Understanding the True Wisdom of Islam in the Context of Modern Conflicts & Palestine

As we enter the tenth month since the onset of Israel's genocidal campaign against Palestinians post-October 2023, with the loss of more than 200,000 lives, it is equally crucial to dissect the controversial role of Hamas in it. Amidst all the mischief, Hamas regularly boasts about their 'firecrackers' on social media, knowing that this provides Netanyahu the perfect grounds to pound the innocent Palestinian women and children with tons of bombs. Simultaneously, they call for a ceasefire to protect Palestinians, yet their actions seem to inadvertently aid Israeli plans more than any other agent. Their speeches of a holy fight appear deceitful and glory-driven, potentially misleading the Muslim population with no substantial logistical backing, result-oriented strategy, or geo-political support of any sort.

It is deeply misguided to consider the schemes currently employed by Hamas in the Israel-Palestine conflict as justifiable. In such a conflict, the primary objective should be to immediately secure and evacuate women and children from the line of fire, away from the hostilities of war. Hamas continues to boastfully launch ‘firecrackers’ while Israel, in its genocide against native Palestinians, keeps pounding the population with sophisticated bombs. None of the parties care for the casualties and the loss of human life. And when I say 'none of the parties,' I mean it.

Islam against Wars for Glory – Disregarding Human Life

In this catastrophic irony, our priority should be clear: to safeguard, rescue, and rehabilitate the innocent victims of war. Once hostilities cease, the Palestinians will retain their 'Right to Return' as per Geneva Convention IV and other International Laws (Geneva Convention IV, 1949). Ensuring their return will be the responsibility of a peacekeeping military force, potentially emerging from a new treaty of nations. Sacrificing innocent lives for territorial resistance is both selfish and futile. Territories can be regained and re-conquered once you're better prepared, better disciplined, and better equipped, but innocent children cannot be brought back to life, nor can the grief of their families be alleviated.

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Musa Ash'ari that once a man went to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said:

“One man fights for the sake of spoils of war, the second one fights for fame and glory, and the third to display his courage and skill; which among them is the fighter for the cause of Allah?” Upon this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied: “He who fights with the sole objective that the word of Allah should become supreme is a Mujahid in the cause of the Lord.”

A Mujahid in Islam is thus a noble person who is actuated by human considerations and lifts arms not under the impulse of fury and revenge but with will, forethought, tenacity, and fellow feeling, and his conduct bears the imprint of the human intellect, human sympathy, and a sense of justice.

Hamas: A Strategic Asset for Netanyahu

During the 1970s and 1980s, Israel covertly supported Islamist groups in Gaza to counterbalance the influence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat. This support allowed Islamist organizations more freedom to operate compared to the PLO, which was considered a more immediate threat.

Brigadier General Yitzhak Segev, the Israeli military governor in Gaza during the early 1980s, admitted to providing financial assistance to the Muslim Brotherhood, which later became Hamas, under Israeli directives. This support aimed to weaken other Palestinian organizations. Israel contributed to the development of Ahmed Yassin's network of mosques, clubs, and schools in Gaza, enabling the expansion of these institutions.

In 1998, during a visit to Israel by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Turkish lawmaker Feyzi ??ba?aran, it was revealed that Netanyahu suggested Turkey support Hamas. Netanyahu stated, "Hamas also has bank accounts for aid in banks, we help them too, you [Turkey] can help too."

Retired General Shlomo Brom, a former deputy to Israel's national security adviser, believes that an empowered Hamas allows Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to avoid negotiations over a Palestinian state by claiming there is no viable partner for peace talks.

Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right lawmaker and finance minister under Netanyahu's government, called the Palestinian Authority a "burden" and Hamas an "asset."

Professor Avner Cohen, a former Israeli religious affairs official, publicly acknowledged that Hamas was "Israel's creation." Similar statements have also been made by Yasser Arafat.

