Peace in the Name of Allah: Islamic Discourses on Treaties with Israel

Peace in the Name of Allah examines how Arab regimes have justified peace with Israel through Islamic justifications, showcasing the flexible and ambiguous nature of revelation-based political discourses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 259 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

From Anwar al-Sadat's dramatic gambit in 1977 to the surprising declaration of the Abraham Accords in 2020, making peace with Israel has always been a challenging proposition for Arab regimes. Through an in-depth analysis of hundreds of fatwas, sermons, essays, books, interviews, poems, postage stamps, and other forms of media, Peace in the Name of Allah delves into how Egyptian, Jordanian, and Emirati political and religious authorities have sought to introduce Islamic justifications for peace with Israel, while those opposed have countered them. The discussion highlights the flexible and ambiguous nature of revelation-based political discourses, as different Muslim political actors take competing or even contradictory positions.

The historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict is crucial in understanding the dynamics at play. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 following the Holocaust and the displacement of millions of Palestinians led to widespread resentment and hostility towards Israel in the Arab world. This conflict has been characterized by repeated wars, ceasefires, and diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution.

One of the key factors that have influenced the Arab stance towards peace with Israel is the concept of jihad. Jihad, in Islamic terminology, refers to a spiritual struggle or struggle against oppression. Some Arab leaders and religious scholars have interpreted the concept of jihad to include a military struggle against Israel, viewing it as a defensive measure to protect the rights of the Palestinians.

However, other Arab leaders and religious scholars have argued that jihad should be limited to a spiritual struggle and should not involve military action. They argue that engaging in military conflict with Israel would only exacerbate the conflict and lead to further loss of life and destruction.

Another factor that has influenced the Arab stance towards peace with Israel is the role of the United States. The United States has been a major ally of Israel since its establishment and has provided financial and military support to the Israeli government. This support has been seen by some Arab leaders as a betrayal of their interests and has contributed to the persistence of the conflict.

Despite these challenges, there have been significant efforts to promote peace between Arab and Israeli societies. In 1977, Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat made the historic visit to Israel, which marked the beginning of a process of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. This was followed by the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, which established a framework for peace between Israel and Egypt.

More recently, the Abraham Accords, which were signed in 2020, brought together Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain in a historic peace agreement. The accords aimed to normalize relations between the Arab world and Israel and to promote economic cooperation and mutual security.

Despite these achievements, there are still significant obstacles to peace between Arab and Israeli societies. One of the key challenges is the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which has led to widespread poverty, displacement, and human rights abuses. Another challenge is the lack of trust and mutual understanding between the two sides, which has been exacerbated by decades of conflict and propaganda.

To address these challenges, it is important to promote dialogue and understanding between Arab and Israeli societies. This can be achieved through cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and political engagement. It is also important to address the underlying political and economic issues that contribute to the conflict, such as the Israeli occupation and the lack of economic development in the Palestinian territories.

In conclusion, making peace with Israel has been a challenging proposition for Arab regimes. The historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the concept of jihad, the role of the United States, and the ongoing challenges to peace between Arab and Israeli societies have all played a role in shaping the Arab stance towards peace. While there have been significant efforts to promote peace, there is still a long way to go before a lasting solution can be achieved. By promoting dialogue and understanding between Arab and Israeli societies and addressing the underlying political and economic issues, it is possible to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110735123