The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy
By COGwriter
The Arabic peoples mainly inhabit the areas of Northern Africa and the Middle East. And much of that area is referred to as the "Arab world." Although this does not include the Iranians (who are Persian) and Turks, they will be sometimes also discussed in this article because of certain prophecies as well as their connection to the Arab peoples due to the religion of Islam (see also Iran in Prophecy).
The Arabic nations themselves are basically part of a group called the Arab League:
The Arab world (Arabic: العالم العربي) (al-`alam al-`arabi) consists of 22 countries stretching from Mauritania in the west to Oman in the east. They have a combined population of 323 million people...The Arabic language forms a unifying feature of the Arab World...While this has often been a matter of dispute, the following entities (18
states and two territories) are considered part of the Arab World as all use Arabic as one of their official state languages, and most of their inhabitants speak one or more of the Arabic languages and dialects (though ethnically quite varied) (Source: Arab World. Wikipedia, 3/14/07).
Member states of the Arab League (Arab World, Wikipedia, viewed 02/17/13)
 Algeria (Arabic: الجزائر al-Jazāʾir) Bahrain (Arabic: البحرين al-Baḥrayn) Comoros (Arabic: جزر القمر Juzur al-Qamar) (Comorian and French are the other official languages) Djibouti (Arabic: جيبوتي Djībūtī ) (French is the other official language) Egypt (Arabic: مصر Miṣr) Iraq (Arabic: العراق al-ʿIrāq) (Kurdish is the other official language (minority)) Jordan (Arabic: الأردن al-ʾUrdun) Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت al-Kuwayt) Lebanon (Arabic: لبنان Lubnān) Libya (Arabic: ليبيا Lībyā) |
 Mauritania (Arabic: موريتانيا Mōrītānyā) Morocco (Arabic: المغرب al-Maġrib) (Berber is the other official language) Oman (Arabic: عمان ʿUmān) Palestine (Arabic: فلسطين Filasṭīn) (Full member of Arab League and recognized by the majority of the countries in the world) Qatar (Arabic: قطر Qaṭar) Saudi Arabia (Arabic: المملكة العربية السعودية al-Mamlakah al-ʿArabiyyah as-Saʿūdiyyah) Somalia (Arabic: الصومال aṣ-Ṣūmāl) (Somali is the other official language) |
 Sudan (Arabic: السودان as-Sūdān) (English is the other official language (minority)) Syria (Arabic: سوريا Sūryā) Tunisia (Arabic: تونس Tūnis) United Arab Emirates (Arabic: الإمارات العربيّة المتّحدة al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabiyyah al-Muttaḥidah) Yemen (Arabic: اليمن a |
There are nearly 3.5 million Arab Americans in the United States according to The Arab American Institute (there are also persons of Arab ancestry in many other nations). Some who are of Arab ancestory believe that they have descended from Ishmael.
Sometimes, peoples non-ethnically Arabic, but who now often speak the same language, such as some that the Bible refers to as Cushites and/or Nubians are considered to be part of the Arab world. The Bible also sometimes indicates that the Edomites (many of which are Turks) sometimes cooperate with the Arab world--the Bible also indicates that the Edomites (apparently Turks) have a tie to the descendants of Ishmael and Lot.
This article will discuss from a biblical perspective, some of the origin of the Arab peoples as well as part of the role of the Arab world in prophecy. And their hope of salvation.
God Made a Promise to Abraham
The Bible seems to show that the people who are now generally considered to be Arabic, descended, at least partially, from Abraham or one of his relatively close relatives.
The Bible teaches that Abraham had a son named Ishmael through Hagar (Genesis 16:8-15), his wife's maid servant.
7 Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?"
She said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai."
9 The Angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand." 10 Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, "I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude." 11 And the Angel of the Lord said to her:
"Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your affliction.
12 He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man's hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren."
13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, "Have I also here seen Him who sees me?" 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15 So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. (Genesis 16:7-15)
Most people of Arab ancestry consider that they are related to Abraham.
God told Abraham:
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20, NKJV throughout unless where otherwise indicated).
As far as greatness is concerned, throughout most of the "dark ages" in the West, the Arabic peoples were the leaders in science and culture--perhaps the greatest of all peoples at that time. The Arabs are still a major people, and have partially fulfilled this prophecy (additional fulfillment will be discussed later in this article).
The Bible mentions the following concerning Ishmael and his first descendants:
12 Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's maidservant, bore to Abraham. 13 And these were the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael and these were their names, by their towns and their settlements, twelve princes according to their nations. 17 These were the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven years; and he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. 18 (They dwelt from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt as you go toward Assyria.) He died in the presence of all his brethren. (Genesis 25:12-18)
Ishmael also had at least one daughter, Mahalath. And she married Esau, grandson of Abraham and son of Isaac:
9 So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had. (Genesis 28:9)
There were, of course, other marriages between various families in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Some Arabs are apparently descended from Abraham through his second wife, Keturah:
1 Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2 And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. (Genesis 25:1-4)
Some believe that those who eventually inter-married were descended from branches of Shem's family other than Abraham (who came through Peleg), specifically through Joktan.
Notice also the following:
A Great Nation
Ishmael died at the age of 137 (Genesis 25:17). As God had promised, his twelve sons grew into a "great nation" — today numbering scores of millions!
The specific genealogies of each of the modern-day Arab tribes, sub-tribes, families and clans are virtually impossible to trace back in every case to their ultimate biblical origins. But some of the major lines of descent are known. For example: From Ishmael's son Kedar (Qaidar in Arabic) — dated approximately 1840 B.C. — can be traced a line of descent to Adnan (or Qais) — 122 B.C. — and from him (21 generations further on) to Mohammed (A.D. 570-632) of the Koreish tribe, the founder and prophet of the Islamic faith.
Though Ishmael is considered to have been the progenitor of the majority of the Arab world, there are indications of some intermingling of Ishmaelites with other related peoples — specifically the Joktanites and Keturahites.
Joktan (called Qahtan or Kahtan by the Arabs) was the son of the patriarch Eber (Genesis 10:25), who lived many generations before Abraham and Ishmael. This Joktanwhom authorities consider to have been the ultimate father of all southern Arabs — had 13 sons, named in Genesis 10:26-29. One of them, Jerah (Yarab to the Arabs), is believed to have founded the kingdom of Yemen in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Some authorities believe his name was the origin of the word "Arab," the meaning of which is thought to be "arid."
Yarab's brother Hadoram (Jorham to the Arabs) is believed to have founded the Hejaz, an important kingdom along the western coast of Arabia, containing the cities of Mecca and Medina. According to Arab history, the daughter of Mudad, a descendant of this Jorham, became one of the wives of Ishmael. It is from that union that Ishmael's illustrious son Kedar is said to have come.
Another of Joktan's sons, Hazarmaveth, is claimed by the present-day tribesmen of the Hadhramaut (a region in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula) as their ancestor.
The other line with which the Ishmaelites are said to have intermarried is that of the Keturahites. The Keturahites were descendants of Keturah, whom Abraham married after the death of Sarah. Abraham and Keturah had six sons (Genesis 25:2), whose progeny, like that of Joktan, gradually became incorporated into the house of Ishmael.
Thus, after making due allowance for mixture with Joktanites and Keturahites, the Arabs may be regarded as essentially an Ishmaelite race. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 9-10).
As the previous account shows, some believe that the Yemenites were primarily descended through Jerah (Yarab to the Arabs) through Joktan. Here is the genealogy in the Bible that shows Joktan and Jerah:
25 To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. 26 Joktan begot Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 30 And their dwelling place was from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. 31 These were the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations.
(Genesis 10:25-31)
In addition, Abraham's nephew Lot is shown to have been the father of certain ancient nations. The descendants of Lot are now considered to be Arabs primarily in the area of Jordan (Amman is the name of the current capital of Jordan). Here is some of that genealogy:
36 Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day. (Genesis 19:36-38)
Hence, the Bible indicates that the peoples who make up much of the Arab world descended from Abraham or one of his relatives. More on aspects of the identities of the progenitors of the Arabic peoples is also found in the article Is There A Future King of the South?
Some Problems Were Mentioned From the Beginning
The Bible prophesied problems between the the descendants of Isaac and Israel and the descendants of Esau and some of the Arab peoples.
The first such prophesy seems to indicate that the descendants of Ishmael would often be against many others:
11 "Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the LORD has heard your affliction.
12 He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man's hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" (Genesis 16:11-12).
Notice the following concerning Esau and Jacob (Israel):
Genesis 25:23-26
23 And the Lord said to her:
"Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from your body;
One people shall be stronger than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger."
24 So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. (Genesis 25:23-26)
38 And Esau said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me — me also, O my father!" And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.
39 Then Isaac his father answered and said to him:
"Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth,
And of the dew of heaven from above.
40 By your sword you shall live,
And you shall serve your brother;
And it shall come to pass, when you become restless,
That you shall break his yoke from your neck."
41 So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him (Genesis 27:38-41).
After the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, they sang the following in a song:
14 "The people will hear and be afraid;
Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;
The mighty men of Moab,
Trembling will take hold of them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.
(Exodus 15:14-15)
Thus, even from the earliest times, there has been discord between the Arab and Turkish worlds and the children of Israel. Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, many of the early conflicts are described.
It should also be mentioned that there were various interbreedings of peoples as well. Notice what the Bible says about the origin of the Philistines:
6 The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. (Genesis 10:6)
13 Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines and Caphtorim). (Genesis 10:13-14)
These
"Christianity" and the Arab World
Most in the Arab world practices some version of Islam (normally the Sunni version). Prior to this, it appears that there were some true practicers of original Christianity there (please see Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices).
While some few in the Arab world have accepted the faith of Christ as taught by the Church of God, many have not known the truth of the Gospel. Many Arabs consider that Christianity is a barbarous and pagan religion.
They consider it barbarous because of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox crusades against them and the fact that the Arabs were the ones that essentially preserved (and even expanded) science during the Middle Ages. Notice a few short excerpts from historians on this:
“While Europe languished in the Dark Ages, Arab scholars were pioneering developments in algebra and the study of modern astronomy” (Nature magazine, March 14, 2002)
“While the rest of Europe was in the midnight of the Dark Ages, the Moorish universities of Spain were the beacon of the revival of learning. The Christian teacher was still manipulating the bones of the saints when the Arab physician was practising surgery. The monachal schools and monasteries in Italy, France, and Germany were still grappling with poor scholastic knowledge when Arab scholars were well advanced in the study of Aristotle and Plato. Stimulated by their acquaintance with the works of Ptolemy and Euclid, Galenus and Hippocrates, they extended their researches into the dominions of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.” (page 7, History of Egypt from 330 B.C. to the Present Time by Angelo Solomon Rappoport, Published by Grolier Society, 1904)
“Schools and universities flourished in Moslem lands when Christian Europe was still in the “Dark Ages.”" (page 383, Early European History by Hutton Webster, Published by D.C. Heath & Co., 1917)
The Muslim consider most who profess Christianity as pagan because of their doctrine of the trinity, pagan holidays, and the use of idols and icons. In one very real sense, Mohammed was a reformer who saw some of the errors in what passes for mainstream Christianity and rebelled against them.
Sadly, because of false "Christianity" much of the Arab world has never known real Christianity.
Most Arabs do not realize that no true Christian would ever have been part of the Crusades, because real Christians avoid military service. They do not realize that true Christians never celebrated Christmas, Valentines' Day, Easter or other pagan-adopted holidays. Although they might realize that early Christians were opposed to the use of idols and icons, they do not realize that those who later adopted them are not true Christians.
They do not realize that true Christians never taught the trinity, but that this was a heresy that slowly infected those who professed Christ originally introduced by the heretics Montanus and Valentinus--heretics that the true Christian leader, Polycarp of Smyrna, opposed--and that those heretics were tolerated by Rome for decades. They do not realize that the location of the leadership of true Church is not in Rome (please see the article Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome) and that even Roman Catholic scholars acknowledge that the common Catholic view of apostolic succession is in error (see also the article What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History?).
(More information on true Christianity can be found in the free online book:Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church; plus also at the History of Early Christianity page as well as the article Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes?)
Because of all this misinformation, most in the Arab world have no idea of the true Godhead of the Bible or the true plan of God.
Actually I have seen Moslem writings that correctly condemn those who call themselves Christian for idols and icons, Valentines' Day, the trinity, the Crusades, and many other practices that are unbiblical (and un-Christian).
And even in the 21st century, while nominally "Christian" Europe wants to encourage homosexuality, the Arab world correctly has opposed it. Notice one such stand:
The U.N. General Assembly split over the issue of gay rights on Thursday after a European-drafted statement calling for decriminalization of homosexuality prompted an Arab-backed one opposing it. Diplomats said a joint statement initiated by France and the Netherlands gathered 66 signatures in the 192-nation assembly after it was read out by Argentina at a plenary session.
A rival statement, read out by Syria, gathered some 60. The two statements remained open for further signatures, the diplomats said. No resolution was drafted on the issue and there was no voting, they added.
The division in the General Assembly reflected conflicting laws in the world at large. According to sponsors of the Franco-Dutch text, homosexuality is illegal in 77 countries, seven of which punish it by death. The European Union-backed document, noting that the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was marked this month, said those rights applied equally to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It urged states “to take all the necessary measures, in particular legislative or administrative, to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention.”
But the opposing document said the statement “delves into matters which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states” and could lead to “the social normalization, and possibly the legitimization, of many deplorable acts including pedophilia.” “We note with concern the attempts to create ‘new rights’ or ‘new standards,’ by misinterpreting the Universal Declaration and international treaties to include such notions that were never articulated nor agreed by the general membership,” it added. This, it said, could “seriously jeopardize the entire international human rights framework.”
