A Summary of the Chapters
To help you decide which ones to read
1. The British Partition of India and Pakistan
The British partition of India was disastrous. It bears some significant resemblances to the British exit from its Mandatory role in Palestine, an event which took place less than a year later. It therefore can be instructive to take a brief look at what happened in India and Pakistan.
In each of the three Holy Scriptures — Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic — all of humanity is understood to have been descended from Adam and Eve, the parents of Cain (Qabil) and Abel (Habil). In each of the three Holy Scriptures, Cain kills his brother Abel. In each of the three Holy Scriptures, God condemns Cain’s action; brother killing brother is presented as a tragic evil, the result of someone turning away from God.
The three Holy Scriptures all teach that God has embedded basic laws and distinctions within the heart of every human being. It was the transgression of these laws which brought the flood as judgment. God had given humanity a “way” to live, but they rejected it. They distorted it. They chose violence rather than kindness.
Throughout the Bible, God is called “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”. Abraham’s life is presented as both a model of and a guide to the life that is pleasing to God. “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord; look to the rock from where you have been cut, and to the hole of the pit from where you have been dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you; for he was only one when I called him, and blessed him, and increased him.”
And in the Quran, God says, “Truly We sent down the Torah, wherein is a guidance and a light, by which the prophets are submitted (unto God), judged those who are Jews, as did the sages and the rabbis, in accordance with such of God’s Book as they were bidden to preserve and to which they were witnesses….”14 The verse indicates that the prophets, the sages, and the rabbis preserved the Book which God gave to Moses.
In the Quran, God calls the Children of Israel “My People,” and says that He gave them things which He gave to no other people. As part of that, He speaks of the land which He gave to them. “And when Moses said unto his people, ‘O my people! Remember God’s Blessing upon you, when He appointed prophets among you, and appointed you kings, and gave you that which He gave unto no other in all the worlds. O My people! enter the Holy Land which God has prescribed for you and do not turn back, or you shall become losers.’”29 29. Quran, The Table Spread/al-Maidah 5:20-21
There are many people who think that God is irrelevant to human affairs and the history which they produce. As might be expected, all three Holy Scriptures present a different view. They claim that God rules over human history.
5. Islamic Obligations: Jihad, Jizya, and Dhimmi
In ancient times, almost all the world was a world of war. In Egypt, for example, “From the beginnings of the old Kingdom to the climax of the Ptolemaic period, the Egyptian people preserved and maintained themselves. Possessed in turn by Persians, Greeks [Macedonians], Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks [Ottomans], French, and English, they remained unchanged.”2 All the surviving peoples in the Middle East experienced roughly the same mix of attackers, more or less.
As expressed in the Constitution of Medinah, a binding covenant and treaty, “To the Jews their religion (din) and to the Muslims their religion….
“Between them [Muslims and Jews] there is help (nasr) against whoever wars against the people of this document. Between them is sincere friendship (nas’h wa-nasiha) and honorable dealing, not treachery. A man is not guilty of treachery through [the act of] his confederate. There is help for the person wronged.”1515. The Myth of a Militant Islam,” Dakake, Islam, Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition:, p.21,22. Citing The Constitution of Medina, Watt, Humannad, p.22.
In 1947, the Arab Higher Committee (AHC), which represented the Arabs of Palestine, wrote about the time of the recently ended Ottoman Empire: “Neither at that juncture nor before was Palestine a unit in itself. Part of it belonged administratively to the Vilayet of Beirut. (Beirut is now the capital of the Lebanon) and part was known as the Jerusalem District. In those days the name ‘Palestine’ was never mentioned, nor was the country ever known by it. It was considered as a part of Syria from which, in fact, it was separated by no natural barriers whatever. The Syrians, the Lebanese and the Palestinians are all united by practically indissoluble commercial, agricultural and industrial relations, not to mention the equally close ties of language, interests, customs, traditions, religion and blood that bound them together.”65. Samuel Abramsky, “Bar Kochba,” Encyclopedia Judaica, Vol. 2, Keter Publishing House Ltd., Jerusalem, 1971, P. 236
7. The Origins of the United Nations
To get Stalin to commit to entering the war against Japan, Roosevelt and Churchill agreed to give diplomatic recognition to the Mongolian People’s Republic, a Soviet puppet state, thus severing it from China. They agreed to give the Soviets control over the railroads that led to the Chinese port of Dalian/Dairen. All of this was agreed before consulting the nationalist government of China.
