The Black Flag of Jihad; also the flag of ISIL's Islamic State
The Black Flag of Jihad; also the flag of ISIL's Islamic State
By COGwriter
While the Bible does not mention the term religion Islam by name, it does have prophecies related to nations and peoples that are in lands that are currently dominated by Islam.
This article will go over various biblical prophecies and the nations associated with them. It will also show that certain Islamic goals of an end end time Islamic caliphate seem to tie in with parts of scripture. (A related video is available titled Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?)
Islam has had several Islamic empires, which they tend to call caliphates, throughout history.
A calphiphate is ruled by one called a caliph.
Caliphate comes from the Arabic word خلافة khilāfa, meaning "succession." Caliph comes from the Arabic word: خليفة ḫalīfah/khalīfah and means successor. The caliph is considered to be the head of state in a Caliphate, as well as a successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The caliph was often known as Amir al-Mu'minin (Arabic: أمير المؤمنين) meaning "Commander of the Believers" (Caliphate. Wikipedia, viewed 07/02/14).
Notice the following:
Caliph is translated from the Arabic word khalifa (خليفة ḫalīfah/khalīfah) meaning "successor", "substitute", or "lieutenant". It is used in the Quran to establish Adam's role as representative of God on earth. Kalifa is also used to describe the belief that man's role, in his real nature, is as khalifa or viceroy to Allah. The word is also most commonly used for the Islamic leader of the Ummah; starting with Muhammad and his line of successors. The precise meaning of Khalifa is "representative". (THE EMIRATES OF CALIPHATE, http://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=165184 viewed 07/02/14)
Khalifa is an Arabic word literally meaning "one who replaces someone else who left or died" (English: caliph). In the context of Islam, however, the word acquires a narrower meaning. The Muslim Khalifa is the successor (in a line of successors) to Prophet Muhammad's position as the political, military, and administrative leader of the Muslims. ...
The Khalifa of the Muslim ummah must strive to:
- Safeguard Islam in its original form, and to protect against the introduction of new things (bid'a) into Islam.
- Establish justice (including punishments for crimes) among the people.
- Ensure the protection of the ummah. People within the boundaries of the Muslim state (regardless of whether they are Muslims or not) should feel secure enough to be productive.
- Protect the physical boundaries of the state through the use of arms and other methods.
- Defend the rights of Muslims abroad, and to see to it that Islam can spread freely in non-Muslim lands (including the use of force).
- Organize jihad against any non-Muslim government which prevents Muslim da'wah from entering its land.
- Collect and distribute zakat and the spoils of war according to the Qur'an and Sunnah (and ijtihad, if necessary). This must be done without the use of fear as an incentive (unless a person refuses to pay). Zakat is not to be taken from the best or worst of people's possessions, but rather from the middle.
- Pay the salaries of Bayt-ul-Mal employees, i.e., those people whose job is the collection of zakat and other state-levied taxes. Their salaries should be reasonable and be paid on time.
- Hire honest people as helpers, aides, governors, etc. The Khalifa must appoint to public office those who are competent and who can give good advice. This especially applies to Bayt-ul-Mal officials.
- Be heavily involved personally in the acts of governing. The Khalifa must be actively checking and overseeing the duties of the government, and constantly be guarding against internal corruption.
(Al-Ghamdy GA. The Process of Choosing the Leader (Caliph) of the Muslims: The Muslim Khilafa. http://www.2muslims.com/directory/Detailed/225505.shtml, viewed 07/02/14)
So, being involved in jihad ('holy war') is part of the duty of the caliph.
There is a verse in the Islamic Qur'an, known as the 'Istikhlaf Verse', that is used by some to claim that a caliphate needs to exist:
God has promised those of you who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds that, of a certainty, He will make them Khulifa on earth, even as He caused [some of] those who lived before them to become Khulifa; and that, of a certainty, He will firmly establish for them the religion which He has been pleased to bestow on them; and that, of a certainty, He will cause their erstwhile state of fear to be replaced by a sense of security [seeing that] they worship Me [alone], not ascribing divine powers to aught beside Me. But all who, after [having understood] this, choose to deny the truth – it is they, they who are truly iniquitous!" [24:55] (Surah Al-Nur, Verse 55)
In the above verse, the word Khulifa (the plural of Khalifa) has been variously translated as "successors" and "ones who accede to power."
Notice also:
Small subsections of Sunni Islamism argue that to govern a state by Islamic law is, by definition, to rule via the Caliphate, and use the following verses to sustain their claim.
So govern between the people by that which God has revealed (Islam), and follow not their vain desires, beware of them in case they seduce you from just some part of that which God has revealed to you (Holy Qur'an 4:49)
O you who believe! Obey God, and obey the messenger and then those among you who are in authority; and if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to God and the messenger's rulings, if you are (in truth) believers in God and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly in the end. ,,,
Muslim narrated on the authority of Al-A'araj, on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) said:
Behold, the Imam (Caliph) is but a shield from behind whom the people fight and by whom they defend themselves.
(Holy Qur'an 4:59) (Khilafa. Islamic Truth. http://islamandmuslimunity.blogspot.com/2012/11/khilafah.html viewed 07/02/14)
There are written traditions in Islam that specifically mention a caliphate. Here is one from the the writings called the hadith:
Hadhrat Huzaifa Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: Prophethood will remain among you as long as Almighty Allah wills. Then Caliphate (Khilafah) on the lines of Prophethood shall commence, and remain as long as Allah wills. Then corrupt/erosive monarchy would take place, and it will remain as long as Almighty Allah wills. After that, despotic kingship would emerge, and it will remain as long as Almighty Allah wills. Then, the Caliphate (Khilafah) shall come once again based on the precept of Prophethood. [Masnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Mishkat, Chapter Al-Anzar Wal Tahzir] (http://www.islamchannel.tv/forums/showForumReply.aspx?forumID=21998&name=&catID=4&mode= viewed 07/02/14)
Within Islam, there are three main groups: Sunnis, Shi'ites, and Sufis (the smallest of the groups). The Sunni branch of Islam stipulates that as a head of state, a caliph should be elected by Muslims or their representatives, which can happen via force (Al-Ghamdy GA.), and they prefer a descendant from Muhammad. Followers of Shia Islam essentially believe a caliph should be an Imam chosen by God (Allah) from the Ahl al-Bayt (the "Family of the House," Muhammad's direct descendents) and that the final Imam/Caliph is one who has been in a type of suspended animation for over a century. More on Shi'ite views can be found in the article The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy.
Notice how one becomes a caliph:
How the Khalifa may be chosen
There are three ways in which the Muslim ummah may choose a new Khalifa. However, in all three cases, the people are obligated to give the new Khalifa their bay'a once the process of choosing him is over. People can send representatives to give their bay'a if the population is large. The three ways of choosing the Khalifa are by selection, by nomination, and by force.
Is is some information about various caliphates with over the centuries (with more than one at certain times):
According to Sunni Muslims, the first caliph to be called Amir al-Mu'minin was Abu Bakr Siddique, followed by `Umar ibn al-Khattāb, the second of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs. `Uthman ibn Affan and `Ali ibn Abi Talib also were called by the same title, while the Shi'a consider Ali to have been the only truly legitimate caliph, of these four men.
