Insights on Zionism from Muslim/Arab Researchers- Part 1

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Before the term “Zionism” was widely recognised, it is important to note that Nathan Birnbaum was among the first to employ this term. He used it as a political alternative to Jewish nationalism, with a specific intention to suggest the sanctity of this movement by associating it with Mount Zion. His aspirations were likely realised during the “Baal” conference in Switzerland. Furthermore, he was aware of the historical use of the term “Zion” by the Christian church, which politically bolstered the Jewish quest for a national homeland in Palestine.

Zionism was defined at the Basel Conference in Switzerland in 1897 as “the movement of the Jewish people towards Palestine.” However, this definition, along with other definitions provided by Jewish authors, appears to be varied and not consistently aligned, which can be attributed to the complexity of understanding this movement. Nevertheless, all definitions and explanations—whether from Jewish writers or others—concur on the necessity of establishing a national homeland for the Jews in Palestine. Among these explanations and definitions is what is noted in the British Encyclopedia.

The Jewish community aspires to redeem Israel, unite the people in Palestine, restore the Jewish state, rebuild the Temple, and establish the throne of David in Jerusalem, with a ruler from the lineage of David. However, this merely illustrates one of the objectives of this movement, among its various aims. The Jewish Encyclopedia defines it as: “The Jewish movement aimed at the resettlement of Jews in the land of Israel and the revival of an independent Jewish nation, founded by Herzl.” Nevertheless, this definition, like the previous one, is limited and lacks certain aspects. This movement seeks to extend its influence over the Arab East, from the Nile to the Euphrates, encompassing not just the area of Palestine but the broader region, which they refer to as Greater Israel. A more comprehensive definition, as understood, is that Zionism is a political and colonial movement that draws its foundations from the doctrines of the (distorted) Torah and the laws of the Talmud. It aims to unite Jews from around the world in an independent state, ultimately establishing Greater Israel by exerting control over the Arab East, with Jerusalem as its center. Thus, it becomes evident that Zionism is a political movement rooted in (distorted) religious principles found in the Torah and Talmud, aimed at creating a homeland for the Jewish people. [1]

Zionism derives its name from “Mount Zion,” one of the four mountains located in Palestine. This site was originally inhabited by the Jebusites until it was captured by King David, who established a house for the Lord there. Subsequently, his son Solomon completed the construction, leading to the term “Zion” being associated with the city of Jerusalem and, eventually, the entirety of Palestine. Regarding the etymology of the term “Zion,” scholars have proposed two main theories. The first theory suggests that its roots are found in Hebrew biblical texts, as evidenced by certain passages in the Old Testament.

The king and his men journeyed to Jerusalem, where the Jebusites inhabited the land. David captured the stronghold of Zion, which became known as the City of David. He established his residence there, and his stature grew as the Lord of Hosts was with him. As for me, I have anointed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain. Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion; declare His deeds among the nations, for He demands justice. The Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it as His dwelling place. In the latter days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established as the highest of the mountains and will be exalted above the hills. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths; for the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” The second opinion is that it is of Canaanite Arabic origin. Zion refers to three locations as interpreted by the Jews: first, it denotes the city of the great king, which refers to Jerusalem itself; second, it is the name of a fortress designated by the Prophet David in the city of Jerusalem; third, it refers to a mountain located to the east of Jerusalem. [2]

Objectives of Zionism

Zionism has several objectives that it seeks to achieve, and it is noteworthy that it has accomplished a portion of these since its inception to the present day. This progress is a result of the circumstances that Zionism has encountered and the various phases it has undergone. It is important to highlight that these objectives have evolved in association with those circumstances and phases, which can be categorised into three distinct stages.

The initial phase: Prior to the establishment of the State of Israel

This was the preparatory stage that Zionism sought to implement, having planned for its outcomes for a considerable period. These plans have been in place for a long time, rooted in the ideas embraced by the early Zionists, who aimed to return to the Promised Land, which they claim as their right. Their justification is based on references found in the Old Testament: “And Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh; and the Canaanites were then in the land. And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring, I give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord who had appeared to him.”

