Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel

One evening while walking through the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, sometime after I returned to the Land of Israel with my wife and our two girls on April 1, 1992, I found an intriguing pamphlet in the Torah Outreach Program center of Dr. Ya'akov Fogelman.

Entitled Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel according to the Koran and the Tanach, this pamphlet was written by Dr. Asher Eder and published by Dr. Yitzhaq (Isaac) Hayut-Man's Academy of Jersualem.

I already knew about the remarkable personal history of Dr. Eder from lectures given by Rabbi Baruch Horovitz, Dean of the Jerusalem Academy of Jewish Studies (Yeshivat Dvar Yerushalayim).

Leafing through Dr. Eder's pamphlet, I became intrigued. Here was further confirmation of what John Hulley had told me about the encounter between the Jewish Pioneer and the Muslim Religious Leader at the Ma'arat HaMachpela (Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron).

Dr. Eder, a spiritual Marco Polo, had traveled from his native Germany through Muslim lands on his way to the Land of Israel and Judaism. He showed in Peace is Possible that the Qur'an and Tanach provided Muslims and Jews with solutions to problems between them long thought to be intractable.

We met several times, and spoke of establishing an Islam-Israel Fellowship of the Root and Branch Association. Where was the Muslim who would join us?

Dr. Eder hoped that one day a prophetic figure would arise in the world of Islam to openly state the truths that Dr. Eder uncovered. Where was he?

Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel according to the Qur'an and the Tanach

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Forty years ago, in 1969, I wrote Peace is Possible according to the Quran and the Tanach, presented herewith to you.

In the forty years that have passed since then, Israel has signed several “peace” agreements, none of which brought the peace they promised.

On March 26, 1979, Israel signed a cold “peace” agreement with a hostile Egypt, giving up the entire Sinai in return for a piece of paper. The last thirty years have witnessed the Egyptians break almost every provision of the “peace” agreement, short of open armed conflict with Israel.

Since September 13, 1993, when Israel and the P.L.O. signed the Oslo Accords “peace” agreement, thousands of Arabs and Jews have been killed and thousands more wounded by murderers from the P.L.O. and assorted Arab “terror” (murder) groups.

Despite “peace” conferences and agreements at Wye Plantation (Interim Agreement of September 28, 1995; ratified October 23, 1998), Annapolis (November 27, 2007), and a “Road Map” to “peace” proclaimed on June 24, 2002 (to be managed by a self-proclaimed “Quartet” composed of the European Union, Russia, United Nations and U.S.), “peace” is nowhere in sight.

Israel's August, 2005 Expulsion (“Disengagement”) of 10,000 Jewish men, women and children from their Jewish pioneering communities in Gush Katif was intended as a “necessary” sacrifice for “peace”. Instead, the Expulsion brought an escalating rain of Arab rockets and missiles on Israeli cities and villages.

On September 29, 1938, the Munich “Agreement” (called the Munich Dictate by Czechs and Slovaks), give Germany the right to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. The “Agreement” was signed by Adolf Hitler of Germany, Neville Chamberlain of England, Benito Mussolini of Italy and Edouard Daladier of France. Chamberlain and Daladier sacrificed Czechoslovakia on an altar of “peace” in a vain attempt to appease Hitler, servant of the Teutonic war god Wodan, and avoid armed conflict between England and France with Germany. Yet the Munich “Agreement” (Dictate) only masked the real problem: Nazi German dreams of world domination^¹.

In the same way, Israeli “peace” agreements with Arab nations and terrorist organizations such as the P.L.O. only mask the real problem: The dream of Wahhabi jihad fanatics to annihilate Israel.

Most Germans supported the relatively small group of active Nazis during the 1920s and 30s. Similarly, Wahhabi jihad fanatics committed to the destruction of Israel enjoy wide support in the Arab and Islamic world today.

Arabs and Muslims are falsely taught that jihad against Israel is a religious duty deriving from the Qur'an.

The best antidote to the false and destructive teachings of Wahhabi jihad fanatics about Israel are the authentic and life-giving teachings of the Qur'an and Islamic tradition.

Forty years ago, in 1969, I wrote Peace is Possible in an attempt to introduce readers to the authentic and life-giving Qur'anic teachings about Jews and Israel.

Today, forty years later, in 2009, I believe that Peace is Possible is as relevant as when first written. I hope it will help Muslims and Jews, Arabs and Israelis, on the path to true peace.

Dr. Asher Eder's essay, Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel according to the Qur'an and the Tanach, is a fascinating investigation of what the Qur'an teaches about Muslims and Jews. I recommend it to all Muslims, most of all to those living in the Middle East.

Muslims must develop a new attitude towards Jews and Israel. Arab Muslims have been defeated in war after war against Israel. Would God have permitted this if the Arab Muslim cause was just? Surely not.

إِن يَكُن مِّنكُمْ عِشْرُونَ صَابِرُونَ يَغْلِبُواْ مِئَتَيْنِ وَإِن يَكُن مِّنكُم مِّئَةٌ يَغْلِبُواْ أَلْفًا مِّنَ

الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لاَّ يَفْقَهُونَ

“Twenty patient and persevering Muslims fighting for a good Islamic cause will vanquish two hundred of their enemies, while a hundred of those Muslims will vanquish a thousand enemies”.

In the case of the Arab-Israeli wars; on the contrary, it happened in exactly the opposite way: Arabs always outnumbered Israelis, and notwithstanding this they were always defeated. I cannot conceive a more evident proof of the fact that Arab Muslim wars of aggression against Israel were a palpable violation of the dictates of Islam.

Arab and Muslim political leaders and some of the deviant ulema (clergy) misled their own people when they taught that Islam prohibited us from recognizing the State of Israel or having peaceful relations with it.

God says in the Glorious Qur'an that Jews and Muslims have their own special directions of prayer (Jerusalem for Jews and Mecca for Muslims):

مَّا تَبِعُواْ قِبْلَتَكَ وَمَا أَنتَ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَتَهُمْ وَمَا بَعْضُهُم بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَةَ بَعْضٍ

“They would not follow thy direction of prayer; nor art thou going to follow their direction of prayer; nor indeed will they follow each other's direction of prayer”.

God Himself is saying that Jerusalem is as important to Jews as Mecca is to Muslims.

Nevertheless, most Muslim leaders continue to claim that Islam prohibits Muslims from recognizing the right of the Jewish People to the Land of Israel. It is our duty to stop this false, anti-Islamic propaganda.

We must follow the example of the martyr Anwar Sadat, the noble leader, who showed us how to look to the future with a positive attitude and learn from past mistakes. May God have Mercy upon him!

Muslims and Jews must recognise each other as brothers, descendants of Abraham, messenger to the world of ethical monotheism. To do this we must be prepared to forgive past faults and understand that those who follow the ways of peace and forgiveness walk in the shadow of God.

We must remember Joseph's forgiving attitude to his brothers, the other Children of Israel, and follow Joseph's example by telling our Muslim brothers:

قَالَ لاَ تَثْرَيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ يَغْفِرُ اللّهُ لَكُمْ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

“This day let not reproach be cast on you, God will forgive you, since He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy”.

Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel according to the Qur'an and the Tanach

Let us be aware that we are descendants of one father, Abraham, whose main offspring were Ishmael, Israel (Jacob), and Esau.

From Abraham's faith developed the so-called monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each has its own specific mission to perform.

Sarah, giving birth to Isaac, demanded that Abraham remove Ishmael. Abraham prayed for Ishmael and sent him out (not “off”, as some translations have it) to become a great nation, as we are told in the Tanach (Hebrew Bible).

Later on, Abraham's grandson Israel (Jacob) was sent out, first by his father Isaac to Laban, and then Israel's (Jacob's) descendants to several exiles for certain missions.

1.1 Different Missions of Ishmael and Israel

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his fellow”, said King Solomon (Proverbs, 27:17). This means that competition and emulation are ingredients needed for our development and growth.

1.2 Competition between Ishmael and Israel

However, Ishmael and Israel each began to see himself as the only true child and heir of Abraham. A family quarrel ensued, with each one claiming the whole heritage. The scriptures given to us as divine instructions for our respective tasks began to be interpreted in exclusive ways.

1.3 Different Ways of Interpreting Scripture

Scriptures, the Qur'an as Muslim guidebook and the Tanach as Jewish guidebook, are open to interpretation. “The Torah has seventy faces”^², say our sages, referring to seventy possible interpretations of a given passage and to the seventy nations of the world listed in the Torah.

Islam developed Sunnism and Shi'ism, besides other sub-groups, each one interpreting the same Qur'an. One official school of interpretation in Islam holds that a jihad (holy war) can be waged only against one's evil inclination, according to the Qur'an. Others, such as Wahhabis, are quick to demand and wage jihad against Muslim opponents and all non-Muslims. They cite passages from the Qur'an which they claim support their views.

Each of us sees his own reflection when he looks into his own scriptures. We may read a passage many times without grasping its deeper meaning. We may misconstrue it. We may, if we are fortunate, have our eyes opened to the truths a passage was meant to teach.

I ask that we all look again at our scriptures. Do they really tell us that we are meant to fight endless wars, or rather to make real peace? Current negotiations between Arabs and Jews, conducted entirely on the political level, will be crowned with real peace only when we resolve the religious conflicts that are seen to divide us.

1.4 Jihad, Call to Holy War

Jihad against Jews has been proclaimed by many Arab religious and political leaders, creating a jihad psychosis.

According to Islamic law jihad may only be declared by a caliphate. No caliphate has existed since the fall of the Turkish Empire in 1917.

Following the Madrid and Washington “peace” talks, several Muslim religious groups, including Wahhabi^³ Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and the Palestine Council of Ulema, condemned the “peace” agreements with Israel. To these groups, such agreements are “a grave sin and betrayal of God and of his messenger”.

