The population of Israel is 25% Arab and other non-Jewish groups, about 2,300,000 people. Of these, 82% are Sunni Muslims. Jerusalem is home to the third most important shrine of the Islam faith.
The essence of Islam is expressed in the Qur'an, meaning "reading" in Arabic.
It records the Divine revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad and is considered by Muslims to be a sacred book sent from God.
"Indeed, this is from the Lord of the worlds. The Faithful Spirit brought it down to your heart so you may be a messenger, in clear Arabic language" (Qur'an, Surah 25:191-196).
Islam centers on faith in one invisible God, a belief rooted in the monotheism of Abraham (Ibrahim), regarded as the ancestor of the Arab people. As the Qur'an states, "We guided you to follow the faith of Abraham, who was upright and not an idolater" (Surah 16:124).
The Qur'an rejects idolatry and emphasizes God's uniqueness:
"If there were multiple gods in the universe, its destruction would be near" (Surah 21:11).
God is revealed as the Almighty Creator, the righteous judge, and the giver of moral laws. In Surah 6, He is called the God of truth.
Yet, God is also described as merciful:
"Call on God or call on the Merciful; both names are beautiful" (Surah 17).
Each chapter of the Qur'an begins with, "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," encapsulating the core message of Islam—faith, righteousness, and compassion.
Around 610 AD, Muhammad, a member of the Quraysh tribe and the aristocratic Hashim family, began having visions. Initially, he feared these were from dark forces but, with the support of friends, recognized them as Divine revelations.
As God’s messenger, Muhammad preached against greed, exploitation of the poor, and deceit, while advocating repentance, charity, and faith in the One Merciful God. Early sermons focused on resurrection, judgment, and the afterlife, urging a righteous and compassionate life.
Initially, Muhammad’s teachings gained few followers, mainly family and close friends, who met privately. By 614 AD, his public preaching increased his followers but also provoked fierce opposition. Persecution ensued—his daughters were divorced, followers were beaten, and Muhammad faced insults. Despite this, his sermons called for moral reform rather than rebellion or violence.
Critics demanded miracles to prove his authority, but Muhammad maintained he was a simple man chosen to deliver God’s message, citing past examples like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Severe persecution forced some Muslims to flee to Ethiopia, though Muhammad and others stayed in Mecca. His core teaching was that God had repeatedly revealed His truth through messengers like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Each was given scripture: the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, respectively. Finally, God sent Muhammad with the Qur’an, completing His message to humanity.
The first surah of the Qur'an praises God, reflecting similarities with the Bible’s portrayal of the supreme Deity:
"Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds, merciful, gracious, king of the day of judgment. We adore You and pray for Your guidance" (Qur'an 1:1).
Muhammad viewed the Qur'an as a continuation of true religion, shared since humanity’s beginning, and rejected religious disputes as human-made heresies:
"Initially, all people had one faith. Then they indulged in disputes" (Sura 10:20).
Islam is presented as a continuation of the faiths of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus:
"We believe in the sacred books given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets. We make no distinction between them" (Surah 3:78).
The Qur'an, believed to be a divine book revealed to Muhammad, was preserved in heaven and made known in Arabic. Although translations may lack full depth, they aim to share God’s message
universally. The Qur'an speaks a language beyond human words—one of creation, nature, and divine wisdom, accessible to all:
"A pure revelation in the hearts of those with knowledge" (Surah 29:49).
The Qur'an teaches God’s purpose for creation, man’s earthly duties, and the afterlife. Humanity, created as eternal beings, faces two stages—life and afterlife—where actions determine reward or punishment. The Qur'an warns against wrong choices, serving as both wisdom and revelation, offering guidance regardless of where one begins reading.
The modern understanding of jihad often differs from its Qur'anic meaning. Muslim scholars emphasize that Islam, rooted in submission to God's will, and the Qur'an, advocate peace, not violence. Properly understood, jihad represents a peaceful struggle for faith and truth.
The Qur'an states:
"Wage a greater war with this book (Qur'an)" (Sura 25:52).
This highlights that the Qur'an is not a weapon to harm but a guide to conquer evil intentions and actions. It serves as an ideological tool in the struggle (jihad) against wrongdoing, promoting peace and righteousness.
A Sacred connection
Israel, a land of immense religious significance, holds deep spiritual connections for Muslims due to its association with pivotal moments in Islamic history. From the sanctity of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque to the reverence for historical figures, these sites underscore the shared heritage of Abrahamic religions and Islam’s enduring bond with the region.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Mentioned in the Qur'an as the "Farthest Mosque" (Surah Al-Isra:1), it is believed to be the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens during the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj). Adjacent to the mosque is the Dome of the Rock, an iconic golden-domed structure marking the spot where Muhammad is said to have ascended. It also holds significance for its association with earlier prophets like Abraham, who is believed to have prepared to sacrifice his son at this location.
Hebron and the Tomb of the Patriarchs
In Hebron lies the Ibrahimi Mosque, built around the Tomb of the Patriarchs, which is revered as the burial site of Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishaq), and Jacob (Yaqub). For Muslims, Abraham is a key prophetic figure, a symbol of monotheism and submission to God, making this site sacred in Islamic tradition.
Nabi Musa Shrine
The Nabi Musa Shrine, located in the Judean Desert, is traditionally believed to be the burial site of the Prophet Moses (Musa). Though Islamic tradition places Moses' burial site near Mount Nebo in Jordan, the shrine remains a revered place for Muslims, often visited during religious festivals.
Jaffa and Other Local Mosques
The Mahmoudiya Mosque in Jaffa and other historic mosques scattered across Israel bear witness to centuries of Islamic presence in the region. These sites serve not only as places of worship but also as reminders of the Islamic cultural and spiritual legacy in the Holy Land.