They believe that their claim to “Palestine” is a legitimate religious right granted to them by divine promise. This assertion of divine promises regarding their ownership of “Palestine” has been reiterated multiple times. They make various efforts to establish this. These endeavors began with the convening of the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897, under the leadership of Theodor Herzl.

Phase Two: Establishment of the State of “Israel”:

This phase is characterised by the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, which later became known as Greater Israel. This occurred when the State of Israel was officially recognised in 1948.

The third phase following the establishment of the State of Israel is characterised by the persistent ambition of Zionists who ascribe to Judaism to exert control over the entire world. This sentiment was articulated by some who suggested that Zionists seek to persuade the rest of the world that the national consciousness of the Jews is realized through the creation of a state in “Palestine.”

They argued that Zionists are deceiving others, as their true aim is global domination. This control manifests in several ways:

Political: This aspect involves the recruitment of high-ranking officials from various countries, employing diverse strategies to gain international support. Consequently, this reassures their own group. A notable instance of this was the acquisition of the Balfour Declaration, which granted them a national homeland in Palestine.

Economic: The essence lies in the primary tool of the economy and its driving force, which is money; it is perceived as the sole means to achieve their desires.

The intellectual aspect is reflected in the use of propaganda through effective media channels, which include: Zionist and social organizations, radio, cinema, and news agencies. Moreover, they do not limit themselves to these methods, they also attempt to obscure the truth in order to mislead as many people as possible. This is evident in Herzl’s acknowledgment that “the noise is everything, and that noise leads to great actions,” as it captures attention and leads to weakness and vulnerability.

Military: This is regarded as the final stage of control over populations, following political, economic, and ideological dominance. It involves preparing the army to combat the opponents. This characteristic is notably prominent among them, as they are known for instigating wars and conflicts. [3]

Zionist Beliefs

To effectively present these beliefs, it is essential to first outline the key tenets held by Zionists, followed by an examination of the supporting elements that have influenced the transition of these religious foundations into the political realm, ultimately leading to the emergence of contemporary Zionism. One of these beliefs is the promise of returning to the Promised Land, that God promised the descendants of Abraham, peace be upon him, the return to the Promised Land, which stretches from the Nile to the Euphrates. This principle is firmly rooted in their Torah, where it is stated that the Lord said to Abraham, peace be upon him, “To your offspring, I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.”

Secondly, they consider themselves the chosen people of God, believing in their superiority over other nations and their exclusive relationship with their deity, Yahweh. This belief supports their view of subjugating the world under their authority, as referenced in the Torah, which states that foreigners will tend their flocks and serve them, while they will be called priests of the Lord and will consume the wealth of nations. This conviction has fostered a sense of isolation, leading to their reluctance to integrate with other communities. Thus, in the perspective of “Israel,” encompasses religion, ethnicity, and nationality, prompting a shift towards national consolidation and the adoption of Hebrew as the language of “Israel,” rather than aligning with the nations and ethnicities in which they were raised. Consequently, Judaism has evolved into Zionism.

Thirdly, they believe that the return to the Promised Land will only occur through the awaited Messiah, a king from the lineage of David, peace be upon him, who will come to redeem them and exact vengeance on their enemies, granting them dominion over the world.

The Relationship Between Zionism, Judaism, and Christianity

Researchers and writers have differing opinions regarding the nature of the relationship between Judaism and Zionism, with two primary viewpoints emerging. One perspective asserts that there is no distinction between the two, suggesting they are essentially two sides of the same coin. According to this view, every Jew is a Zionist, and every Zionist is a Jew; however, it is not necessary for every Zionist to be Jewish, as support for immigration to Palestine has also come from Western Zionists.