After the first four caliphs, the Caliphate was claimed by dynasties such as the Umayyads, the Abbasids, and the Ottomans, and for relatively short periods by other, competing dynasties in al-Andalus, North Africa, and Egypt. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk officially abolished the system of Caliphate in Islam (the Ottoman Empire) and founded the Republic of Turkey, in 1923. The Kings of Morocco still label themselves with the title Amir al-Mu'minin for the Moroccans, but lay no claim to the Caliphate.
Some Muslim countries, including Somalia, Indonesia and Malaysia, were never subject to the authority of a Caliphate, with the exception of Aceh, which briefly acknowledged Ottoman suzerainty. Consequently these countries had their own, local, sultans or rulers who did not fully accept the authority of the Caliph.
Rashidun (632–661)...Caliphate ...
Umayyads (661–750)...Caliphate ...
Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba (756–929) and Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba (929–1031) ...
Abbasids (750–1258)...Caliphate..
Abbasid Caliphate of Cairo (1258–1517)...
Fatimids (909–1171)...Caliphate...
Ottomans (1453–1924)...Caliphate
(Caliphate. Wikipedia, viewed 07/02/14).
There were also other caliphates in various lands claimed in the 19th-21st century, such as the Sokoto Caliphate within Nigeria from 1805-1903. The Abbasids were defeated by Gengis Khan's grandson Hulagu Khan in Baghdad in 1258. The Ottoman Caliphate was officially dissolved on March 3, 1924, though World War 1 really eliminated it. Groups, like the Muslim Brotherhood and Al-Qaeda, formed with the intent to establish a broad-based Islamic caliphate.
After certain military conquests, the group once known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) declared a caliphate on June 29, 2014 (the first day of the month of Ramadan). They named their caliphate the Islamic State. They have invited other Sunni Muslims to come and support their caliphate (see ‘Caliph’ calls for Muslims to move to his ‘Islamic State’).
The Islamic State has a declared caliph, who is now also called the Imam:
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ‘caliph’ of Islamic State, appears in video for first time ...Through brute force and guile, the Islamic State group has seized control of a vast swath of land straddling Syria and Iraq, and has declared the establishment of an Islamic state, or caliphate, in those territories. It proclaimed al-Baghdadi the leader of its state and demanded that all Muslims pledge allegiance to him.
"The mujahedeen have been rewarded victory by God after years of jihad, and they were able to achieve their aim and hurried to announce the caliphate and choose the Imam,"... referring to the leader. (July 5, 2014. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Middle-East/Abu-Bakr-al-Baghdadi-caliph-of-Islamic-State-appears-in-video-for-first-time/articleshow/37851363.cms)
They also have ambitions that will cause other troubles:
Islamist militants have declared an Islamic "caliphate" in an area straddling Iraq and Syria, trumpeting the declaration in several videos.
One slick video, mostly in English, features a bearded fighter with an AK-47 on his back, explaining the new caliphate.
"This is not the first border we will break, we will break other borders," a jihadist from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis) warned in the video called End of Sykes-Picot, a reference to the agreement between France and Britain that divided up the Ottoman empire territories after the first world war.
Later the fighter pledges that jihadists will free Palestine. "We are not here to replace an Arab cahoot with a western cahoot. Rather our jihad is more lofty and higher. We are fighting to make the word of Allah the highest," the spokesman said.
He is filmed showing abandoned Iraqi army badges and vehicles left by fleeing soldiers. "There is no army in the world that can withstand the soldiers of Islam," he said.
The video features about a dozen men in a cell said to be captured troops and border police. A building, said to be a police station, is shown being blown up, as well as US-made Humvees captured from the border police. "Look how much America spends to fight Islam, and it ends up just being in our pockets," the spokesman taunted. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/30/isis-announces-islamic-caliphate-iraq-syria
The “new caliphate” being declared by jihadist organisation ISIS as its steamrolls over Syria and Iraq harks back Islam’s golden days.
At its head is the self-proclaimed successor to the Prophet Mohammed: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
And he has big ambitions: Just yesterday he stated his “eyes were on Rome”.
His spokesman put a voice to his vision just days ago:
“The time has come for those generations that were drowning in oceans of disgrace, being nursed on the milk of humiliation, and being ruled by the vilest of all people, after their long slumber in the darkness of neglect — the time has come for them to rise,” reads the statement in which ISIS declares its “new caliphate”. http://www.news.com.au/world/jihadist-group-isis-has-declared-a-new-caliphate-spanning-the-middle-east-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean/story-fndir2ev-1226974870651
Biblical and Catholic prophecies tell of destruction coming to Rome. At least one self-proclaimed caliph seems to wish to cause it (see also Caliph of Islamic State wants to conquer Rome).
Despite the Islamic State declaring itself a caliphate, various Muslim scholars have denounced this an wrong for that group to do from a religious perspective:
ISTANBUL – Muslim scholars have rejected as "inappropriate" an announcement by Islamic State of Iraq and Sham militants that they are forming what they call as "caliphate", or Islamic state, in areas they control in Iraq and Syria. (http://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2014/07/05/islamic-scholars-dismiss-isiss-claimed-caliphate viewed 07/05/14)
DOHA, Qatar: Prominent Sunni Muslim scholar Yusef Al-Qaradawi said on Saturday that the declaration of an Islamic caliphate by jihadists fighting the governments in Syria and Iraq violates Shariah law. ...
Qatar-based Qaradawi, seen as a spiritual guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in his native Egypt, said in a statement that the declaration “is void under shariah.”
“We look forward to the coming, as soon as possible, of the caliphate,” Qaradawi said, of the form of pan-Muslim government last seen under the Ottoman Empire.
“But the declaration issued by the Islamic State is void under Sharia and has dangerous consequences for the Sunnis in Iraq and for the revolt in Syria,” he added.
The influential cleric said the declaration and nomination of Baghdadi by a jihadist group “known for its atrocities and radical views” fail to meet strict conditions dictated by Sharia.
The title of caliph, he said, can “only be given by the entire Muslim nation” not by a single group. (http://www.arabnews.com/news/597026 viewed 07/05/14)
But despite complaints about the ISIS/ISIL groups, some type of 'caliphate' will form. And I do NOT believe that the current head of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,will be that leader. He and his group, however, seem to be encouraging the rise of a coalition of Arab and other Muslim states to form in opposition--and a group like that will become the final King of the South of biblical prophecy per Daniel 11:40-43.
Notice also the following:
July 7, 2014
Last week, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced a full military alert because of the Islamic Caliphate’s push west and south towards Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The alert coincided with a similar move by Saudi Arabia and Riyadh sent a mixed force of Saudis, Pakistanis, and Egyptians to protect the kingdom’s northern border. Jordan repulsed an Islamic Caliphate attack for now and was able to maintain law and order among the salafists and Sunni tribes in the eastern part of the Hashemite Kingdom. Now there is concern about Kuwait’s internal dynamics and how well the al-Sabah rulers can control the undercurrents that are increasingly coming to the fore...