Muslim countries have for years opposed international attempts to legalize homosexuality…
Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari told reporters sponsors of the statement had “cornered” other members by springing the declaration on them. (U.N. divided over gay rights declaration Reuters - Dec 18, 2008 UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BH7EW20081218)
Thus, the Arab world has seen many problems with the morality of those who falsely claim Christianity. Hence, it is little wonder that most Arabs have rejected the Greco-Roman religions that falsely call themselves Christian.
And while there are many problems (moral, political, religious, social, and economic) in the Arab lands, it is nice to see that as a group, there are some sound doctrines that they are not backing away from in order to simply please those who seem to be set on the moral decline of the world.
Islam and Jesus
However, another quite serious problem exists with the Muslims and that is, that although the Koran refers to Jews and Christians as "the people of the book," Muslims believe that Jews and Christians distorted the original writings of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures (the Old and New Testaments) and thus the Bible itself is supposedly not as reliable as the Koran.
The scientific truth is that there are more early manuscripts that support the New Testament than any other piece of ancient literature and this evidence absolutely proves that the New Testament is reliable (see also, the free online book: Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete?).
And while it is true that some who profess Christ rely on a few later improper "additions" to the original texts, the fact is that the New Testament itself is reliable and does teach, for example that Jesus was actually crucified and not simply appeared to be as certain Islamic writings teach. The Bible is reliable, and with the major exception of one or two verses falsely added to 1 John by an Orthodox scribe about 1,000 years ago, the overall text in the Bible is reliable (for details Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?).
Regarding Jesus, perhaps I should mention that Muslims do believe that He will return, it is just that they do not see Him coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords that the Bible clearly teaches (e.g. Revelation 19:10-16; 17:14).
Here is some of what some in Islam teach about Jesus:
"It is frankly said in the Koran that the person who was crucified was not Jesus" but Judas, one of the 12 Apostles and the one the Bible holds betrayed Jesus to the Romans, he said. In his film, it is Judas who is crucified.
Islam sees Jesus as one of five great prophets -- others being Noah, Moses and Abraham -- sent to earth to announce the coming of Mohammed, the final prophet who spread the religion of Islam. It respects Jesus' followers as "people of the book"...
Shiite Muslims, the majority in Iran, believe Jesus will accompany the Imam Mahdi when he reappears in a future apocalypse to save the world...
Shiites believe the Mahdi's reappearance will usher in a new era of peace and harmony.
"We Muslims pray for the 'Return' (of Imam Mahdi) and Jesus is part of the return and the end of time," Talebzadeh said ('Islamic Jesus' hits Iranian movie screens AFP - Jan 13, 2008 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080113231632.1q3rt654&show_article=1).
I did receive email comments about the above from an Muslim who wrote:
Problem is, the Quran actually doesn't say that at all...Yes, in the Quran it is written that Jesus Christ (peace be with him) only appeared to be crucified but was in reality taken up by God while alive and before he died, so the difference between Biblical and Quranic views of Jesus still stands.
However, the view that Judas was in fact crucified instead of Jesus (peace be with him) is found in Hadith literature and not in the Quran. It might be valid, or it might not (according to Islam) but Muslims do not consider "the Judas instead of Jesus" argument as Quranic truth.
Hopefully, that makes part of the Islamic position a bit more precise as to where some of its beliefs are from--Muslims do not trust the Bible as they believe it has been tampered with.
Do Muslims believe Jesus was the Messiah?
Yes, but not the same way Christians do.
The Quran refers to Jesus 35 times as “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary), a phrase occurring only once in the New Testament (Mark 6:3). The fact that he is not called the son of Joseph underscores Islamic agreement with Christians that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. (Morgan D. Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. ABC-CLIO, 2010, p. 43)
The following, example, is from The Koran Interpreted a translation by A. J. Arberry:
That is Jesus, son of Mary, in word of truth, concerning which they are doubting. It is not for God to take a son unto Him. Glory be to Him! (Sura 19:35)
Related to the virgin birth, the following are also from The Koran Interpreted a translation by A. J. Arberry (Sura chapters are correct, but verses are estimates as they were not completely delineated in the text used):
And mention in the Book Mary when she withdrew from her people to an eastern place, and she took a veil apart from them; then We sent unto her Our Spirit that presented himself to her a man without fault. She said, 'I take refuge in the All-merciful from thee!
If thou fearest God. . . He said, 'I am but a messenger come from thy Lord, to give thee a boy most pure.
She said, 'How shall I have a son whom no mortal has touched, neither have I been unchaste?' He said, 'Even so thy Lord has said: "Easy is that for Me; and that We may appoint him a sign unto men and a mercy from Us; it is a thing decreed.'"
So she conceived him, and withdrew with him to a distant place. And the birthpangs surprised her by the trunk of the palm-tree. (Sura 19:18-21)
And she who guarded her virginity, so We breathed into her of Our spirit and appointed her and her son to be a sign unto all beings. (Sura 21:91)
The context (which I have read) makes it clear that this was a reference to Mary and Jesus. Islam accepts the virgin birth as well as the fact that Jesus performed miracles.
Now, as it turns out, Muslims also do believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but they reject His divinity, execution, and resurrection.
When the angels said, 'Mary, God gives thee good tidings of a Word from Him whose name is Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary; high honoured shall he be in this world and the next, near stationed to God.
He shall speak to men in the cradle, and of age, and righteous he shall be.' (Sura 3:41)
'We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, the Messenger of God' -- yet they did not slay him, neither crucified him, only a likeness of that was shown to them. Those who are at variance concerning him surely are in doubt regarding him; they have no knowledge of him, except the following of surmise; and they slew him not of a certainty -- no indeed; God raised him up to Him; God is All-mighty, All-wise.
There is not one of the People of the Book but will assuredly believe in him before his death, and on the Resurrection Day he will be a witness against them. (Sura 4:157-159)
And We sent Noah, and Abraham, and We appointed the Prophecy and the Book to be among their seed; and some of them are guided, and many of them are ungodly.
Then We sent, following in their footsteps, Our Messengers; and We sent, following, Jesus son of Mary, and gave unto him the Gospel.
And We set in the hearts of those who followed him tenderness and mercy. (Sura 57:27-28)
Muslims tend to believe that Jesus will deny He was raised from the dead to be on the Earth. The Koran uses the term al-Masih, the Arabic term for Messiah (Christ).
Notice also:
They are unbelievers who say, 'God is the Messiah, Mary's son.' For the Messiah said, 'Children of Israel, serve God, my Lord and your Lord. Verily whoso associates with God anything, God shall prohibit him entrance to Paradise, and his refuge shall be the Fire; and wrongdoers shall have no helpers.'
They are unbelievers who say, 'God is the Third of Three. No god is there but One God. If they refrain not from what they say, there shall afflict those of them that disbelieve a painful chastisement.
Will they not turn to God and pray His forgiveness? God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate.
The Messiah, son of Mary, was only a Messenger; Messengers before him passed away; his mother was a just woman; they both ate food. Behold, how We make clear the signs to them;
then behold, how they perverted are! (Sura 5:76-79)
Muslims believe that Jesus was the “servant of God,” not the Son of God (p. 46). Essentially, they believe (similar to secular skeptics) that parts of the New Testament were altered and hence reject parts related to Jesus’ divinity.
More on Jesus can be found in the free online book: Proof Jesus is the Messiah.
It also needs to be understood that the majority of Muslims are Sunni (and the majority of Arabs are Sunni Muslims) and do not have quite the same belief as the Shi'ite Muslims regarding Jesus and the Mahdi. (Many of the Shi-ites are Iranian, and those who are Iranian are not Arabic.)
One Muslim source has predicted that Jesus may return in 2023:
The Second Coming of Jesus and the Mahdi (AS) ............ is in the year--2023 A.D. (https://www.scribd.com/document/239739419/Imam-Mahdi-in-2023-AD accessed 06/28/21)
That particular year is much too soon (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
Muslims irrespective of the year, whether they are Shi’ite or Sunni, expect Jesus to return at the time of judgment. Notice what the Koran (Qur'an) teaches:
043.057
YUSUFALI: When (Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, thy people raise a clamour thereat (in ridicule)!
PICKTHAL: And when the son of Mary is quoted as an example, behold! the folk laugh out,
SHAKIR: And when a description of the son of Marium is given, lo! your people raise a clamor thereat…
043.061
YUSUFALI: And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way. The Qur'an. From chapter 43, known as AZ-ZUKHRUF (ORNAMENTS OF GOLD, LUXURY). (http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/engagement/resources/texts/muslim/quran/043.qmt.html The Qur'an viewed 03/22/09 )
So, when Muslims see Jesus return, they should hopefully accept the truth of His coming.
Notice more that Islam teaches related to this:
'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Dajjal (the Antichrist) will appear in my Ummah and he will stay in the world for forty. I do not know whether this will be forty days or forty months or forty years. Allah will then send (Prophet) 'Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). 'Isa will pursue him and slaughter him. ( 19 The Book of Miscellaneous ahadith of Significant Values. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/19/3 accessed 08/02/16)
Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated, "The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'There is no prophet between me and him, that is, 'Isa, peace be upon him. He will descend (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah. Allah will cause to perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Dajjal and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him.'" (Abu Dawud) (Cited in Yahya H. Jesus will return. 22 September 2010. http://www.quranandscience.com/discover-islam/embracing-islam/islam-christianity/253-jesus-will-return accessed 08/02/16)
Here is another version of the Hadith:
Jami at Tarmidhi-Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet(s.a.w) said: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! Ibn Mariam shall soon descend among you, judging justly. He shall break the cross, kill the pig, remove the Jizyah, and wealth will be so bountiful that there will be none to accept it.”
Notice the following view of it:
The real interpretation of this special aspect is that the Messiah on arriving in this world will crush under his feet all the glory of the religion of the cross ... (Zahnister M. The Mission and Death of Jesus in Islam and Christianity. Orbis Books, 2015)
Jami at Tarmidhi-Abu Hurairah also narrated that the Prophet(s.a.w) said related to this pig removal, etc.:
At his hand, God will destroy the Messiah of error, the deceiver ... (As cited in Zahnister M. The Mission and Death of Jesus in Islam and Christianity. Orbis Books, 2015)
The Bible tells of the Antichrist being with the Beast, and the Beast will have power for 42 months. The Bible also shows that Jesus (often called the son of Maryam in Islam) will get the Beast and False Prophet (the Antichrist) tossed into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:19-20).
Notice also the following:
We believe that Jesus peace be upon him will come down to earth toward the end of the world time to fight the army of Satan which will be mostly from the "bad" Jews or "Zionist Jews" as we call them today, and the deceived from the Polytheist Christians or the Trinitarian Christians and the Pagan Polytheists such as Hindus, Buddhists, etc.... Some Jews and many Christians will be among the good and blessed who will fight with Jesus' side. The army of Satan will be lead by a person who will claim to be Jesus Christ himself. The Muslims will call him the Dajjal or the Deceiver. The real Jesus' army will fight the Dajjal's army and defeat him. The empire of Israel will fall, and the religion of Islam will prevail. (What do Muslims believe about the end of the world and Jesus' part in it? http://www.answering-christianity.com/que5.htm accessed 05/09/17)
While Islam will not prevail, Jesus will return and the Trinitarians and polytheists and pagans will fight against Him (cf. Revelation 19).
Sunni Muslims do believe that Jesus will return and usher in a glorious era:
The Sunni believe that after the al-Mahdi comes, Jesus will return to earth to fight the forces of evil led by al-Dajjal, the Great Charlatan or Antichrist. The forces of good will prevail, and Jesus will rule the world for an undisclosed period of time, after which he will die and be buried alongside Muhammad in Medina. (Morgan, p. 48)
The Bible tells of a leader from the predominantly Islamic lands, called the King of the South (Daniel 11:40) in North Africa and the Middle East rising up. After what looks to be the start (Daniel 11:39) of the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21), this King of the South will fight against the ‘King of the North” (Daniel 11:40-43) called the “Beast” in Revelation 13. The King of the North will win, but this Beast will be destroyed when Jesus returns (Revelation 19:16-20). Jesus will then establish the millennial kingdom and reign for 1000 years (Revelation 20:6). Islam agrees with most of this (the time period not a defined), but believes that Islam will then reign supreme. Christians believe that Islam will essentially be gone by then.
For more on Islam itself and Christianity, check out the article Differences Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God. A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?
Near-Term Prophecies Involving the Arabic Peoples
The Bible shows that after the re-emerging European Empire finally forms, that it will increase the prosperity to many nations. And to a degree, the Arab world is likely to benefit from this prosperity. And this European Empire will apparently make a deal with the Arab world that neither it nor the Arab world intend to completely follow.
Prior to the final formation of Babylonian European Empire, the Arab world will receive the witness of the gospel message. Notice what the Bible records:
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
The "end" being discussed above is the end of this church age, as the time of tribulation begins (see vs. 21) then (see also When Can the Great Tribulation Begin). What this means for the Arabs (and all other peoples) is that they will have had a witness just prior to the tribulation. This witness will ultimately help them understand what really will be happening in the world and will set the stage for the ultimate conversion of nearly all the Arabic peoples-who eventually will have more unity than they now do.
Recall that the promise that God made to Abraham said that the descendants of Ishmael would be a great nation (Genesis 17:20). And although they have been united in the past and tend to desire unity today, the Arab world is split into at least 22 nations.