This may be right in their view. By definition, jihad never ends in compromise. Even if Israel would give up the “West Bank” (Judea and Samaria), and Haifa, Jaffa and Beersheba as well, their jihad would not have achieved its goal. Such jihad would have to continue until Israel disappeared from their map of the Middle East. Muslim and Arab leaders have declared this goal over and over again.

On the long road towards their goal of destroying Israel, they believe that such jihad allows them to lie, act arrogantly and sign fake treaties with the Jewish enemy (and with those who support us).

This jihad philosophy is set out in the document entitled Arab Theologians on Israel: Excerpts from the Proceedings of the Fourth Conference of the Academy of Islamic Research, held at al-Azhar University, Cairo, in 1968^⁴. This conference was convened by Gamal Abd-el-Nassr, then president of Egypt. Its task was to set guidelines for conducting jihad against Israel.

How could anyone, under such circumstances, expect Israel to rely on treaties with its Arab neighbors? Even if one wanted to trust Abdul Rauf el-Codbi el-Husseini (“Yasser Arafat”) and other Arab leaders, one would have to take into account that their successors - whether they come to power by right or by might - might adhere to the principles of jihad, and declare all agreements with Israel null and void.

Israel is still in a formal state of war with Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Both of these nations fought against Israel in 1948. They never revoked their state of war with Israel. (In contrast, Israel now has peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt, and the 1949 armistice agreements with Syria and Lebanon).

The call to jihad against the State of Israel is not new. It began with Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel and was invoked between the First and Second World Wars by Haj Amin el-Husseini, grand mufti of Palestine. Arab wars of (intended) annihilation against Israel in 1948, 1967 and 1973 were all attempts to put the call to jihad into practice.

After an Australian Christian tried to burn down the El Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) in Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia established the Organization of the Islamic Conference (O.I.C.) specifically to support jihad against Israel. In 1991, following the start of “peace” talks in Washington, el-Husseini (“Arafat”) demanded that the O.I.C., meeting in Dakar, Senegal, include a call to support jihad against Israel in its final resolution.

Even after signing the first Oslo Agreement, el-Husseini (“Arafat”) continued his call for jihad against Israel.

These groups believe that their obsession with jihad against the State of Israel is supported by qur'anic verses which condemn the Children of Israel for lack of faith in God and for not observing the commandments of God's Torah, or which condemn pagans and idolaters in general.

My own reading of the Qur'an reveals a different picture, shared by many Muslim friends who dare not speak out for fear of revenge attacks by Wahhabi jihad fanatics.

What led Arab leaders to such strong rejection of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel (or “Palestine”, as it was called after the establishment of the British Mandate), and of a renewed Jewish State in the Land of Israel?

The answer will expose the motives for the Arab assault against Israel. It will also suggest a solution allowing both Arabs and Jews to live together in mutual respect and in honor of the God of Abraham, forefather of both the Children of Ishmael and the Children of Israel.

1.5 Religious and Historic Roots of Arab and Muslim Rejection of the State of Israel

The religious root is found in the Islamic doctrine that lands once under Islamic rule - lands within the realm of Dar al-Islam (Realm of Peace – lands controlled by Muslims) - must be reconquered if lost to the realm of Dar al-Harb (Realm of War – lands controlled by non-Muslims).

The historic root dates to the 13th century, when Arab Muslim lands suffered European Crusader invasion from the West and Mongol invasion from the East. The Mongol invasion destroyed Baghdad, the Muslim cultural center and seat of the caliphate. Until then, Islam was a leading world civilization.

Islam stagnated during the ensuing Mameluk period. A short revival under the early Ottoman Turkish sultans did not take hold. European nations gained power and influence, subjecting the Muslim world to their colonial rule.

Only after European crippled itself in the First World War could Arab nationalist movements gain strength. Arab nationalists achieved dominance within the Muslim world by using religion to advance political agendas. This approach turned Islam into a tool of political Arab nationalism.

The misuse of Islam for political ends led Arab nations to wage wars against each other in the name of jihad. It also poisoned Muslim attitudes towards Jews and Israel. Wars produce suffering and atrocities on all sides, and these in turn breed bitterness and hatred.

Muslims and Jews must break this vicious cycle by exposing the roots of the problem and by rediscovering the intentions behind the words of our prophets.

1.6 Muslims and Jews must seek Truth together

Muslims and Jews must seek truth together. Only truth will guide us to righteousness, which will bring peace and blessing for both sides. Let us reflect on the two books which have guided Jews and Muslims for centuries. The Tanach is the Jewish guidebook and the Qur'an is the Muslim guidebook.

Many Muslims believe that they need not read the Tanach. They say that the Qur'an contains the entire truth and cite a passage in the hadith (oral traditions of the sayings of Muhammad) where Muhammad saw Omar reading the Tanach and told Omar he need not do so.

A Muslim, it is said, can lead a proper life by following the five basic principles of Islam alone. However, not being required to read the Tanach does not mean that Muslims should reject Tanach teachings.

This view is supported by a hadith which relates that upon seeing Jews carrying a Torah scroll Muhammad stopped them, kissed the scroll and spoke to the Torah, saying, “I believe in you and in your contents”.

According to another hadith, Muhammad said, “Quote at least some words from me, quote also from the Israelites, there is no harm in doing so”. All classical Muslim commentators on the Qur'an cited the Tanach. However, some Muslims say that today's Tanach is unreliable. They claim that Jews tampered with the original text.

1.7 The Qur'an acknowledges the Authority of the Bible

The Qur'an speaks differently about the Torah and the Tanach (which it calls “the Book”)^⁵:

“True piety is this: to believe in God, and the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets, to give of one's substance, however cherished, to kinsmen, and orphans, the needy, the traveler, beggars, and to ransom the slave, to perform the prayer, to pay the alms”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:172 (Arberry translation, page 22-23) (standard numbering: 2:177)

“And We have sent down to thee the Book with the truth, confirming the Book that was before it, and assuring it”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:52 (Arberry translation, page 107) (standard numbering: 5:48)

“This Koran could not have been forged apart from God; but it is a confirmation of what is before it, and a distinguishing of the Book, wherein is no doubt, from the Lord of all Being”.

Qur'an, Sura Yunis (“Jonah”), 10:38 (Arberry translation, page 201) (standard numbering: 10:38)

“And We gave Moses the Book, and made it a guidance to the Children of Israel”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) Bani Isra'il (“Children of Israel”), 17:3 (Arberry translation, page 274) (standard numbering: 17:3)

Qur'an, Sura al-Mu'minun (“The Believers”), 23:51 (Arberry translation, page 346) (standard numbering: 23:49)

“Indeed, We gave Moses the Book; so be not in doubt concerning the encounter with him; and We appointed it for a guidance to the Children of Israel”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Sajdah (“Prostration”), 32:23 (Arberry translation, page 425) (standard numbering: 32:23)

“Yet before it was the Book of Moses for a model and a mercy; and this is a Book confirming, in Arabic tongue, to warn the evildoers, and good tidings to the good-doers”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ahqaf (“The Sand-Dunes”), 46:11 (Arberry translation, page 522) (standard numbering: 46:12)

The Tanach was canonized centuries before Muhammad spoke these words of confirmation. The Qumran Scrolls, written 2,000 years ago and discovered in 1947, testify that the Tanach in use today is faithful to the original text.

1.8 The Qur'an recognizes the Authority of the Rabbis and the Special Status of the Children of Israel

“Surely, We sent down the Torah, wherein is guidance and light; thereby, the Prophets who had surrendered themselves gave judgment for those of Jewry, as did the masters and the rabbis, following such portion of God's Book as they were given to keep and were witnesses to”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:48 (Arberry translation, pages 106-107) (standard numbering: 5:44)

“O believers, be not as those who hurt Moses, but God declared him quit of what they said, and he was high honored with God”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ahzab (“The Confederates”), 33:69 (Arberry translation, page 435) (standard numbering: 33:69)

“We gave the Children of Israel the Book, the Judgment, and the Prophethood, and We provided them with good things, and We preferred them above all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Jathiyah (“Hobbling”), 45:15 (Arberry translation, page 517) (standard numbering: 45:16)

1.9 The Qur'an recognizes the Right of the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel

“And when Moses said to his people: 'O My People, remember God's blessing upon you, when He appointed among you Prophets, and appointed you kings, and gave you such as He had not given to any being. O My People, enter the Holy Land which God has prescribed for you, and turn not back in your traces, to turn about losers'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:24 (Arberry translation, page 103) (standard numbering: 5:20-21)

“And We brought the Children of Israel over the sea (10:90); And We settled the Children of Israel in a sure settlement, and We provided them with good things” (10:93).

Qur'an, Sura Yunus (“Jonah”), 10:90, 10:93 (Arberry translation, page 207) (standard numbering: 10:90, 10:93)

1.10 The Qur'an says that God commanded the Children of Israel to fight for the Land of Israel

“Hast thou not regarded the Council of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, 'Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in God's way'. He said, 'Might it be that, if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, 'Why should we not fight in God's way, who have been expelled from our habitations and our children?' Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs except for a few of them; and God has knowledge of the evildoers”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:246 (Arberry translation, page 35) (standard numbering: 2:246)

1.11 The Qur'an says that God will return the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

The Qur'an confirms the special link between the People and Land of Israel. The Tanach repeats this constantly. The return of the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel at the End of Days is also proclaimed by both Books (Tanach and Qur'an).