Kuwaiti leaders are recognizing the Islamic Caliphate’s threat. Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah gave a critical speech on the eve of the Holy Month of Ramadan. (http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2014/07/07/Kuwait-stands-on-a-precipice-facing-the-Islamic-Caliphate-.html viewed 07/08/14)
Various Arabic nationsa are concerned about this.
I would also add that the African terrorist group Boko Haram has also declared itself as a caliphate. It took the title the "Islamic Caliphate."
The so-called Islamic State has a prophetic view that will help get it destroyed--for details, check out the article The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy.
Islam tends to expect a caliphate at the time of the end. Notice the following:
Narrated Jabir ibn Samurah:
The Prophet (pbuh) said: The religion will continue to be established till there are twelve caliphs (Khalifas) over you, and the whole community will agree on each of them. I then heard from the Prophet (pbuh) some remarks which I could not understand. I asked my father: What is he saying: He said: all of them will belong to Quraysh. (Who Is Imam al-Mahdi? http://www.islamicweb.com/history/mahdi.htm viewed 07/02/14)
And the leader is expected to pass out a lot of wealth and there is to be a time of wealth before the end according to the following:
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 07/03/2014)
4 Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied (From "Signs of Qiyamah" (excerpts) by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali. The Minor Signs of the Last Day. http://www.islam.tc/prophecies/qiyaam2.html viewed 07/03/14).
This leader is also called the Iman Mahdi. Here is a report of some Islamic traditions about him:
The following are the collection of Sahih (authentic) Hadith regarding Mahdi.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood(RA) reports from the Prophet(SAW), who said:
The world will not come to pass until a man from among my family, whose name will be my name, rules over the Arabs.
(Tirmidhi Sahih, Vol. 9, P. 74; Abu Dawud, Sahih, Vol. 5, P. 207;
also narrated by Ali b. Abi Talib, Abu Sa'id, Umm Salma, Abu Hurayra)The Prophet(SAW) said:
Allah will bring out from concealment al-Mahdi from my family and just before the day of Judgment; even if only one day were to remain in the life of the world, and he will spread on this earth justice and equity and will eradicate tyranny and oppression.
(Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Vol. 1, P. 99)Hadhrat Ali(RA) narrates that Rasulullah(SAW) said:
Even if only a day remains for Qiyamah to come, yet Allah will surely send a man from my family who will fill this world with such justice and fairness, just as it initially was filled with oppression.
(Abu Dawood)Ali b. Abi Talib(RA) has related a tradition from the Prophet(SAW) who informed him:
The promised Mahdi will be among my family. God will make the provisions for his emergence within a single night.
(Ibn Majah, Sahih, Vol. 2, P. 519)Hazrat Umme Salmah(RA), Prophet's wife, narrates that she heard the Prophet(SAW) say:
The promised Mahdi will be among my progeny, among the descendants of Fatima.
(Abu Dawud, Sahih, Vol. 2, P. 207; Ibn Majah, Sahih, Vol. 2, P. 519)Rasulullah(SAW) announced:
The Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatima (the Prophet's daughter). (Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, Tradition No. 4086)
The Prophet(SAW) taught:
Al-Mahdi is one of us, the members of the household (Ahlul-Bayt).
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, Tradition No. 4085)Abu Sa'id al-Khudari(RA) narrated that the Prophet(SAW) said:
Our Mahdi will have a broad forehead and a pointed (prominent) nose. He will fill the earth with justice as it is filled with injustice and tyranny. He will rule for seven years.
(Abu Dawud, Sahih, Vol. 2, p. 208; Fusul al-muhimma, p. 275)Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri(RA) relates that Rasulullah(SAW) said:
Al Mahdi will be from my progeny. His forehead will be broad and his nose will be high. He will fill the world with justice and fairness at a time when the world will be filled with oppression. He will rule for seven years.
Hadhrat Umme Salmah(RA) narrates that Rasulullah(SAW) said:
After the death of a Ruler there will be some dispute between the people. At that time a citizen of Madina will flee (from Madina) and go to Makkah. While in Makkah, certain people will approach him between Hajrul Aswad and Maqaame Ibraheem, and forcefully pledge their allegiance to him.
Thereafter a huge army will proceed from Syria to attack him but when they will be at Baida, which is between Makkah and Madina, they will be swallowed into the ground.
On seeing this, the Abdaals of Shaam as well as large numbers of people from Iraq will come to him and pledge their allegiance to him. Then a person from the Quraish, whose uncle will be from the Bani Kalb tribe will send an army to attack him, only to be overpowered, by the will of Allah. This (defeated) army will be that of the Bani Kalb. Unfortunate indeed is he who does not receive a share from the booty of the Kalb. This person (Imam Mahdi) will distribute the spoils of war after the battle. He will lead the people according to the Sunnat and during his reign Islam will spread throughout the world. He will remain till seven years (since his emergence). He will pass away and the Muslims will perform his Janazah salaat.
(Abu Dawood)The holy Prophet(SAW) said:
A group of my Ummah will fight for the truth until near the day of judgment when Jesus, the son of Marry, will descend, and the leader of them will ask him to lead the prayer, but Jesus declines, saying: "No, Verily, among you Allah has made leaders for others and He has bestowed his bounty upon them.
(Sahih Muslim)It is reported from Abu Hurayra(RA) that the Prophet(SAW) said:
What will be your reaction when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends and your Imam is from among yourselves?
(Sahih Muslim, bab nuzul 'isa, Vol. 2; Sahih Bukhari, kitab bad' al-khalq wa nuzul 'isa, Vol. 4)The holy Prophet(SAW) said:
What would be your situation if the Son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends upon you and your Imam is from among you?
(Bukhari, kitabul-Anbiya, Chapter Nuzul Isa bin Maryam)According to these reliable, authentic, and universally accepted narrations, Mahdi will:
(Identification of the Prophesied Imam Mahdi. http://www.irshad.org/islam/prophecy/mahdi.htm viewed 07/02/14)
- Be from among the family of Prophet(SAW), among the descendants of Fatima(RA);
- Have a broad forehead and pointed noise;
- Appear in one night;
- Appear just before the day of judgment;
- Have same name as hazrat Muhammad(SAW);
- Escape from Madina to Makkah where people will pledge allegiance to him;
- Receive pledge and help of Iraqi people;
- Fight in battles;
- Rule over the Arabs for seven years according to Sunnah;
- Spread justice and equity on earth;
- Eradicate tyranny and oppression;
- Lead a prayer in Mekkah which Jesus(pbuh) will follow in;
- NOT be the same individual as the Promised Messiah (Jesus).
Reportedly the Muslims have a prophecy about the Ark of the Covenant and the Imam Mahdi:
The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=102119
It is interesting, however, that many of the Muslims believe that there Mahdi will rise up after the finding of the Ark. Some others who profess Christianity expect that the Ark of the Covenant may be found before Jesus returns.
