OIC & Iran Must Stop Fueling Militancy, as It Is Ruining Islam’s Legacy
Historical ignorance, not innocence, results in the self-inflicted devastation of civilizations. When the pursuit of land is prioritized over the sanctity of life, we forgo opportunities for co-existence or migration.” – Dr Tanveer Zamani
I had a discussion with Dr. Tanveer Zamani in May 2021, during the violent clashes in East Jerusalem near the Aqsa Mosque compound, driven by eviction plans in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, which sparked bloodshed and retaliatory airstrikes, and she emphasized the need to revisit overlooked Quranic scriptures in the Islamic world and conduct an unbiased review of the historical and geopolitical evidence supporting Jerusalem as the indivisible capital of Israel and rejecting the two-state policy.
I summarized this perspective recently in my first article of this series, as her viewpoint has gained renewed relevance amidst the ongoing crisis since October 7, 2023. Considering her points, I am prompted to pose three questions here, to the current Islamic leaders—particularly of Arab and Iranian nations —who are inadvertently but surely shifting Islamic narrative of peace by backing a rising militancy trend among young Muslims:
- Why did Allah command Abraham to bring Ishmael and Hagar from Jerusalem to the barren valley of Mecca?
- Why did Allah instruct the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to shift the ‘Qibla’ from Jerusalem to Mecca’s Kaaba?
- Given the Prophet’s (PBUH) brief transit in Jerusalem to honor past prophets enroute to Heaven; does this truly justify a claim to the city of Jerusalem?
I compiled detailed answers to these questions in my second article based on the Religious Scriptural evidences elucidated by a Muslim American Surgeon Dr. Zamani. Muslims must understand those Quranic ordinances to prevent further loss of life by wrongly invoking the concept of Jihad over unfounded claims of custodianship of Jerusalem.
A Call to Muslim Leaders: Shifting the Islamic Narrative of Peace by Backing Militancy —
Dr. Zamani emphasizes that current Muslim leaders and organizations risk eroding the spirit of Islamic peace by empowering rising militancy among youth in Arab and Iranian circles, which threatens coexistence.
Recent actions by influential leaders like President Erdogan, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Iran’s Supreme Leader have overshadowed Islam’s peaceful legacy. Despite representing modernity, they have supported militant factions that foster division instead of unity. This is disheartening, as it threatens communities that share a belief in One God and the prophets, fueling extremist narratives among naive youth and diverting them from the glorious Islamic path of peace through submission to the Will of God, straying them from Islam’s core principles of compassion and peace.
Dr. Zamani urges Islamic leaders to stop demanding the UN resolve the ongoing conflict. Instead, they should convene the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and engage leaders from Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Qaeda, and the PLO (Al-Fatah). They must objectively explore the region’s history, revisit Quranic teachings, and analyze the geopolitical chaos that has emerged from neglecting these principles. Recognizing the loss of lives and the use of local Muslims as human shields, while propagating videos of suffering, only exacerbates the situation. Ignorance undermines their credibility and tarnishes the honor of Islam.
A Call to the Naïve Protestors: Muslim Youth, University Students, and Faculty:
Dr. Zamani offers a compelling critique of global protesters chanting “From the river to the sea,” emphasizing their lack of understanding of the historical context. She echoed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s concern that many protesters do not comprehend the significance of their words, as the Land of Israel is the land of Isaac where the patriarchs prayed and the prophets preached. The neglect of Biblical and Quranic references by many Muslims distorts their true message and fuels antisemitism, evident in anti-Israel protests worldwide.
Here, we present an in-depth review by Dr. Zamani from May 2021, where she discredits Muslim claims to East Jerusalem by examining objective historical facts and geopolitical perspectives.
HISTORICAL FACTORS –
1- Unmasking Historical Roots – Rejection of the ‘Jewish Invasion’ Misconception-
Indigenous Jews/ Canaanites versus Non-Indigenous Philistines, the Coastal Invaders –
During the Bronze Age (3500-1150 BCE), Canaan was a Semitic-speaking civilization primarily composed of farmers in the Southern Levant region, which includes present-day Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and parts of Syria. This area was pivotal in the late Bronze Age, attracting the interests of the Egyptian and Assyrian Empires. The genetic composition of modern Jews shows significant influence from their ancient Canaanite ancestors, with references to “Canaan” frequently appearing in religious scriptures regarding the Promised Land for the Bani Israel.
As the region transitioned into the Iron Age after the collapse of the Bronze Age, the Israelites, or Bani Israel (“Children of Israel”), emerged as Semitic-speaking tribes who settled in Canaan. They developed deep cultural and historical roots in the land, establishing themselves as indigenous inhabitants.