The second point is the distinction between Zionism and Judaism; Judaism is a religion, while Zionism is a political movement. The relationship between the two is one of generality and specificity; every Zionist is Jewish, but not every Jew is a Zionist. The more accurate perspective on the matter, and Allah knows best, is that not every Zionist is a Jew, nor is every Jew a Zionist. There are Jews who oppose Zionism and do not see the necessity of gathering Jews in “Palestine”; they believe that their return and consolidation there could lead to their punishment. These individuals are Jews who do not identify as Zionists.

The assertion that not all Zionists are Jews is based on the existence of Christian Zionists, who align with Jewish Zionists in the belief that the gathering of Jews in Palestine is essential. They view this gathering as a precursor to the Second Coming of Christ. While they support Jewish Zionists, their motivation is not rooted in affection but rather in the fulfillment of their own religious doctrine regarding the establishment of Christ’s earthly kingdom. These individuals are referred to as Christian Zionists. [3]

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[1] Footnote: Nathan Birnbaum, born in 1864 and died in 1937, was an Austrian Jewish writer raised in a Hasidic family. He was one of the founders of the “Kadima” organization and later joined the “Agudat Israel” group, ultimately becoming an opponent of Zionism. He published an article critiquing Jewish emancipation through integration with other nations and served as the editor of several Jewish Zionist newspapers. Refer to the diaries of Herr Nitzel, p. 511, and the Dictionary of Zionist Terms, p. 66. Encyclopaedia of Judaica, vol. 16, p. 1032:

Mount Zion: A commonly used name that refers to the city rather than the hill itself. “Zion” denotes the eastern hill of “Old Jerusalem,” which is the site of the city of the Jebusites that was conquered by Prophet King David, peace be upon him, of Bani Israel. On this hill are located the “Temple of Prophet Sulayman” and the “Al-Aqsa Mosque,” as well as the “Dome of the Rock.” Refer to: Biblical Encyclopaedia, p. 54/5, and the Dictionary of Major Religions, p. 816, and Al-Munjid in the Names, p. 349. See Zionism between Religion and Politics, p. 25, and the Biblical Background, p. 98.

Basel, a city in northern Switzerland, is known for its resources, including coal and salt. Its agricultural products are minimal, but it has factories for iron, copper, and steel, and exports cattle, hides, ghee, and more. Refer to: Encyclopaedia, p. 95/5, and Al-Munjid in the Names, p. 105. (6) Switzerland: A federal republic located in Central Europe, with Bern as its capital. Its agricultural products are limited. Crops such as grains, sugar beets, potatoes, and grapes, along with industrial products including machinery, watches, and paper. Refer to: Encyclopedia: 258/10-260, and Al-Munjid in the Sciences: p. 318.

Palestine is an Arab state located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, with Jerusalem as its capital. It is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam. The region has experienced historical circumstances that have led to periods of colonization and independence. Its agricultural products include citrus fruits, cotton, and grains, while its industrial outputs consist of electronic devices and paper. Refer to: Al-Ma’aref Encyclopedia: 1309/2-1310, and the Global Arab Encyclopedia: 437/17-442. Refer to: Zionism and its Entity Israel: p. 22, From Judaism to Zionism: p. 191, The Zionist Myth and the Palestinian Uprising: p. 27, The Zionist Conspiracy Against the World: p. [missing], and Zionism and its Eastern Subjects: p. 9. Refer to: Zionism as a Racist Movement: p. 27, and The Origins, Organizations, and Activities of Zionism: pp. 26-27. (4) Refer to: The Zionist Idea: p. 505, citing Zionism, Israel, and Asia: p. 20, and Reconsideration.