Some expect Jerusalem to be the capital city from which the Imam Mahdi will rule his caliphate:
On May 1, Egyptian Cleric Safwat Higazi launched the presidential campaign of Muhammad Mursi, telling a huge, enthusiastic crowd that Mursi will restore "'United States of the Arabs' with Jerusalem as Its Capital"
The video is from MEMRI.Safwat Higazi: We can see how the dream of the Islamic Caliphate is being realized, Allah willing, by Dr. Muhammad Mursi and his brothers, his supporters, and his political party. We can see how the great dream, shared by us all - that of the United States of the Arabs... The United States of the Arabs will be restored, Allah willing. The United States of the Arabs will be restored by this man and his supporters.
The capital of the Caliphate - the capital of the United States of the Arabs - will be Jerusalem, Allah willing.(Video: Muslim Brotherhood: "'United States of the Arabs' with Jerusalem as Its Capital". May 9, 2012. http://daledamos.blogspot.com/2012/05/video-muslim-brotherhood-united-states.html)
The Bible shows trouble coming to lands including Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31-43), and it may be that the Iman Mahdi may have some temporal rulership from there.
Interestingly, Islamic prophecy has Jesus (who they sometimes call Isa) coming after the Imam Mahdi as the fourth of twelve 'major signs' of the end:
Pontiffs claim to hold the keys of heaven (see Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom?). The Bible warns about a false prophet who will perform signs and lying wonders (Revelation 13:11-17; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), who it also refers to as the final Antichrist (cf. 1 John 4:1-3). The Bible also shows that Jesus will return in the sky (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), eliminate false religion (Revelation 11:15, including Islamic ones), and get the Antichrist/False Prophet killed (Revelation 19:19-20). There are several parallels between Islamic prophecy and the Bible, and presuming that one-time Muslims will be willing to listen to God's two witnesses, then perhaps they will be more accepting of Jesus' true return than some others will be.
Notice also the following:
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).
Many Sunni Muslims believe in a coming Imam Mahdi and at least as many are looking forward to a coming caliphate.
Killing opponents is advocated in the Koran and part of the reason is to gain an Islamic caliphate:
The Koran explicitly and repeatedly commands Muslims to convert or kill all non-Muslims: “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war” (Koran 9:5); “Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah” (8:39); and so on. Islam requires Muslims to strive for a worldwide Islamic caliphate...
Why do the Saudis sponsor terrorism against infidels and encourage children and adults to become jihadists and to kill all those who “accept any religion other than Islam”? Like the Islamic regime in Iran, and like all Muslims who take Islam seriously, the Saudis are committed to upholding their profoundly evil religion—the scriptures and “Prophet” of which call explicitly and repeatedly for Muslims to convert or kill infidels. Why do the Saudis seek specifically to fund terrorist groups such as al Qaeda—the group that notoriously murdered nearly three thousand Americans on 9/11 and that is explicitly dedicated to destroying America? Because America is the land founded on the principle of individual rights and the separation of religion and state—which makes it the most un-Islamic country on Earth and thus the greatest affront to the will of “Allah.”
The Iranian and Saudi regimes are the primary state sponsors of terrorism against America, and they are motivated fundamentally by the religion of Islam. Consequently, America’s primary foreign policy goal today morally must be to end these regimes and to discredit Islam.
This does not mean the United States should ignore the terrorist groups that these regimes have already spawned and supported, such as al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Islamic State; we should eliminate them as well (more on this below). But our primary goal should be to eliminate the regimes in Iran and Saudi Arabia and to show the Muslim world that jihad for “Allah” is a losing proposition against the power that is America. (Biddle C. The Jihad against America and How to End It. The Objective Standard, September 10, 2014. https://www.theobjectivestandard.com/2014/09/jihad-america-end/ viewed 09/24/14)
Some felt that turmoil in the Muslim nations would lead to a caliphate:
“Radical extremists see the turmoil as their opportunity to institute the region-wide, anti-Western Muslim caliphate or union that they have dreamt of for centuries. Some analysts believe Morocco also could be at risk, as well as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia...” NewsMax – Jan 28, 2011 http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/Egypt-Explodes-Oil-Skyrocket/2011/01/28/id/384253
The Muslim Brotherhood has long wanted one. Notice a translation of what some, who are/were part of it, write that the Muslim Brotherhood wants:
...the Islamic Ummah [nation] can regain its power and be liberated and assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah, as the most exalted nation among men, as the leaders of humanity...
He [Hassan al-Banna] felt the grave danger overshadowing the Muslims and the urgent need and obligation which Islam places on every Muslim, man and woman, to act in order to restore the Islamic Caliphate and to reestablish the Islamic State on strong foundations and to liberate the Muslims and defend them from any attack, and to spread the Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) of Islam in the world and to establish this great religion, which Allah wanted for his servants...
Some think that Shahada (Martyrdom) causes loss and damages the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society, since it has lost influential people in action and Jihad. This is wrong, since the fall of the Shahid (Martyr) for the sake of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) is [seen as] provisions and fuel for the [next] generations, and as a symbol of self sacrifice in the way of the Da'wa until realization of the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah religion on Allah's land...(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood - in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik. http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)
A Palestinian jihadi group calling itself "Supporters of the Islamic State in Jerusalem" claimed responsibility for the abduction and killing of three Israeli students in Hebron, whose bodies were found on Monday evening in a shallow grave.
‘Islamic State in Jerusalem’ Claims Killings of Israeli Hebron Teenagers
The statement was posted on an open access jihadist website supportive of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis), the Sunni militant group which is waging war in Iraq and has declared a caliphate straddling Iraq and Syria. (July 1, 2014. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/islamic-state-jerusalem-claims-killings-israeli-hebron-teenagers-1454833)
So, the use of terroristic tactics is being used by at least one claimed caliphate-group. More terrorism is expected (cf. Leviticus 26:14-17; Ezekiel 21:12; Psalms 73:12,19) as is a larger caliphate (cf. Ezekiel 30:2-8).
This ISIL declaration is not the first time this century that a caliphate has been declared to start. When the Ennahda party won in Tunisia in 2011, its leader declared the start of the the sixth caliphate (see Tunisia’s Expected Prime Minister Claims to be part of the Sixth Caliphate). But that really did not happen. Also, when the Muslim Brotherhood won in elections in Egypt and gained its presidency in 2012, many thought this was a start of the sixth caliphate, but that government was overthrown last Summer. But with those two, no one really declared themselves as the expected caliph. The group in Iraq is different, but in some ways, not too different (see ‘Caliph’ calls for Muslims to move to his ‘Islamic State’). But it is not accepted by enough Sunnis for many to consider that it is the caliphate that many Sunni Muslims hope for.
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)
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.” Notice also:
The Black Banner or Black Standard (راية السوداء rāyat al-sawdā' , also known as راية العقاب rāyat al-`uqāb "banner of the eagle" or simply as الراية al-rāya "the banner") is one of the flags flown by the prophet Muhammad in Islamic religion...
The tradition reports Muhammad said that the advent of the Mahdi would be signaled by "Black Standards" proceeding from Khorasan. ...