8. The UN Special Committee on Palestine
“The problem of Palestine is not one the solution of which will emerge from an accumulation of detailed information. If such had been the case, the problem would have been solved long ago. Few countries have been the subject of so many general or detailed inquiries — official and unofficial — especially during the last decade. The problem is mainly one of human relationship and political rights. Its solution may be reached only through a correct appreciation of the situation as a whole and an endeavour to find a human settlement. In this respect, the opinions of members of an international committee who represent various civilizations and schools of thought and have approached the question from different angles may be of some value.”88. General Assembly A/364, 3 September 1947, Official Records of the Second Session of the General Assembly, Supplement No. 11, United Nations Special Committee on Palestine, Report to the General Assembly, Vol. 1, Lake Success, New York, 1947, Preface. https://unispal.un.org/DPA/DPR/unispal.nsf/0/07175DE9FA2DE563852568D3006E10F3
“All the proposed solutions have aimed at resolving, in one manner or another, the Palestinian dilemma: the reconciliation of two diametrically opposed claims, each of which is supported by strong arguments, in a small country of limited resources, and in an atmosphere of great and increasing political and racial tension and conflicting nationalisms.”2222. UNSCOP Report, IV. 13
As expressed in the Cairo Declaration, “All men are equal in terms of basic human dignity and basic obligations and responsibilities”.9 God gives each person “basic human dignity” which everyone else is obligated to respect. God gives each person “basic obligations and responsibilities” which everyone is required to fulfill.
Equity is essential to how we treat one another. We are not allowed to judge with bias or favoritism. In the Bible, this is expressed as: “Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.”12
In the Quran, the equivalent seems to be: “And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with the straight balance. That is better and more virtuous in the end.“13 As for those who tip the scales to their own advantage: “Woe unto the defrauders, who, when they take measure from people, demand [it] in full, and when they measure for them or weigh for them, they stint.”14 That applies as well to bias in judging one’s own actions and the actions of others. 12. Proverbs 20:10
13. Quran, The Night Journey, al-Isra [Banu Isra’il] 17:35
14. Quran, Those who defraud/al-Mutaffifin 83:1-3
Faith need not be an insurmountable obstacle to working together; it can be an invaluable aid. The likelihood of that happening is increased when people actually believe what they say they believe. The likelihood of that happening is decreased when people actually follow their own thoughts and feelings rather than what they say they believe.
In its simplest form, a contract is an agreement into which two parties freely enter, stipulating what each party will provide and what each party will receive. The Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 B.C.E.) was a positivist, not recognizing the pre-existence of any values or natural laws. He said “There never was such a thing as absolute justice, but only agreements made in mutual dealings among men in whatever places at various times providing against the infliction or suffering of harm.”14 For mutual benefit, and with complementary obligations, one individual bound himself to an agreement with another. Shared values and advantages, rather than law, determined the terms of the agreement. 14. Epicurus, Principal Doctrines, #33,
http://www.epicurus.net/en/principal.html
A natural right is a boundary established by God which no one is authorized to transgress. A natural obligation is a responsibility which God has given to every individual and which no one is able to evade or dismiss. God will call each one to account on the Day of Judgment. Admittedly, that means nothing to some people, but it does mean quite a lot to others. If God IS, then everyone will find out how much it means.