Also notice:
Gulf states take plunge to monetary union...
In a major step toward setting up a Gulf equivalent of the European Union, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar on Sunday night signed a monetary pact aimed at setting up a central bank and a unified currency. (The Associated Press June 8, 2009, 8:05AM ET; http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D98MFT5G0.htm viewed 06/08/09)
Thus, some financial foundations of a Muslim confederation seem to be in the beginning stages.
Interestingly, most, though not all, of the Arab world is located south of Jerusalem.
God had the prophet Daniel record that at "the appointed time" a king of the South would come to his end. Prior to this, however this king of the South would meet with the king of the North for some type of plan. Notice:
15... the king of the North... 25 And the king of the South ...
27 Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time ... (Daniel 11:15,25,27)
And while there is a League of Arab States, the nations that will apparently support this future king of the South simply are not yet united enough politically, nor yet strong enough militarily for this to occur before probably 2015 (and more likely a few years after than). This does not mean that these nations are not increasing their economic, political, and military power (as they are doing that)--it is just that they still have a way to go to fulfill these prophecies within the next year or so.
It perhaps should be mentioned that according to some Islamic prophecies, the Mahdi arise in an even numbered year (Zumwalt J. Iran’s Dynamic Duo Dedicated to Global Destruction. August 13, 2010. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38528). The Islamic year 1444, for example, runs from 30 July 2022 to 18 July 2023.
He, called the Qa’im (‘atfs) below, is to come after what sounds like two of the horses of the Apocalyse (Revelation 6), or after two of the sorrows Jesus referred to in Matthew 24:4-8:
Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: “Before the advent of the Qa’im (‘atfs), two types of death will surface: the “red death” and the “white death”. The number of people to be killed will be such that in every group of seven, five will die.” (Security before the Advent of Imam al-Mahdi (‘atfs) https://www.al-islam.org/an-overview-of-mahdi-s-government-najimuddin-tabasi/security-advent-imam-al-mahdi#f_98d63633_17 accessed 02/09/19 )
Here is some information about one version of him:
Imam Mahdi is the 12th Shia Imam and according to Islamic hadiths is in ‘occultation’ or hidden and will return to earth to establish peace and justice on earth. He was born on July 29 869 in the city of Samarra, Iraq and his mother Nargis was of Roman descent.
He was kept hidden from birth till he disappeared because the rulers of the time the Abbasids knew the Prophesy of Imam Mahdi who will bring about a revolt against oppression and tyranny. The Abbasid’s knew that the prophesised one will be the son of the 11th Shia imam, Imam Al Askari.
Note: The Shi'a feel he will be this hidden one, the Sunni look for a leader, but do not believe that he needs to be the son of Nargis or anyone who lived before the 20th century.
Now here are some signs supposedly forecasting the Imam Mahdi:
Hazrat Imam Mahdi (A.S.) ( Courtesy: http:// www.kr-hcy.com/ articles/ imam-mehdi )...
The term "MEHDI" is a title meaning "Guided one". The Mehdi is a normal man who is going to follow the true Islam. His name will be Muhammad and his father name will be Abdullah. He is a descendant from Ali and Fatima (daughter of the prophet Muhammad) so he will be descendant from al-Hasan or al-Hussain or both. The Mehdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. The Mehdi is NOT a prophet but he is the final Rightly Guided Khalifah. The Mehdi will lead Muslims to a great victory against the Sufyaani and the Romans. This great war or Armageddon...
DETAILS OF IMAM MEHDI
The following are facts taken from the sayings of the Messenger of Allah( Sallallahu alayhi wasallam):
Name and Title
His name will be the same as that of (The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), i.e. Muhammad. In addition, his father's name will be Abdullah. His title is the-Mehdi, meaning the guided one. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam also called him Khaleefatullah, meaning "the Deputy of Allah".
FAMILY LINEAGE
Imam Mehdi will belong to the tribe of Quraish and the family of Fatima, the offspring of Imam Hasan...
BIRTHPLACE
He will be born in Madina Shareef.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
He will be tall with a fair complexion, having a broad forehead and an aquiline nose, with a mole on his right cheek.
SIGNS BEFORE HIS APPEARANCE AS THE MEHDI
The world will be filled with a great amount of injustice and oppression. There will be widespread evil in which all people will be heavily involved.
Muslim countries and their people will have become so weak that even animals would defeat them in battle.
Muslims would be totally disunited, hence their state of weakness. On the other hand, the Kuffar of the whole world would be united under one leader...
Throughout the world earthquakes would occur frequently. Innocent people will be put to death...
The Abdaals and pious leaders will all be on the lookout for Imam Mehdi, knowing that only he could bring relief to the failing Ummah...
HIS LEADERSHIP, BATTLES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
With his army now bolstered by saintly and pious people Imam Mehdi will defeat his enemies...
During his rule, the Muslims will experience great economic enrichment. There will be no droughts and lands will be exceptionally fertile...
Imam Mehdi will conquer the city of Constantinople (presently known as Istanbul). The story behind this conquest is as follows:
After the earthquakes, which destroyed his enemies, and the subsequent amassing of Muslim armies under his leadership, the Imam will leave Makkah for Madina, where he will offer salaam at the Rozah Mubarak (The Grave of The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Having done this his next step would be to proceed on to Damascus, where the bulk of the Nasara (Christian) forces along with the tribe of Kalb would be deployed, as was previously mentioned.
In Damascus, the Imam will set up his headquarters. From here, he will conduct military operations against the enemies of Islam and defeats them (such as the ones in Jerusalem), and from here, he will rule.
In response to this, the Roman forces will attack, and destroy the city of the Prophet (Madina), and start to gather their forces against its inhabitants...
After the slaying of Dajjal by Prophet Eessa, Imam Mehdi will not live for very long. A few months will elapse and this great Imam, a man who provided the perfect sequel to Allah's Supreme Religion -ISLAM, will pass on to the realms of the hereafter. The Muslims will perform his Janazah Salat and bury him, and the Messiah son of Maryam will then become the new ruler of the Muslims. (http://www.nooredarwesh.com/main/imam-mahdi-as viewed 05/01/10)
Abu Nadra reported: We were with the company of Jabir Ibn Abdillah... Jabir Ibn Abdillah kept quite for a while and then reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: "There would be a Caliph in the last (period) of my Ummah who would freely give handfuls of wealth to the people without counting it." I said to Abu Nadra and Abu al-Ala: Do you mean Umar Ibn Abd al-Aziz? They said: NO, (he would be Imam Mahdi). References: Sahih Muslim, English version, v4, chapter MCCV, p1508, Tradition #6961 Sahih Muslim, Arabic version, Kitab al-Fitan, v4, p2234, Tradition #67 (Imam Mahdi (Descendent of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) by Mufti A.H. Elias and Mohammad Ali ibn Zubair Ali. Islam.tc, http://www.islam.tc/prophecies/imam.html viewed 02/03/2012)
And while there have been earthquakes in various places, etc., Muslims need to be careful about this as this individual does not seem to be one who is trustworthy according to the Bible (cf. Daniel 11:27), nor will his European counterpart be (Daniel 11:27-44). Another point about the first version above, is that while some Muslims expect the Mahdi to be someone who is released from centuries of suspension from paradise, the above one states that he will simply be a "normal man" who is to follow "true Islam."
Since this "Mahdi" is supposed to be somehow an "anointed" one, the following prophecy might include him:
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24).
The Greek word for "christs" (χριστος) basically means anointed. Thus, while the Mahdi probably will not claim to be Jesus (nor will the elect possibly accept him), he will likely and falsely claim that he is anointed. And it is possible that some signs and/or wonders may follow him or be attributed to him--so this many deceive many. Hence, the idea of some type of supernatural influence with the final King of the South should not be ruled out.
Here is something that indicates certain Muslims believe their leader will beat the Europeans:
“Bin Laden and Zawahiri are from elite Sunni families who look down on this kind of speculation and think it’s something the masses engage in,” says Will McCants of the Brookings Institution, who is writing a book about the Islamic State’s apocalyptic thought.
During the last years of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Islamic State’s immediate founding fathers, by contrast, saw signs of the end times everywhere. They were anticipating, within a year, the arrival of the Mahdi—a messianic figure destined to lead the Muslims to victory before the end of the world. McCants says a prominent Islamist in Iraq approached bin Laden in 2008 to warn him that the group was being led by millenarians who were “talking all the time about the Mahdi and making strategic decisions” based on when they thought the Mahdi was going to arrive. “Al-Qaeda had to write to [these leaders] to say ‘Cut it out.’” ...
But other parts are based on mainstream Sunni sources and appear all over the Islamic State’s propaganda. These include the belief that there will be only 12 legitimate caliphs, and Baghdadi is the eighth; that the armies of Rome will mass to meet the armies of Islam in northern Syria; and that Islam’s final showdown with an anti-Messiah will occur in Jerusalem after a period of renewed Islamic conquest.
The Islamic State has attached great importance to the Syrian city of Dabiq, near Aleppo. It named its propaganda magazine after the town, and celebrated madly when (at great cost) it conquered Dabiq’s strategically unimportant plains. It is here, the Prophet reportedly said, that the armies of Rome will set up their camp. The armies of Islam will meet them, and Dabiq will be Rome’s Waterloo or its Antietam.
“Dabiq is basically all farmland,” one Islamic State supporter recently tweeted. “You could imagine large battles taking place there.” The Islamic State’s propagandists drool with anticipation of this event, and constantly imply that it will come soon. The state’s magazine quotes Zarqawi as saying, “The spark has been lit here in Iraq, and its heat will continue to intensify … until it burns the crusader armies in Dabiq.” ...
Now that it has taken Dabiq, the Islamic State awaits the arrival of an enemy army there, whose defeat will initiate the countdown to the apocalypse. Western media frequently miss references to Dabiq in the Islamic State’s videos, and focus instead on lurid scenes of beheading. http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/
New ISIS Video Shows Armageddon Battle With the West
December 11, 2015
A new video purportedly released by the Islamic State titled “See You in Dabiq” or “Meeting at Dabiq” depicts ISIS militants fighting “non-believers” in Rome. “Dabiq” is also the name of the Islamic State magazine and refers to a place in Syria where Islamic eschatological prophecy claims “Armageddon,” or “Malahim” in Islam, will take place.
The Clarion Project writes:
Dabiq is a place in Syria that is supposed to be the location for one of the final battles according to certain Muslim myths about a final apocalypse. Choosing such a name for the magazine highlights the caliphate’s goals.
In the video, tanks can be seen driving towards the Colosseum crumbled in the sand. Footage then cuts to outside buildings of the Italian capital, before zeroing in on the Vatican. …
The film’s dialogue makes claims that the “Dabiq Army” will race into Rome, destroy crucifixes, and enslave Christian women. http://heavy.com/news/2015/12/new-isis-islamic-state-news-video-see-you-in-dabiq-rome-muslim-extremists-rome-crusaders-colosseum-malahim-meeting-at-dabiq-italy-west-war-uncensored-full-youtube/
DABIQ: It’s Islamic State’s Armageddon — the place where the final battle between jihadists and infidels begins. With a string of recent defeats, that fight may soon be upon them.
December 9, 2015
Strategically, it’s utterly unimportant.
But the remote Syrian village of Dabiq is at the very heart of Islamic State’s death cult.
It represents the fulfilment of prophecy.
It’s supposed to be the trigger of the final frenzied confrontation the jihadists yearn for.
It’s a vision of an apocalyptic fight against the anti-prophet — “Rome” — on the fields outside Dabiq.
It’s a prophecy they say they’re determined to make real.
Perhaps Islamic State’s caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi actually believes this religious armageddon is real. Most likely, he wants others to believe he is the one fulfilling it. ...
“The last hour will not come until the Romans arrived in al-A’maq or Dabiq, and an army consisting of the best people on earth in those days will hasten them from Medina,” the Prophet Mohammed prophesied some 1400 years ago.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Islamic State’s now dead founder Abu Mus’ab az-Zarqawi: “The torch was ignited in Iraq and its heat will grow ... until it burns the Crusader armies in Dabiq,” he declared.
This makes Dabiq the Megiddo of the Islamic faith. Megiddo is the city at the heart of the Armageddon prophecies of the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible.
This makes Dabiq the ‘Camelot’ of Islamic State: The mythical final bastion of good against an onrushing dark age.
Mohammed supposedly mapped out his vision of these ‘end times’: It’s called al-Malhama al-Kubra (The Great War).
Most of it isn’t in the Koran. This end-time prophecy is found mostly in words attributed to the prophet in later literature.
“You will unite against a force of 80 flags and under each flag are twelve thousand (men),” the prophecy intones.
Islamic State sees this as being the coalition assembled against it by the United States.
It’s also likely why the jihadists are determined to pursue a worldwide terror campaign: To mobilise the enemy that will meet them “under 80 flags” on the apocalyptic battlefield. ...
Dabiq is supposed to be the beginning of the end.
The Muslim savour, the Mahdi, is prophesied to appear in Mecca shortly after. He is then supposed to join the army of the righteous and lead it into battle.
This final struggle is supposed to see one third of the faithful fight “the Romans”. Another third would be killed in the struggle. The final third will flee.
Eventually, just 5000 faithful jihadists are supposed to be besieged within the walls of Jerusalem.
This is when Jesus — Islam’s second most powerful prophet whom they call Isa Ibn Maryam — is prophesied to return.
It’s one of the key signs of the arrival of the end times. Christ will take up the fight with the Muslims against the infidels. ...
But there is a problem with the prophecy.