The Qur'an speaks of the final return of the reunited House of Israel, both Jews (House of Judah) and Lost Ten Tribes (House of Ephraim), to the Land of Israel:

“He desired to startle them from the Land; and We drowned him and those with him, all together. And We said to the Children of Israel after him, 'Dwell in the Land; and when the promise of the world to come comes to pass, We shall bring you a rabble'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) - Bani Isra'il (“Children of Israel”), 17:105 (Arberry translation, page 286) (standard numbering: 17:103-104)

This Qur'anic prophecy probably refers to Deuteronomy 30:1-5, where Moses predicts the final return of the united House of Israel (Judah and Ephraim) from the ends of the earth to the Land of Israel:

“And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt bethink thyself among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and hearken to His voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul; that then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the peoples, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee. If any of thine that are dispersed be in the uttermost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will He fetch thee. And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the Land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and He will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers”.

“And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first, and will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against Me, and it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise of honor before all the nations of the world, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them, and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I shall procure unto it”.

The Prophet Zechariah, who lived in the Second Temple period (after the return of some members of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and small numbers of other tribes to the Land of Israel from the captivity of Babylon), said:

“Thus says the Lord of Hosts: 'Behold, I will save My People from the east country, and from the west country, and I will bring them and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and they shall be My People, and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness'”.

1.12 The Qur'an forbids distinguishing between Prophets before and after the Babylonian and Roman Exiles of the Children of Israel from the Land of Israel

The Qur'an forbids making a division between prophets before and after the Israelite Exile, and before or after the Hegira:

“Say you: 'We believe in God, and in that which has been sent down to us and sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the Tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and the Prophets, of their Lord; we make no division between any of them, and to Him we surrender”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:130 (Arberry translation, page 17) (standard numbering: 2:136)

“The people were one nation; then God sent forth the Prophets, good tidings to bear and warning, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth, that He might decide between the people touching their differences”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:208 (Arberry translation, page 28) (standard numbering: 2:213)

“Say: 'We believe in God, and that which has been sent down on us, and sent down on Abraham and Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the Tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and the Prophets, of their Lord; we make no division between any of them, and to Him we surrender”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Imran (“The House of Imram”), 3:78 (Arberry translation, page 57) (standard numbering: 3:84)

1.13 The Qur'an praises the Psalms of David and recognizes David as God's Viceroy on Earth

The Qur'an praises the Psalms of David, which are songs of Zion. The Qur'an acknowledges David as God's viceroy and judge on Earth:

“We sent not any before thee, except men to whom We revealed: 'Question the people of the Remembrance, if it should be that you do not know' - with the clear signs, and the Psalms; and We have sent down to thee the Remembrance that thou mayest make clear to mankind what was sent down to them; and so haply they will reflect”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Nahl (“The Bee”), 16:45 (Arberry translation, page 263) (standard numbering: 16:43-44)

“Our servant David, the man of might; he was a penitent. With him We subjected the mountains to give glory at evening and sunrise, and the birds, duly mustered, every one to him reverting; We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and speech decisive”.

Qur'an, Sura Sad (“Zad”), 38:16-19 (Arberry translation, page 465) (standard numbering: 38:17-20)

“'David, behold, We have appointed thee a viceroy in the earth; therefore judge between men justly, and follow not caprice, lest it lead thee astray from the way of God'”.

Qur'an, Sura Sad (“Zad”), 38:25 (Arberry translation, page 466) (standard numbering: 38:26)

In his Psalms David speaks clearly of the return of the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel. Psalm 102 ^⁶ says:

“Thou (O Lord) shall arise, and Thou shall have mercy upon Zion, for the time to favor her, yea, the set time is come, for the servants took pleasure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof. So the nations shall fear the Name of the Lord, and the kings of the Earth His glory. When the Lord shall build Zion, He shall appear in His glory. He will regard the prayer of the torn, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the last generation”.

“Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say: 'He that scatters Israel will gather him and keep him, as a Shepherd does his flock. For the Lord has redeemed Israel...therefore they shall come and sing in the heights of Zion'”.

The Qur'an concurs with this commandment of the Lord by saying that it was “sent down to thee as a remembrance that thou mayest make clear to mankind what was sent down to them”, as quoted above.

Making that clear to mankind as the Qur'an enjoins you to do, you ought to make that clear first to yourselves.

The return of the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel is in no way comparable to invasions such as the Norman attack on England or the Spanish assault on the Americas, as you were led to believe.

1.14 The Land of Israel is distinct from the Dar al-Islam (Realm of Peace) and the Dar al-Harb (Realm of War)

The prophets, including David, speak clearly. They show that the Land of Israel is an entity of its own, distinct from current concepts of Dar al-Islam (Realm of Peace) and Dar al-Harb (Realm of War).

The Land of Israel is the Land of the Lord God of Israel. As such the Land of Israel can never be part of the Dar al-Harb. Even if conquered and temporarily occupied by non-Israelites, the Land of Israel remains God's Land.

“And I brought you into a land of fruitful fields, to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled My land, and made My heritage an abomination”.

“therefore thus saith the Lord God: Surely in the fire of My jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed My Land unto themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with disdain of soul, to cast it out for a prey”.

“and thou shalt come up against My People Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be at the End of Days, and I will bring thee against My Land, that the nations may know Me, when I shall be sanctified through thee, O Gog, before their eyes”.

“I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there for My People and for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and divided My land”.

1.15 The Qur'an commands Muslims to respect the Children of Israel and to treat them well

The words of the prophets have begun to be fulfilled in our time with the ingathering of the Children of Israel after a 2,000 year exile, the destruction of Nazi Germany in World War Two (1939-1945), birth of the State of Israel (1948) and repeated Israeli defeats of hostile Arab neighbors in unjustified Arab wars of aggression against Israel (1949, 1956, 1967, 1973).

Israel's enemies often claim that the Jews are a cursed people who are not entitled to the Land of Israel. Does the presence of confused and sinful men and women among the People of Israel justify this hostility? Was the hostility of the ancient Philistines justified by King Saul's weakness and sins? Were the hostilities of the Arabs against the Jews and their building of the Second Temple Justified?

“Hast thou not regarded the Council of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, 'Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in God's way'. He said, 'Might it be that, if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, 'Why should we not fight in God's way, who have been expelled from our habitations and our children?' Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs except a few of them, and God has knowledge of the evildoers.

Then their Prophet said to them, 'Verily God has raised up Saul for you as king'. They said, 'How should he be king over us who have better right than he to kingship, seeing he has not been given amplitude of wealth?' He said, 'God has chosen him over you, and has increased him broadly in knowledge and body. God gives the kingship to whom He will; and God is All-embracing, All-knowing'. And their Prophet said to them, 'The sign of his kingship is that the Ark will come to you, in it a Shechina from your Lord, and a remnant of what the folk of Moses and Aaron's folk left behind, the angels bearing it. Surely in that shall be a sign for you, if you are believers'.

And when Saul went forth with the hosts he said, 'God will try you with a river; whosoever drinks of it is not of me, and whoso tastes it not, he is of me, saving him who scoops up with his hand'. But they drank of it, except a few of them; and when he crossed it, and those who believed with him, they said, 'We have no power today against Goliath and his hosts'.

Said those who reckoned they should meet God, 'How often a little company has overcome a numerous company, by God's leave! And God is with the patient'. So, when they went forth against Goliath and his hosts, they said, 'Our Lord, pour out upon us patience, and make firm our feet, and give us aid against the people of the unbelievers'. And they routed them, by the leave of God, and David slew Goliath; and God gave him the kingship, and Wisdom, and He taught him such as He willed. Had God not driven back the people, some by means of the others, the earth had surely corrupted, but God is bounteous unto all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:245-253 (Arberry translation, pages 35-36) (standard numbering: 2:246-251)

“But it came to pass that, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth; and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein”.

from the right way'. So for their breaking their compact We cursed them and made their hearts hard, they perverting words from their meanings; and they have forgotten a portion of that they were reminded of; and thou wilt never cease to light upon some act of treachery on their part, except a few of them. Yet pardon them, and forgive; surely God loves the good-doers”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:15-16 (Arberry translation, pages 101-102) (standard numbering: 5:12-13)

Should faults among the Children of Israel nullify God's plans and promises? God is the Almighty, All-Merciful, All-Compassionate, who can forgive and establish His promises.

“We sent against you Our servants to discountenance you, and to enter the Temple, as they entered it the first time, and to destroy utterly that which they ascended to. Perchance your Lord will have mercy upon you; but if you return, We shall return; and We have made Gehenna a prison for the unbelievers”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) - Bani Isra'il (“Children of Israel”), 17:7-8 (Arberry translation, pages 274-275) (standard numbering: 17:7-8)

1.16 God promises to forgive the Children of Israel when He returns them to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

“And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon Mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and at that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none, and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found, for I will pardon them whom I reserve”.

“The promise of God! God fails not His promise, but most men do not know it”.

Qur'an, Sura Rum (“The Greeks”), 30:5 (Arberry translation, page 411) (standard numbering: 30:6)

1.17 The Qur'an affirms that the Land of Israel is an Eternal Heritage for the Children of Israel

Some say that perhaps the Jews shall return to the Land of Israel, but there is no promise for them to establish a state, taking away Arab land. Muslims are forbidden to make friendships with those who expelled Muslims from their habitations:

“God forbids you not, as regards those who have not fought you in religion's cause, nor expelled you from your habitations, that you should be kindly to them, and act justly towards them; surely God loves the just. God only forbids you as to those who have fought you in religion's cause, and expelled you from your habitations, and have supported in your expulsion, that you should take them for friends. And whosoever takes them for friends, those – they are the evildoers”.

Qur'an, Sura Mumtahana (“The Woman Tested”), 60:8-9 (Arberry translation, page 578) (standard numbering: 60:8-9)

Can Muslims prove that the Land of Israel was or is rightfully their Land? Muslims defeated the Byzantines and took it from them. Were the Byzantines entitled to this Land? Were the Crusaders, whom the Muslims later defeated, entitled to it? Muslims, and even more so the Jewish People, were initially delivered into the hands of the Crusaders, who murdered all Muslims and Jews in Jerusalem when they captured the city.