The Quran says, “Truly those who sell God’s Pact and their oaths for a paltry price, they shall have no share in the Hereafter and God will not speak to them, nor will He look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. And theirs shall be a painful punishment.”2121. Quran, The House of Imran/Al-Imran 3:77
In 1947, the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine concluded that “A Federal State solution, therefore, which in the very nature of the case must emphasize unity and co-operation, will best serve the interests of peace…. The federal State is the most constructive and dynamic solution in that it eschews an attitude of resignation towards the question of the ability of Arabs and Jews to co-operate in their common interest, in favour of a realistic and dynamic attitude, namely, that under changed conditions the will to co-operate can be cultivated.”22 22. UNSCOP Report, CHAPTER V, RECOMMENDATIONS (I), 11,13,14
The three states in the minority gave their reasons for favoring a federation. The overarching reason was that, “The peoples of Palestine are entitled to recognition of their right to independence… The Arab state and the Jewish state shall enjoy full powers of local self-government, and may institute such representative forms of government, adopt such local constitutions and issue such local laws and regulations as they may deem desirable, subject only to the provisions of the federal constitution.”28 28. UNSCOP Report, “I. The Independent State of Palestine,“ 1; “II. Outline of the structure and required provisions in the constitution of Palestine,” 26
Muhammad taught something quite similar. “The Prophet said, ‘None of you will have faith till he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.’”3 You may pretend, even deceiving yourself, but you are not a believer if you do not consider your brother’s well-being as important as your own. 3. Bulugh al-Maram 6.13 “Narrated Anas …”
When we turn to the Quran and the hadiths, what are Muslims commanded to do in Jerusalem? Nothing. Which of their commanded observances can they perform without Jerusalem? All of them. Which Pillars of the Faith remain without Jerusalem? All of them. What is the role of Jerusalem in Islamic government? None. Muslims are to pray towards Mekka and seek to make a pilgrimage to Mekka.
Dividing Jerusalem into a dual capital would be a rejection of the scriptural and historical reality. It would be an act of war, not a step towards peace. That would be the case if the capital of any other country in the world were removed from its sovereignty by an external power and then divided.
An expanded Jerusalem, however, could serve as the capital of a covenant federation. It would then be a double capital, not a dual capital; a condition which would not be inconsistent with what the Bible describes as its future as the center for peace and God’s Law. Nor would it be inconsistent with either Palestinian or Israeli desires.
Assuredly, the land of Israel/Palestine is unique in the position accorded to it in the three Holy Scriptures with which we are concerned. Among other things, it is unique in the vast distance between its current status and its prophesied high calling. As Jeremiah lamented, “Is it nothing to you, all you that pass by? Look and see if there is any pain like my pain, which was severely brought upon me, which the Lord has made me suffer in the day of His fierce anger.”1 There is no other land like it, nor any city like Jerusalem.
Muhammad said, “O you who believe! Be steadfast maintainers of justice, witnesses for God, though it be against yourselves, or your parents and kinsfolk, and whether it be someone rich or poor, for God is nearer unto both. So follow not your caprice, that you may act justly. If you distort or turn away, truly God is Aware of whatsoever you do.”8 8. Quran, Women/al-Nisa 4:135
In 1960, King Hussein of Jordan said, “Since 1948, Arab leaders… have used the Palestine people for selfish political purposes. This is ridiculous and, I could say, even criminal.”43 The Arab countries have not been concerned with the well-being of the Palestinians, but rather with using them as leverage for a political agenda. That is the justification for using the UNRWA to keep them in miserable conditions. That has been the goal of the Arab leaders for the Palestinians: miserable conditions and the teaching that the destruction of Israel is the purpose of their lives. 43. The Refugee Issue,” Shraga Simmons, Dec 31, 1969
https://www.aish.com/jw/me/48883137.html
On September 15, 1948, Emile Ghoury, secretary of the Palestine Arab Higher Committee, declared: “I do not want to impugn anyone but only to help the refugees. The fact that there are these refugees is the direct consequence of the action of the Arab States in opposing partition and the Jewish State. The Arab States agreed upon this policy unanimously and they must share in the solution of the problem.”52 52. Quoted in “Statement to the Special Political Committee of the United Nations General Assembly by Ambassador Eban, November 17, 1958
”https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/mfadocuments/yearbook1/pages/11%20statement%20to%20the%20special%20political%20committee%20of.aspx
God told him, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed in you.”6 6. Genesis 12:1-3. The promise about reciprocal blessings and curses is repeated to Jacob (Genesis 27:29) and to all Israel (Numbers 24:9).