Jerusalem, known as “the capital of Palestine,” is also referred to as “Old Jerusalem” or “Al-Quds.” It holds sacred significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, as it is the site from which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ascended to heaven during the Night of Ascension. The city is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qibla and the third holiest site in Islam. Christians revere it due to its association with Jesus Christ, while Jews honor it for its connections to Kings David and Solomon. Refer to: Al-Munjid in Al-A’lam: p. 434, and the Arab Encyclopedia: 86/18. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 12, pp. 92-923: 1) see also (3) Theodor Herzl, born in 1860 and deceased in 1904, was a Hungarian Jewish writer and the founder of the Zionist movement. He recognized that the Jewish question could be addressed through political means; thus, he sought to attract wealthy individuals to join the political Zionism movement and aimed to engage the Israeli masses. He convened several conferences to establish the foundations of Zionism and its implementation strategies. His notable works include “The Jewish State” and “The Promised Land.” Refer to: Dictionary of Zionist Terms: pp. 154-155, and Al-Munjid in Al-A’lam: p. 594. Encyclopaedia Judaica, Vol. 16, pp.1033-1153: 4) see also (5)

The Nile is the longest river in the world, located in East Africa. It originates near the equator and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley and Delta are considered among the most fertile agricultural lands globally. [An Excerpt from “Wan-Nasraniyyah As-Suhruniyyah Nash’atuha Wa Ahammu Aqa’idiha” 65-68]

Footnotes 2: The terms “Zion,” “Moriah,” “Akra,” and “Beyt Dinah” were mentioned by Abdul Samir Al-Harawi in his book “Zionism Between Religion and Politics,” page 218.

For further reference, see “Dictionary of Zionist Terminology,” page 380; “Zionism Between Religion and Politics,” page 25; “Zionism and its Progeny Israel,” page 22; and “Secret Relations,” page 83. The Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe that inhabited Jebus – Jerusalem. They were attacked by Joshua, who killed their king. They managed to maintain their fortress even after being expelled by David, peace be upon him. The area of Jebus was confined to the southeastern mountain, which later became known as “Zion” or “Jerusalem.” Some Jebusites continued to practice Judaism until the return from the Babylonian exile. For additional information, refer to “The Bible Dictionary,” pages 1052-1053, and “The Biblical Encyclopedia,” volume 8, page 246. For more details, consult “The Bible Dictionary,” page 558; “The Biblical Encyclopedia,” pages 54-55; “Dictionary of Zionist Terminology,” page 380; and “Dictionary of Christian Faith,” pages 300-301. For further insights, see “The Bible Dictionary,” page 558, and

“The Biblical Encyclopedia,” page 54.

The Second Book of Samuel, chapters 6:5-10.

The Book of Psalms, chapter 6:2.

The Book of Psalms, chapters 11:9-12.

The Book of Psalms, chapter 132:13.

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 2:2-3.

Refer to the Biblical Encyclopedia, page 54/5, and the Dictionary of Major Religions, page 816. See also Zionism in Brief, page 14.

[Footnote 3]: Refer to: Zionism between Religion and Politics: p. 15, Zionist Activity: p. 51, and New Zionists: p. 93.

Zionism between Religion and Politics: p. 24.

The Origins and Organizations of Zionism: p. 34, and Methods of Intellectual Invasion: p. 154.

Shechem: a Hebrew name meaning “shoulder” or “ridge,” is a city located in central Palestine, featuring a wall at the foot of Mount Gerizim. It was inhabited by the Canaanites and is currently known as Nablus, situated north of Jerusalem.

The Bible Dictionary: pp. 514-515, and the Biblical Encyclopedia: 0538/4.

The name Canaanite translates to “oak of the teacher,” and it refers to a location near Shechem. It is likely that the oak of Moreh is where Jacob buried the idols

The Bible Dictionary, p. 930, and the Biblical Encyclopedia, pp. 242-243.

The Canaanites: Inhabitants of the land of Canaan, they are among the earliest Semitic peoples who settled in the western part of Palestine, Phoenicia, and Syria. The Hebrews imposed tribute upon them, and the Canaanites specialized in trade.

The Bible Dictionary, p. 790, and The Encyclopedia of Names, p. 470. Book of Genesis: 6:12-7
Methods of Intellectual Conquest, p. 155.

