Insights on Zionism from Muslim/Arab Researchers- Part 6
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
It is well-known that Jews in Europe underwent a period of isolation within what is referred to as the “ghetto.” [1] This situation highlights a characteristic inherent to them: a tendency towards introversion and self-isolation, stemming from their belief that such behaviour would help preserve their religion and the rituals they practiced. Consequently, their interaction with surrounding communities was limited, and the Church remained largely distant from them, hoping that the Jews would eventually convert to Christianity. Part of this hope was realised, as some Jews did embrace Christianity, prompting the Church to celebrate these conversions. A notable instance of this was when the Pope himself baptised a Jew in 1566, an event that was commemorated in Rome. However, as the number of Jewish converts remained low, Spain compelled them to adopt Christianity. In response to this pressure from the government, many Jews feigned conversion, leading to the emergence of those known as “Marranos.” [2]
All of this was done for their own benefit, resulting in the dominance of Jews in positions of power, including ministers and rulers, and compelling the Church to respect and elevate their status. A primary reason for the Judaization of Christianity is that both the Torah and the Gospel were, in essence, revealed to the Jews. As Christianity became more Judaized, it became necessary for the Judaized Zionists, who revere both testaments, to align with beliefs that honor and elevate the Jewish people, distinguishing them from other nations. This process of Judaization began in the sixteenth century through the efforts of the Protestants and later evolved with the Puritans. The Protestants were referred to as “Judaized” for two main reasons:
First: Their return to studying the teachings of the Torah and believing in its doctrines.
Second: Their efforts to adapt Jewish beliefs to Christianity, such as the divinity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity. The previous section discussed notable advocates of Hebraic Christianity in the seventeenth century, including figures like “Manasseh ben Israel,” “John Locke,” “Isaac Newton,” and others. [3]
From the above, Hebraic Christianity can be defined as: “A form of Christianity that regards Judaism and its teachings as its highest reference.”
One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting the shared heritage in religious texts between Judaism and Christianity is the reference to their scriptures as a single book, as stated in the Holy Quran. For instance, the Quran mentions: “Say, O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is common between us and you, that we will not worship except Allah” (1). This book refers to the Torah and the Gospel. Additionally, the Quran states: “And confirming what was before it of the Torah and making lawful to you some of what was forbidden to you”. This indicates that the Gospel has abrogated certain aspects of the Torah while retaining others, clearly demonstrating that the Torah serves as a foundational text for Christians. Despite this common ground, there are notable differences and variations in some fundamental religious truths that must be clarified, (for example): The notion of original sin; Catholic Christians believe that humanity is fallen due to original sin, necessitating the Church’s mediation for salvation. Conversely, Jews do not subscribe to the idea of original sin, believing instead that good deeds are the path to salvation, a view also shared by Protestant Christians.
The Christian Right
The Christian Right is considered an extension of “Protestant fundamentalism,” which emerged in the early 20th century. Its influence has steadily grown, becoming a significant force in presidential and congressional elections, particularly in contrast to Jewish voting blocs. As the role of the Christian Right expanded to include Catholics alongside Protestants, the term “Judeo-Christian” has become synonymous with “America,” especially since the United States ousted President George H.W. Bush in 1992. The Christian right is, in essence, a strict political and religious ideology that upholds the inerrancy of the Bible in both its Old and New Testaments, as well as a literal interpretation of its prophecies. This term refers to all Christians who express extreme views and behaviors regarding political, social, domestic, and foreign issues. Consequently, it advocates for Israel and its expansionist policies. [4]
The Renewal
They are also referred to as “born again.” The term “renewal” or “being born again” applies to those who undergo the rite of baptism anew and come to faith in Christ. Among these individuals who are born again is Billy Graham, who shares his personal experience, stating: “There is no life without being born; just as a person enters this world through physical birth, they enter into new life through spiritual birth… I personally experienced this new birth at the age of sixteen, and now, thirty-five years after accepting Christ as my Savior, I still feel the wonder and glory of that experience; it continues to shine brighter year after year”. “Renewal” is a term associated with Judeo-Christian beliefs, as emphasized by Jerry Falwell, who revisited the Bible and demonstrated that the Old Testament serves as the foundational reference for Christians, that the Jews are God’s chosen people, and that the land of “Israel” fulfills sacred prophecies. The Renewed are a group of extreme evangelical Protestant Christians who adhere strictly to the literal interpretation of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. They particularly focus on the establishment of the state of “Israel” in “Palestine,” believing it to be a fulfillment of God’s promise to His chosen people, according to their claims. [5]
Neoconservatives: The term “neoconservatives” emerged in the 1970s. Consequently, several organizations promoting neoconservative thought were established, including: [6]
The Heritage Foundation
The Origins and Key Beliefs of Zionist Urbanism
Established in 1973, this institution is recognized as one of the most significant educational organizations. Its mission is to advocate for the policies of the Christian right, which emphasize free trade, reduced government intervention in economic activities, the defense of personal liberties, and the enhancement of America’s military strength.