It concerns the identity of the embodiment of evil.
It’s something Islamic State has been attempting to ignore.
“There is one prophecy about the Antichrist that the Islamic State and its fans have studiously avoided, even though it is in a collection of prophecies they revere: The Antichrist will ‘appear in the empty area between Sham [Syria] and Iraq,’” writes McCants in his book The ISIS Apocalypse. “That, of course, is precisely where the Islamic State is located.”
Naturally, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi doesn’t want the notion that he may be this demon-spawn to take hold. http://www.news.com.au/world/the-apocalyptic-prophecy-behind-islamic-states-death-cult/news-story/e28d3e633341c2db7f7c1e8d3f957f2b
December 13, 2015
JERUSALEM – The Islamic State may want Western and moderate Arab countries to send ground troops to Syria, because it believes an apocalyptic battle is necessary to fulfill an end-of-days prophecy of total Muslim conquest.
This belief is expressed in an ISIS propaganda video released last week titled “Meeting at Dabiq,” which references the future location of an epic final clash between Muslims and “crusaders.”
Dabiq is mentioned in the hadith – the Islamic oral tradition that claims to quote the prophet Muhammad verbatim on numerous matters.
Abu Hureyrah, a companion of Muhammad who is perhaps the most important narrator of the hadith, stated:
The Last Hour will not come until the Romans land at al-A’maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best [soldiers] of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina [to oppose them].
This hadith is constantly referenced by the Islamic State as “evidence” that the insurgency and resulting international intervention in Syria were predicted by Muhammad.
The hadith continues:
They will then fight and a third of the army will run away, which Allah will never forgive. A third [of the army], which will be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah’s eye, will be killed, and the third who will never be put to trial will win and they will be conquerors of Constantinople.
After the battle, Jesus, who is depicted as Muslim, will “descend and lead them in prayer.
When the enemies of Allah see him, they will [disappear] just as the salt dissolves itself in water, and if [Jesus] were not to confront them at all, even then [the enemy] would dissolve completely.
Allah will kill them by his hand and he will show them their blood on [Jesus’] lance.”
According to interpretations of the hadith, “80 flags,” meaning 80 foreign countries, will come to Syria to fight against the Muslims during the final battle in Dabiq.
Breitbart Jerusalem asked Dr. Abdullah Mukat, an Islamic fundamentalist and former lecturer at the Hamas-linked Islamic University in Gaza, to explain the significance of this hadith in Islamic State ideology.
Mukat said the hadith claims that many Romans – meaning many Christians – will become Muslims and live in Syrian territory, with some fighting alongside their Muslim brethren during the final confrontation with the West.
“Dabiq is the border between the Muslim East and the crusading Christian West, and it is the place of the final confrontation, the clash of the judgement day,” Mukat said.
According to Mukat:
Among the signs attesting to the hadith being accurate and true is that of non-Arab and non-Muslim fighters joining the ranks of the Islamic State. This is just like what happened when some of the Romans joined Islam. Moreover, the preparations for as well as the participation of many countries in the fight against the Islamic State testify that the scripture is nearing fulfillment.
Turkey’s recent participation in the coalition and the war against the Islamic State explains why the Islamic State’s army will have to conquer Istanbul – Constantinople – on its way to the West.
Mukat stated that “the hadith says that in face of the gathering of foreign armies in Syria, an army assembled from Islam’s finest sons will set out for Syria to fight in the Dabiq region against the infidels. There, the Muslims will win, according to the hadith.” http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2015/12/13/inside-islamic-states-end-times-apocalyptic-battle-plan/
While the above articles focused on the Islamic State, the prophecies alluded to come from Islamic sources centuries older than that group. Yet, those who rely on the above Islamic understanding to fight against Europe in the end, as foretold in Daniel 11:40, will find they are in error. The Bible shows that the European power (called the Romans above) will win (Daniel 11:40-43).
Perhaps it should be noted that the final Antichrist will NOT be Islamic (see Can the Final Antichrist be Islamic?). And I do expect that the 'Islamic State' per se will be eliminated, but not its objectives (see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?). The Islamic State's hope for a 'Dabiq army' will not end well for the Islamic State if they exist enough to be the major force for such a battle.
Though not all Muslims expect the Imam Mahdi, some still seem to long for a leader to unify the Arab World. Some Muslims are looking for a political-spiritual leader, sometimes called the Caliph in English, to rise up (Caliph is a shortened version of "Khalifah rasul Allah" meaning "Successor to the Messenger of God"). The title caliph has been given to the head of state in Muslim-governed countries in the past and is something people of my faith have long suspected would rise again to fulfill Bible prophecy:
The supreme office of caliph, originally elective, became hereditary...Eventually...caliphs became figurehead or "puppet" leaders...Many Arabs...seek to re-create the political and theological unity of the early Islamic caliphate (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 9-10).
Interestingly, within Islam, there is a belief that someone who sounds like the biblical “King of the South” of Daniel 11, who they tend to call the Mahdi or 12th Imam will participate in a deal like the one in Daniel 9:27...the Bible predicts the rise in the end time of a Future King of the South—and this person may be the one that Muslims will consider to be their prophesied "Mahdi." ...“the Muslim World League issued a fatwa in October of 1976 commanding Sunni Muslims to believe in the concept of an Islamic Savior called the Mahdi.”...Shi’ites also would do well to recognize that just because someone may claim to be the final Imam (or Mahdi), does not mean that God will agree that he should be followed. Neither Sunnis nor Shi’ites should support one who will appear to possibly be the final Imam in the next decade; whoever claims to be will be defeated soundly (Daniel 11:40-43). (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Nazarene Books, 2009).
(More information about caliphates and prophecies concerning one can be found in the article The Prophesied 'Islamic' Confederation. as well as the video titled Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?).
Whether he is called the Imam Mahdi or Caliph (or both), a leader from North Africa/the Middle East is going to get power. He will likely use terrorism. Terrorism is included in various biblical prophecies (see Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?).
Events seem to be happening in the Arab nations that align with the rising up of such a leader. Perhaps, if the claimed Ark is publicly shown (either the one claimed in Ethiopia or whatever may be in Jerusalem or somewhere else), he could point to it as proof that his timing for rising up was prophesied. We will see.
Western leaders also seem to be pushing for something that would help lead to the rise of that leader (Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?; see also the video Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire?).
It should, however, be noted that the area of Palestine is not mentioned in the Koran. Thus, not all Muslims believe that they are to acquire Jerusalem. Notice the following:
Sheikh Ahmad Adwan, who introduces himself as a Muslim scholar who lives in Jordan, said on his personal Facebook page that there is no such thing as “Palestine” in the Koran. Allah has assigned the Holy Land to the Children of Israel until the Day of Judgment (Koran, Sura 5 – “The Sura of the Table”, Verse 21), and “We made the Children of Israel the inheritors (of the land)” (Koran, Sura 26 – “The Sura of the Poets”, Verse 59).
“I say to those who distort their Lord’s book, the Koran: From where did you bring the name Palestine, you liars, you accursed, when Allah has already named it “The Holy Land” and bequeathed it to the Children of Israel until the Day of Judgment. There is no such thing as ‘Palestine’ in the Koran. Your demand for the Land of Israel is a falsehood and it constitutes an attack on the Koran, on the Jews and their land. Therefore you won’t succeed, and Allah will fail you and humiliate you, because Allah is the one who will protect them (i.e. the Jews).”
The sheikh added: “The Palestinians are the killers of children, the elderly and women. They attack the Jews and then they use those (children, the elderly and women) as human shields and hide behind them, without mercy for their children as if they weren’t their own children, in order to tell the public opinion that the Jews intended to kill them. This is exactly what I saw with my own two eyes in the 70’s, when they attacked the Jordanian army, which sheltered and protected them. Instead of thanking it (the Jordanian army), they brought their children forward to (face) the Jordanian army, in order to make the world believe that the army kills their children. This is their habit and custom, their viciousness, their having hearts of stones towards their children, and their lying to public opinion, in order to get its support.”
It is worth mentioning, that the above mentioned sheikh visited Israel and met Jewish religious scholars. The “Israel in Arabic” site conducted an interview with him, in which he said that the reason for his openness towards the Jewish people “comes from my acknowledgment of their sovereignty on their land and my belief in the Koran, which told us and emphasized this in many places, like His (Allah’s) saying ”Oh People (i.e the Children of Israel), enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned unto you” (Koran, Sura 5 – “The Sura of the Table”, Verse 21), and His saying “We made the Children of Israel the inheritors (of the land)” (Koran, Sura 26 – “The Sura of the Poets”, Verse 59) and many other verses.
He (Adwan) added: “(The Jews) are peaceful people who love peace, who are not hostile and are not aggressors, but if they are attacked, they defend themselves while causing as little damage to the attackers as possible. It is an honor for them that Allah has chosen them over the worlds – meaning over the people and the Jinns until the Day of Judgment. I made the reasons for Allah’s choice clear in my books and pamphlets. When Allah chose them, He didn’t do so out of politeness, and He wasn’t unjust other peoples, it is just that they (the Jews) deserved this.” (Cohen E. Jordanian Sheikh: ‘There is no “Palestine” in the Koran. Allah gave Israel to the Jews.’ Jews News, August 15, 2014. http://www.jewsnews.co.il/2014/08/15/jordanian-sheikh-there-is-no-palestine-in-the-koran-allah-gave-israel-to-the-jews/ viewed 09/24/14)
Of course, just as many people who claim to be Christian believe as doctrines positions contrary to the Bible, Islam has similar issues.
Iran, the Imam Mahdi, and Jerusalem
Despite what the Koran does and does not say, Iran has indicated that it wants to take over Jerusalem and give it to the one that its leaders call the Imam Madhi (some details are in the article Iran in Prophecy).
But the Iranians tend to believe that the Imam Mahdi is in a type of suspended animation.
Here is some of what Wikipedia reports about the Imam Mahdi, essentially as believed by the Shi'ites of Iran:
Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdī (Arabic:محمد بن الحسن المهدي) (born c. July 29, 869 (15 Sha‘bān 255 AH), in Occultation since 941) is believed by Twelver Shī‘a Muslims to be the Mahdī, an ultimate savior of humankind and the final Imām of the Twelve Imams. Twelver Shī‘a believe that al-Mahdī was born in 869 and did not die but rather was hidden by God in 941 (this is referred to as the Occultation) and will later emerge with Isa (Jesus Christ) in order to fulfill their mission of bringing peace and justice to the world.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani credited the mystical ‘Imam Mahdi’ for his election (I call him ‘mystical’ because the Iranian Shi-ite view is that he has essentially been in a type of suspended animation for over 1,000 years, but then he will return and rule Jerusalem):
Iran’s newly elected president, Hassan Rohani, attributed his victory in the June 15 voting to the 12th Imam, Mahdi, a statement with ominous overtones in the Islamic regime’s quest for nuclear weapons.
The Shiites believe that at the end of times, the 12th Imam, a 9th-century prophet, will reappear with Jesus Christ at his side, kill all the infidels and raise the flag of Islam in all four corners of the world. Many analysts believe Iran is seeking nuclear capability to bring on that Armageddon.
“This political [election] was due to the kindness of the last Islamic messiah [Mahdi],” Rohani said Friday.
Kayhan newspaper, the main media outlet of the regime and the mouthpiece of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ran a centerpiece headline Saturday reporting Rohani’s statement. http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/new-iran-president-thanks-messiah-for-victory/#D4fjkLl73TALVLs6.99
Iran’s prior president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had stated that the Imam Mahdi, someone similar to the biblical King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43), would arise before he (President Ahmadinejad) left office. Well, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left office so he was wrong about that.
Iran's 'Supreme Leader' said he is relying on the 12th Imam:
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei... has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, the Shiites’ 12th Imam Mahdi, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events. Mahdi, according to Shiite belief, will reappear at the time of Armageddon. Selected forces within the Revolutionary Guards and Basij reportedly have been trained under a task force called “Soldiers of Imam Mahdi” and they will bear the responsibility of security and protecting the regime against uprisings. Many in the Guards and Basij have been told that the 12th Imam is on earth, facilitated the victory of Hezbollah over Israel in the 2006 war and soon will announce publicly his presence after the needed environment is created. http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/iran-preparing-now-for-armageddon/, January 24, 2012)
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that victory of the Islamic Revolution is an example for reappearance of Lord of the Time Imam Mahdi…
Imam Khamenei made the remarks while touring Darolhadis book exhibition at Imam Khomeini Hosseinieh.
The Supreme Leader made clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys divine support vis-a-vis the systematic conspiracies of the United States to topple the revolutionary government in Iran since 1979. http://www.abna.ir/english/service/important/archive/2014/06/11/615223/story.html
But, in a major military conflict with the USA, Iran is likely to find itself defeated. Its hope for help from its claimed Imam Mahdi will not change that.
Unlike Sunnis who do not believe that Muhammed appointed a successor, Shi-ites believe that during Muhammad's final pilgrimage to Mecca, he appointed his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, to succeed him. As a result, Shi-ites believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib was the first Imam (leader), rejecting the legitimacy of the previous Muslim caliphs Abu Bakr, Uthman ibn al-Affan and Umar ibn al-Khattab. Shia Islam has several branches, the largest of which is the Twelvers, followed by Zaidis and Ismailis (Wikipedia, viewed 11/25/13).
The Twelvers (and many of the other Shia) basically have had a few peculiarities on the prophetic side. Notice:
Shiite Muslims, the majority in Iran, believe Jesus will accompany the Imam Mahdi when he reappears in a future apocalypse to save the world...