Around 1200 BCE, Aegean civilizations from Greece, migrating from Crete and the Aegean islands, settled along the fertile southern coast of Canaan. The coastal strip of the Levant region of the eastern Mediterranean, primarily located in modern-day Lebanon. These settlers, known as the Philistines, adopted the local tribal culture despite not being indigenous to Canaan. The term “Philistine” derives from the Hebrew word “Pelesh/Plishtim,” signifying their status as invaders or newcomers to the area.
It is important to note that while Jews trace their historical and cultural roots back to the indigenous Canaanite civilization of the Southern Levant, the Philistines were coastal settlers who arrived later from the Aegean region. Thus, they were not originally native to the land of Canaan.
2- Clarifying Myths About the Israel-Palestine conflict for misinformed youth:
In 1922, under British rule, the League of Nations established mandates for the northern and southern Levant regions. Syria and Lebanon, predominantly Arab, fell under French oversight, while areas like Israel, the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Transjordan (now Jordan), and Iraq, predominantly Christian, were placed under British mandate.
The 1947 UN Partition Plan Between Jews & Arabs: Rejected by Arab League, Not Jews:
In 1943-1946, Jordan gained independence from British rule. In 1947, near the termination of British rule in Palestine (the British Mandate for Palestine), the United Nations proposed dividing the region into Arab and Jewish states. This plan encountered opposition from Arab League members like Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Arabs rejected the UN partition plan and proclaimed their right to self-determination across the Southern Levant region.
The 1948 Invasion/Displacement of Palestinians: Forced by Jordan and Egypt, not Israel:
On May 15, 1948, Israel declared independence under David Ben-Gurion’s leadership. This historic proclamation marked the birth of Israel. Immediately after this declaration of independence, neighboring Jordan and Egypt invaded southern Levant region including Gaza Strip, West Bank East Jerusalem Golan Heights resulting in displacement of about 700,000s known as “Nakba” (or “catastrophe” in Arabic) fleeing to Egypt and Northern Levant areas.
In 1967 during Six-Day War, Israel conquered territories from Jordan and Egypt including West Bank East Jerusalem Golan Heights Sinai Peninsula Gaza Strip.
GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS:
Understanding the geopolitical landscape is crucial before discussing the division of the Jewish Promised Land. Muslim nations must reassess their support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Iranian-backed militias. Blindly endorsing these groups undermines their values and tarnishes their religion’s image.
- Non-electoral Hamas Control / Hijacked Democracy:
Since Hamas’s electoral victory in January 2006, it has dominated Palestinian politics, leading to the absence of elections in the West Bank and Gaza. This unchecked authority has captured democratic society and exploited civilian infrastructure for tunnels, perpetuating terrorism and undermining peace. The division of governance between Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank has fueled ongoing internal conflicts, with groups like Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias engaging in hostilities against Israel.
- Obstruction of Peace Efforts:
Hamas’s rejection of agreements with Israel and refusal to recognize its right to exist have obstructed peace efforts and provoked conflicts. Israel normalized relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco in late 2020, but Hamas sparked an eleven-day conflict in Gaza in May 2021, complicating peace.
Most recently, Israel and Saudi Arabia discussed normalizing relations, with an agreement planned for November 2023. Initially viewed as significant by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, concerns from Hamas and Iran about weakening Palestinian positions led to a conspiracy attack to disrupt negotiations. The world noted that Hamas and Iran deliberately derailed these discussions with attacks on October 7, 2023, marking a setback for peace between Jews and Arabs. Israel’s response to this unprovoked attack has pushed Arab nations back, reinforcing their insistence on establishing an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Hamas’s Rejection of Co-existence:
Hamas officials cited the Oct 7 – attack as a response to Israeli occupation, with military leader Mohammad Deif linking it to the “desecration” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Israeli actions in 2023. While Hamas’s long-term goals are debated, its 2017 charter accepts a Palestinian state within 1967 borders but rejects recognizing Israel. The group has consistently advocated for Israel’s death /destruction, as stated in its 1988 charter.
- Hamas’s Use of Civilians as Human Shields:
In response to escalating tensions, Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas have necessitated civilian evacuations to reduce collateral damage. Hamas’s actions have coerced Palestinians into perilous choices, prioritizing land over life under religious Jehad pretenses and obstructing safe migration. Past militant actions, like the 1970 Black September hijackings, illustrate complex Palestinian-Jordanian relations, leading neighboring Arab nations to refrain from offering refuge to Palestinians at this time. Hamas’s use of civilians as human shields further violates humanitarian norms.
- Hamas Hindered Peaceful Palestinian Migration:
Advocating for a civilian approach similar to that of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for peaceful migration to neighboring Muslim countries aligns with religious teachings that prioritize the sanctity of a believer’s life over militant actions and territorial claims. The Prophet (PBUH) exemplified this when he migrated from Mecca to Medina, valuing human lives over territorial issues. This Sunnah illustrates that even the holiest city, Mecca, was not considered more valuable than life. By prioritizing the well-being of his followers, the Prophet showed that faith should never be used as a pretext of violence and resistance or undue sacrifice. Thus, peaceful migration and revisiting Muslim principles of ‘Gazwas’ warfare and peace is a more respectful option for Palestinians than remaining victimized by Hamas.
