"I cannot sell even a foot of land, for it does not belong to me but to my people. My people won this Empire with blood, and we will redeem it with blood. Let the Jews keep their millions. If the Empire is divided, they may take Palestine without a price. But until then, I would rather push a sword into my body than see the land of Palestine taken away from the Islamic State." Sultan Abdul Hamid II's response to Theodore Herzel
Moving reverse into the history, the year 1948 stands as a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, marked by the establishment of the State of Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli conflict. To fully grasp the significance of these events, it's essential to explore the historical context, tracing back to the era of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and even further to the time of Salahuddin Ayyubi.
Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Haafiz e Quds and the Ottoman Empire
Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who reigned from 1876 to 1909, was the last Ottoman Sultan to exercise effective control over the empire. His tenure was characterized by efforts to modernize the state while maintaining its Islamic identity. Notably, he adopted a policy of pan-Islamism to counter Western intervention in Ottoman affairs. In 1900, he restricted Jewish immigration to Palestine, limiting their stay to 30 days and prohibiting land acquisitions by foreign Jews. This policy aimed to preserve the demographic balance and prevent foreign dominance in the region.
In one of Dr. Israr Ahmed's Bayan, he endorses the true intentions Sultan Abdul Hameed II had for Islam and Muslims as a true Caliph, "
"Eventhough the Khilafat was weak and sick but the spirit of a Muslim was too much. He was offered greatest bribes, obviously who could offer bribes more than Jews. But during his era he didn't let any Jew settle there."
That's why he was overthroned so the long awaited Balfour Declaration could be signed recieved by Lionel Walter Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community, a powerful financial hand then.
Sultan Abdul Hamid II's vision and policies during his reign resonate deeply with the ongoing Palestinian struggle today. His foresight about the consequences of foreign occupation in Palestine is strikingly relevant. One of his famous quotes, " We will never let them settle in Palestine, we will protect Palestine because if they settle there, Bloodshed will never stop there until the day of judgement."
This statement is a haunting reminder of the bloodshed that has indeed followed the establishment of Israeli settlements and the subsequent occupation. The Sultan's refusal was based on his understanding of the deep-rooted connection between the land and its people, as well as the devastating impact foreign dominance would have on peace and stability.
Today, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains one of the most enduring and volatile issues in modern history, marked by displacement, violence, and persistent struggles for sovereignty. The Sultan's prescient warning about bloodshed has been realized in the decades of conflict that have followed the establishment of Israel in 1948, as well as the ongoing disputes over Jerusalem and other occupied territories.
The parallels between Sultan Abdul Hamid II's stance and the modern Palestinian resistance highlight a consistent struggle: the fight to preserve identity, sovereignty, and the sanctity of a land deeply tied to faith and heritage. His leadership serves as a historical reminder that the quest for justice and peace in Palestine is not just a modern issue but one deeply rooted in the principles of protecting rightful ownership and resisting oppression.
Salahuddin Ayyubi: The Legacy of a Conqueror (Faatih e Quds)
Centuries earlier, Salahuddin Ayyubi (Saladin) emerged as a unifying figure in the Muslim world. Born in 1137/38, he founded the Ayyubid dynasty and became renowned for recapturing Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187, ending nearly nine decades of occupation. His leadership was marked by chivalry and a commitment to justice, earning him respect even among his adversaries.
Salahuddin Ayyubi’s leadership during the recapture of Jerusalem in 1187 provides profound lessons for the modern Palestinian-Israeli conflict. His commitment to justice, unity, and respect for all faiths, even in times of war, contrasts sharply with the ongoing strife in the region today.
Salahuddin’s triumph in reclaiming Jerusalem after nearly 90 years of Crusader occupation was not just a military victory but also a moral one. His chivalrous treatment of the defeated Crusaders, including granting safe passage to civilians and safeguarding Christian holy sites, demonstrated a model of justice and coexistence that is sorely needed in today’s conflict.
The modern Palestinian-Israeli issue is rooted in a struggle over Jerusalem and the broader region, echoing the historical tensions Salahuddin faced. The occupation of Palestinian territories, the displacement of its people, and the ongoing violence stand in stark contrast to Salahuddin's ethos of upholding the dignity and rights of all inhabitants of the Holy Land.
Salahuddin’s ability to unite the Muslim world in the face of external threats also holds relevance. The fragmentation and lack of a unified response among Muslim-majority nations today hinder effective advocacy for Palestinian rights. Salahuddin’s example reminds us that unity, rooted in shared values of justice and compassion, can transform even the most entrenched conflicts.
Furthermore, Salahuddin’s respect for religious diversity within Jerusalem underscores the need for a solution that honors the city’s significance to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. His legacy offers a vision of how Jerusalem can be a place of coexistence rather than conflict—a goal that remains elusive in the modern era.
In the context of the ongoing Palestinian struggle, Salahuddin Ayyubi’s leadership serves as a reminder that justice, unity, and respect for humanity are essential for resolving conflicts over this sacred land. His actions inspire hope for a future where peace and coexistence in Jerusalem can become a reality.
The Connection to 1948
The events of 1948, particularly the establishment of Israel and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs, can be seen as a culmination of historical dynamics involving foreign intervention, demographic shifts, and territorial disputes. The policies of Sultan Abdul Hamid II regarding Palestine highlight early attempts to manage these complexities. Similarly, the legacy of Salahuddin Ayyubi underscores the longstanding significance of Jerusalem and the broader region in Islamic history.
Understanding these historical figures and their policies provides valuable insight into the deep-rooted historical context that shaped the events of 1948 and continues to influence the region today.
"Quds is everything. To liberate it is my duty, and I will not rest until it is free." Salahuddin Ayyubi
What we understand from this, it's a conflict rooted in faith, a duty. So, is there any other earlier events than discussed and understood so far? Stay tuned for next edition in these series.
"How can I smile when I see Al-Aqsa Mosque captive and the Crusaders defiling it?" Salahuddin Ayyubi
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