Palestine and the Jews, p. 226. Zionism between Religion and Politics, p. 16.

The Origins and Organizations of Zionism, p. 30.

From Judaism to Zionism, p. 204.

Methods of Intellectual Conquest, p. 162

A Brief Overview of Zionism, pp. 48-50.

Balfour was born in 1848 and died in 1930. He was a British political thinker known for his conservative views and Christian Zionism. He is best remembered for the Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government in 1917, which bore his name. Balfour was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Old Testament, particularly in their literal Protestant interpretations. He became engaged with the Jewish question during the influx of Eastern European Jewish immigrants to Britain. He met with the Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann and was impressed by him, providing support for Zionism during the peace conferences held after the war, which established mandates in the region.

Methods of Intellectual Invasion, p. 164, and Zionism in Brief, p. 65.

Zionism between Religion and Politics, p. 66.

Methods of Intellectual Invasion, p. 163, Zionism in Brief, pp. 74, 79-78, and Us and Zionism, pp. 154-155.

Zionism between Religion and Politics, p. 67.

Methods of Intellectual Invasion, p. 163, and Zionism in Brief, p. 77.

Zionism between Religion and Politics, p. 67, and Methods of Intellectual Invasion, p. 164

Zionism between Religion and Politics, page 69, and Methods of Intellectual Invasion, pages 165-166.

[Footnotes 3]: The references to Zionism can be found in various works, including “Zionism Between Religion and Politics” on page 61, “Zionism and its Progeny Israel” on page 26, “Jews: The Temptation of History” on page 269, and “Jews and Alliances with the Powerful” on page 147. Additionally, the Book of Genesis, specifically 18:15, is relevant. The term “Yahweh,” which is of Hebrew origin, translates to “the existing” or “the being,” and the Torah designates “Yahweh” as the name for God in contexts where He is viewed as the deity of the Jews exclusively. For further details, consult the “Bible Dictionary” on page 1096 and the “Encyclopedia of the Bible” on pages 392-393. Further references to Zionism can be found in “Zionism Between Religion and Politics” on page 63, “Zionism and its Progeny Israel” on page 26, and “The Methods of Intellectual Invasion” on page 156, as well as in the Book of Isaiah, 61:4-6. Additional insights are available in “Zionism Between Religion and Politics” on page 62 and “Jews: The Temptation of History” on pages 274-275, along with “Zionism and its Progeny Israel” on page 26. Lastly, “Zionism Between Religion and Politics” on page 61 and “The Methods of Intellectual Invasion” on pages 155-156 provide further context. Zionism and its offspring Israel, page 19; the biblical background, page 41; Judaism and Zionism, page 10; and the new Zionists, page 42. 2. For additional insights, see Judaism and Zionism, page 10. 3. Consult Global Jewish Threat, pages 171-172 for relevant discussions. Further details can be found in Judaism and Zionism. This will be elaborated upon later, specifically on pages 585-603- Clarifications will be provided in the second chapter, first section of this book.

An Excerpt from “Wan-Nasraniyyah As-Suhruniyyah Nash’atuha Wa Ahammu Aqa’idiha” 1/29-96 – By Jawharah Bint Muhammad Jam’aan Al-Qahtani.

NB: The information presented in this article is derived from the findings of the researcher. While she has made significant efforts to include numerous references and viewpoints, it is important to acknowledge that no text, apart from the Qur’an and Sunnah, is entirely free from errors, omissions, or lapses in memory on the part of any researcher. The information articulated in the article reflect the researcher’s personal views, and not all assertions can be independently verified by the individual who published this article (Abdullah Jallow). Therefore, those who find the information unsatisfactory are encouraged to conduct additional research or reach out to the author for further clarification. Nonetheless, the existing knowledge regarding Zionism in contemporary times is substantial, particularly in light of over seventy years of oppression faced by the Palestinians.