A black flag with the shahada inscribed in white was spotted on Jihadist websites from at least 2001. Even though the historical black banner did not have any inscription, this variant is commonly known as al-rāya "the banner" or rayat al-`uqab "banner of the eagle" after the hadith tradition, and has been dubbed the black flag of jihad by western observers.[12] Islamic extremist organizations that used such a black flag include al‑Qaeda, al‑Shabaab, the Islamic Courts Union, the ISIS and Hizbul Islam (2009). Some variant designs depict the second phrase of the shahada in the form of the historical seal of Muhammad (Wikipedia, Black Standard, veiwed July 5, 2014)
The black flag that ISIS and some of the Jihadists use certainly would seem to qualify here. It is very likely because of Muhammad as well as the prophecy involving Syria are parts of the reason why they use the black flag they do.
Despite the setbacks of the Muslim Brotherhood, because of the problems associated with Islamic groups such as the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hamas, etc., many are wondering if an international or regional solution is needed for the Arab world.
Here is something from former French President Hollande:
August 20, 2104
France said on Wednesday it wanted the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and regional countries, including Arab states and Iran, to coordinate action against the militant group Islamic State, the insurgents who control parts of Iraq and Syria.
“In our minds and we hope that it will be possible … we want not only all the regional countries, including Arab states and Iran, but the five members of the Security Council, also to join this action,” Foreign Minister Faurent Fabius told lawmakers.
Earlier Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande called for an international conference to discuss IS. http://www.voanews.com/content/france-seeks-global-meeting-on-islamic-state-group/2421926.html
Some type of cooperation between Europe (King of the North) and the Arabs (King of the South) will take place (cf. Daniel 9:27; Psalm 83:3-8) and President Hollande is calling for some cooperation now.
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has proposed regional cooperation as the solution:
August 29, 2014
Libya is in civil war, fundamentalist armies are building a self-declared caliphate across Syria and Iraq and Afghanistan’s young democracy is on the verge of paralysis…The concept of order that has underpinned the modern era is in crisis…
The contemporary quest for world order will require a coherent strategy to establish a concept of order within the various regions and to relate these regional orders to one another. http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-assembly-of-a-new-world-order-1409328075
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, seems to be endorsing the rise of an Arabic and Turkish confederation:
August 25, 2014
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT – U.S. air strikes on Islamic militants in Iraq have blunted their momentum, but defeating them will require a broad regional approach that draws support from Iraq’s neighbors and includes political and diplomatic efforts, the top U.S. military officer said.
The long term strategy for defeating the militants includes having the United States and its allies reach out to Iraq’s neighbors, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday.
“This is not just about us,” Dempsey said.
Such a coalition could “squeeze ISIS from multiple directions in order to initially disrupt it and eventually defeat it,” he said. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/08/25/iraq-needs-neighbors-to-help-defeat-isis-militants/14557355/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatoday-newstopstories
An Islamic confederation or caliphate will not bring peace (Daniel 11:40-43). General Dempsey has unknowingly called for the formation of the King of the South as those Islamic nations he has referred to are prophesied to get together.
Former US President Barack Obama and His Administration were promoting this:
September 5, 2014
“Our goal is to act with urgency but also make sure that we're doing it right, that we have the right targets, that there's support on the ground … that we have a strong political coalition,” Obama said at a news conference...One major piece of the strategy for weakening the threat from Islamic State, Obama and aides said, will be the support and participation of the neighbors of Syria and Iraq.
“It is absolutely critical that we have Arab states, and specifically Sunni-majority states, that are rejecting the kind of extremist nihilism that we're seeing out of ISIL, that say, ‘That is not what Islam is about,' and are prepared to join us actively in the fight,” Obama said, using one of the acronyms for Islamic State. http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-obama-islamic-state-20140905-story.html
The Bible shows that the areas that are currently Sunni-majority states in the Middle East and North Africa will compose the final King of the South, and that is something that Barack Obama is advocating.
Is this the final Antichrist? No, but this King of the South will make a deal with someone backed by the final Antichrist.
Notice something from Daniel 11:
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 11:27)
Yes, a deal will be made with the King of the North and the King of the South--the King of the South is essentially a type of caliphate. This is a lying deal and may include the destruction of the end time descendants of Israel (Psalms 83:3-8).
I believe that the Bible shows that King of the North will invade the USA (Daniel 11:39) and in conjunction with the terrorism from King of the South (Psalm 83:3-8) will cause the end of the USA. Notice also the following:
25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:25).
39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)
12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people, Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)
Deuteronomy 32:25 talks about a time of destruction that comes from an outside invasion and internal. That is also consistent with what Ezekiel warned. Because of much terrorism involves people in the lands that are prophesied to be associated with the King of the South, these prophesies are consistent with terroristic actions from those regions in the future.
Ten Arab nations, on the urging of the Obama Administration, have agreed to a type of coalition against the Islamic State as did ten non-Arab nations:
September 12, 2014
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – Key Arab allies promised Thursday to “do their share” to fight Islamic State militants…
The 10 Mideast allies announced their backing for a strategy to “destroy” the group “wherever it is, including in both Iraq and Syria,” following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Red Sea coastal city of Jiddah.
Kerry’s visit, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, was aimed at pinning down how much support regional allies are willing to give to the U.S. plan to beat back the Islamic State group…
Thursday’s meeting in Jiddah ended with Saudi Arabia, other Gulf states, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon pledging to stand against terrorism. They promised steps including stopping fighters and funding, repudiating the Islamic State group’s ideology, providing humanitarian aid and “as appropriate, joining in the many aspects of a coordinated military campaign.”
They also agreed to boost support for the new Iraqi government as it tries to unite its citizens in the fight against the militants. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said coalition members agreed to share responsibilities for fighting the Islamic State group, as well as to “be serious and continuous in our action to eliminate and wipe out all these terrorist organizations.” http://www.aol.com/article/2014/09/12/arab-allies-pledge-to-fight-islamic-state-group/20961334/?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D528358
September 9, 2014
Ten countries have formed a coalition against ISIS on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Wales: the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Turkey and Canada as well as non-NATO member Australia. …
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is currently in the Middle East in an effort to form the coalition, while President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have had phone calls with several leaders to discuss the issue. Kerry said a coalition against ISIS militants would need to be durable. http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2014/09/10/turkey-among-huge-coalition-against-isis-threat-in-iraq-syria
Notice also the following:
Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia want to rule the Arab world--but biblically, it would seem that since Egypt does not escape the King of the North per Daniel 11:42, that Egypt would be the power more militaristically aggressive against Europe than perhaps Saudi Arabia.
Someone asked me if the ten nation coalition involving Australia, the USA, the U.K., Canada, and Turkey could possibly be the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?). I answered that it could not and explained that the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13 are related to a European power (see the video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?) and this would not include places like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).
As far as Turkey goes, the Bible shows that Turkey will temporarily be part of the king of the south, but indicates that it will ultimately betray it (for details, see The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy and/or watch the video What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy).
John Kerry has met with Egyptian leaders:
Egypt has a key role to play in countering Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to Cairo.
He met Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi and Egypt's President Sisi as part of his campaign to form a broad coalition to tackle IS militants. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29186686
The Bible teaches that Egypt will be a major player in a coming coalition (Ezekiel 30:2-8).
A coalition involving Egypt is prophesied that will end in disaster. Notice also:
September 10, 2014
Saudi Arabia with all of the major players in the Middle East, including the host country, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, to discuss ways to address the crisis.