Shiites believe the Mahdi's reappearance will usher in a new era of peace and harmony.
"We Muslims pray for the 'Return' (of Imam Mahdi) and Jesus is part of the return and the end of time," Talebzadeh said ('Islamic Jesus' hits Iranian movie screens AFP - Jan 13, 2008 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080113231632.1q3rt654&show_article=1).
By 'saving the world,' they mean a successful conquering by the forces of Islam.
Here is some of what Wikipedia reports about the Sunni view:
Sunnis believe that the Mahdi has not yet been born, and therefore his exact identity is only known to Allah. Aside from the Mahdi’s precise, genealogy, Sunnis accept many of the same hadiths Shias accept about the predictions regarding the Mahdi’s emergence, his acts, and his universal Khilafat. Sunnis also have a few more Mahdi hadiths which are not present in Shia collections.
Basically, like the Sunnis, those of us in COGs, like the Continuing Church of God, do not believe that the Imam Mahdi is in some type of suspended animation that the Shi’ites tend to believe. Yet, we the believe that the leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South may very well hold the title of Mahdi.
(Now, I should add that the idea of an Imam Mahdi is accepted in certain Sunni circles--but they do not tend to believe that this individual will be Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdī coming back into full animation. And even in those Sunni areas that do not teach that a Mahdi must become their leader, many Sunnis long for a transnational Islamic leader to rise up.)
Some in the Muslim Brotherhood keep pushing for Jerusalem to be part of the Islamic world as the following shows:
The supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Egypt’s President
Mohammed Mursi emanated, called on Thursday for a jihad (holy war) to liberate
Jerusalem from Israeli rule.
“Jerusalem is Islamic ... and nobody is
entitled to make concessions” on the Holy City, said Sheikh Mohammed Badie in
his weekly message to supporters.
“The jihad for the recovery of
Jerusalem is a duty for all Muslims,” he said, stressing that the liberation of
the Holy City “will not be done through negotiations or at the United Nations.” (Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood chief urges Jihad for Jerusalem. Al Arabiya with AFP. 11 October 2012. http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/11/243221.html)
Some Islamic Shi'ite predictions also suggest that the Mahdi will rule (at least for a time) in Jerusalem, and that may be. Notice what the Bible teaches:
2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2, NKJV)
The above passages are consistent with the belief that Jerusalem may be divided into Jewish and Islamic territories. Hence, the final King of the South, who many will likely consider to be the Imam Mahdi and/or Caliph may rule the half of Jerusalem that does not go into captivity when the King of the North begins to fulfill Daniel 11:31-39. (For more on the captivity, please see the article Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?)
It should be noted that many Arabs also want Jerusalem as a capital:
Egyptian Cleric Safwat Higazi ... reiterated the campaign promise, but this time in more unequivocal language: “Our capital shall not be Cairo, Mecca, or Medina. It shall be Jerusalem, Allah willing. Our cry shall be: ‘Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem! Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem!’” (http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/muslim-brotherhood-launches-presidential-campaign-the-capital-of-the-united-states-of-the-arabs-will-be-jerusalem/2012/05/10/)
A "United States of the Arabs" sounds a lot like the King of the South that the Bible foretells--so another Islamic "prophecy" that seems to align with a biblical one (see also in YouTube video The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South).
The Bible also shows that the entire city will have problems, which suggests that a few years after the Jews are taken captive, the Gentiles (including apparently also Arabic ones) who are there will be punished:
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
29 For behold, I begin to bring calamity on the city which is called by My name, and should you be utterly unpunished? You shall not be unpunished, for I will call for a sword on all the inhabitants of the earth," says the Lord of hosts.' (Jeremiah 25:29)
So, Jerusalem will highly likely affect the Arab peoples as well. For more on Iran, check out Iran in Prophecy. There is also a related YouTube video Iran In Prophecy.
The City of Rome in Islamic and Catholic Prophecies
Perhaps it should be mentioned that many in Islam believe that they will conquer Rome.
Notice something from Muhammad from the Quran:
[030:002] Romans have been defeated,
[030:003] In the lowest land! But after being defeated they will emerge victorious,
[030:004] Within several years! To Allah belong the decision and the decree prior to this (event) and later. That day, the believers would rejoice,
[030:005] Over the victory granted by Allah. He helps whom He wants. And He is the most Powerful and the
Roman Catholic prophecies tell of a time of war that will affect Rome as well as representatives of Islam:
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): "described to me the great ordeal ahead. Rome would be battered by revolutions...Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church..." (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).
Old Saxon Prophecy. "The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian...But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days."
Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome...(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp.23-24)
Sister Ludmilla of Prague (cir. 1250): Hardly three generations will pass after the world war, when one will also endeavor to prevent the Pope from exercising his sacred office, which will be a sign that the fall of Rome and the end of the world is near (Culleton, Reign of Antichrist, p. 131).
Anna-Katarina Emmerick (19th century): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it...(Dupont, p. 116).
Yves Dupont {Catholic writer interpreting A. Emmerick}: They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs...The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome (Dupont, p. 116).
Yves Dupont (20th century): Civil wars rage in Western Europe...the Pope leaves Rome and dies in exile; an anti-pope is installed in Rome...The Mohammedans invade Europe and commit innumerable atrocities. In the West, however, Christians rally around an unexpected leader... (Dupont, p. 1).
The Bible tells of conflict between a European power who will have ties with the City of Seven Hills (Rome) and a power primarily composed of Arabic, Nubian, and Turkish peoples. War will come (watch also the video War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs).
Notice something that the 12th century Irish Bishop Malachy declared as reported in The Catholic Encyclopedia:
"In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End."
Rome and other cities in Europe are bound to be affected. I have long expected civil war, civil unrest, and war with the Arabs coming to Europe.
As far as the destruction of Rome, both biblical (Revelation 17) and Roman Catholic prophecies (i.e. the Bishop Malachy prophecy) indicate that this will come after the coming war between the Europeans and the Arabs.
Muslim Brotherhood and the Caliph
There are supranational Islamic groups like the Taliban, Al Qaeda, Hamas, ISIL, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Historically, they have had too many issues to bring about pan-Arabic unity. The first four groups have tended to be considered too radical to truly succeed, while many have considered that the Muslim Brotherhood was not radical enough (though this seems to be changing). A caliphate is what many desire (more details are in the article The Prophesied 'Islamic' Confederation). Some consider the Muslim Brotherhood the more moderate way to accomplish pan-national Islamic unity.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which was formed in Egypt in 1928, had long been banned in Egypt (which is why its members/leaders are sometimes jailed there--and many left Egyptian jails in the 2011 protests)--it gained power there for a while, then lost it in a military coup in July 2013 (then in September 2013 it was again banned in Egypt). Yet it still has influence there and in other Muslim-dominated lands. Some Arabs seem to believe that the Muslim Brotherhood can give them the type of world and world-influence that many of them long for.
Here is some of what the official English-language website of the Muslim Brotherhood teaches about its history and goals (note: the now deposed president of Egypt ran the website below when I first viewed these quotes):
Al-Banna was chiefly responsible for formulating the policies of this association…the idea of universal muslim state was constantly implied due to the association’s focus on Islam. While strongly disapproving of local brands of Nationalism, particularly if they were Western-inspired and secularly-minded, Banna developed his vision of Pan-Islamic Nationalism, insisting that Islam and Nationalism were complementary, especially when the latter operated within the parameter of the Islamic truth, since, for the Muslim Brethren, Islam was of course both religion and state. Here we need to analyze what was the basic concept from which Hassan al-Banna initiated to establish such Islamic organization. Then we would also explore his thought of the causes of descend of Islamic society particularly in Egypt. However, his effort and works deserved great consideration of Islamic society in the revolution to the revival of Islamic state (Caliphate)…The Muslim Brethren…believe that the caliphate is a symbol of Islamic Union and an indication of the bonds between the nations of Islam. They see the caliphate and its re-establishment as a top priority, subsequently; an association of Muslims people should be set up, which would elect the imam”. (zhyntativ. HASAN AL-BANNA AND HIS POLITICAL THOUGHT OF ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD. IkhwanWeb, May 13, 2008. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=17065 viewed 09/22/11)
What is the Muslim Brotherhood?
The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the group was originally focused on ridding the country of corrupting secular influences brought by British colonial rule. Over the years, it established branches and affiliates in many countries to promote traditional Sunni Islamic morals, social justice, and the eradication of poverty and corruption. “The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)
The Muslim Brotherhood apparently wants as its top priority a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled by an Imam. Many Muslims long for the rising up of a leader called the 12th Imam, often referred to as the Imam Mahdi. It will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to Oman (with possible involvement and/or coordination with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and/or Indonesia).
To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up. One who Arabs would tend to respect--who might use or not use the title Imam Mahdi. The time may be now for him to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood may play an important role. The Muslim Brotherhood has been called the world’s oldest and largest Islamic political group and has been called the “world’s most influential Islamist movement” (http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/11/2010111681527837704.html)--though some new group could also form.
Back in 2011, the Muslim Brotherhood believed that it was close to be able to attain its goal for a caliphate:
The Muslim Brotherhood is close to achieving the “ultimate goal” set by the group’s founder Hassan al-Banna in 1928, which is the establishment of a “just and reasonable regime.”
The project begins with the creation of a sound government and ends with the establishment of a just Islamic caliphate, said Mohamed Badie, the Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt on Thursday, in his weekly message on the group’s official website. (Al-Youm, AM. Muslim Brotherhood says they are close to attaining their “ultimate goal. Sharia Awareness Action Network, December 30, 2011. http://shariafreeusa.com/muslim-brotherhood-says-they-are-close-to-attaining-their-ultimate-goal/)
While some hope that it has changed, notice something reported about the Muslim Brotherhood:
Abd al-Galil al-Sharnubi says he can only laugh at the thought that there are people in the West who still see the Muslim Brotherhood as "moderate Islamists." Sharnubi is a journalist and a Muslim -- and he was a member of the Brotherhood for 23 years. He's been familiar with the movement since he was 14, and he says that the Brotherhood could be the kiss of death for democracy in Egypt...
As the former editor in chief of Ikhwan Online, the brotherhood's website, Sharnubi went public shortly after his resignation. In talk shows he warned his fellow Egyptians that the movement was undemocratic and authoritarian, and that leading Muslim Brothers were no less corrupt than politicians from the old regime...
In order to properly apply the Sharia code of conduct, the Islamists suggested that they should be interpreted by Muslim legal scholars, known as ulama...Consequently, even the most radical Islamists have become part of the daily political landscape in Egypt.
This includes preachers such as Wajdi Ghunaim, who views secular Egyptians as infidels who should be punished with death. (Steinvorth D. and Windfuhr V., translated by Cohen P. Morsi's Grab for Power Egyptian Revolutionaries Take on Radical Islam. Der Spiegel, November 26, 2012. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/egypt-at-a-crossroads-after-morsi-grants-himself-sweeping-powers-a-869291.html)
To see the likely nations involved in the biblical King of the South, please see the article Is there a Future King of the South?
It seems that the results of "Arab Spring" are favorable in the eyes of the Muslim Brotherhood (see also the YouTube video
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South). Of course, the troubles in Egypt and elsewhere in 2013-2015 have affected the situation for now.
We in the Continuing Church of God suspect that the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS affiliates, and/or similar groups may be part of making end time events happen:
The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final "King of the South" (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This video explains what to expect from such a confederation. (Continuing Church of God YouTube video The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South).
An Islamic caliphate is consistent with prophecies in the Bible of a coming King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43. Groups like ISIS, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda, and Ennahda all are working towards putting together that type of confederation. (Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy)
The Muslim Brotherhood made major strides in 2011 and 2012 in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and elsewhere in the Arab world. It also has been cozing up to Hamas, who is an offshoot (see Muslim Brotherhood’s Egypt’s Goma Amin, Hamas, and the King of the South). And despite some setbacks, it is still a real player.
World events are lining up with the Continuing Church of God's understanding of biblical prophecy.
There is also an article about Differences and Some Similarities Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God.
Turkey, along with Various Arabs, Will Align With the European Power
In the Bible, Isaac's son Esau, received a particular blessing, and became the father of the Edomites:
38 And Esau said to his father, "Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me — me also, O my father!" And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. 39 Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: "Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, And of the dew of heaven from above. 40 By your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck." (Genesis 27:38-40).
8. Esau is Edom. 9...Esau the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:8-9).
Many of the descendants of Esau are modern Turks, whereas others seemed to have intermingled with the Arabs.
The late WCG evangelist Raymond McNair wrote that Afghanistan included descendants of Edom:
It believed that some Edomites also live in certain regions of the high mountains of Central Asia, including Afghanistan. … History indicates that some of Esau’s descendants have migrated into Central Asia (into AFGHANISTAN and adjacent nations), Ishmaelite and Edomite names are frequently found in those Muslim nations. … Now the Afghan Taliban has taken on the United States … Many scriptures speak of the unbridled hatred of the Edomites … (cf. Isa. 34; Ezekiel 35; Obadiah 1; Psalm 83 etc.). … The coalition of nations mentioned in Psalm 83 is clearly intended as an end-time prophecy, that shows which nations will wage war against the modern-day descendants of Israel, and this includes the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic, English-Speaking peoples. (McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! CG21, 2005)
While Raymond McNair had some prophetic misunderstandings, it may well be that at least some Afghanis are descended from Edom.
That being said, Esau's brother was Jacob, was later known as Israel (Genesis 32:28). The part about breaking his brother Jacob's yoke from the neck happened centuries years ago, but the blessing of greatness for the descendants of Esau seems to have been fulfilled with the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, from the fifteenth until the early 20th (World War I), the Ottoman Empire ruled much of the Middle East and even parts of Europe.
