Whom Should We Support in the Recent Israel-Iran Conflict?
An Analysis in Light of Surah Ar-Rum
📖 In the initial verses of Surah Ar-Rum, Allah Almighty states:
“Alif, Lam, Meem. The Romans have been defeated. In the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome. Within a few years…”
(Ar-Rum: 1-4)
These verses were revealed when Rome (the Christian Empire) was defeated by Persia (the Zoroastrian Empire). The disbelievers of Mecca rejoiced due to Persia being polytheistic, while Muslims awaited the victory of the Romans because they were People of the Book. Allah Almighty stated that the Romans would be victorious in a few years – which indeed proved true.
💡 Key Points Derived from Surah Ar-Rum:
* Preference for People of the Book over Zoroastrians:
Muslims inclined towards Rome (Christians) because they were People of the Book and believed in some form of divine revelation, even if it had been distorted.
* Closer to Monotheism Compared to Polytheism and Atheism:
Although the People of the Book had deviated, they were still connected to monotheism to some extent. Persia, on the other hand, was completely polytheistic and fire-worshipping. On this basis, Muslims’ sympathies lay with the People of the Book.
🔍 Analysis of the Current Israel-Iran Conflict:
Iran:
A Shia-majority country that claims to be associated with Islam, but it contains religious extremism, cursing of the Companions of the Prophet, and other disbelief or polytheistic beliefs.
Despite this, this country raises its voice for Islam, Palestine, and oppressed Muslims.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Iran is openly against Israel.
Israel:
A Jewish Zionist state, whose very foundation is on the usurped land of Palestine.
Its existence is a constant source of oppression, bloodshed, and strife for Muslims.
Any kind of sympathy or support for it is not only against Islamic principles but also against humanity.
⚖️ Intellectual Analysis of the Current Issue in the Context of Surah Ar-Rum:
If we consider the example of Rome and Persia:
Rome = People of the Book, partially monotheistic.
Persia = Polytheistic, atheistic, fire-worshipping.
In today’s context:
Even though Iran is afflicted with incorrect beliefs, but it is still connected to the name of Allah, the Quran, Prophethood, and Islam.
Israel is completely an enemy of Islam and is oppressive not only on religious grounds but also on humanitarian ones.
Therefore, just as Muslims rejoiced at the success of Rome (the relatively better party) at that time, today we should also side with the party that stands against oppression, at least against the oppressive Israel.
✅ Conclusion:
The principle of Surah Ar-Rum teaches us that:
“When two false powers clash, it is natural, rational, and lawful to incline towards the party with lesser evil and that is closer to truth.”
No sympathy can be held for Israel in any respect.
Support for Iran can be justified, on principled grounds, only to the extent that it stands for oppressed Muslims – provided its incorrect beliefs are also kept clear.
“May Allah Almighty grant us understanding of the religion and comprehension of the needs of the times.”