Many of these countries are at odds over a range of issues and might not have been willing to send representatives to meet in the same room were it not for their urgent recognition of the new menace in their midst.
In common with their fear of the Islamic State, however, the region’s leaders also share a deep mistrust of the Obama administration, rooted in the past three years of increasing disengagement from the Middle East as the United States has sought to distance itself from the turmoil engendered by the Arab Spring revolts. …
But already there is a disinclination to believe his promises, said Mustafa Alani of the Gulf Research Center in Dubai.
“We have reached a low point of trust in this administration,” he said. “We think in a time of crisis Mr. Obama will walk away from everyone if it means saving his own skin.”
That being said, because of fears of the USA not coming through the Arab nations, Turkey, and the Europeans will decide to form the type of confederations the Bible tells of.
Back in 2009, I warned:
…the Bible predicts that at the appointed time, a King of the North and a King of the South with rise. Various statements that Barack Obama has made suggest that he will implement policies that will likely help lead to the multi-national formations that will ultimately have these kings.
Islamic Prophecy: Barack Obama to Aid the Rise of the King of the South?
According to a commentary by Amir Taheri in Forbes, there is an amazing old Shi’ite prophecy that some in Iran believe seems to fit Barack Hussein Obama personally…
Now without seeing the actual Shi’ite prophecy that Forbes reported about (which would have been in either read Persian or Arabic), it is not certain that Barack Obama will meet all of the criteria of that prophecy (or if reports on it are entirely accurate). However, if Barack Hussein Obama is the President of the United States until 2013-2017, his administration will help (most likely inadvertently) lead to the rise of the future King of the South who is mentioned in end time Bible prophecy. …
As mentioned earlier, even some Shi’ite Muslims believe that his presidency may lead to the rise of their Mahdi who seems to be the same person that the Bible calls the King of the South. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009)
Back in 2013, I wrote:
Furthermore, the Bible predicts that at the appointed time, a King of the North and a King of the South with rise (Daniel 11:27,39-40) and the U.S.A., the nation currently with the “strongest fortresses” (Daniel 11:39) will be destroyed.
Various steps that Barack Obama has taken have helped lead to the multi-national formations that will ultimately have these kings. This would include his administration’s support for the European Union and groups with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. If he continues, he would be expected to support greater union amongst the Europeans and greater union amongst some of the Islamic peoples. …
Might U.S. military intervention with Syria under the Obama Administration be at all prophetic? … if Barack Hussein Obama survives as the President of the United States until 2013-2017, his administration will help lead to the rise of the future King of the South who is mentioned in end time Bible prophecy. …
Barack Obama does not seem to understand many end-time biblical events. This has lead him to be more accommodating to the rise of the Beast and King of the South powers than one who understands end-time prophecy would likely be. … Yet, irrespective of any tie Barack Obama may have to Islam or Christianity, it seems that his policies may lead to greater cooperation between the Arabic and non-Arabic Muslim nations (even if Barack Obama decides he has to intervene in Iran), which at some point, must end up with a leader (whom the Shi’ites tend to call a Mahdi and the Sunnis more likely to call a Caliph) whom the Bible warns will be the Future King of the South. …
Barack Obama’s political support … will help lead to the formation of the final King of the South of Bible prophecy, even if he takes steps that many in the Islamic world disagree with. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013).
The final King of the South will form and the Obama Administration has been taking steps to encourage this.
Yet, some others misunderstand this. Joel Richardson, misinterpreting Revelation 17:12-13 (to better understand that part of the Bible, check out the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?), years ago claimed that since the European Union had more than 10 nations, that it would be a coming Islamic power that would be the final Antichrist (see Is There an Islamic Antichrist?).
And while there is a loose coalition of 10 or so Arab nations together now, said, the Bible in Revelation 13 shows that the Antichrist power will support the "beast of the sea" of Revelation 13:1 (see Revelation 13:11-18). Revelation 17 shows that this Babylonian Antichrist power will be based upon the great city of seven hills, which most, including Catholic scholars, believe is a reference to Rome.
So, while the ten nations part of an Obama Administration urged coalition will be anti-the true Christ, they are not the biblical Antichrist. However, the confederation that they are prophesied to ultimately be a part of will be destructive, and it ultimately will end up bad for both the USA and the Arabs and others who will remain part of it according to the Bible. A coalition in the Arab world will form, but it is the King of the South, not the final Antichrist.
Notice also the the Obama Administration's Joint Chief of Staff seemed to be pushing for an Islamic coalition as well:
November 21, 2015
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon is pressing European and Arab allies to provide more troops and support for the war against the Islamic State group, hoping that the horror of the Paris attacks - and the fear more are coming - will compel them to get more deeply involved. ...
Gen. Joseph Dunford, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said ... "We would like to see particularly Sunni (Arab) nations ... contribute to a greater degree on the ground," he said, citing in particular the predominantly Sunni states in the Persian Gulf region, some of whom have flown combat missions over Iraq and Syria but are not engaged in ground combat.
"I think they would have the credibility and, frankly, come without some of the baggage of Western forces to be on the ground," Dunford told the same Wall Street Journal forum, speaking one day after Carter. "I think there's some possibility of doing that ... that's something we need to work on."
One senior U.S. official described the goal as "pie in the sky," acknowledging it will be difficult to get any of the Sunni nations to agree to send ground troops.
But others suggest that nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE could be tapped for more assistance, including special operations troops and trainers. And in some cases, those Arab nations could provide more help to the Syrian opposition forces by providing both military supplies and support as well and exercising political influence to get the groups better aligned. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ISLAMIC_STATE_COALITION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-11-21-05-02-57
A coaltion of essentially Sunni nations will happen, as they are the ones listed in Daniel 11:40-43.
The Obama Administration was taking steps that will result in the rise of an Islamic caliphate that the Bible warns against. And it will NOT turn out well for the USA or the Arabs.
A video of related interest is: Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire?
But now US President Donald Trump is encouraging the rise of the final King of the South of biblical prophecy.
Notice some of what I wrote about this, before he became president, in my book Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse:
Expect President Donald Trump to take steps that will help lead to the rise of the King of the South. …
Donald Trump supports the arming of various nations to defend themselves and not expect the USA to defend them. This suggests he would be supportive of the type of confederation that will lead to the formation of the final King of the South of biblical prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43).
(Thiel B. Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse. Nazarene Books, Grover Beach (CA), 2017)
On his 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump signed what was hailed as the largest single US arms deal with Saudi Arabia yesterday (see Largest single arms deal in US history! Is Donald Trump arming part of the King of the South?).
Notice something else from his trip:
May 21, 2017
King Salman of Saudi Arabia says he is committed to stamping out the Islamic State group and other terrorist organizations.
Salman is speaking at a gathering of the leaders of more than 50 majority-Muslim countries attending the Arab-Islamic-American Summit in Riyadh.
He says that “we all, peoples and countries, reject in every language and in every form damaging the relations of Muslim countries with friendly countries and profiling countries based on a religious or sectarian basis.”
He’s also railing against Iran, calling the country “the spearhead of global terrorism.”