- Hamas’s Fight for Unjustified Control of Jerusalem:
Despite offers for peaceful coexistence, Hamas’s claim to sole control over East Jerusalem, treating it as a third holy city alongside Mecca and Medina, lacks justification. This behavior disregards the claims of other believers and underscores the need for mutual respect and tolerance.
PATH FORWARD:
INTRODUCING THE ZAMANI ‘Z’ DOCTRINE-
To regain influence and respect as coexisting civilians in a democratic state of Israel, Palestinians must reject militant tactics. Drawing from their rich Muslim heritage of 1,191 years, from the Caliphate to Ottoman rule (excluding the Crusader era), they can pursue a constructive path forward. Moreover, Palestinians must exclude Hamas from their representation and dialogue, enforcing zero tolerance for terror threats.
Islamic leaders should stop opposing migration and encouraging Palestinians to fight for land over the lives of their children. Instead, the OIC should facilitate respectful migration to neighboring Muslim countries, and support those wishing to coexist peacefully in the sacred land of Israel, without asserting exclusive custody over East Jerusalem.
A NEW ‘Z’ VISION FOR JERUSALEM –
If Ishmaelites (Muslims) hold sole custody of Mecca and Medina, then Jerusalem should rightfully belong to the followers of Isaac, known as Bani Israel (Children of Israel). This allocation ensures equitable distribution of sacred sites.
A pragmatic approach based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence could involve recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish people while granting Muslims worldwide annual pilgrimage access to Al-Aqsa with appropriate visas.
To make a fair decision regarding Jerusalem’s sacred sites, the United Nations should base its decision on the historical custodianship established by Abraham, acknowledging that there are already two holiest sites exclusively held by Muslims in Saudi Arabia, where non-Muslims are not permitted.
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO GAZA- A five-point strategy towards seeking peace:
Rehabilitation: Secure and clear northern Gaza, establish controlled access points, and implement biometric identification measures.
Reconstruction: Prioritize infrastructure building in affected areas and provide humanitarian aid to restore basic services.
Restoration: Encourage professors and faculties worldwide to foster spiritual connections among believers of Ibrahim’s religions. Discourage Iran’s interference. Promote cultural exchanges and interfaith dialogues to strengthen understanding and mutual respect among diverse communities.
Reconciliation: Foster community unity by promoting reconciliation and educating citizens on civil rights and responsibilities.
Reemergence Deterrence: Implement restrictive measures to prevent Hamas regrouping. Exclude Hamas from engagement in any dialogue and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards terror threats.
Message to Palestinians and Neighboring Muslim Countries
Dr. Zamani, as a Muslim mother, advises pursuing peaceful coexistence by rejecting militancy, respecting interfaith values, and honoring all believers in one God. She encourages promoting respectful migration, in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), urging neighboring countries to welcome those wishing to emigrate. It’s crucial to avoid repeating history when Palestinian militant hijackings disrupted peace during Black September in 1970.
Message to Militants and Extremist Groups
Dr. Zamani emphasizes that groups like the Taliban, Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Qaeda, Houthis, and Iranian proxies misinterpret the true concept of Jihad and martyrdom. While religions don’t require armies, regions may, and she encourages disciplined military service over militancy. She advises joining educated, disciplined military forces in uniform with ID and complying with international war laws. Militancy is not a legitimate resistance against perceived injustices; instead, she advocates for dialogue over armed struggle and rejects the romanticization of militant suicides, which only leads to bloodshed.
Message to All Muslims:
Dr. Zamani emphasizes that by embracing peaceful coexistence and rejecting militancy, Muslims can open doors for future possibilities, including annual pilgrimage rights with regulated visas to visit sacred sites in Jerusalem as ‘Sunnah’, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited enroute to heaven, instead of depriving Muslims or banning travel to Jerusalem, as seen in Pakistan, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
Message to UN and Western Peace Negotiators:
After reviewing Dr. Zamani’s perspective, the previously passed UN resolutions become obsolete, as they contradict God’s Commands and Abrahamic strategy. The goal should not be to divide the sacred Promised Land assigned to the followers of Isaac into two states with the followers of Ishmael, who were removed by Abraham from Jerusalem to Mecca and have exclusive custody of two holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
Thus, the two-state policy contradicts the Abraham Accords and is not a viable democratic solution today. The UN must avoid clinging to unjustified claims and succumbing to pressures for Palestinian rights of self-determination, which have been fueled by misconceptions against Bani Israel for at least 80 years. Instead, they should foster democratic coexistence in the indivisible Jerusalem of Greater Israel or facilitate migration for those seeking it, paving the way through submission to God in the true essence of all religions.