Zionism: A Muslim Perspective

 Zionism is a political movement that has nothing to do with religion. It is a modern phenomenon that was created in the late 19th century by secular Jews who wanted to establish a homeland for themselves in Palestine. They used religion as a pretext and a justification, but they had no regard for the sacredness of the land or the rights of its inhabitants. It is a colonial movement that has caused immense suffering to the Palestinian people and to the region as a whole. Zionism is based on a false premise that the Jews have a historical right to the land of Palestine, which is not supported by the Qur’an or the Bible. It is a racist ideology that discriminates against the indigenous population and denies them their basic human rights.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi is a prominent Egyptian Islamic scholar and cleric who is regarded as one of the most influential contemporary Muslim religious figures. He is also a staunch opponent of Zionism and Israel, which he considers to be illegitimate, oppressive, and expansionist. He views Zionism as a colonial movement that has usurped the rights and lands of the Palestinians and other Arabs, and as a threat to the sovereignty and security of the Muslim world. He also supports armed resistance and jihad against Israel and its allies, and has issued controversial fatwas on this matter. He said-

"Zionism is an aggressive, racist, extremist ideology that contradicts the values of humanity, justice, and peace. Zionism is the enemy of God and His messengers, the enemy of truth and justice, the enemy of all that is good and noble. Zionism is a cancerous tumor that must be removed from the body of the Muslim nation."

The Rise of Zionism 

Zionism is a colonial and racist ideology that aims to dispossess and oppress the Palestinian people from their ancestral land. Zionism is contrary to the teachings of Islam, which recognize Palestine as a sacred and blessed land for all Muslims. The British Mandate of Palestine was an illegitimate and unjust imposition that violated the rights and interests of the Muslim Ummah (community). The Balfour Declaration was a treacherous act that promised the land of Palestine to a foreign people who had no historical or religious connection to it. The creation of Israel in 1948 was a catastrophe (Nakba) that resulted in the expulsion and displacement of millions of Palestinians from their homes and villages. The Arab states failed to defend Palestine and its people from the Zionist aggression and occupation.

The Struggle for Liberation and Resistance

The Palestinian people have never accepted the Zionist occupation and have always resisted it by all means possible. The PLO was established as a national liberation movement that represented the aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people. The PLO fought against Israel in various wars and battles, but also sought a political solution based on international law and resolutions. The PLO recognized Israel's right to exist in 1988, but Israel refused to reciprocate or end its occupation. The first intifada was a popular uprising that showed the world the courage and determination of the Palestinian people to achieve their freedom and dignity. Hamas was founded as an Islamic resistance movement that rejected any compromise or recognition of Israel and called for its elimination through jihad. Hamas also provided social services and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza.

The False Peace and the Ongoing Oppression

The Oslo Accords were a deceptive and flawed agreement that gave Israel more control over the occupied territories and undermined the Palestinian national rights. The Oslo Accords did not end the Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, or human rights violations. The Oslo Accords also divided the Palestinian people into different areas and authorities, creating a situation of fragmentation and dependency. The second intifada was a response to the failure of the peace process and the provocation of Ariel Sharon's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2000. The second intifada was more violent and bloody than the first one, as Israel used excessive force and collective punishment against the Palestinian population. Israel also built a separation wall that isolated and annexed large parts of the West Bank. In 2006, Hamas won the democratic elections in Palestine, but Israel and its allies refused to accept the results and imposed a blockade on Gaza. In 2008, 2012, and 2014, Israel launched devastating wars on Gaza, killing thousands of civilians and destroying much of its infrastructure.

The Hope for Justice and Liberation

The Palestinian cause is not only a national or political issue, but also a religious and moral one. The Palestinian cause is supported by millions of Muslims around the world who see Palestine as part of their faith and identity. The Palestinian cause is also supported by many non-Muslims who believe in justice and human rights for all people. The Palestinian cause is not hopeless or impossible, but rather requires more solidarity and action from all those who care about it. The Palestinian cause will prevail inshallah (God willing), as Allah has promised victory to those who are oppressed and steadfast in His path.