT FUTURE CONFLICTS” – ZAMANI

This highlights the need for a nuanced understanding that the potential for territorial conflict among the crowded followers of the Abrahamic religions in Jerusalem was addressed by the Quranic ordain to change the Qibla. The divine command of untying Muslims from Jerusalem by redirecting their faces during prayers towards ‘Kaaba’ in Mecca, Saudi Arab was aimed at preventing future chaos and conflicts over religious custody claims. It was driven by a combination of symbolic, and practical considerations. Such lack of understanding of their own Holy Quran and commands of God is lamentable.

This ordain resolves the confusion surrounding the Temple Mount, which some Muslims and radicalized groups misusing local Palestinians have politicized. This land is a shared heritage of all Abrahamic religions, and Muslims cannot restrict access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque or claim sole custody of East Jerusalem, especially when they have the most limited historical affiliation to the site compared to other believers.

4- Dispelling Misconceptions about the Quran and Bani Israel

It is essential to address misconceptions about the Quran that are prevalent among naive Muslim youths, often perpetuated by radical Islamic groups. One such misconception is that the Quran promotes violence against Jews or Israelites. This claim is refuted by the fact that the term “Bani Israel” (Children of Israel) is mentioned 43 times in the Quran, mostly in a neutral or positive light. These references highlight Bani Israel’s role as recipients of divine revelation, guidance, the promise of land, and warnings, akin to how believers are addressed in the Quran.

Quran, Chapter Al A’raf – 7:137 – https://quran.com/en/al-araf/137

وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَـٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَـٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ ۖ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ

And ˹so˺ We made the oppressed people successors of the eastern and western lands, which We had showered with blessings. ˹In this way˺ the noble Word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel for what they had endured. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people constructed and what they established.

 The Quranic Portrayal of Bani Israel 

Throughout the Quran, the covenant between God and ‘Bani Israel’ is emphasized, highlighting their significant role in religious history and their journey of faith. The Quran recounts episodes from their history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the Golden Calf incident, and the rejection of prophets, to convey lessons and moral teachings. These references serve as warnings to Bani Israel, reminding them of their covenant with God, their status as a “chosen” community, their responsibilities and the Holy land which God has destined for them.

Quran, Chapter Al Maidah – 5: 20 and 5:21 –  https://quran.com/en/al-maidah/20-21

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِۦ يَـٰقَوْمِ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَعَلَ فِيكُمْ أَنۢبِيَآءَ وَجَعَلَكُم مُّلُوكًۭا وَءَاتَىٰكُم مَّا لَمْ يُؤْتِ أَحَدًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

And ˹remember˺ when Moses said to his people, O my people! Remember Allah’s favours upon you when He raised prophets from among you, made you sovereign, and gave you what He had never given anyone in the world.

يَـٰقَوْمِ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْضَ ٱلْمُقَدَّسَةَ ٱلَّتِى كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَلَا تَرْتَدُّوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَدْبَارِكُمْ فَتَنقَلِبُوا۟ خَـٰسِرِينَ

O’ my people! Enter the Holy Land which Allah has destined for you ˹to enter˺. And do not turn back or else you will become losers.

Misconceptions and Misnomers

Despite clear Quranic teachings, some Muslims misinterpret references to Bani Israel as calls for hostility towards Jews or Israel. This misconception is evident in protests and slogans like “Death to Israel,” often raised by Muslim university students worldwide. Such misinterpretations distort the Quran’s true message. Addressing these misconceptions fosters mutual understanding and prevents hostility, emphasizing peaceful coexistence in Israel.

Considering the younger generation who protested on October 7th with anti-Semitic slogans, Dr. Zamani advised them to observe a moment of silence to study the referenced Holy texts and reflect on neglected issues. After a year of high-tech efforts yielding misleading videos and hashtags like “genocide,” only failure has resulted. Continuing to falsely claim “genocide” risks catastrophic consequences for the planet.

On this date, she insisted that groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian proxies should contemplate where they have strayed from their scriptural ordinances and reflect on the outcomes of their choices.

She warned that young Muslims must recognize that, despite their minimal religious ties to Jerusalem compared to other believers, their actions contribute significantly to unrest in the region, disrupting the worship of peaceful adherents. Islam emphasizes respect for all holy books and prophets and honors all believers.

She asserted that Muslims should learn from Christians, whose profound connection to Bethlehem—where Jesus was born, raised, crucified, resurrected, and prophesied to return—has not led them to justify conflict. The Christian community, which has shaped the civilized era, exemplifies peace and restraint, offering a powerful lesson for all.

Dr. Zamani believes that the UN should redirect its resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be reviewed in light of the largely ignored Quranic scriptures by the Islamic world, which provide clear directives for resolution and outline the original Abrahamic accord. She asserts that this approach captures the essence of the Abraham Accord, fostering peace between Arabs and Bani Israel as outlined in biblical and Quranic scriptures, disqualifying the long-standing ‘Two-State Solution’ and aligning with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vision.

In her new vision for Jerusalem as the indivisible capital of the land of Israel, Dr. Zamani promotes coexistence among peaceful Israelis and non-Israelis while excluding radical groups from governance or negotiations and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards terror threats. This vision includes regulated annual pilgrimage rights for Muslims, subject to security measures and strict visa controls for their claimed third holy city.

About the Author
Roy Hirsch, has worked for various newspapers and currently works as an editor in a publishing house. His interests include literature, politics and technology. He has always fought antisemitism and will continue to do so.
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