Conclusion
The Islamic holy sites in Israel reflect the profound spiritual and historical connections between Islam and this region. These locations are not only places of worship but also powerful symbols of Islam’s shared heritage with Judaism and Christianity, fostering an opportunity for understanding and coexistence among faiths.
The essence of radical Islam, particularly in relation to Israel, revolves around a militant interpretation of Islamic teachings and political ideology, shaped by historical, religious, and geopolitical factors.
Rejection of Israel's Existence:
Radical Islamist groups view the establishment of Israel as an illegitimate occupation of Islamic land, particularly Jerusalem (Al-Quds), which holds profound religious significance in
Islam.
Jihad as Armed Struggle:
Unlike the broader, peaceful interpretation of jihad, radical Islamists emphasize its militant aspect, framing their conflict with Israel as a holy war to liberate Palestine and Muslim
holy sites.
Theological Motivations:
Beyond the political and territorial dimensions of the conflict, the deeper, often unspoken driving force is a religious one. For Muslims, this stems from a theological conviction similar
to Christianity’s Replacement Theology: that God originally chose the Jewish people, but they failed to fulfill His trust. In this belief, the Jews' rejection of the prophets and their
actions led God to replace them with a new chosen people: the Muslims. Thus, the establishment of a Jewish state in the land of Dar al-Islam—territory considered sacred
because it was once under Islamic rule—is seen as an affront to this divine order, especially when governed by democracy rather than Sharia law.
Jewish Religious Aspirations:
For Jews, the establishment of Israel is not merely a political refuge but a return to their ancestral land, rooted in the belief that the biblical narrative is a historical truth. This
conviction fuels Jewish aspirations for self-determination in the land central to their identity, exacerbating the religious dimension of the conflict.
Key Radical Groups:
Groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad openly oppose Israel and engage in military and terrorist activities, claiming to defend Palestinian rights and Islam. Their charters often
call for Israel’s destruction.
Iran’s Role:
Iran supports radical Islamist groups, providing funding, weapons, and training, positioning the conflict with Israel as central to its anti-Western and anti-Israeli agenda.
Symbolic Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque:
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem serves as a rallying point for radical Islamists, portraying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a religious struggle over sacred land.
Terror Tactics:
Radical Islamist groups frequently use rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and propaganda to target Israel and garner global support for their cause.
Radical Islam’s opposition to Israel is deeply intertwined with anti-Western ideologies, viewing Israel as a symbol of Western imperialism in the Middle East. While the conflict appears political on the surface, it is fundamentally rooted in religious beliefs. For radical Muslims, allowing a Jewish state on Islamic land challenges their theological worldview; for Jews, reclaiming their biblical homeland is intrinsic to their identity. These clashing convictions have fueled decades of violence and instability in the region.
THE HOUTHIS, OFFICIALLY KNOWN AS ANSAR ALLAH ("SUPPORTERS OF GOD"), ARE AN ARMED POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT IN YEMEN. THEY BELONG TO THE ZAIDI SECT OF SHI’A ISLAM, WHICH HAS DEEP HISTORICAL ROOTS IN YEMEN'S NORTHERN REGIONS.
Historical Background
The Houthis are named after their leader, Hussein al-Houthi, who was killed in 2004 during an uprising against the Yemeni government.
The movement initially began in the 1990s as a cultural and religious organization but later evolved into a political and military force.
Goals and Ideology
Oppose foreign interference, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Protect Zaidi communities and their religious interests.
Push for a redistribution of power in Yemen.
Role in Yemen's Conflict
In 2014–2015, the Houthis seized Yemen's capital, Sana’a, triggering a civil war.
They overthrew the Saudi-backed government, leading to a military intervention by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
The conflict became part of a broader regional power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with Iran providing support to the Houthis (though the extent of this support remains debated).
Current Situation
The Houthis control a significant part of northern Yemen, including Sana’a.
They are engaged in a prolonged civil war, which has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
The Houthis are also known for targeting Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles and drones, making Yemen’s conflict a critical factor in regional instability.
WHY ARE THEY ACTING AGAINST ISRAEL?
While the Houthis don’t have a direct conflict with Israel, their hostility stems from their ideology, ties to Iran, and the broader geopolitical context of the Middle East.
Reasons for Anti-Israel Actions and Rhetoric:
Iranian Influence
The Houthis are closely aligned with Iran, their primary backer. Iran maintains a staunchly anti-Israel stance and supports groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The Houthis follow this ideological line, often expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israel as an enemy of Islam.
Political Messaging
Anti-Israel rhetoric strengthens the Houthis' legitimacy among Arab and Muslim audiences. Their slogan frequently includes the phrase:
"Death to America, death to Israel, curse the Jews, victory to Islam!"
This reflects their worldview and positions them as opponents of Western and Israeli influence.
Solidarity with Palestine
The Houthis declare support for the Palestinian people and their resistance against Israel, aligning with popular sentiments across the Arab and Muslim world.
Regional Geopolitics
Israel views the Houthis as part of Iran's axis of influence, which makes them a potential threat. The Houthis, in turn, may target Israel as part of their anti-Saudi and anti-Western campaigns, especially if it benefits their allies.
Threats and Attacks
The Houthis have threatened to attack Israel and claim to possess missiles and drones capable of reaching its territory, though their technical capabilities remain in question.
Recently, the Houthis expressed readiness for direct action against Israel, especially amid the Gaza war in 2023.
CONCLUSION
The Houthis’ actions against Israel are largely symbolic and linked to their alignment with Iran and its allies, as well as their desire to position themselves within the anti-Western and anti-Israel coalition. However, their actual threat to Israel remains limited due to geographical distance and constrained military resources.