The Help of Allah is near - Part 6

 

We have previously mentioned that the new caliphate will be established in Jerusalem. While there is no exact known timeline for this, the latest threat from the Zionists in occupying Gaza, does not bode well for the region, meaning “will this hasten the implementation of the caliphate?”. Their approach is basically an all or nothing approach. The question that arises now is if it is even a possibility, and if it is one, then what is the probability. But before we get there (perhaps in the next post), to better understand the nature of divine justice, we can reflect on the story of Prophet Yousuf (AS).

The Quran dedicates an entire chapter to his story. In summary, the Qur'an mentions that his brothers plotted to kill him, but an inkling of humanity led them instead to throw him into a well — alive. The voice of humanity is causing a trickle of aid to get into Gaza. Their ill-feeling towards him caused them to plot to get rid of him. They threw him into the well in the hope that some traders might pick him up and take him to distant lands. This indeed happened. Now look at the Zionists: they would like to get rid of the Palestinians. They have killed many and would not mind that the survivors go to neighbouring countries. In Egypt, Yousuf (peace be upon him) is wrongly accused and ends up in prison. Are not the people of Palestine labelled as terrorists, wrongly, because they seek their freedom in their homeland? Are not the people of Gaza living in an open-air prison?  Eventually, though, Allah caused that he, Yousuf, rise in rank in Egypt. His brothers, initially unaware of his newfound status, were forced to come to him for aid. He granted them aid and forgave them for what the harm they inflicted on him. Will Allah perhaps likewise cause the people of Palestine to rise above their oppressors, forcing the perpetrators of this genocide to face justice?

The stories of the Qur'an are not mere history — they are timeless lessons for our lives today. This is not intended as a tafsir, and may Allah protect me from error, but as a reminder that Allah never abandons His servants. Just as He raised Yousuf (AS) from the depths of the well to a position of honour, He can raise the people of Palestine from their trials to victory and dignity. In the previous post we did mention the hadith relating to the people living in the precincts of Jerusalem.  

And Allah knows Best

See Previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-help-of-allah-is-near-part-5.html

Picture courtesy:  https://www.dws.gov.za/

The Help of Allah is near - Part 5

 

We are all in need of motivational reminders, and the ongoing events in Palestine highlight our greater responsibilities as Muslims, as well as the signs of the end times. The prophecy of end times is universally accepted in Islam. There is mention of end times in Jewish and Christian scriptures. There are differences between the Islamic viewpoint and those of the other two religions. The reference here to end times will focus on Bilad-ash-Shaam which includes Palestine. We will confine ourselves to the Islamic viewpoint and examine, briefly, the fact that Muslims will be uppermost and the caliphate will be established from Jerusalem. Furthermore, Eesa bin Maryam (peace be upon him) will descend to affirm his prophethood and resolve the dispute regarding his divinity.

Proof, not only of the return of the caliphate, but indeed that caliphate will be in Jerusalem is found in a mawquf* hadith reported by Ibn Asakir, where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“This matter (the Caliphate) will be after me in Madinah, then in Al-Sham, then in the Peninsula, then in Iraq, then in the City, then in Bait ul-Maqdis. If it is in Bait ul-Maqdis, its home country is there, and no people will be able to remove it, so it will return to them forever.” Ibn Asakir, Tarikh Dimashiq 368

This hadith, although mawquf, is considered hasan with a sound chain of narrators.

Reference to “The City” in the hadith refers to Constantinople. The last caliphate was in Istanbul (Constantinople). There has not been a caliph/ate since 1924CE. The hadith points to a caliphate in Bait ul Maqdis. Bait ul Maqdis is Jerusalem. Therefore, that is the understanding that the future caliphate will be in Jerusalem because it has not been there before. This is the understanding based on hadith interpretations by scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah. For that to happen, Muslims must be in control of Jerusalem again. Therein lies the hope that victory will be soon. However, “soon” is relative as this is part of knowledge of the unseen – meaning knowledge which is with Allah and which He has not given to us. Thus no one can rightly pinpoint the exact time. Scholars have considered that we are nearing the time for the major signs which will happen after the appearance of Imam Mahdi. Furthermore, the Mahdi, who will be a caliph, will not be the first one in the new caliphate. It is already testing times, and should the Mahdi appear, then it means Ad-dajjal (antichrist) is close. Therein lies a loose reference to the current reality that the Jews are preparing for his arrival.