Wisdom, Discipline, and Groundwork – Core Principles of Warfare in Islam

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

From an Islamic perspective, historical precedents offer valuable lessons on how to approach such conflicts with wisdom and patience. The Conquest of Makkah by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a prime example. When faced with hostility from the Quraysh in Makkah, the Prophet did not rush into battle. Instead, he migrated to Madinah, safeguarding his companions and organizing his ranks (Watt, 1961). This strategic patience and preparation culminated in his victorious return to Makkah (Lings, 1983).

Sultan Salah-ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub

Similarly, the Re-conquest of Jerusalem by Salahuddin Ayubi during the Second Crusade is a testament to strategic foresight and restraint. Despite the massacre of 600,000 Muslims, Salahuddin did not hastily attempt to retake Jerusalem. He spent two decades regrouping and preparing his forces until they were equipped with the finest weaponry (Lyons & Jackson, 1982). His eventual conquest was marked by both military success and humanitarian compassion, highlighting the importance of strategic patience.

This aligns with the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “The strong man is not the good wrestler; the strong man is only the one who controls himself when he is angry” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6114).

Sultan Mehmed Fateh

Another significant example is the Conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Learning from the failures of his father, Sultan Murad, Mehmed sought a temporary treaty with the Byzantines. He used this time to build the largest cannon the world had ever seen, ultimately breaching the walls of Constantinople and achieving victory (Nicolle, 2000). His actions underscore the value of wisdom and preparation over impulsive aggression.

Khalid ibn al-Walid

In addition to these examples, the Battle of Yarmouk under the leadership of Khalid ibn al-Walid illustrates the importance of protecting civilians in times of conflict. Upon learning of the potential threat to their women and children from the Romans, the Sahaba demonstrated remarkable strategic acumen and bravery, ensuring the safety of the defenseless women and children first while securing a decisive victory (El-Cheikh, 2004).

‘Women and Children First’ – the Birkenhead Lesson

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" also emphasizes the importance of strategy, preparation, and the protection of non-combatants. Sun Tzu states, "He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight" (Sun Tzu, 2005). This principle is mirrored in Islamic history and underscores the necessity of strategic patience and the protection of innocent lives.

Furthermore, Carl von Clausewitz in "On War" discusses the concept of war as an extension of politics by other means. Clausewitz emphasizes the importance of achieving political objectives without unnecessary destruction (Clausewitz, 1984). This aligns with the strategic patience exhibited by Islamic leaders who prioritized long-term objectives over immediate, reckless gains.

Understanding Historical Precedents

These historical lessons emphasize that true Islamic wisdom advocates for the protection of innocent lives, strategic patience, and disciplined preparation. The current tactics employed by Hamas, which put women and children in harm's way, starkly contrast with these principles. Their actions reflect a dangerous lust for glory and selfishness that disregards the sanctity of human life.

Understanding and applying these historical precedents can guide modern strategies in conflicts like the Israel-Palestine situation. Prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians, especially women and children, is not only a moral imperative but also a reflection of true Islamic values. Strategic patience, disciplined preparation, and wisdom in decision-making are crucial for achieving lasting peace and justice.

? Shaikh Mahmud bin Ilyas

References

1. Geneva Convention IV. (1949). Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

2. Lings, M. (1983). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources.

3. Watt, W. M. (1961). Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman.

4. Lyons, M. C., & Jackson, D. E. P. (1982). Saladin: The Politics of the Holy War.

5. Nicolle, D. (2000). The Fall of Constantinople: The Ottoman Conquest of Byzantium.

6. El-Cheikh, N. M. (2004). Byzantium Viewed by the Arabs.

7. The Qur'an, Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46.

8. The Qur'an, Surah Al-Isra, 17:33.

9. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6114.

10. Sun Tzu. (2005). The Art of War. Translated by Lionel Giles.

11. Clausewitz, C. von. (1984). On War. Edited and translated by Michael Howard and Peter Paret.