President Donald Trump says the U.S. seeks a “coalition of nations” in the Middle East with the aim of “stamping out extremism.” …
Trump is speaking in front of an audience of leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
He says the U.S. is prepared to stand with those leaders in the fight against extremists, but that those countries must take the lead. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-latest-trump-gets-royal-treatment-from-saudis/2017/05/20/ea5fd262-3dc8-11e7-a59b-26e0451a96fd_story.html?utm_term=.5035b9fa6a26
This sounds a lot like Donald Trump is encouraging the formation of the foundation of a confederation that one day will be led by one called the King of the South (cf. Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8).
Plans for an ‘Arab NATO’ gathering momentum
November 14, 2018
With Arab nations’ militaries working more closely together than ever before and the political situation ripe, speculation abounds that we will witness the birth of the so-called “Arab NATO” this month.
The idea for such a security alliance was conceived by the Obama administration. …
Now, because of the second Qatar crisis, the plan to accelerate an Arab solution for a regional military alliance is a key project being pushed for by US National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Importantly, the proposed Arab NATO, tentatively known as the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA), is fully supported by senior Gulf officials. At the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate on Sunday, UAE Minister of State Anwar Gargash said: “The UAE, along with Arab states, is increasingly playing a role to address security challenges in the region. We are pushing alongside the US to form a strategic alliance to counter these issues.” Bolton’s meeting with the UAE security leadership on Monday was related to moving toward a greater cohesion on the Arab NATO issue.
An Arab military alliance, and how it begins to coalesce, is going to have to take the lessons of Yemen to heart in terms of its operations and operational capacity. …
Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s naval, air and ground units are conducting ongoing war games in western Egypt, with delegations from Morocco and Lebanon participating as observers. These military exercises, named “Arab Shield 1,” are significant as never before have these six Arab states conducted joint military exercises. It’s an important start that only occurred after Pompeo met with fellow foreign ministers to discuss the launch of the alliance. http://www.arabnews.com/node/1404891
Inadvertently, Donald Trump seems to be helping lay the foundation for the coming prophesied King of the South.
But this is not limited to US leaders. Notice what former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and another wrote:
Jihad & a Geopolitical G-X: Winning the War and Building the Peace
By Daniel J. Arbess and Karl-Theodor zu GuttenbergFEB 12, 2016The civilized world is still being caught flat-footed by global Jihad, but at least we’re now realizing that our societies are engaged in a whole new kind of conflict—with a decentralized nonstate enemy, fueled by an archaic-techno mix of messianic theology and social media outreach. The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) is of course not a legitimate nation-state, but it still proclaims its goal to establish a caliphate governing Islam, while al Qaeda and numerous other jihadist groups position for the same goals. What’s needed next is an allied military strategy for reversing the jihadists’ recent shift toward territorial conquest, then, more challenging still, a coherent diplomatic process for stabilizing the Muslim world that offers its populations a path to better economic prospects and more participatory governance alternatives than they’ve enjoyed to date. ...
Establishing the peace will require an exceptional international collaboration, in turn calling for an open-minded rethinking of some assumptions and multinational institutions that have become so comfortable they’re calcified. ...
There is opportunity here for all the major powers. The G-X should include the members of the G-20 (including of course, members Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia) and majority Muslim nations that are acknowledged by the international community. Permanent guest invitations should be extended to the United Nations, the African Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. Observer status could be offered to nations that are geographically exposed to any solution, including, centrally, Israel, or countries with a rapidly growing Muslim community as in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. ...
Ultimately, the map of nations might benefit from a realignment around ethnic and sectarian lines, delineating and protecting separate ancestral homelands for Sunnis, Shiites, Alawites, Kurds, and other distinct ethnic groups. http://csis.org/publication/jihad-geopolitical-g-x-winning-war-and-building-peace
We are seeing many who promote an Islamic confederation. Though the above one is slightly more subtle.
Saudi Arabia has already put together an Islamic military confederation.
Notice:
Saudi Arabia Announces 34-Nation Islamic Alliance Against Terrorism
December 15, 2015
Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday what it called a new Islamic military alliance made up of 34 countries to fight terrorism.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency published a statement saying the initiative will include an operations center in Riyadh to coordinate military operations.
The statement said terrorism is a “serious violation of human dignity and rights, especially the right to life and the right to security,” and that “acts of corruption and terrorism cannot be justified in any way.”
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman said at a news conference there will not be a focus on any one terror group.
“Today there are a number of countries that suffer from terrorism, for example Daesh [Islamic State] in Syria and Iraq; terrorism in Sinai, terrorism in Yemen, terrorism in Libya, terrorism in Mali, terrorism in Nigeria, terrorism in Pakistan, terrorism in Afghanistan and this requires a very strong effort to fight. Without a doubt, there will be coordination in these efforts,” he said.
The alliance includes Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which are conducting airstrikes in Syria as part of a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. Others from the Middle East include Tunisia, Lebanon, Libya and Egypt. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia are also part of the effort, as are a number of African countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Mali and Nigeria.
The Saudi statement said others have “expressed their support,” including Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest Muslim population. http://www.voanews.com/content/saudi-arabia-announces-34-nation-islamic-alliance-against-terrorism/3103368.html
December 15, 2015
A Riyadh-based “Islamic military alliance” has been formed to fight terrorism, Saudi Arabian state TV has announced. The coalition consists of 34 countries, including the Gulf States, a number of African countries, Turkey, Egypt, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Countries involved in the coalition aside from Saudi Arabia, include Jordan, the UAE, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Turkey, Chad, Togo, Tunisia, Djibouti, Senegal, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Gabon, Guinea, the partially-recognized state of Palestine, the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros, Qatar, Cote d’Ivoire, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Mali, Malaysia, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Yemen.
“The countries here mentioned have decided on the formation of a military alliance led by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism, with a joint operations centre based in Riyadh to coordinate and support military operations,” state news agency SPA quoted an official statement as saying.
The statement added that the coalition has “a duty to protect the Islamic nation from the evils of all terrorist groups and organizations whatever their sect and name which wreak death and corruption on earth and aim to terrorise the innocent,”Reuters quotes. https://www.rt.com/news/325929-islamic-coalition-terrorism-saudi/
Germany welcomes 34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism
December 15, 2015
Germany’s defense minister said on Tuesday she welcomed Saudi Arabia’s announcement of the formation of a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism.
Ursula von der Leyen told German broadcaster ZDF the alliance would be of help if it joined other countries fighting Islamic State (IS), adding that IS had gained strength from disagreement among various opposition parties on how to fight or who to protect.
“I think it’s right that the opposition is forming a group but it needs to be – and this is important – part of the Vienna process that includes all countries fighting against IS like the U.S., Europe, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia but also Iran and China,” she said. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-germany-idUSKBN0TY14O20151215
I have been saying since the so-called ‘Islamic State’ formed its caliphate that this was likely to trigger cooperation from nations in the Middle East and North Africa to form a coalition against it.
Furthermore, in February 2016, Saudi Arabia hosted what purportedly the world’s largest military exercise and it is going on now in Saudi Arabia, with troops from 20 nations:
North Thunder: World’s largest war games takes place in Saudi Arabia
(CNN) Saudi Arabia launched a massive military exercise that will include troops from 20 nations, state media reported Monday.