Although for a while it was an Israeli ally, Turkey has lately seemed somewhat anti-Israel in a lot of its policies. And while its relationship with the EU also seems to be a bit more strained recently, this does not mean that it will remain that way.
My wife and I have been to Turkey on three occasions and really have enjoyed it and the Turkish people. When we discussed the EU with some Turks, basically we were told that the average Turk had little interest in the EU, but some of the political leaders were determined to move in that direction.
Notice also the following:
21 Sept 2013
Turkey 'will probably never be EU member'
Turkey will probably never become a member of the European Union because of stiff opposition and "prejudiced" attitudes from current members, a senior Turkish minister has admitted. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/10325218/Turkey-will-probably-never-be-EU-member.html viewed 09/23/13)
The above leader (Egemen Bagis, minister for European Union) indicated, however, that Turkey may end with a relationship to the EU similar to Norway.
Since the current leadership of Turkey seems a little less pro-Western lately, it may be that little will happen with Turkey as far as being a nation to fully join the EU for some time. (More on Turkey can also be found in article Turkey in Prophecy as well as the video What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy.)
An alliance involving Arab, Turkish, and European nations will make a destructive deal:
3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more." 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalms 83:3-8)
Taking "crafty counsel" sounds like plotting terrorism (see also Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?). Notice that the Bible indicates that the Turks (who are not Arabs, but seem to be Edom in scripture) will make a deal with the rising European power (Assyria above), along with the Arabs and Turkey (Psalm 83). But since Edom seems to escape what happens to the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43, despite a deal with the Arabs, Turkey is apparently not a going to be a strong supporter of the final King of the South for very long. But apparently it will be for a short while.
Notice also the following:
7 Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom
The day of Jerusalem,
Who said, "Raze it, raze it,
To its very foundation!"
8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock! (Psalms 137:7-9)
Notice that Edom wants Jerusalem destroyed (consistent with its desires in Psalm 83) and that it is considered part of the "daughter of Babylon", which is also a term that seems to also represent the compromised religious Beast power (cf. Isaiah 47:1,8; Revelation 18:1-8; Zechariah 2:6-7). And Turkey apparently will help with and encourage the destruction of Jerusalem/Judea (also captives from that area will apparently be sent to Turkey per Amos 1:6,9). And while it could do that from an Islamic perspective, since the Bible tells of the King of the North entering Jerusalem and causing abominations (Daniel 11:31), it may be more supporting the King of North with its attitude and not just the King of the South.
Perhaps it should be mentioned that there are many Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies that indicate that the Turks will become Catholic:
Dionysius of Luxemberg (died 1682): With divine assistance this ruler will not only lead erring souls back to the true Faith but also deal a heavy blow to the foes of the empire; the Turks, to take away their empire and restore it to Christianity (Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.84).
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church… (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).
Old Saxon Prophecy. “The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian…But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days.”
Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome…(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont Y. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp.23-24)
Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser: All heresies shall be banished…the Turkish Empire shall be broken up, and all nations shall come to and worship their God in the true Catholic and Roman faith (Rossi, G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, p. 121)
Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): In Istanbul (Constantinople) the Cross will replace the half-moon of Islamism…the Turks…will subsequently embrace the Catholic faith. (Dupont, p.76)
Thus, even though it may not always have the best relations, Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will ultimately align with the coming compromised "Catholic" beast power. This is likely to happen around the time the King of the North, who is a prince first (cf. Daniel 9:26-27; Ezekiel 32:29-30) eliminates the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43)--as this is when the Islamic "Mahdi's" forces will apparently be defeated.
Interestingly, notice the following Catholic prophecy about betrayal:
Nostradamus: The Great Arab shall progress well forward, But betrayed shall be by the Byzantines. (Turks).
Comment on above from Catholic writer Yves Dupont: Here, we are told that Turkey will break its faith with the rest of the Arab world. (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 107).
The "Great Arab" is probably supposed to represent the Mahdi/Caliph, the final King of the South. The Turks currently control Byzantium and have for many centuries. Hence, Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will betray the Islamic Arabic power. In the Bible, Daniel 11:25-26 is quite clear that an ally of the King of the South will betray the King of the South:
25 "He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. (Daniel 11:25-26)
Presuming that Daniel 11:25-26 has a future fulfillment (and as it seems to parallel Daniel 11:40-43 so it may), there will be close allies (like Turkey) that will betray the King of the South according to scripture as well. Many events will not turn out well in the Arab World for a time--watch also the video War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs.
Probably sometime after this, Islamic Asian nations, like Indonesia, will likely align with China and others in Asia and turn against the Europeans (for details, see Asia in Prophecy).
It may be of interest to note that there is an annual celebration for Mary in the area near Ephesus (in Turkey) that Islamic Turks put on and participate in. The name of Mary (or Miriam/Maryam/etc. depending on the translated spelling) is mentioned more times in the Qur'an than Jesus' is (I have read many passages in it about her). And while some may think that Islamic interest in Mary is odd, notice also the following:
In the Koran, the holy name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned no less than thirty times. No other woman's name is even mentioned, not even that of Mohammed's daughter, Fatima. Among men, only Abraham, Moses, and Noah are mentioned more times than Our Lady...Make no mistake about it, there is a very special relationship between the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Moslems! (Cizik LJ Priest. OUR LADY AND ISLAM: HEAVEN’S PEACE PLAN. Soul Magazine. September - October 2001, © 2001 The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, U.S.A., Inc., page 6 http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/olislam.htm viewed 11/02/10)
Because of Islamic fascination with Mary, it is possible that an apparition claiming to be Mary might appear in Turkey and/or elsewhere (see also Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions).
Perhaps I should add that ever since the Turks took over Constantinople (now called Istanbul) in the 15th century, Eastern Orthodox Catholics have believed that Istanbul would once again embrace their religion (and likely it will embrace some version of it for a short while per Revelation 13:3-4,8).
The Bible indicates that Turkey will suffer mightily for some of its actions, including apparently how it will help destroy the Jewish nation of Israel (perhaps as venegance for what Israel might do if Iran attacks it--which is something that I have suspected in the past):
12 'Thus says the Lord God: "Because of what Edom did against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended by avenging itself on them," 13 therefore thus says the Lord God: "I will also stretch out My hand against Edom, cut off man and beast from it, and make it desolate from Teman; Dedan shall fall by the sword. 14 I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, that they may do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance," says the Lord God. (Ezekiel 25:12-14)
15 As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; you shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom — all of it! Then they shall know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 35:15)
19 "Egypt shall be a desolation,
And Edom a desolate wilderness,
Because of violence against the people of Judah,
For they have shed innocent blood in their land. (Joel 3:19)
11 Thus says the Lord: "For three transgressions of Edom, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
And cast off all pity;
His anger tore perpetually,
And he kept his wrath forever. (Amos 1:11)
8 "Will I not in that day," says the Lord,"Even destroy the wise men from Edom, And understanding from the mountains of Esau? 9 Then your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, To the end that everyone from the mountains of Esau
May be cut off by slaughter.
10 "For violence against your brother Jacob,
Shame shall cover you, And you shall be cut off forever. 11 In the day that you stood on the other side— In the day that strangers carried captive his forces, When foreigners entered his gates
And cast lots for Jerusalem— Even you were as one of them. (Obadiah 8-11)
17 "Edom also shall be an astonishment;
Everyone who goes by it will be astonished
And will hiss at all its plagues.
18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah
And their neighbors," says the Lord,
"No one shall remain there,
Nor shall a son of man dwell in it. (Jeremiah 49:17-18)
Though, like others, salvation will be available to the Turks. But apparently because of how the Turks are expected to betray Israel, God has a special punishment first. More on Turkey can also be found in article Turkey in Prophecy as well as the video What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy.
An Islamic Middle East Confederation is Coming, Likely with a "Mahdi"
Some in Islam have taught several things about the Mahdi that suggest that he is the King of the South of the Bible. Notice the following:
Rasaullah [Muhammed] said: "There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans [Christians]. The fourth agreement will be mediated through a person who will be the progeny of Hadrat Haroon [Honorable Aaron -- Moses' brother] and will be upheld for seven years (Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam's Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, p. 48)
The above sounds similar to the seven year (one week in biblical language) agreement discussed in Daniel 9:27 that involves a "prince" who appears to be the one the Bible warns will become the King of the North and apparently the nation of Israel. It certainly would make sense that there would be Muslim representation in a peace deal.
However, the Bible shows that this deal will be broken (Daniel 9:27; see also The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27) and the King of the North will invade Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31) and ultimately the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Notice that this too, however, seems to be consistent with some Islamic prophecy:
5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it 6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men. (Ibn Zubair Ali, Mohammed Ali. The minor signs of Last Days from: The Signs of Qiyamah. http://www.islamawareness.net/Prophecies/minor.html viewed 08/11/12).
Notice that not only biblical and Catholic prophecy indicate that the King of the South/Great Arab will be betrayed, even Islam indicates that the Roman "Catholics" will turn against the Madhi (and then the powers of Antichrist, according to another Islamic writing, will reign--see below).
Perhaps I should mention here that a preliminary deal to allow the Europeans and Northern Africans to co-operate did begin on July 13, 2008. And this deal involves a president for the North and a president for the South:
New York Times - July 14, 2008 PARIS — Leaders of 43 nations with nearly 800 million inhabitants inaugurated a “Union for the Mediterranean” on Sunday, meant to bring the northern and southern countries that ring the sea closer together through practical projects dealing with the environment, climate, transportation, immigration and policing.
But the meeting was also an opportunity for President Nicolas Sarkozy of France to exercise some highly public Middle East diplomacy...
The union has northern and southern co-presidents — to start, Mr. Sarkozy and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt…
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who insisted that the Sarkozy project include all European Union members, called the session “a very, very good start for a new phase in the cooperation” between Europe and the south (Sarkozy Helps to Bring Syria Out of Isolation. New York Times, July 14, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/world/europe/14france.html?em&ex=1216094400&en=bfad08e20a1536e6&ei=5087%0A).
Thus, the idea that the Bible first shows cooperation between the Kings of the North and South (Daniel 11:27) appears to be becoming fulfilled in our day--and while Hosni Mubarak is dead, hence no longer considered to be the co-president from the South, a structure for European and North African cooperation is in place. But according to the Bible, the end of the cooperation is also going to occur (Daniel 11:40).
If the Madhi is supposed to be betrayed, why would any Muslims support him?
There are several reasons for this.
The first is that it is a tenant of Islam to "believe in the last days," hence the understanding is that are to be believed (even though most Shi'a and Sunni disagree on the specifics).
The second is that many expect that the Madhi will make the world Islamic:
The Madhi will be victorius and eradicate those pigs and gods and the idols of this time...
The Mahdi...will cause Islam to be the only religion practiced on the Earth (Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam's Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, pp. 46,50-51)
(Although this will not happen, it is likely that more of certain regions of the world will embrace Islam for a while).
The third is that certain Muslims believe that Jesus returns after the Mahdi and hence that the Madhi is a necessary step. Notice the following:
The last days, as described in Islam, are marked by the figures of Gog and Magog (Juj wa Jajuj), the Mahdi, the Antichrist (Dajjal), and Jesus...Gog and Magog, representing the forces of chaos, have been kept at bay...At the end of time, chaos will break through the wall of Divinely imposed order, and the world will succumb to "outer darkness". At the same time, it is believed, there will be a countercurrent, or a brief return to the state of spiritual lucidity and primordial integrity that obtained at the dawn of time. This is the reign of the Mahdi, the "rightly guided one"...
The reign of the Mahdi will be followed by that of the Antichrist... once the Antichrist has led away his followers, Jesus will then come to destroy the Antichrist in the closing moments of the cosmic drama.
Belief in the Mahdi has been rejected by noted Sunni authorities... (Glasse C. New Encyclopedia of Islam: A Revised Edition of the Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, 3rd edition, 2008, pp. 143, 316).
Some in Islam seem to essentially understand that the reign of the Beast and Antichrist will happen after the Mahdi's death. Now this is true, for the Arab lands. However, the Beast (King of the North) will rule in Europe and in some of the American lands, though, prior to his reign over Arab lands as the Great Tribulation begins with Daniel 11:39, and not Daniel 11:40 when the Kings of the North and South fight.
Mid-Term Prophecy Involving the Arabic Peoples
The Arab world controls much of the world's oil. And Egypt itself now has significant reserves of gold. The oil to a large degree (and gold to a much smaller degree) is used by the Arab world to trade with the Europeans and others for a variety of goods.
The Bible says that during the end-time, many of the nations will have become wealthy trading with Babylon (the restored European Empire which will profess some apparently ecumenical form of Catholicism):
3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury (Revelation 18:3).
Thus, the Arab world, along with non-Arab nations, appears to be prophesied to attain wealth from the coming restored European Empire.
Many Will Worship the Beast
When people in the Arab world and elsewhere see the Beast power they will marvel:
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is (Revelation 17:8).
They will marvel because of the great wealth, because they did not think Europe would gain such prominence, and because its leadership will have performed various signs and wonders. And perhaps also if one who claims to be Mary appear in their lands.