In the Quran, emigration because of faith is a very positive thing, with great reward. “Those who believe and emigrate and strive in the way of God with their wealth and their selves are greater in rank in the eyes of God. And it is they who are the triumphant. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and Contentment; and Gardens wherein they shall have lasting bliss, abiding therein forever. Truly with God is a great reward.”9 9. Quran, Repentance/Al-Tawbah 9:20-2
There are many evils that cause people to be dispossessed and displaced. That is the way of the world. The way of God is different. God promises a beautiful reward for those who persevere and emigrate. “Whosoever migrates in the way of God will find upon the earth many a refuge and abundance, and whosoever forsakes his home, emigrating unto God and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward will fall upon God, and God is Forgiving, Merciful.”19 19. Quran, Women/al-Nisa 4:100
We are tested by the differences between us — some of them from error, some of them from God’s design. “And had thy Lord willed, all those who are on the earth would have believed altogether. Wouldst thou compel men till they become believers? It is not for a soul to believe, save by God’s Leave…”11 “There is no coercion in religion. Sound judgment has become clear from error.”12 11. Quran, Jonah/ Yunus 10:99-100
12. Quran, The Cow/al-Barqarah 2:256
“The believers are but brothers; so make peace between your brethren, and reverence God, that haply you may receive mercy.”46 It is possible to make a righteous pact for a holy peace. This can happen where there is a willingness to embrace those portions of the Holy Scriptures which emphasize reconciliation, mercy, and peace. “And Remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, possessed of strength and sight. Truly We purified them with that which is pure — remembrance of the Abode. And truly in Our sight they are among the chosen, the elect.”47 46. Quran, Victory/al-Fath 49:10
47. Quran, Sad 38:45-47
If no common ground is found, there cannot be any common goals. And if there are no common goals, there are only two possibilities. Option 1: A continuance of the current hostility, which will mean the continuation of suffering, deprivation, and mourning for many. Option 2: The annihilation of one side or the other through military power or through a divinely instigated apocalypse. In light of the value God places on saving a single life and the judgment to be expected for destroying a single life, we can say that this is not what He desires.
Part A. “The Hour will not come until…”
Muhammad said, “‘And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah.’ The Prophet then recited: “Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour.”8 There are things which will happen in the future that no human being knows; among these is the Last Hour. 8. Hadith No: 48 From: Sahih Bukhari. Chapter 2, Belief. Narrated/Authority of Abu Huraira
For example, Muhammad said, “The Hour will not be established until you fight against the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight against people wearing shoes made of hair.”17 As a description, this passage is very similar to the above hadith about the Jews, and should therefore be approached in the same way. 17. Sahih al Bukhari 53. The book of Jihad, Chapter 43. Fighting against the Turks. 1262. p.601 (Bukhari 4:179) This is the very next hadith after “Fighting against the Jews”.
“Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) many ahadith and one of them was this: The last Hour will not come until the two parties (of Muslims) confront each other and there is a large-scale massacre amongst them and the claim of both of them is the same.”21 They each claim that they are the true Muslims and the others are not, but Muhammad said that both sides will all be condemned to the Fire because they kill, or are prepared to kill, their brothers. 21. Sahih Muslim Book 41, Number 6902, Chapter 4.
www.hadithcollection.com
”The Prophet (saw) looked out at us from a room, when we were talking about the Hour. He said: ‘The Hour will not begin until there are ten signs: Dajjal, (False Christ), the smoke, and the rising of the sun from the west.’”33 33. Hadith No: 4041 From: Sunan Ibn Majah. Chapter 39, The Chapters on Tribulations, Narrated/Authority of Hudhaifah bin Asid
A REMINDER: PART B. ZEALOTS & SICARII
In the Hebrew Scriptures, hatred is much more than an emotional feeling, it is a way of behaving; a way of treating other people. All these evils flowed from the unwillingness of the people to do justice, love mercy, and walk in humility with God. They chose to do what they wanted to do rather than be limited by God’s Law. They were harsh rather than merciful and compassionate. And they presumed their own righteousness, often claiming that they represented God, rather than humbling themselves before Him.
The Sicarii claimed that their violence would bring the deliverance of Israel. It brought destruction instead. The God who sees every heart was neither deceived nor intimidated.
“And if a foreigner sojourns with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. But the foreigner who dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.”13 Neither the prohibition against hatred nor the commandment to love are limited to those who share my identity. 13. Leviticus 19:33-34
It costs nothing, or so it seems at the moment, to put the Name of the Lord on what one does. But it costs everything to truly find Him. When Israel was facing exile, God again promised, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”39 39. Jeremiah 29:13