Do Muslims really think that you became heirs to the Land of Israel when you took it back from the Crusaders?

Were Muslims not guardians and stewards until the rightful heirs (Children of Israel) would return at the appointed time?

The Land of Israel is assigned to the Children of Israel as an eternal inheritance, notwithstanding the two foretold Dispersions:

“And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God”.

“But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year”.

“For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there for My People and for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and divided My Land”.

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will turn the captivity of My People Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God”.

King David, after conquering Jerusalem from the Jebusites, bought Mount Moriah from Ornan, the Jebusite king. David paid the full price Ornan requested for it.

King Solomon then built the Temple (Beth HaMikdash), upon this site. The title deeds, including their confirmation by Persian Kings Cyrus and Darius, are documented in the Tanach:

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying: 'Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord, the God of heaven, given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all His People – his God be with him – let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord, the God of Israel, He is the God who is in Jerusalem'”.

“'Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this; and may the God that hath caused His name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples, that shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence'”.

“And king David said to Ornan: 'Nay, but I will verily buy it for the full price; for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer a burnt-offering without cost'. So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight”.

“Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where (the Lord) appeared unto David his father; for which provision had been made in the Place of David, in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite”.

Mount Moriah (bayt al-maqdis - Temple Mount of Jerusalem) is generally claimed to belong solely to the Muslim world since Rasul (Prophet) Muhammad's Night Journey and ascension to heaven from there. The Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) even became Islam's third holiest place^⁷.

How could these events alter or cancel revelations given previously to Muhammad, as recorded in the Qur'an? How can Muhammad's expulsion of some Jewish tribes (only those which fought against him) from the Land of Arabia, now referred to as a model case, alter or cancel the prophecies of the Qur'an? How can it be applied to the Land of Israel?

Jews returning to the Land of Israel did not expel Arabs from their homes. Although Jews could have simply claimed their Land outright, they behaved as did King David and bought land, paying full price to those registered as its owners.

Arabs were not expelled in this process of land acquisition. On the contrary, the Arab population increased and prospered parallel to the Jewish immigration, because with the influx of the proper Jewish heirs, the Land of Israel began to flourish.

1.18 Haj Amin Husseini incites Arab anti-Jewish Violence against Jews returning to the Land of Israel

At the same time, Arabs, instigated by Mufti Haj Amin el-Husseini, began to attack Jews. Arabs rioted against Jews in Jerusalem in 1920-21. Hebron's Jews were murdered by their Arab neighbors in 1929.

Mufti el-Husseini continued his murderous attacks against Jews during the mid 1930s. Arab society paid a high price for allowing the Mufti's Wahhabi jihad fanatics to gain the upper hand. In the 1936-38 riots instigated by the Mufti, over 700 Jews and over 3,000 Arabs were murdered by his gangs. The martyred Arabs were those whom the Mufti accused of preferring normal relationships with Jews over his baseless hatred.

Was the Mufti's behavior in conformity with true Islam? The Qur'an commands Muslims to give refuge and help to religious refugees:

“Those who believe, and have emigrated and struggled with their possessions and their selves in the way of God, and those who have given refuge and help – those are friends one of another. And those who believe, but have not emigrated – you have no duty of friendship towards them till they emigrate; yet if they ask you for help, for religion's sake, it is your duty to help them, except against a people between whom and you there is no compact; and God sees the things you do. As for the unbelievers, they are friends one of another. Unless you do this, there will be persecution in the land and great corruption. And those who believe, and have emigrated and struggled in the way of God, those who have given refuge and help – those in truth are the believers, and theirs shall be forgiveness and generous provision. And those who have believed afterwards and emigrated, and struggled with you – they belong to you; but those related by blood are nearer to one another in the Book of God; surely God has knowledge of everything”.

Qur'an, Sura Anfal (“The Spoils”), 8:73-75 (Arberry translation, page 177-178) (standard numbering: 8:72-74)

This is not semantics. Jews suffered from the hatred of the same European nations that subjugated Arab and other Third World nations. Only blind hatred causes some Muslim leaders to join hands with Jew-haters rather than welcome Jewish refugees returning to their ancestral Jewish homeland^⁸.

Not only European Jews and Jewish survivors of the Nazi Genocide met jihad's fanatic sword. Mizrachi Jews (Jews from North Africa and the Middle East) fled Arab host countries due to increasing hostility against them, especially from 1946-51. In those years more Jewish refugees immigrated to Israel from Arab countries than from Europe. Mizrachi Jews are now the majority of Israel's Jewish population.

The attitude of the early Turkish sultans could have set an example for Muslims. The Turks opened the doors of their empire and welcomed Jewish refugees expelled from Spain by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492. Cities such as Safed in the Galilee began to thrive with the Jewish influx.

Instead of finding a warm welcome in the Land of their fathers, Jewish refugees from the Nazis and those from Arab countries were attacked by Wahhabi jihad fanatics. These attacks triggered Israel's War of Independence in 1948 and all subsequent Arab wars against Israel.

1.19 The Qur'an warns that God will punish all who persecute the Children of Israel, especially the Nations of Gog and Magog, which attack Jews returning to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

This should alarm those Muslims who heed the words of King David in the Psalms and those of the Prophet Ezekiel:

“A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. O God, keep not Thou silence; hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, Thine enemies are in an uproar; and they that hate Thee have lifted up the head. They hold crafty converse against Thy people, and take counsel against Thy treasured ones. They have said: 'Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance'. For they have consulted together with one consent; against Thee do they make a covenant; the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagrites; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also is joined with them; they have been an arm to the children of Lot. Selah. Do Thou unto them as unto Midian; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook Kishon; who were destroyed at En-dor; they became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and like Zebah and Zalmunna all their princes; who said: 'Let us take to ourselves in possession the habitations of God'. O my God, make them like the whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. As the fire that burneth the forest, and as the flame that setteth the mountains ablaze; so pursue them with Thy tempest, and affright them with Thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek Thy name, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and affrighted for ever; yea, let them be abashed and perish; that they may know that it is Thou alone whose name is the Lord, the Most High over all the earth”.

“Because thou hast had a hatred of old, and hast hurled the Children of Israel unto the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the End; therefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee; surely thou hast hated thine own blood, therefore blood shall pursue thee. Thus will I make Mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth through and him that returneth. And I will fill his mountains with his slain; in thy hills and in thy valleys and in all thy streams shall they fall that are slain with the sword. I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. Because thou hast said: These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the Lord was there; therefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, I will do according to thine anger and according to thine envy, which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make Myself known among them, when I shall judge thee. And thou shalt know that I the Lord have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying: 'They are laid desolate, they are given us to devour'. And ye have magnified yourselves against Me with your mouth, and have multiplied your words against Me; I have heard it. Thus saith the Lord God: When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate. As thou didst rejoice over the inheritance of the House of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee; thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it; and they shall know that I am the Lord”. Ezekiel 35:5-15

Many Muslims today say they can never make peace with Israel. From the point of view of the Qur'an they are mistaken. Their persistent refusal to accept Israel stems from baseless hatred, and has nothing to do with authentic Islam.

Some Muslims also acknowledge a prophecy in the Qur'an according to which the People of Israel might return to its homeland, not at this time but at the End of Days, which they calculate will occur in about 250 years.

Why then should they murder Jews in the meantime as demanded by the Mufti, who proclaimed in a 1943 broadcast on Radio Berlin during World War Two: “Kill the Jews wherever you find them, this is pleasing to Allah”^⁹.

Are those who argue this way sure their calculations are correct? Both the Qur'an and the Tanach tell us that in the eyes of God one thousand years are like a day:

“For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night”.

“God will not fail His promise; and surely a day with thy Lord is as a thousand years of your counting”.

Qur'an, Sura Hajj (“Pilgrimage”), 22:47 (Arberry translation, page 339) (standard numbering: 22:47)

The Qur'an tells us that the six days of creation, or six thousand years of mankind, may well be shortened:

“They will question thee concerning the Hour, when it shall berth. Say: 'The knowledge of it is only with my Lord; none shall reveal it at its proper time, but He'”.

Qur'an, Sura A'raf (“The Battlements”), 7:186 (Arberry translation, page 166) (standard numbering: 7:187)

'Nay, but they cry lies to the Hour; and We have prepared for him who cries lies to the Hour a blaze. When it sees them from a far place, they shall hear its bubbling and sighing. And when they are cast, coupled in fetters, into a narrow place of that Fire, they will call out there for destruction. 'Call not out today for one destruction, but call for many!' Say: 'Is it better, or the Garden of Eternity, that is promised to the godfearing, and is their recompense and homecoming?'”

Qur'an, Sura Furqan (“Salvation”), 25:11-15 (Arberry translation, page 363) (standard numbering: 25:11-15)

Beware of miscalculations that encourage hatred. Zionism and the State of Israel are not new forms of imperialism, as Muslims have falsely been led to believe. They are vehicles for fulfilling divine promises proclaimed by the prophets of Israel and acknowledged by the Qur'an.

Ongoing hostilities against Israel may lead to the War of Gog and Magog, of which the Qur'an says:

“There is a ban upon any city that We have destroyed; they shall not return till when Gog and Magog are unloosed, and they slide down out of every slope, and nigh has drawn the true promise, and behold, the eyes of the unbelievers staring: 'Alas for us! We were heedless of this; nay, we were evildoers'”.