God indicates that the Arabs, Judah, and Turkey will all, in time, be subject to His punishment:
25 "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised — 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart." (Jeremiah 9:25-26)
But before continuing, perhaps some information on the Islamic view of Jesus' mother Mary may be helpful:
Mary in Islam (مريم "Maryam" in Arabic), the mother of Jesus, is venerated as a righteous woman. She is mentioned more times in the Qur'an than in the entire New Testament. According to the Qur'an, Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) was born miraculously by the will of God without a father. His mother is regarded as a chaste and virtuous woman and is a highly respected figure in Islam. The Qur'an states that Jesus was the result of a virgin birth, but that neither Mary nor her son was divine. In the Qur'an, no other woman is given more attention than Mary. The nineteenth sura of the Qur'an is named after her and is, to some extent, about her life. Of the Qur'an's 114 suras, she is among only eight people who have a sura named after them. In Islam, she is generally referred to as Maryam, Umm Isa (Mary, the mother of Jesus). For Muslims she is a symbol of submission to God and piety. (Mary in Islam. Wikipedia, viewed 12/19/08).
Question: What does the Qur'an say about Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Answer: The Qur'an speaks of Mary (called Miriam in Arabic) not only as the mother of Jesus, but as a righteous woman in her own right. There is even a chapter of the Qur'an named for her (the 19th chapter of the Qur'an). For more information about Muslim beliefs regarding Jesus, please visit the FAQ Index. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding Mary.
"Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them. Then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said, 'I seek refuge from you to God Most Gracious! Do not come near me, if you fear God!' He said, 'No, I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a holy son.' She said, 'How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?' He said, 'So (it will be). Your Lord says, 'That is easy for Me, and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men, and a Mercy from Us. It is a matter (so) decreed'" (19:16-21, the Chapter of Mary)
"Behold! The angels said, 'Oh Mary! God has chosen you and purified you, chosen you above the women of all nations. Oh Mary! Worship your Lord devoutly. Prostrate yourself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down'" (3:42-43).
"And (remember) she who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples (21:91).
[While describing people who were good examples for others] "...And Mary, the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity. And We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit. She testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants)" (66:12).
"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75). (What does the Qur'an say about Mary, the mother of Jesus? By Huda, About.com http://islam.about.com/cs/jesus/f/mary.htm viewed 12/19/08)
Since many within the Islamic world have a certain reverence towards Mary, it is possible that if some apparition claiming to be Mary appears in some Arabic location[s] that this might temporarily persuade the Arabs and their allies to somewhat accept the Beast (see also Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions).
Notice what two Catholic prophetesses have proclaimed concerning Mary and Islam:
Blessed Mary of Agreda (17th century): It was revealed to me that through the intercession of the Mother of God all heresies will disappear. The victory over heresies had been reserved by Christ for His Blessed Mother. In the last times, the Lord will in a special manner spread the renown of His Mother: Mary began salvation, and by her intercession it will be completed. Before the second coming of Christ, Mary must, more than ever, shine in mercy, might, and grace in order to bring unbelievers into the Catholic Faith. The power of Mary in the last times over the demons will be very conspicuous. Mary will extend the reign of Christ over the heathen and the Mohammedans…(Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 49)
St. Louis-Marie Grignion De Montfort (18th century): The power of Mary over all the devils will be particularly outstanding in the last period of time. She will extend the Kingdom of Christ over the idolaters and Moslems, and there will come glorious era when Mary is the Ruler and Queen of Hearts.(Dupont, p. 33)
Hence some Catholics apparently believe that "Mary" (see Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions) will somehow convert/rule over the followers of Islam. Yet the Bible is clear that those in the Islamic world need to be careful not respond to deceptions of any kind (which includes apparitions).
Notice the following:
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10)
But because of various actions, people throughout the world, including in the Arab world will (to some degree) worship a false leader:
Revelation 13:1-9 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:1-9).
But this will not last. And when you see these things coming to pass, while your nation may be deceived, you do not have to be.
God will provide another witness to the entire world at that time:
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth...
7 Now when they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves
(Revelation 11:3-4,7-9).
And although the above seems a little bleak, understand that people from many nations will have noticed the two witnesses.
Furthermore, many will understand the message of those witnesses and many will be called of God then:
9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10).
Those of the Arab nations will certainly be among those of "all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" who will have responded. And more will respond after they are resurrected from the dead. Hence when you see the two witnesses rise up performing miracles and preaching against the future European Beast power, you should resist. More on the two witnesses can be found in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?
Problems and certain blessings are prophesied:
1 The burden against Damascus. "Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)
18 In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the Lord of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. 19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. 22 And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. 23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria — a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance." (Isaiah 19:18-25)
These events will come to pass--Damascus could get destroyed soon, or perhaps in a few years related to Daniel 11:40-43. And since Egypt basically already speaks modern the "language of Canaan" (which is now, to a great degree Arabic), as opposed to to Egyptian, the other events are getting closer. (As far as Syria goes, see also the YouTube video Damascus and Syria in Prophecy).
The Arab World Will Be First Major Block to Recognize the Falsehood of the Beast
Lest any have the misimpression that the Arabs are not a discerning people, it needs to be understood that they will apparently be the first major block to recognize the falsehood of this European power. And this may also include those in Iran.
The late John Ogwyn wrote:
A powerful war-making apparatus marshaled by the coming European superpower will be billed as the cornerstone of world peace and security. Modern technology will be used to create a police-state that Hitler and Stalin could only have dreamed about. People will be induced to accept such draconian measures as the price of getting rid of terrorism and violent crime. At first, this system will bring an upsurge in the world economy. A worldwide trading combine, prophesied in Ezekiel 27 and Revelation 18, will be hailed as the key to universal prosperity. Those at the helm of this system will, for a short time, enjoy unparalleled wealth.
Yet fatal flaws in this system, inherent from its beginning, will in time produce widening disparities. The Arab world will be displeased by attempts to coerce it into religious unity with Europe. A powerful leader—called in Daniel 11 the “king of the South”—will...bring about temporary unity of much of the Islamic world. Provoked by this leader, Europe will launch a “blitzkrieg” resulting in European occupation of much of the Arab world (Daniel 11:40–43). (Ogwyn J. The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality? Online version 03/14/07.)
Probably because of its attempts to dominate the world and its religions by the king of the North, the king of the South will become displeased.
According to Shi'ite prophecy, a great leader, called the Mahdi or thirteenth Imam is to rise up. Many Muslims are expected rally behind him as he attempts to attack the West. However, according to biblical and Catholic prophecies, while he will have limited success, he will lose. Sunni Muslims, who tend not to accept the Mahdi prophecies, should not follow this leader as the Bible is clear that he will be overpowered.
But before this occurs, the King of the North will destroy the United States and its Anglo-American allies (Daniel 11:39, see also Anglo - America in Prophecy).
Once this comes to pass, all Arabs and others, should WAKE UP as the King of the North will then destroy a major Middle Eastern power.
Notice what Daniel was inspired to write:
40 At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. 41 He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission
(Daniel 11:40-43, NIV).
In the verses above we see that after the "king of the North" invades the "king of the South", certain countries will be not be harmed. This is apparently because they continued to cooperate with the king of the North and hence were not invaded/destroyed--this apparently is referring to Turkey (Edom), Jordan (Moab) and some of the top Arab leaders ("the prominent people of Ammon") or perhaps some smaller countries (like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajmān and perhaps others that make up the United Arab Emirates and other lands, like Qatar)--it is likely that those that escape the wrath of the King of the North are among supposed allies of the King of the South who will betray the King of the South per Daniel 11:25-26). Yet, other Arab nations, such as Egypt and Libya will not fair as well. Some peoples who speak Arabic, but are not ethnically Arabic (like the Nubians) will also not fair well--suggesting that the king of the South is supported by more than just those who are ethnically Arabic.
But it may be important to understand that the Roman Catholics have some private prophecies that sounds very similar to Daniel 11:40--and the Catholics teach that their political leader (who they call a great monarch or the prince of the North, see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies) will destroy many Moslems (most Arabs practice the religion of Islam and consider themselves the descendants of Ishmael):
Pseudo-Methodius (7th century): This new Muslim invasion will be a punishment without limit and mercy…In France, people of Christians will fight and kill them…At that same time the Muslims will be killed and they will know the tribulation…The Lord will give them to the powers of the Christians whose empire will be elevated above all empires…The Roman King (Great Monarch) will show a great indignation against those who will have denied Christ in Egypt or in Arabia (Araujo, Fabio R. Selected Prophecies and Prophets. BookSurge LLC, Charlestown (SC), 2007, p. 103).
Rudolph Gekner (died 1675). "A great prince of the North with a most powerful army will traverse all Europe, uproot all republics, and exterminate all rebels. His sword moved by Divine power will most valiantly defend the Church of Jesus Christ. He will combat on behalf of the true orthodox faith, and shall subdue to his dominion the Mahometan Empire. A new pastor of the universal church will come from the shore (of Dalmatia) through a celestial prodigy, and in simplicity of heart adorned with the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Peace will come to the world." (Cited in Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.36).
Holzhauser (died 1658)...There will rise a valiant monarch anointed by God. He will be a Catholic, a descendant of Louis IX, (yet) a descendant of an ancient imperial German family, born in exile. He will rule supreme in temporal matters. The Pope will rule supreme in spiritual matters at the same time. Persecution will cease and justice shall reign. Religion seems to be oppressed, but by the changes of entire kingdoms it will be made more firm.
"He will root out false doctrines and destroy the rule of the Moslemism. His dominion will extend from the East to the West. All nations will adore God their Lord according to Catholic teaching (ibid).
And while the Church of God and the Bible warn against this leader of the North (Daniel 11:36-38), Roman Catholics apparently will embrace him. It should be noted that most Muslims do not like to be called Mahometans or Mohammedans as they feel it implies that they worship Mohammed--but these terms are used in a variety of Catholic prophecies. There are many Catholic prophecies that look forward to the destruction of the Muslims by their "Great Monarch" (see The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies and Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?). Yet, unlike the Catholics, we in the Continuing Church of God consider this invader from the North to be the despicable beast power that should not be obeyed.
Any way one looks at it, it is important to watch the Middle East as prophecies are going to be fulfilled there as Jesus Himself taught (Luke 21:20,36).
Islamic Prophecy Looks Forward to the Confrontation
Notice the following concerning Islamic and other prophecies:
Islamic eschatology from its very beginnings embraced the necessity of violently conquering the world and gathering up souls to the faith before the expected hour of judgment - a notion that has risen and fallen over the centuries, but in past decades has received new impetus from Islamist revivalist movements.
It is partly a mirror image of the Protestant Christian tradition (a world made entirely Islamic, with Jesus as Mohammed’s lieutenant), partly a fantasy of the inevitable return of “sacred space”, the Caliphate, that includes most of Spain, parts of France, the entire Middle East, right up to the borders of China. As with the Christian scheme, Islam foretells of the destruction or conversion of the Jews…
In Jamkaran, a village not far from the holy city of Qum, a small mosque is undergoing a $20m-expansion, driven forward by Ahmadinejad’s office. Within the Shi’ite apocalyptic tradition, the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi, who disappeared in the ninth century, is expected to reappear in a well behind the mosque.
His re-emergence will signify the beginning of the end days. He will lead the battle against the Dajjal, the Islamic version of the anti-Christ, and with Jesus as his follower, will establish the global Dar el Salaam, the dominion of peace, under Islam (McEwan, Ian. The day of judgment. The Guardian, May 31, 2008 http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2283072,00.html and http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2283101,00.html).
So, as mentioned earlier, many in Islam appear to be looking towards the time that Islam will fight a major war and take over the world.
Perhaps I should add that both Islamic and Catholic prophecies expect this–both even look forward to it, and both believe it is their side that will win for a while–and while the Bible does reveal which side wins that confrontation (Daniel 11:40-43), it also shows that the “Catholic winner” will be destroyed (for additional details please see Who is the King of the North?).
The Bible Shows that the Beast Initially Wins, But Syria May Have Destruction Before the Beast Rises
Islamic and biblical prophecy discuss devastation in Syria.
There are various Islamic views on the leader, the Imam Mahdi rising up (who could be the King of the South of Daniel 11:40-43). Here is one that suggests he does after Syria has problems:
Traditions have been reported mentioning the signs for the time of the appearance of the Imam who will arise (qa'im), peace be on him, and the events which will take place before his appearance, together with the indications and features of it. Among them are: The Sufyani will come out in revolt; the Hasanid will be killed; the Abbasids will dispute over worldly kingdom; there will be an eclipse of the sun in the middle of the month of Ramadan; there will be an eclipse of the moon at the end of that month in contrast to ordinary happenings; the land will be swallowed up at al-Bayda'; it will be swallowed in the east-it will be swallowed up in the west; the sun will stay still from the time of its decline to the middle of the time for the afternoon prayer; it will rise from the west; a pure soul (nafs zakiyya) will be killed in the outskirts of Kufa with seventy righteous men; a Hashimite will be slaughtered between the corner (of the Ka'ba) and the station of Abraham); the wall of the mosque of Kufa will be destroyed; black standards will advance from Khurasan; al-Yamani will come out in revolt; al-Maghribi will appear in Egypt and take possession of it from Syria; the Turk will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will occupy Ramla; the star will appear in the east giving light just like the moon gives light; then (the new moon) will bend until its two tips almost meet; a colour will appear in the sky and spread to its horizons; a fire will appear for a long time in the east remaining in the air for three or seven days; the Arabs will throw off the reins and take possession of their land, throwing out the foreign authority; the people of Egypt will kill their ruler and destroy Syria; and three standards will dispute over it (Syria)...
The Abbasids will dispute; a voice will call from the sky; one of the villages of Syria called al-Jabiyya will be swallowed up; the Turks will occupy the region of al-Jazira; the Byzantines will attack al-Ramla; at that time there will be much conflict throughout the land until Syria is destroyed.