The current genocide in Gaza and the general oppression of the people of Palestine is a heart-wrenching matter. There is some comfort of the quality of people of Palestine as related in an authentic hadith reported in Musnad Ahmad, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“A group among my Ummah will continue to uphold the truth and will prevail, and those who oppose them will not harm them until the decree of Allah comes. They will be in Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and its surroundings.”

. Victory is near because the people of Palestine will stand strong. Muslims should hold firm onto their faith. We are not freed of our obligation to assist as much as we can. Each will be judged according to his/her ability and how you have carried out your duty in this regard. While martyrdom is something magnanimous, it does not absolve us from assisting the Palestinians and saving lives for saving lives is a great deed. Allah decides who dies a martyr or not but imagine the martyr takes from your deeds because of your indifference in standing for justice or, worse still, your aiding and abetting a genocide.

Once the Mahdi has appeared, then soon Eesa bin Maryam will appear. The hadith describing the appearance of Eesa bin Maryam is lengthy, and beyond the scope of this piece. We may discuss it in detail another time.". Suffice for now, that this is the viewpoint of Ahlus-sunnah wa-l-Jama’ah.

In conclusion, the hadith indicates that the Caliphate will eventually be restored, with its seat in Jerusalem. The people of Palestine will continue to endure immense trials — including oppression and starvation — with unwavering resilience. They are indeed a special people, honoured for their steadfastness. We support them not to deny them the honour of martyrdom, but because our test lies in preserving life, and in establishing peace and justice where we can. Theirs and our reward is with Allah.

see next: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The Help of Allah is near - Part 6

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-help-of-allah-is-near-part-4.html

 

 

The Help of Allah is Near - Part 4

 

The “intention” of acknowledging a Palestinian state if Israel does not allow aid, specifically food, to enter Gaza and feeds it starving population, is not a genuine “call to action”. A two-state solution is also being proposed. Can anyone witness such starvation and remain in a state in inertia. The denial of aid entering Gaza has been intensified with time. The immediate neighbouring Arab countries, Jordan and Egypt, blame the Zionists and claim innocence in this denial of aid entering Gaza.

France and Britain are amongst those who meekly suggest that Palestine be recognised even though there is ample evidence of its existence prior to 1948. The state of Israel was the creation of Britain and its allies, and they are all accountable. Does this mean that they are all complicit to this heinous crime? Yet, here they are acting is they have the Palestinian interest at heart, as if they are humane, seeking a peaceful outcome. Allah says in Quran:

When they are told, “Do not spread corruption in the land,” they reply, “We are only peace-makers!” Indeed, it is they who are the corruptors, but they fail to perceive it. [Quran 11-12]

Is there a right-minded, fair-minded person alive today who accepts the savage ill-treatment -of another human being? The one who believes it is acceptable to deliberately starve a people, literally to death, has lost all humanity. You judge for yourself then regarding the person who has the means to end the starvation but does not act on it. The USA, UK and its allies have supplied bombs to Israel which then rained down on Gaza. This bombardment was, and still is, in the full view of the world. Laws are passed to silence those who dare speak out against it. Now we are watching a man-made famine taking the lives of people, mostly children, amongst the ruins of their neighbourhoods. Not too far off is Jerusalem, a holy place to three major religions. Thus, a heinous crime is being committed in the precincts of Jerusalem; indeed, it is taking place in the holy land.

Allah speaks of Aqsa when He says:

“Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muḥammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed …” [Quran 17:1]

It matters not that you are Muslim, Christian or Jew, but if you support a group of people that have exacted such brutality on others and starves them, then you cannot be one who submits to the God of Abraham and Moses – peace be upon them. Truth is superior and should be superior if you do consider yourself a believer. No one’s lineage spares them from justice if they act unjustly. All that you are required to do is call out those who disobey God’s law. Make your voices heard. Use all the platforms at your disposal. That call includes that food and other aid should be allowed freely into Gaza and save the people from a deadly starvation. While you may wish to argue the point that “Israel has a right to defend themselves”, there certainly must be limits. Don’t you think so? Shall we subject every woman and child to these extreme conditions?

We mentioned those who were responsible for the creation of Israel. The same people supplied bombs that killed many thousands in Gaza. They have not actively engaged to ensure aid, food, reach the people in Gaza. Are they complicit? Is your silence consent to starve the people of Gaza? Or are you a believer? Almighty God does not sleep. There will be a day of reckoning.

 see next: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The Help of Allah is near - Part 5

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-help-of-allah-is-near-part-3.html

Picture courtesy: Los Angeles Times