Book Review: ‫مسلئہ فلسطین‬

By Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed

Submitted by,
Syed Salah Uddin
SAP ID: 56895

Submitted to,
Dr. Sartaj Gull

Course title: International Relations since 1945

 RPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
ISLAMABA
Introduction
The book “‫ ”مسئلہ فلسطین‬explores the challenges faced by Palestine through the lens of International Law
and Islamic perspectives. This book has written by Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed, a respected
International Law professor in Pakistan.

Content Analysis:

The book, which is divided into three chapters, discusses the relationship between Palestine and Islamic
states, as well as the opinions of Muslims and Islamic states toward the Palestine-Israel dispute. The first
chapter clarifies misconceptions that are being spread among Muslims, denying claims made in the
Quran about Bait al Maqdis and the promised land for Israelis. The author uses texts from the Quran and
Hadith to disprove these falsehoods.

Among the justifications were:

 Bait al Maqdis, which refers to Madina rather than Palestine in the Muslim Holy Book Quran.
 Since the land was promised to the Israelites, Muslims have no right to claim it.
 The qibla of Jews was always Bait al Maqdis, not that of Muslims.

The persons who made up these stories used passages from the Quran to persuade Muslims of these
falsehoods. The author responds to these kinds of myths by providing a thorough reference to the Quran
and Hadees. “That the rise of Israeli Jews is Allah’s promise to them so Muslims should not intervene.”

The author makes the case that while we should accept the State of Israel for the time being, Israel’s
current claim to Jerusalem as its capital and its authority over it violate international law. This is because
when the United Nations defined Israel’s territory in 1947, Jerusalem was included as part of Palestine,
not Israel. Conversely, Israel and Western countries frequently refer to Palestinians who are defending
their territory as terrorists, even though their actions are fully compliant with international law.

The book analyzes the Palestine question in light of international law and organizations in its second
chapter. It calls into question Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem and draws attention to violations of
international law. The author clears up myths and gives an in-depth account of the Kashmir dispute. The
contributions of Muslim governments to the international legal order are covered in detail in the third
chapter. It recommends creating NATO-style alliances and focuses on providing aid to Muslims outside
of the Islamic empire on humanitarian grounds. The book ends by stressing the legitimate and religious
duty of Muslims to protect Palestine and by pleading with individual Muslims to participate in global
forums.

The author provides an example of the Companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Hazrat Salma
bin Akwa (r.z), who defended against attackers without seeking permission from Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him).
Furthermore, the author references the perspectives of Muslim scholars, particularly citing the views of
“Imam Sarakhsi” and “Imam Shaybani” regarding the defense in such situations.

Conclusion:

The book provides a thorough analysis of the Palestinian issue, bridging religious beliefs, international
law, and practical actions. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed’s well-researched approach adds value to the discourse,
successfully debunking myths and educating Muslims. While aimed at Muslim education, the book offers
a satisfying response to strong arguments surrounding the Palestine-Israel conflict.The author’s well-
researched and insightful approach makes this book a valuable contribution to the discourse on this
contentious issue. The arguments and myth were very strong but the answers of Dr Mushtaq Ahmed is
clearly satisfying. Though the author aims only to educate Muslims.