Qur'an, Sura Anbiyaa (“The Prophets”), 21:96-98 (Arberry translation, page 331) (standard numbering: 21:95-97)

“Upon the day when their faces are turned about in the Fire they shall say, 'Ah, would we had obeyed God and the Messenger!' They shall say, 'Our Lord, we obeyed our chiefs and great ones, and they led us astray from the way. Our Lord, give them chastisement twofold, and curse them with a mighty curse”.

Qur'an, Sura Ahzab (“The Confederates”), 33:66 (Arberry translation, page 435) (standard numbering: 33:66-68)

“O believers, be not as those who hurt Moses, but God declared him quit of what they said, and he was high honored with God”.

Qur'an, Sura Ahzab (“The Confederates”), 33:67 (Arberry translation, page 435) (standard numbering: 33:69)

A hadith now often quoted in the above context, has stones and trees saying: “O Muslim, there is a Jew behind me, come and slay him”^¹⁰. This is a sad prediction of what is happening now.

Are you taking words of stones and trees for commandments instead of the Word of God? Transforming your own hearts into stones? Evil must come, but woe unto them through whom it comes.

1.20 The Qur'an commands Muslims not to harm Jews

“Dispute not with the People of the Book save in the fairer manner, except for those of them that go wrong; and say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you; our God and your God are One, and to Him we have surrendered'”.

Qur'an, Sura Ankabut (“The Spider”), 29:45 (Arberry translation, page 408) (standard numbering: 29:46)

“Say: 'Have you considered? If it be from God, and you disbelieve in it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel bears witness to its like, and believes, and you wax proud, God guides not the people of the evildoers'”.

Qur'an, Sura Ahqaf (“The Sand Dunes”), 46:9 (Arberry translation, page 522) (standard numbering: 46:10)

“The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr. Faith is a restraint against violence. Let no Muslim commit violence”.

1.21 The Qur'an says that God will bring Peace and Reconciliation between Muslims and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

Surrender to God is never shameful. It is the essence of Islam! Pride and stubbornness and their evil consequences are shameful. Why should Muslims follow Pharaoh's path, which led to his destruction?

Both Jews and Muslims believe that God is merciful. His mercy is invoked in the daily prayers of both faiths. God wants the destruction of neither Israel nor the Muslim nations. He wants us to honor Him through love and peace.

“It may be God will yet establish between you and those of them with whom you are at enmity love. God is All-Powerful; God is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate”.

Qur'an, Sura Mumtahana (“The Woman Tested”), 60:7 (Arberry translation, page 578) (standard numbering: 60:7)

“In that day shall Israel be third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying: 'Blessed be Egypt, My People; and Assyria, the work of My hands; and Israel, Mine Inheritance'”.

Isaiah's prophecy explains the phrase “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18). It does not speak of imperialist conquests by Israel, as Muslim leaders allege. It means that a just and lasting peace will prevail between Egypt, Assyria and Israel, under the sovereignty of the God of Abraham.

Isaiah gives us a wonderful vision for the future of the Middle East, which the Qur'an supports:

“We delivered him, and Lot, unto the land that We had blessed for all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura Anbiyaa (“The Prophets”), 21:71 (Arberry translation, page 328) (standard numbering: 21:71)

The phrase “the land We had blessed for all beings” parallels passages from Psalms, which read:

“for there has the Lord commanded the blessings, even life for ever more”.

“Lift up your hands towards the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless thee out of Zion, He that is the maker of heavens and earth”.

We, the Children of Abraham, should unite in peace and build up a culture of our own, instead of fighting each other and feeding the war industries of foreign nations.

We are related by faith and by blood. Different rituals which we observe should not lead to enmity between us.

“If God had willed, He would have made you one nation; but that He may try you in what has come to you. So be ye forward in good works; unto God shall you return, all together; and He will tell you of that whereon you were at variance”.

Qur'an, Sura Maida (“The Table”), 5:53 (Arberry translation, page 108) (standard numbering: 5:48)

Qur'an, Sura Hajj (“The Pilgrimage”), 22:66 (Arberry translation, page 341) (standard numbering: 22:67)

1.22 The Qur'an realtes the “chosen-ness” of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Israel to God's Land Covenant with Israel

The Qur'an even distinguishes between Abraham, Isaac and Israel on the one hand, and Ishmael on the other:

“Remember also Our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – men of might they and of vision. Assuredly, We purified them with a quality most pure, the remembrance of the Abode, and in Our sight they are of the chosen, the excellent. Remember also our servants Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul Kifl; each is among the excellent”.

Qur'an, Sura Sad (“Zad”), 38:45-48 (Arberry translation, pages 467-468) (standard numbering: 38:45-48)

According to these verses, the three patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Israel are described as “purified”, “chosen” and “excellent”; while Ishmael, although being counted among the “excellent”, is not mentioned as “chosen”. The chosen-ness of the three patriarchs has to do with the Land Covenant which the Lord of All Beings made with them and their descendents, the Children of Israel:

“In that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates'”.

“'As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God'”.

“And the Lord appeared unto him, and said: 'Go not down unto Egypt; dwell in the Land which I shall tell thee of. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father; and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these lands; and by thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves; because that Abraham hearkened to My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws'”.

“And God said unto him: 'I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; and the land which I gave unto Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land'”.

While every nation has its own distinctive characteristics, it is exactly this Land Covenant which molds the People of Israel into something distinctive, unique in history.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:24 (Arberry translation, page 103) (standard numbering: 5:20-21)

“Children of Israel, remember My blessing wherewith I blessed you, and that I have preferred you above all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:44 (Arberry translation, page 6) (standard numbering: 2:47)

Note also the distinction between the calls and levels of Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Israel, and Abraham's son Ishmael:

“We gave him Isaac and Israel, and each We made a Prophet; and We gave them of Our mercy, and We appointed unto them a tongue of truthfulness, sublime” (19:50).

“And mention in the Book Ishmael; he was true to his promise, and he was a Messenger, a Prophet. He bade his people to pray and to give the alms, and he was pleasing to his Lord” (19:55).

Qur'an, Sura Maryam (“Mary”), 19:50, 19:55 (Arberry translation, pages 306-307) (standard numbering: 19:49-50, 19:54)

1.23 The Qur'an says that Abraham and the Prophets of Israel were “Muslims” in a generic sense, meaning those who submit to God

“No; Abraham in truth was not a Jew, neither a Christian; but he was a Muslim and one pure of faith; certainly he was never of the idolaters”.

Qur'an, Sura Al-i-Imran (“The House of Imram”), 3:60 (Arberry translation, page 55) (standard numbering: 3:67)

“Then We revealed to thee: 'Follow thou the creed of Abraham, a man of pure faith and no idolater'”.

Qur'an, Sura Nahl (“The Bee”), 16:124 (Arberry translation, page 272) (standard numbering: 16:123)

“…struggle for God as is His due, for He has chosen you, and has laid on you no impediment in your religion, being the creed of your father Abraham; He named you Muslims aforetime…”

Qur'an, Sura Hajj (“The Pilgrimage”), 22:77 (Arberry translation, page 342) (standard numbering: 22:78)

However, could Abraham have uttered the creed of Islam as it was to be established later on, that “There is no God besides God and Muhammad is His Prophet”? The expression “He [God] named you Muslim aforetime” shows that the term “Muslim” is here applied in its etymological sense, meaning “one who submits to God”. This is brought out also by the ensuing admonition to “Perform the prayer and pay the alms and hold fast to God”:

“So perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and hold fast to God; He is your Protector – an excellent Protector, an excellent Helper”.

Qur'an, Sura Hajj (“The Pilgrimage”), 22:78 (Arberry translation, page 342) (standard numbering: 22:78)

A “Muslim aforetime”, one who submits to God, is a “God-fearer”, one who follows the universal faith of Noah given to all mankind, rather than the member of a specific later religion:

“And God spoke unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying: 'As for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you; and with every living creature that is with you, the fowl, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that go out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. And I will establish My covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth'. And God said: 'This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in the cloud, that I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth'. And God said unto Noah: 'This is the token of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is upon the earth'”.

It is in this sense that the Qur'an speaks of the prophets of Israel as those who have surrendered to God (Muslims/God-fearers), despite the fact that the prophets and People of Israel were commanded to observe ordinances and rites different from those of the descendants of Ishmael:

“Surely We sent down the Torah, wherein is guidance and light; thereby the Prophets who had surrendered themselves gave judgment for those of Jewry, as did the masters and the rabbis, following such portion of God's Book as they were given to keep and were witnesses to”.

Qur'an, Sura Maida (“The Table”), 5:48 (Arberry translation, page 106-107) (standard numbering: 5:44)

An example of such differences is the Sabbath. This day of rest and sanctification is for the Children of Israel also a sign of God's covenant with them:

“'Speak thou also unto the Children of Israel, saying: Verily ye shall keep My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord who sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore, for it is holy unto you; every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the Children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the Children of Israel for ever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He ceased from work and rested'”.

The Qur'an confirms this, and even ridicules Jews who do not observe the Sabbath as “apes”:

“And well you know there were those among you that transgressed the Sabbath, and We said to them, 'Be you apes, miserably slinking!; And We made it a punishment exemplary for all the former times and for the latter, and an admonition to such as are godfearing”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:63 (Arberry translation, page 8) (standard numbering: 2:65-66)

So far, the Sabbath was not ordained for Muslims. Some claim that Islam is universal, that all people (including Jews) must adopt their own version of it.

The above citations show that the etymological designations “Islam” and “Muslim” include there the People of the Sabbath (Israel) as well. This must be so. Otherwise, there would have been no need for Abraham to have two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.

The statements from the Qur'an quoted above are favorable to the Children of Israel.