This foundation includes a number of experts in Islamic affairs, who hold antagonistic views towards Arabs and Islam in particular.
The Project for the New American Century
Founded in 1997, this initiative aims to promote the concept of American dominance over the world by exerting control over political decision-making. As part of this project, a report titled “Rebuilding America’s Defenses” was published, which evolved into an action plan for the neoconservative administration regarding foreign policy and defense matters. [7]
Neoconservatives share beliefs with Christian right-wing groups or fundamentalists regarding politics and ideology. They can be characterised as a strict political-religious faction that holds the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, as infallible. They interpret the prophecies within it literally, particularly those concerning “Israel,” the establishment of their state in “Palestine,” the preparation for the Second Coming of Christ, and the reconstruction of Solomon’s Temple. [8]
[1] The term “ghetto” refers to areas in Europe where Jewish communities were concentrated. There is some debate regarding the origin of this word; some suggest it refers to a Jewish quarter, while others believe it is derived from a foundry located near the ghetto. It has been proposed that the term comes from the German word “Ghettor,” meaning a walled place, or from the Hebrew term “Get,” found in the Talmud, which signifies separation or divorce. Additionally, it bears resemblance to the Italian word “borghetto,” which denotes a small section of a city. Within the ghettos in Germany, residents faced significant challenges, including disease and hunger.
[2] The Marranos: These are Jews who outwardly converted from Judaism but secretly maintained their faith while living in Spain. They did this to protect their interests after the fall of Islamic rule. The exact origin of the term is not clearly defined. The Inquisition was established to pursue them and verify their adherence to Christianity. They often migrated to areas where they believed their trade could continue. Refer to: Encyclopedia of Concepts: pp. 348-349.
[3] John Locke was born in 1632 and passed away in 1704. He was an English philosopher known for his liberal ideas. His philosophical summary posits that humans are born with a natural mind, which is then shaped by experiences, forming the basis of human knowledge. He believed that the primary role of the state is to protect human rights rather than infringe upon them. Among his notable works is “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.”
Isaac Newton was born in 1642 and passed away in 1727. He was an English mathematician and astronomer who served as a parliamentary member representing the University of Cambridge, maintaining his seat until the dissolution of Parliament. In 1696, he became the Master of the Mint, a position he held until his death. Newton is renowned for his discoveries related to sunlight, the law of gravitation, and for founding calculus.
[4] A Message on Protestant Fundamentalism, p. 11. 2. A detailed discussion regarding the role of Christian fundamentalists in politics will be presented in Chapter Three of Part Two of the research, see: pp. 396-416. George H.W. Bush was an American politician who served as the President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Born in 1924, he was a combat pilot in the Navy during World War II. He held a seat in the House of Representatives, led the Central Intelligence Agency, and was elected Vice President under Ronald Reagan. He ordered the invasion of Panama to protect U.S. interests and deployed troops to the Persian Gulf to assist in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq’s invasion in 1990. “For the sake of Zion”, pages 389-390.
[5] Refer to: For Zion, page 392. In his book: How to Become a New Person?, page 91. Refer to “Renewal and the Renewed, pages 73 and 77, and For Zion, page 392.
[6] Refer to: The Religious Dimension: pages 71-72, and Christian Zionism by Abdullah Al-Hassan: page 119.
[7] Refer to: The New Conservatives: An Analysis of Thought and Movement, p. 39. Among these researchers are John Heltzman and James Phillips. “The New Conservatives and the Imperial Dream”, p. 138. “The New Conservatives: An Analysis of Thought and Movement”, p. 39, and The Religious Dimension, pp. 71-73.
[8] Refer to: The Neoconservatives and the Imperial Dream: pages 43-45.
An Excerpt from “Wan-Nasraniyyah As-Suhruniyyah Nash’atuha Wa Ahammu Aqa’idiha” 1/130-136- 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.
