Mr Muhammad Hamza Tanvir is an independent journalist and a political analyst, focusing primarily on regional and global strategic and political issues. He has authored numerous articles for different national and international publications.
Religion & Politics
On January 14, 2024, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of Al-Qassam Brigades, stated in his speech that the arrival of red heifers in the occupied land was one of the events that sparked the October 7 attacks. This statement sounded strange to many as most people were unaware of the significance of the red heifer to Israel. The issue is not as simple as it sounds, as it reflects the intricate dynamics of political involvement.
Although over the decades, many in Pakistan and around the world have been of the view that church and state are two separate entities, the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza depicts otherwise. George W. Bush’s declaration of the “Global War on Terror” as a crusade and the incessant Zionist occupation of the Palestinian land portends that religion still serves as an underlying cause of the major events shaping the contours of global politics.
The Holy Temple
While the Palestinian issue is as old as history itself due to the geographical significance of the region, it gained more importance after the creation of the First Temple, the Al-Aqsa Mosque according to Islamic ideology, built by the Prophet Sulaiman (A.S). This temple was destroyed by the Babylonians.
King Herod created the Second Temple, which, too, met the same fate as it was destroyed by the Romans. Hazrat Umar (R.A) conquered Jerusalem at the invitation of the Christian population of the city and repaired the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city was invaded by the Crusaders later on. Muslims, once again, conquered the city under the command of Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi. Since then, Muslims have been the custodians of the city and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds immense significance for Muslims as it played a pivotal role in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) miraj journey and was also declared to be the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam. The city it is situated in carries profound significance for Christians as well.
Post-WWII
People from all three Abrahamic religions—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—had been living peacefully in the city for centuries. However, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War 2, the “Balfour Declaration” changed the scenario. The Jews started establishing their settlements in Palestine under the patronage of the United Kingdom, and the creation of an illegitimate state of Israel led to the protracted occupation of the Palestinian territory.
A host of reports have been published by different independent watchdogs citing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The latter has also been accused of being engaged in ethnic cleansing of the native Palestinian people.
Since the creation of Israel, thousands of Palestinians have been martyred by the IDF, a somber reflection of political activity under the veneer of a military operation. The number of people killed by the Israeli forces since October 7, 2023, has exceeded 32,000.
Many analysts and observers around the world have dealt with the Israel-Palestine conflict as if it were merely a political clash. However, Abu Obaida’s recent press conference alongside statements made by some Israeli Zionists suggest that religion is the main underlying cause of this genocide in Gaza.
Mystery of the Red Heifer
According to a Jewish prophecy, the Jews cannot establish their Holy Temple at the Temple Mount, where the Al-Aqsa compound is established, unless they sacrifice a red cow. Over the decades—after the establishment of the illegitimate state of Israel—Zionists have been searching for a rare red heifer to fulfill this prophecy. However, the cow needs to meet some specific standards to fulfill the prophecy and trigger the building of the temple in Jerusalem and the arrival of the Messiah of the Jewish people, aka Dajjal, according to Islamic teachings.
According to Jewish traditions followed in Israel, the ideal red heifer needs to be completely red and should never have been yoked or pregnant. In addition, the red cow, without defect or blemish, needs to be 3 years of age to meet all the criteria defined in the Jewish religion for the ideal red heifer.
Zionists in Israel and abroad have been trying to search for such a calf for decades; they even tried to produce an unblemished red heifer themselves but failed. However, 5 red cows were found in Texas, USA in 2022. The red cows were flown in by Israel for almost $500,000. One has already been disqualified for sacrifice, while the others are under strict observation.
What’s more alarming is that they will reach 3 years of age this month. If they fulfill all other criteria defined in the Jewish tradition, their sacrifice could trigger the demolishment of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the building of the Third Temple, and the arrival of the Dajjal.
Interestingly, Evangelical Christians are also supporting Zionists in all this. They believe the creation of the Third Temple in Jerusalem will result in the return of Hazrat Esa/Jesus (A.S). However, Jews and Evangelical Christians both hold divergent views about what will happen afterward. Jews hold that all Gentiles (non-Jews) will serve their Messiah, while Evangelical Christians maintain that the Jews will either follow Hazrat Esa (A.S) or he will kill them. According to Islam, while the majority of the people will follow Dajjal, Hazrat Esa (A.S), along with his few followers, will fight and kill the Dajjal and his followers.
For many decades, a secret Zionist institution, “The Temple Institute,” has been operating in Israel. This is an organization dedicated to preparing for the arrival of the Messiah. They have mentioned on their official website that making the Third Temple a reality is one of their ambitions. They have provided silver trumpets to the Israeli soldiers in Gaza as a religious ritual in preparation as well.
Reports suggest that Israel has already started digging under the Al-Aqsa compound on the premise of archeological excavation. This has resulted in eroding the foundations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Reports also suggest that Al-Aqsa Mosque is in danger of collapsing due to this excavation. Such political activity has not only impacted the definition of religious freedom in the region but has also resulted in several cracks in the walls and ceiling of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Conclusion
While Israel has killed thousands of innocent Palestinians, including women and children, Muslims around the world are still debating if they should boycott pro-Israel brands or not. This article highlights the fact that religion is still relevant to international politics. The current plight of the people of Gaza, the support of the Zionists by Christians and Hindus, and the callous behavior of the Muslim leadership corroborate Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prediction.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish.” Someone asked: “Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?” He (PBUH) replied, “No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last enervation into your hearts.” Someone asked,” What is wahn (enervation)?” He (PBUH) replied, “Love of the world and dislike of death.” (Abu Dawood 4297)
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