1.24 Qur'anic and Biblical condemnations of Israel's sins are always made within the context of Qur'anic and Biblical affirmations of God's Land, Torah and People Covenants with Israel

The Qur'an does criticize those members of the Children of Israel who do not have faith in God and who do not observe the commandments of the Torah. The Qur'an never condemns the Children of Israel as a whole for not observing the Torah's commandments. Qur'anic criticisms of the Children of Israel can never be properly interpreted as abolishing God's covenant with Israel, nor can they be read as replacing the Torah with the religion of Ishmael.

Nowhere in the Qur'an is there any prophecy that would do away with Israel's special status.

Nowhere in the Qur'an does it state that God's promises to Israel have been annulled. Prophets of the One God cannot contradict one another. The Qur'an is in complete accord with the Tanach.

The prophets of Israel, from Moses to Zechariah, rebuke the Children of Israel more harshly for their sins than does the Qur'an. Yet the Israelite prophets always stress God's forgiveness, grace and mercy, and that the covenant He established with Israel will be fulfilled.

It is the triumph of God's Grace that will bring the nations to praise His Name:

“Praise the Lord, all you nations, praise him, all you people, for his grace did prevail over us, and the Lord's truth is forever. Praise you the Lord”. Psalm 117:1

1.25 Current “Muslim” hatred of Israel is a poisonous black hole, which will lead to severe divine punishments on the Islamic World, as it led to severe divine punishments on Pharaoh and the Egyptians

Hatred of Israel does not honor God's name. Submitting to His prophets does. Hatred is a black hole. Once opened, it devours everything coming near to it.

This is verified by recent history. Today's Wahhabi jihad fanatics want to outdo one another in their derision of Israel. They compete and even fight with one another for the position of supreme Jew-hater!

These Wahhabi jihad fanatics view Jews as the embodiment of cosmic evil. In so doing, they replace the Islamic confession, “There is no God besides God”, with a dualistic world view which is pure idolatry.

Muslims should beware of these perverted teachings. They will have dire consequences. I do not indulge in propaganda.

Qur'an, Sura Ahqaf (“The Sand-Dunes”), 46:9 (Arberry translation, page 522) (standard numbering: 46:10)

1.26a Persian King Cyrus calls upon Jews to return to the Land of Israel and rebuild the Second Temple of Jerusalem

Persian King Cyrus, founder of the Medeo-Persian Empire, recognizing the injustice done by the Babylonians to the Jews, allowed them to return to their homeland. He ordered and financed the building of the Second Temple. In the Book of Isaiah, God calls Cyrus “His Messiah”, the anointed of the Lord:

“Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and to loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and that the gates may not be shut”.

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying: 'Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord, the God of heaven, given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all His people – his God be with him – let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord, the God of Israel, He is the God who is in Jerusalem'”. Ezra 1:1-3

In the Qur'an, Cyrus is mentioned honorably as Dhool Quarnain. The Qur'an regards Cyrus as an example worthy to be emulated. The name Dhool Quarnain literally means “Lord of Two Horns”. According to Maulana Abu'Ikalam Azad, former minister of education in India, this term does not refer to Alexander the Great, as often thought. It refers to Cyrus, king of the Medeo-Persian double monarchy:

“And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the stream a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last”.

“The ram which thou sawest having the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia”.

“They will question thee concerning Dhool Karnain. Say: 'I will recite to you a mention of him'. We established him in the land, and We gave him a way to everything”.

Qur'an, Sura Kahf (“The Cave”), 18:83 (Arberry translation, page 298) (standard numbering: 18:83-84)

126b. 638 C.E. – Muslim Caliph Omar liberates Jerusalem from the Byzantine Christians and welcomes Jews back to the Holy City

Muslim Caliph Omar, who liberated Jerusalem from the Byzantine Christians in 638 C.E., six years after the death of Muhammad in 632 C.E., revoked Hadrian's 500 year-old ban on Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, which the Byzantines had kept in force. Omar welcomed the Jews back to Jerusalem. The returning Jews built the Bet HaMenorot (House of Menorahs) synagogue (named for the menorahs drawn on its walls), excavated in 1998 by Professor Naveh Mazar of the Hebrew University.

126c. 1187 C.E. – Muslim Sultan Salah-e-Din liberates Jerusalem from the European Catholic Crusaders and welcomes Jews back to the Holy City

Muslim Sultan Salah-e-Din, the great Kurdish leader, liberated Jerusalem from the European Catholic Crusaders in 1187 C.E. He suggested to Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides, who was Salah-e-Din's doctor) that Maimonides urge Jews to return and resettle Jerusalem (as recorded by another Jewish scholar of those times, Rabbi Yehuda al-Harizi). The famous Ramban (Nachmanides) Synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City was built by the returning Jews several decades later during the period of Mameluk Muslim rule. The synagogue bears witness to this return.

126d. 18^th Century – Muslim Sheikh Dahr-el-Omar invites Jews to resettle the Galilee

Muslim Sheikh Dahr-el-Omar, who took control of Galilee from the Turks in the 18th century, told leading rabbis in Constantinople and Morocco that the period of Jewish exile was over and that Jews should return to the Land of Israel to rebuild it. From that time on, the movement for Jewish return to the Land of Israel gained momentum.

Many Muslim scholars from earlier times can be quoted. They would have been banished or murdered by today's Wahhabi jihad fanatics. Muslims should not automatically accept the contempt for Israel preached by some of their “leaders”.

“God is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds, and you have your deeds; there is no argument between us and you; God shall bring us together, and unto Him is the homecoming”.

Qur'an, Sura Shura (“Consultation”), 42:14 (Arberry translation, page 500) (standard numbering: 42:15)

Repentance is always possible. According to the Qur'an, even Pharaoh, when he saw his army drowning, came to his senses and admitted:

“I believe that there is no god but He in whom the Children of Israel believe; I am of those that surrender”.

Qur'an, Sura Yunus (“Jonah”), 10:90 (Arberry translation, page 207) (standard numbering: 10:90)

It is not my goal to promote a specific political agenda for current “peace” negotiations. My goal is to see that we do not turn the precious teachings of our prophets into theological battle swords that cause hatred and violence.

Prophetic teachings should guide us to humility and understanding of the shared destiny that we Muslims and Jews must fulfill for our own benefit and ultimately for the benefit of all humanity.

It would be a grave mistake to restrict “peace” treaties to such “practical” questions as military security, safe borders, trade, and resettlement of Jewish and Arab refugees.

Islamic misconceptions about the people and Land of Israel remain the primary cause for Arab rejection of Israel as an independent state. Fundamental changes in these misconceptions must be part of any peace treaty.

Islamic concepts that should be changed include Omar's Rules on the dhimmi (protected minority) status accorded to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians). Jews during the period of the Israelite Exile decreed by God may have been wanderers who could legitimately be subjected to such rules.

Part of the Children of Israel has returned to the Land of Israel. Continuing to apply Omar's Rules assigning dhimmi status to Jews and Christians contradicts the letter and the spirit of the Qur'an.

It does not matter whether Omar's Rules were decreed by Caliph Omar or Omar the Ummayad king. As a political decree issued by the Islamic state of of its day, Omar's Rules need have no religious authority for Muslims today.

“Peace” treaties between Muslims and Jews that do not formally annul Omar's Rules implicitly acknowledge them as valid. A Palestinian state, should it come about, could impose those Rules on Jews living within its borders.

Moreover, Omar's Rules could provide the pretext for Islamic “fundamentalists” (primarily Wahhabis) to instigate new wars against Israel. These Rules could also be used to restrict or harm Jewish and Israeli travelers in Muslim lands.

The State of Israel is not only a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution. Its jurisdiction extends to protecting all Jews throughout the world, including those in Muslim lands.

The State of Israel cannot interfere with religious teachings in Islamic lands. Israel can require that Muslim governments with which it signs peace treaties prevent the teaching of Omar's Rules and refrain from putting them into effect. These governments should instead further impart knowledge of the Qur'an's positive teachings about Jews and Christians, the People of the Book.

Jews living in and visiting Muslim countries must enjoy the same rights that Israel extends to its Muslim citizens and visitors. Israel's insistence on the abolition of Omar's Rules would draw the world's attention to Islamic teachings about non-Muslims, classified as dhimmis in general, and the meaning of those teachings for the Jewish People in particular.

When told by the Lord that in spite of their old age he and Sarah would have a son, Abraham prayed:

The specification “even Isaac” was to tell Abraham which of his two beloved sons, Ishmael and Isaac, he should bring to Mount Moriah.

Abraham did not merely pray “that Ishmael might live”. Abraham was neither concerned that Ishmael would be threatened by Isaac, nor that Ishmael would need a special prayer for protection from Isaac.

Abraham was concerned that Ishmael, biologically the firstborn, might try to take the whole Abrahamic heritage for himself, and deprive Isaac of the divine promise.

Abraham prayed that Ishmael might live before the Lord. This prayer should encourage and guide Ishmael to let his spiritual Abrahamic inheritance get the upper hand so that he will be alive in the divine spirit, and consequently recognise also Isaac's call.

The two brothers, Ishmael and Isaac, and their descendants, Arabs and Jews today, should not fight over Abraham's inheritance. They should “compete in good works” as the Qur'an, Ishmael's guide book, says so well.

In the spirit of our father Abraham, let us, the Children of Ishmael and the Children of Israel, pray together:

The Wahhabi^¹² ruling wing of Islam severed its original ties with the Book (Tanach - Hebrew Bible) and the People of the Book (Israel).

In the traditional Islamic view, jihad ends either with total victory or with total acknowledgment that the jihad was wrong from the start.

The Qur'an itself suggests just such an acknowledgment. It can help pave the way to mutual understanding and cooperation.

1.27 The Qur'an stresses the continued validity of the Book (Torah)

“This Koran could not have been forged apart from God; but it is a confirmation of what is before it, and a distinguishing of the Book, wherein is no doubt, from the Lord of all Being”.