The drill, dubbed North Thunder, involves Arab and Muslim countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. It’s taking place in King Khalid Military City in northeastern Saudi Arabia.
The news agency did not provide much information on what the exercise entails but called it “the largest in the region’s history.” The agency said it will involve air, sea and land forces.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, other participating nations include Jordan, Bahrain, Senegal, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Kuwait, the Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Chad, Tunisia, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Malaysia, Egypt, Mauritania and Mauritius.”North Thunder drills represent a clear message that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its brothers and friends of the participating countries stand united to confront all challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region,” the agency said. http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/15/middleeast/saudi-arabia-military-exercises/
‘North Thunder’ a clear message to TehranMilitary experts have warned that the next probable threat to the Gulf states is likely to come from the northern areas, after Iran demographically occupies Iraq and uses that country as its military arm to meddle in the affairs of neighboring countries and drain Gulf states’ resources.Col. Ibrahim Al-Marie, military and strategic analyst, said the three main goals of the exercise are to protect the joint security of the Gulf, Arab and Islamic states, increase combat readiness and coordinate joint operations between participating forces. http://www.arabnews.com/news/878206
February 17, 2016
HAFR AL-BATIN: North Thunder, the ongoing military maneuver in Saudi Arabia, is a message to the world that the Kingdom will not be a passive observer to the massacres of civilians and mayhem in Syria and Iran’s ambitions in the region, political observers have said.
According to unofficial sources, around 150,000 soldiers, 2,540 warplanes, 20,000 tanks, and 460 helicopters are participating in the largest military exercise in the history of the region.
Twenty Arab and Muslim countries and the GCC-formed Peninsula Shield are participating in the drill, led by Saudi Arabia.
A spokesman for the Arab coalition forces, Ahmad Assiri, said the aim of the exercise is to achieve the highest level of preparedness, exchange expertise and promote coordination among the participating countries.
Political observers and experts said the military exercise aims at delivering certain indirect messages at the regional and international levels, along with reaching a high level of readiness among the participating armed forces. The stage chosen for the exercise, Hafr Al-Batin in northern Saudi Arabia, adjacent to Iraq, near Iran and Syrian is also a strategic move they said. http://www.arabnews.com/news/881886
February 17, 2016
(TRUNEWS) Armed forces leaders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in “Northern Thunder”.
It is one of the largest military training operations ever in the region. More than 350 thousand troops, over 2500 warplanes, 20 thousand tanks, and 460 helicopters are expected from over 20 nations. http://www.trunews.com/uae-forces-arrive-in-saudi-arabia-for-north-thunder/#mwJDJsXDf1sF9fkJ.99
Steps towards an Islamic confederation are happening. "Northern Thunder" had a great Islamic army. And a great one is prophesied for the future (Daniel 11:25-26).
But what does Bible specifically teach?
God prophesied that Abraham's son through Hagar, Ishmael, would grow into a great people:
20 For Ishmael too I grant you your request. I hereby bless him and will make him fruitful and exceedingly numerous. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I shall make him into a great nation. (Genesis 17:20, New Jerusalem Bible)
Ishmael's descendants dominate the Arab lands. And those lands are now primarily Islamic. Many in Islam think that the final caliphate will be at least a partial fulfillment of that biblical prophecy.
The Bible itself tells of a confederation that will form which includes many Islamic dominated lands which will be bent on destruction:
3 They are laying plans against your people, conspiring against those you cherish; 4 they say, 'Come, let us annihilate them as a nation, the name of Israel shall be remembered no more!' 5 They conspire with a single mind, they conclude an alliance against you, 6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, 7 Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia and the Tyrians; 8 even Assyria has joined them to reinforce the children of Lot.(Psalm 83:3-8, New Jerusalem Bible)
The Bible prophesies that two end time kings, one known as the King of the North (a European power) and one known as the King of the South (an Arabic leader) will make a deceitful deal. That deal could be related to Psalm 83 and/or could be related to the deal in Daniel 9:27 (see The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27).
The Bible prophesies something similar to what many Muslims want:
40 'When the time comes for the End, the king of the south will try conclusions with him; but the king of the north will come storming down on him with chariots, cavalry, and a large fleet. He will invade countries, overrun them and drive on. 41 He will invade the Land of Splendour, and many will fall; but Edom, Moab, and what remains of the sons of Ammon will escape him. 42 'He will reach out to attack countries: Egypt will not escape him. 43 The gold and silver treasures and all the valuables of Egypt will lie in his power. Libyans and Cushites will be at his feet: 44 but reports coming from the East and the north will worry him, and in great fury he will set out to bring ruin and complete destruction to many. (Daniel 11:40-44, New Jerusalem Bible).
This is a confederation of peoples/nations that occupy the Arabic, Nubian, and Turkish lands. It will have a massive army:
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)
Yet, notice that the above confederation does not end well.
Notice also the following:
2 'Son of man, prophesy and say, "The Lord Yahweh says this: Howl: Disaster day! 3 For the day is near, the day of Yahweh is near; it will be a day dark with cloud, a time of doom for the nations. 4 "The sword will come on Egypt, and anguish on the country of Cush when the slaughtered fall in Egypt, when her riches are carried away and her foundations are destroyed. 5 Cush, Put and Lud, all Arabia, Cub and the children of the country of the covenant will fall by the sword with them. 6 "Yahweh says this: "The supports of Egypt will fall; the pride of her strength will crumble; they will fall by the sword from Migdol to Syene -- declares the Lord Yahweh. 7 "They will be the most desolate of desolate countries, and its cities the most ruined of cities. 8 And they will know that I am Yahweh when I set fire to Egypt and all its supports are shattered. (Ezekiel 30:2-8, New Jerusalem Bible)
This is a confederation of peoples/nations that occupy the Arabic, Nubian/Cushite, Turkish lands, and may include some Persians. Notice again that that confederation does not end well.
Despite biblical warnings, some in the West seem to be advocating some type of Islamic confederation ( eg. US Military Chairman scales down threat from Islamic State and seems to be advocating the rise of the King of the South). Some in the West seem to believe that if there is a type of confederation/caliphate that terrorism will be better controlled. This is only have temporal effects and will not end well for the USA and UK per Psalm 83:3-8 nor for many of the members states in a coming caliphate per Daniel 11:40-43 and Ezeiel 30:3-8.
Muslims who are concerned about a coming caliphate are right to be concerned. It will not end well for its participants.
A related video is available titled Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Some items of related interest may include:
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
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.
War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs Is war really coming between the Arabs and the Europeans? What does Bible prophecy say about that? Do the Central Europeans (Assyria in prophecy) make a deal with the Arabs that will hurt the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Do Catholic or Islamic prophecies discuss a war between Europe and Islam? If so, what is the sequence of events that the Bible reveals? Who does the Bible, Catholic, and Islamic prophecy teach will win such a war?
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians?
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.
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.
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 Prophesied 'Islamic' Confederation. http://www.cogwriter.com/caliphate.htm COGwriter (c) 2014/2015/2016/2017/2018 1114