(Kitab al Irshad Chapter: The Twelfth Imam (Peace be on him) Page (s): 541 - 548 Published by Tehrike Tersile Qura'n. Contributed by Br. Ali Abbas, abbas@seas.gwu.edu http://www.al-islam.org/masoom/bios/12thimam.html viewed 7/22/12)
But, it should be noted that another Islamic view somewhat differs with this as it states that Damascus will be the Mahdi's capital (other Islamists have stated that Jerusalem will be the capital):
Mahdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. (Who Is Imam al-Mahdi? http://www.islamicweb.com/history/mahdi.htm viewed 07/02/14)
The black standard is also known as "the banner of the eagle" (Black Standard, Wikipedia, viewed 08/02/12). A flag is considered to be a ‘standard.’ Merriam-Webster defines a standard to include: “an organization flag carried by a mounted or motorized military unit.” The black flag that ISIS, Al-Shabaab, and some of the other Jihadists use certainly would seem to qualify here. It is very likely that is probably part of the reason why they use a black flag.
Notice also the following:
Isaiah shows that Syria, too, will become a “ruinous heap” (17:1-3). (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979)
Various prophetic books of the Bible prophecy the destruction of at least parts of Syria (or at least its capital Damascus), the Cushites (many are in Sudan, Somalia, and southern Egypt), those in Gaza, and the Egyptians:
Isaiah 17
1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
"See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites," declares the LORD Almighty.
4 "In that day the glory of Jacob will fade;the fat of his body will waste away. 5 It will be as when a reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the grain with his arm--as when a man gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. 6 Yet some gleanings will remain,as when an olive tree is beaten,leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches, four or five on the fruitful boughs," declares the LORD, the God of Israel.
7 In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. 8 They will not look to the altars,the work of their hands,and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made.
9 In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.
10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, 11 though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain.
12 Oh, the raging of many nations--they rage like the raging sea! Oh, the uproar of the peoples--they roar like the roaring of great waters! 13 Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters,when he rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale. 14 In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone! This is the portion of those who loot us, the lot of those who plunder us.
Isaiah 18
1 Woe to the land of whirring wings along the rivers of Cush, 2 which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,to a people tall and smooth-skinned,to a people feared far and wide,an aggressive nation of strange speech,whose land is divided by rivers.
3 All you people of the world,you who live on the earth,when a banner is raised on the mountains,you will see it,and when a trumpet sounds,you will hear it. 4 This is what the LORD says to me:"I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,like shimmering heat in the sunshine,like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest." 5 For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches. 6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey and to the wild animals;the birds will feed on them all summer, the wild animals all winter.
7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,from a people feared far and wide,an aggressive nation of strange speech,whose land is divided by rivers-- the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD Almighty.
Isaiah 19
1 An oracle concerning Egypt:
See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt.
The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.
2 "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian--brother will fight against brother,
neighbor against neighbor, city against city,
kingdom against kingdom.
3 The Egyptians will lose heart,
and I will bring their plans to nothing;
they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead,
the mediums and the spiritists.
4 I will hand the Egyptians over
to the power of a cruel master,
and a fierce king will rule over them,"
declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty (Isaiah 17-19:4 NIV).
Amos 1
3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord.
6 Thus says the Lord:
"For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because they took captive the whole captivity
To deliver them up to Edom.
7 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza,
Which shall devour its palaces.
8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod,
And the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon;
I will turn My hand against Ekron,
And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,"
Says the Lord God. (Amos 1:3, 5-8)
Ezekiel 30
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
"'Wail and say,
"Alas for that day!"
3 For the day is near,
the day of the LORD is near-
a day of clouds,
a time of doom for the nations.
4 A sword will come against Egypt,
and anguish will come upon Cush.
When the slain fall in Egypt,
her wealth will be carried away
and her foundations torn down.
5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.
6 "'This is what the LORD says:
"'The allies of Egypt will fall
and her proud strength will fail.
From Migdol to Aswan
they will fall by the sword within her,
declares the Sovereign LORD.
7 "'They will be desolate
among desolate lands,
and their cities will lie
among ruined cities.
8 Then they will know that I am the LORD,
when I set fire to Egypt
and all her helpers are crushed.
9 "'On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt's doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9,
NIV).
11 "For thus says the Lord God: 'The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon you. 12 By the swords of the mighty warriors, all of them the most terrible of the nations, I will cause your multitude to fall. 'They shall plunder the pomp of Egypt, And all its multitude shall be destroyed. (Ezekiel 32:11-12)
It is possible that many of the above verses will be fulfilled when the king of the North invades the king of the South fulfilling Daniel 11:40-43 (though Damascus could possibly be destroyed years sooner).
Notice that the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that the king of the North is involved in the final crisis in the close of this age and involves "the beast and the false prophet" in Daniel chapter 11:
Verse 40 -- "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him ...."...There is yet another leader to arise in Europe! Notice what will next happen!
Verse 41 -- "He shall enter also into the glorious land ... " -- the Holy Land. This is yet to be fulfilled.
When the coming revival of the Roman Empire takes the Holy Land, then the nations will be plunged into the initial phase of the great, last and final crisis at the close of this age!...
Verse 45 -- the coming Roman Empire shall establish its palace, as capital of the revived Roman Empire, and eventually its religious headquarters, at Jerusalem! Zechariah 14:2 says the city shall be taken! "Yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him"! This language signifies the end of the "beast" and the "false prophet" at the hand of God! You will find this end described in Revelation 19:19-20 and Zechariah 14:12. (Armstrong HW. The Middle East in Prophecy. Worldwide Church of God, 1972 edition).
As mentioned before, although the Beast is destroyed, that initially, the Bible shows that Beast (the King of the North) wins against the North African/Middle East confederation (Daniel 11:40-43).
More Mid-Term Prophecies Involving the Arabs and Other Peoples
In Revelation 16, we also see that God will issue punishment to nearly all of humanity after Babylon (the European Empire) falls:
Revelation 16:17-21 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. (Revelation 16:17-21)
God sends the punishments to get all humans, including the Arabs, to repent, but they (like others) refused at first:
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory (Revelation 16:9).
Repentance for the Nations or You?
Since the Arabic nations are prophecied to be involved with Babylon and various wars, what about you?
Does this mean that you are doomed?
No.
God does not require "group salvation."
The Apostle Paul wrote:
12...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling... (Philippians 2:12)
Thus, your personal relationship with God is not determined by what your fellow countrymen do.
Can, will, God help you during the coming tribulation?
Notice the prophecy for this latter time tribulation in the Hebrew scriptures:
29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice 31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)
Thus, help from God during these hard times will be available to the truly sincere who really strive for it. This includes not only the Arabic peoples, but the Turks, Iranians, and all others.
Some items of possible interest may include:
Just What Do You Mean -- Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Do Christians Sin? This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is a link to a version in Mandarin Chinese: 克服是重要的. Here is also a link to a video in English titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong. Here is a version in Mandarin: 如何不犯罪
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
God's Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical 'place of safety' and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject--thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading. Here is a link in Mandarin Chinese: 读圣经 Here is a link in the Spanish language: Lea la Biblia.
Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
What Happens to the Arabic and Other Peoples After These Problems?
After all the prophesied battles and punishments, the tribulation will end. And Christ will return:
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:29-30).
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).
This will usher in a kingdom that will be established for 1,000 years:
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6).
And people of many nations, including those of the Arab world, will be part of this kingdom:
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).
(An article of related interest may include Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism and a 6000 Year Plan?)
After the thousand years are over, there will be problems, and then all will be resurrected:
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works (Revelation 20:7-13).
1 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops--many people are with you...
14 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? 15 Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. 16 You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes."
...22 And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD." '
(Ezekiel 38:1-6,14-16, 22-23).
It is important to note that all remaining are judged at the second resurrection, but not all are condemned. However, prior to the second resurrection, apparently a Russian-led confederation (which will include Iranians and perhaps some Arabs) will rebel and attempt to attack God's people (apparently in Jerusalem)--but they will not be successful. They will be destroyed, but will be raised in the second resurrection.
When is Salvation Available to the Arabic, Turkish, & Persian Peoples?
The mainstream "Christian" view correctly teaches that there is salvation in no other than Jesus (Acts 4:10-12), as "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (vs.12).
But what happens to the multitudes in the Arab, Turkish, and Persian world who have not heard the truth of Christ? What happens to those who do not respond to Deuteronomy 4:29-31 or the two witnesses? And what happens to those born before Christ's earthly ministry? Recall that the Bible teaches that after Adam sinned, humankind was blocked from the tree of life as God had it guarded so that humans would not be able to access it on their own (Genesis 3:22-24).
Even the basic Protestant view is that unless one professes belief in Jesus prior to the first death, then salvation will be unavailable. It is perhaps because of the difference between this view and that of the Church of God, that Protestants tend to label Church of God groups as cults.
The Church of God teaches that God is only calling a relatively few during this age with the Day of Pentecost (also called the Day of Firstfruits, Numbers 28:26) partially explaining this. "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures" (James 1:18).
Jesus and the Church of God teach,
44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him (John 6:44).
14 For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:14).
Protestants and Catholics tend to feel, correctly, that God uses ministers to preach (Romans 10:14). Yet, the message is not always clear. In Isaiah 6:9-11 God teaches,
9"Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.' 10 Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed." 11 Then I said, "Lord, how long?" And He answered: "Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, The houses are without a man, The land is utterly desolate".
In other words, the bulk of the people are not to understand until after a time of great desolation.
Thus, is God going to condemn those for what He has not let them understand?
Protestant and Roman Catholic theology tends to say yes.
Those in the Continuing Church of God say no.
Unless the someone has committed the unpardonable sin (which is unlikely) they will be judged in the future.
Hence, those in the Muslim world are not condemned to suffer forever for what they really do not understand.
Final Prophecies Which Will Affect the Arabs and Persians
Those who were uncalled in this age (including the vast majority of humans of all ethnic groups, including those that have long been dead) will be offered an opportunity for salvation.
And nearly all of them will accept it. The Continuing Church of God teaches that God will ultimately give every individual an opportunity for salvation--and that nearly every individual will accept that opportunity.
This means that ultimately that nearly all Arabs and Persians who have ever lived will be in the permanent kingdom of God. Notice that the Bible clearly shows that this includes the Arabic peoples (and because of the to and from lands, this also includes the Persians (Elam may be a reference to Iran, see also Iran in Prophecy); and Egypt probably represents all of the Arabic peoples in Isaiah 19:23-25):
47 "Yet I will bring back the captives of Moab
In the latter days," says the Lord. Thus far is the judgment of Moab. (Jeremiah 48:47)
6 But afterward I will bring back
The captives of the people of Ammon," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 49:6)
39 'But it shall come to pass in the latter days:
I will bring back the captives of Elam,' says the Lord." (Jeremiah 49:39)
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites;
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
16 Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O Lord.
17 Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish,
18 That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalms 83:6-7; 16-18)
11 It shall come to pass in that day That the LORD shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea (Isaiah 11:11).
23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria-- a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance (Isaiah 19:23-25).
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:2-4).
God has a plan for those in the Islamic-dominated lands and it is better than what most in them seem to believe (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9).
Conclusion About the Arabs and Other Muslims in Prophecy
The Arab world was promised greatness in the Bible. For hundreds of years it had major historical prominence.
In the 21st century, its wealth and influence are prophesied to increase, but it will have problems. God apparently plans to use the Arab world as part of a His plan to inflict punishment on the descendants of Israel. But ultimately, Arabs, Turks, Persians, and Israelis will be at peace.
The Arab world will be the first major block to who see that the European beast power is not what it pretends to be.
Just because the whole world (and not just the Arabs) will be temporarily deceived by the rising European Beast power, you do not have to be. Hopefully this article has given you some reasons to look at the world and your life and will motivate to come to God now on His terms. To learn more about what happened to Christianity, a good place to start may be The History of Early Christianity page. May God call you today and grant you the understanding so that you will "pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).
Yet, because most in the Arab world (as well as the non-Arab world) do not truly strive now to know the true God, God will punish them as well as the other inhabitants on the Earth.
However, since God is a God of love, He intends to resurrect the Arabs/Turks/Persians and offer them salvation. A salvation that nearly all will accept as nearly all the Arabs who ever lived will be in the kingdom of God. A kingdom without fear or death or sorrow. A glorious kingdom. And that is the prophesied future for nearly all of the Arabs, Turks, and Persians.
Some items of related interest may include:
The Prophesied 'Islamic' Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final "King of the South" (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? A related video is also available: What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a video.
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? Here is a related video also titled Iran In Prophecy.
Jordan in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible show will happen to the inhabitants of Jordan? Will they escape and then be punished?
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi. Some prophecy related to the Arab world in the Spanish language.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Are the major professors of Christianity teachings the Bible or a faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God's plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account? Related sermon videos include Universal Offer of Salvation I: God is love and Universal Offer of Salvation II: The Age to Come and the 'Little Flock' and Universal Offer of Salvation III: All Are to Know Jesus, But When? and Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned? and Universal Offer of Salvation V: All Israel Will be Saved? A version of the main article was also translated in the Spanish language: Oferta universal de salvación: Hay cientos de versículos en la Biblia que apoyan la verdadera doctrina de la Apocatastasis.
Thiel B. The Arab and Islamic World In The Bible, History, and Prophecy. www.cogwriter.com 2007/2008/2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 / 2021 /2023 1027
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