Qur'an, Sura Yunis (“Jonah”), 10:38 (Arberry translation, page 201) (standard numbering: 10:37)

“And We have sent down to thee the Book with the truth, confirming the Book that was before it, and assuring it”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:52 (Arberry translation, page 107) (standard numbering: 5:48)

“True piety is this: To believe in God, and the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets, to give of one's substance, however cherished, to kinsmen, and orphans, the needy, the traveler, beggars, and to ransom the slave, to perform the prayer, to pay the alms”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:172 (Arberry translation, page 22) (standard numbering: 2:177)

Qur'an, Sura al-Mu'minum (“The Believers”), 23:51 (Arberry translation, page 346) (standard numbering: 23:49)

“We sent not any before thee, except men to whom We revealed: 'Question the people of the Remembrance, if it should be that you do not know' – with the clear signs, and the Psalms; and we have sent down to thee the Remembrance that thou mayest make clear to mankind what was sent down to them; and so haply they will reflect”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Nahl (“The Bee”), 16:45-47 (Arberry translation, page 263) (standard numbering: 16:43-44)

1.28 The Qur'an recognizes the teachings of the prophets and the rabbis

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:48 (Arberry translation, pages 106-107)^¹³ (standard numbering: 5:44)

1.29 The Qur'an recognizes the uniqueness of Israel and the unparalleled gifts to its people (including the Land of Promise)

“Indeed, We gave the Children of Israel the Book, the Judgment, and the Prophethood, and We provided them with good things, and We preferred them above all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Jathiyah (“Hobbling”), 45:15 (Arberry translation, page 517) (standard numbering: 45:16)

“And when We took compact with you, and raised above you the Mount: 'Take forcefully what We have given you, and remember what is in it; haply you shall be godfearing'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:60 (Arberry translation, page 8) (standard numbering: 2:63)

“Then their Prophet said to them, 'Verily God has raised up Saul for you as king'. They said, 'How should he be king over us who have better right than he to kingship, seeing he has not been given amplitude of wealth?' He said, 'God has chosen him over you, and has increased him broadly in knowledge and body. God gives the kingship to whom He will; and God is All-embracing, All-knowing'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:247 (Arberry translation, page 35) (standard numbering: 2:247)

1.30 The Qur'an says that God gave the Land of Israel to the Children of Israel

“And when Moses said to his people: 'O My people, remember God's blessing upon you, when He appointed among you Prophets, and appointed you kings, and gave you such as He had not given to any being. O My people, enter the Holy Land which God has prescribed for you, and turn not back in your traces, to turn about losers'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:24 (Arberry translation, page 103) (standard numbering: 5:20-21)

1.31 The Qur'an says that God settled the Children of Israel in the Land of Israel

“And We brought the Children of Israel over the sea (10:90); And We settled the Children of Israel in a sure settlement, and We provided them with good things (10:93)”.

Qur'an, Sura Yunis (“Jonah”), 10:90, 10:93 (Arberry translation, page 207) (standard numbering: 10:90, 10:93)

1.32 The Qur'an rebukes the Children of Israel for not fighting for the Land of Israel

“And when We took compact with you, and raised above you the Mount: 'Take forcefully what We have given you, and remember what is in it; haply you shall be godfearing'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:60 (Arberry translation, page 8) (standard numbering: 2:63)

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:246 (Arberry translation, page 35) (standard numbering: 2:246)

1.33 The Qur'an confirms David's Kingdom (Zion) and praises his Psalms. David is acknowledged as divine viceroy on earth

“Our servant David, the man of might, he was a penitent. With him We subjected the mountains to give glory at evening and sunrise, and the birds, duly mustered, every one to him reverting; We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and speech decisive”.

Qur'an, Sura Sad (“Zad”), 38:16-19 (Arberry translation, page 465) (standard numbering: 38:17-20)

“David, behold, We have appointed thee a viceroy in the earth; therefore judge between men justly, and follow not caprice, lest it lead thee astray from the way of God”.

Qur'an, Sura Sad (“Zad”), 38:25 (Arberry translation, page 466) (standard numbering: 38:26)

“Said those who reckoned they should meet God, 'How often a little company has overcome a numerous company, by God's leave! And God is with the patient'. So, when they went forth against Goliath and his hosts, they said, 'Our Lord, pour out upon us patience, and make firm our feet, and give us aid against the people of the unbelievers'. And they routed them, by the leave of God, and David slew Goliath; and God gave him the kingship, and Wisdom, and He taught him such as He willed. Had God not driven back the people, some by the means of others, the earth had surely corrupted; but God is bounteous until all beings”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:250-252 (Arberry translation, page 36) (standard numbering: 2:249-251)

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste”.

1.34 The Qur'an, Psalms and Prophets of the Bible speak of Israel's return to the Land of Israel, and to Jerusalem

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) - Bani Isra'il (“Children of Israel”), 17:7-8 (Arberry translation, pages 274-275) (standard numbering: 17:7-8)

Qur'an, Sura al-Isra (“The Night Journey”) - Bani Isra'il (“Children of Israel”), 17:105-106 (Arberry translation, page 286) (standard numbering: 17:103-104)

1.35 Israel is often harshly rebuked in the Qur'an, but there is no cancellation of God's covenants with and promises to Israel. On the contrary, the words of the prophets shall surely be established

“The promise of God! God fails not His promise, but most men do not know it”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Rum (“The Greeks”), 30:5 (Arberry, 411) (standard numbering: 30:6)

Qur'an, Sura al-Mu'minum (“The Believers”), 40:76 (Arberry translation, page 489) (standard numbering: 40:77)

“it was said, 'God's promise is true, and the Hour, there is no doubt of it'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Jathiyah (“Hobbling”), 45:32 (Arberry translation, page 519) (standard numbering: 45:32)

1.36 The Qur'an calls Abraham a true Muslim

“No; Abraham in truth was not a Jew, neither a Christian; but he was a Muslim and one of pure faith; certainly he was never of the idolaters”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Imran (“The House of Imran”), 3:60 (Arberry translation, page 55) (standard numbering: 3:67)

Qur'an, Sura al-Hajj (“Pilgrimage”), 22:78 (Arberry translation, page 342) (standard numbering: 22:78)

“And when Abraham, and Ishmael with him, raised up the foundations of the House: 'Our Lord, receive this from us; Thou art the All-hearing, the All-knowing; and, our Lord, make us submissive to Thee, and of our seed a nation submissive to Thee; and show us our holy rites, and turn towards us; surely Thou turnest, and art All-compassionate'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:123 (Arberry translation, page 16) (standard numbering: 2:127-128)

1.37 The Qur'an calls the prophets true Muslims

Qur'an, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:48 (Arberry translation, page 106-107) (standard numbering: 5:44)

1.38 The Bible says that Abraham established Mount Moriah in Jerusalem for the Children of Israel

“And He said: 'Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of'”.

1.39 The Qur'an says that Abraham established the Ka'ba in Mecca for the Children of Ishmael

“And We made covenant with Abraham and Ishmael: Purify My House for those that shall go about it and those that cleave to it, to those who bow and prostrate themselves'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:119 (Arberry translation, page 16) (standard numbering: 2:125)

“And when Abraham, and Ishmael with him, raised up the foundations of the House: 'Our Lord, receive this from us; Thou are the All-hearing, the All-knowing; and, our Lord, make us submissive, and of our seed a nation submissive to Thee; and show us our holy rites, and turn towards us; surely Thou turnest, and art All-compassionate'”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:122-123 (Arberry translation, page 16) (standard numbering: 2:127-128)

1.40 The Qur'an says that the Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims is the Ka'ba of Mecca. For Jews it is the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) of Jerusalem

“Yet if thou shouldst bring to those that have been given the Book every sign, they will not follow thy direction; thou art not a follower of their direction, neither are they followers of one another's direction”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:140 (Arberry translation, page 19) (standard numbering: 2:145)

“Every man has his direction to which he turns; so be you forward in good works. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all together; surely God is powerful over everything”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:143 (Arberry translation, page 19) (standard numbering: 2:148)

“Yet have Thou respect unto the prayer of Thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer which Thy servant prayeth before Thee this day; that Thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place whereof Thou hast said: My name shall be there; to hearken unto the prayer which Thy servant shall pray toward this place. And hearken Thou to the supplication of Thy servant, and of Thy People Israel, when they shall pray toward this place; yea, hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place; and when Thou hearest, forgive”.

1.41 The Qur'an acknowledges different religious rites and laws for different peoples, and urges us all to compete in good works

“Every man has his direction to which he turns; so be you forward in good works. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all together; surely God is powerful over everything”.

Qur'an, Sura al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”), 2:143 (Arberry translation, page 19) (standard numbering: 2:148)

“We have appointed for every nation a holy rite that they shall perform. Let them not therefore wrangle with thee upon the matter, and do thou summon unto thy Lord; surely thou art upon a straight guidance. And if they should dispute with thee, do thou say, 'God knows very well what you are doing. God shall judge between you on the Day of Resurrection touching that whereon you were at variance'. Didst thou not know that God knows all that is in heaven and earth? Surely that is in a Book; surely that for God is an easy matter”.

Qur'an, Sura Hajj (“Pilgrimage”), 22:66-69 (Arberry translation, page 341)

1.42 The Qur'an acknowledges Jewish law for Jews

“Yet how will they make thee their judge seeing they have the Torah, wherein is God's judgment, then thereafter turn their backs? They are not believers. Surely We sent down the Torah, wherein is guidance and light, thereby the Prophets who had surrendered themselves gave judgment for those of Jewry, as did the masters and the rabbis, following such portion of God's Book as they were given to keep and were witnesses to. So fear not men, but fear you Me; and sell not My signs for a little price. Whoso judges not according to what God has sent down – they are the unbelievers. And therein We prescribed for them: 'A life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds retaliation'; but whosoever forgoes it as a freewill offering, that shall be for him an expiation. Whoso judges not according to what God has sent down – they are the evildoers”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:48-49 (Arberry translation, pages 106-107) (standard numbering: 5:43-44)

1.43 The Qur'an acknowledges Christian law for Christians

“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus son of Mary, confirming the Torah before him; and We gave to him the Gospel, wherein is guidance and light, and confirming the Torah before it, as a guidance and an admonition unto the godfearing. So let the people of the Gospel judge according to what God has sent down therein. Whosoever judges not according to what God has sent down – they are the ungodly”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:50-51 (Arberry translation, page 107) (standard numbering: 5:46-47)

1.44 The Qur'an acknowledges Muslim law for Muslims

“And We have sent down to thee the Book with the truth, confirming the Book that was before it, and assuring it. So judge between them according to what God has sent down, and do not follow their caprices, to forsake the truth that has come to thee”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:52 (Arberry translation, pages 107-108) (standard numbering: 5:48)

1.45 The Qur'an commands mutual respect between Muslims, Jews and Christians, with each community judged by its own law

“To every one of you We have appointed a right way and an open road. If God had willed, He would have made you one nation; but that He may try you in what has come to you. So be you forward in good works; unto God shall you return, all together; and He will tell you of that whereon you were at variance. And judge between them according to what God has sent down, and do not follow their caprices, and beware of them lest they tempt thee away from any of what God has sent down to thee”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:53-54 (Arberry translation, page 108) (standard numbering: 5:48-49)

1.46 The Qur'an says that God wants to be honored with forgiveness and love

“God took compact with the Children of Israel; and We raised up from among them twelve chieftains. And God said, 'I am with you. Surely, if you perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and believe in My Messengers and succour them, and lend to God a good loan, I will acquit you of your evil deeds, and I will admit you to gardens underneath which rivers flow. So whosoever of you thereafter disbelieves, surely he has gone astray from the right way'. So for breaking their compact We cursed them and made their hearts hard, they perverting words from their meanings; and they have forgotten a portion of that they were reminded of; and thou wilt never cease to light upon some act of treachery on their part, except a few of them. Yet pardon them, and forgive; surely God loves the good-doers”.

Qu'ran, Sura al-Ma'idah (“The Table”), 5:15-16 (Arberry translation, pages 101-102) (standard numbering: 5:12-13)

“It may be God will yet establish between you and those of them with whom you are at enmity love. God is All-powerful; God is All-forgiving, All-compasionate”.

Qur'an, Sura Mumtahana (“She Who is Tested”), 60:8 (Arberry translation, page 578) (standard numbering: 60:7)

“And say: 'I believe in whatever Book God has sent down: I have been commanded to be just between you. We have our deeds, and you have your deeds; there is no argument between us and you; God shall bring us together, and unto Him is the homecoming'”.

Qur'an, Sura Shura (“Counsel”), 42:14 (Arberry translation, page 499-500) (standard numbering: 42:15)

The words of the prophets of Ishmael and Israel provide the basis for true peace.

Qur'anic citations are from The Qur'an Interpreted by Arthur Arberry (London: Oxford University Press, 1964).

1 Germany, which had already annexed Austria in the Anschluss of March 12, 1938, went on to annex what was left of Czechoslovakia in March, 1939, creating the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and the puppet state of Slovakia. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. At that point, England and France declared war on Germany. World War Two had begun.

4 Arab Theologians on Jews and Israel: Excerpts from the Proceedings of the Fourth Conference of the Academy of Islamic Research (convened at Al Azhar University, Cairo, 1968). Cairo: General Organization for Government Printing Offices, 1970. Introduced and edited be D.F. Green. Available from Editions de l'Avenir, 1208 Geneva, Switzerland.

5 Quran'ic references to “the Book”, where the reference is to the Torah or the Tanach, always refer to them in the original Hebrew, not to translations into other languages, which are often unreliable.

7 The Even Shatiah (Hebrew for Foundation Stone), known in Arabic as the Sakhra, is visibly honored by the Dome of the Rock. The Dome is built on the spot where Jewish and Islamic tradition holds that the Foundation Stone is located.

14 Notwithstanding that the Children of Israel are commanded to observe the Sabbath and that their direction of prayer is towards Jerusalem: First Book of Kings, 8:30, 42-43 – “And hearken Thou to the supplication of Thy servant, and of Thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place; yea, hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place; and when Thou hearest, forgive” (8:30); “for they shall hear of Thy great name, and of Thy mighty hand, and of Thine outstretched arm -- when he shall come and pray toward this house hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know Thy name, to fear Thee, as doth Thy people Israel, and that they may know that Thy name is called upon this house which I have built.” (8:42-43)

Dr. Asher Eder

Jerusalem, Israel

Introduction to Section One

Peace is Possible between Ishmael and Israel according to the Qur'an and the Tanach

Editions:

With Special Thanks To:

1.1 Different Missions of Ishmael and Israel

1.2 Competition between Ishmael and Israel

1.3 Different Ways of Interpreting Scripture

1.4 Jihad, Call to Holy War

1.5 Religious and Historic Roots of Arab and Muslim Rejection of the State of Israel

1.6 Muslims and Jews must seek Truth together

1.7 The Qur'an acknowledges the Authority of the Bible

1.8 The Qur'an recognizes the Authority of the Rabbis and the Special Status of the Children of Israel

1.9 The Qur'an recognizes the Right of the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel

1.10 The Qur'an says that God commanded the Children of Israel to fight for the Land of Israel

1.11 The Qur'an says that God will return the Children of Israel to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

1.12 The Qur'an forbids distinguishing between Prophets before and after the Babylonian and Roman Exiles of the Children of Israel from the Land of Israel

1.13 The Qur'an praises the Psalms of David and recognizes David as God's Viceroy on Earth

1.14 The Land of Israel is distinct from the Dar al-Islam (Realm of Peace) and the Dar al-Harb (Realm of War)

1.15 The Qur'an commands Muslims to respect the Children of Israel and to treat them well

1.16 God promises to forgive the Children of Israel when He returns them to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

1.17 The Qur'an affirms that the Land of Israel is an Eternal Heritage for the Children of Israel

1.18 Haj Amin Husseini incites Arab anti-Jewish Violence against Jews returning to the Land of Israel

1.19 The Qur'an warns that God will punish all who persecute the Children of Israel, especially the Nations of Gog and Magog, which attack Jews returning to the Land of Israel at the End of Days

1.20 The Qur'an commands Muslims not to harm Jews

1.21 The Qur'an says that God will bring Peace and Reconciliation between Muslims and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

1.22 The Qur'an realtes the “chosen-ness” of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Israel to God's Land Covenant with Israel

1.23 The Qur'an says that Abraham and the Prophets of Israel were “Muslims” in a generic sense, meaning those who submit to God

1.24 Qur'anic and Biblical condemnations of Israel's sins are always made within the context of Qur'anic and Biblical affirmations of God's Land, Torah and People Covenants with Israel

1.25 Current “Muslim” hatred of Israel is a poisonous black hole, which will lead to severe divine punishments on the Islamic World, as it led to severe divine punishments on Pharaoh and the Egyptians

1.26a Persian King Cyrus calls upon Jews to return to the Land of Israel and rebuild the Second Temple of Jerusalem

126b. 638 C.E. – Muslim Caliph Omar liberates Jerusalem from the Byzantine Christians and welcomes Jews back to the Holy City

126c. 1187 C.E. – Muslim Sultan Salah-e-Din liberates Jerusalem from the European Catholic Crusaders and welcomes Jews back to the Holy City

126d. 18th Century – Muslim Sheikh Dahr-el-Omar invites Jews to resettle the Galilee

1.27 The Qur'an stresses the continued validity of the Book (Torah)

1.28 The Qur'an recognizes the teachings of the prophets and the rabbis

1.29 The Qur'an recognizes the uniqueness of Israel and the unparalleled gifts to its people (including the Land of Promise)

1.30 The Qur'an says that God gave the Land of Israel to the Children of Israel

1.31 The Qur'an says that God settled the Children of Israel in the Land of Israel

1.32 The Qur'an rebukes the Children of Israel for not fighting for the Land of Israel

1.33 The Qur'an confirms David's Kingdom (Zion) and praises his Psalms. David is acknowledged as divine viceroy on earth

1.34 The Qur'an, Psalms and Prophets of the Bible speak of Israel's return to the Land of Israel, and to Jerusalem

1.35 Israel is often harshly rebuked in the Qur'an, but there is no cancellation of God's covenants with and promises to Israel. On the contrary, the words of the prophets shall surely be established

1.36 The Qur'an calls Abraham a true Muslim

1.37 The Qur'an calls the prophets true Muslims

1.38 The Bible says that Abraham established Mount Moriah in Jerusalem for the Children of Israel

1.39 The Qur'an says that Abraham established the Ka'ba in Mecca for the Children of Ishmael

1.40 The Qur'an says that the Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims is the Ka'ba of Mecca. For Jews it is the Temple Mount (bayt al-maqdis) of Jerusalem

1.41 The Qur'an acknowledges different religious rites and laws for different peoples, and urges us all to compete in good works

1.42 The Qur'an acknowledges Jewish law for Jews

1.43 The Qur'an acknowledges Christian law for Christians

1.44 The Qur'an acknowledges Muslim law for Muslims

1.45 The Qur'an commands mutual respect between Muslims, Jews and Christians, with each community judged by its own law

1.46 The Qur'an says that God wants to be honored with forgiveness and love

126d. 18^th Century – Muslim Sheikh Dahr-el-Omar invites Jews to resettle the Galilee