This article explores the exclusive claim to victimhood held by many Muslims, looking at how historical injustices, religious teachings, and modern political dynamics come together to form a powerful and often contentious narrative.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In a world fraught with conflicts and historical grievances, narratives of victimhood significantly shape perceptions and fuel ongoing disputes. This is particularly evident in the deeply rooted tensions between Muslims and Jews over Israel. This article delves into the exclusive claim to victimhood often held by many Muslims, examining how historical injustices, religious teachings, and modern political dynamics converge to create a powerful and contentious narrative. By unpacking these layers, we aim to illuminate how these perceptions affect Muslim-Jewish relations and the broader geopolitical landscape, and explore how these narratives define past and present conflicts and hold the key to future reconciliation and dialogue.
Stories are more than mere tales; they shape our understanding of the world and guide our actions. In the context of Muslim views on Israel, the narrative of exclusive victimhood profoundly influences behaviors, attitudes, and policies.
The early years of Islam are marked by stories of persecution and struggle, which are central to Muslims' religious identity. The Quran and Hadith recount the hardships faced by the Prophet Muhammad and his early followers, particularly during their time in Mecca. These stories form the foundation of a collective identity centered on resilience and faith.
Quranic Verses:
Early Muslims faced severe opposition from the Quraysh tribe. Verses like Quran 8:30 illustrate the plots against Muhammad: "And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners."
The migration (Hijra) to Medina, which marked a turning point in Islamic history, is depicted as a divinely guided escape from persecution (Quran 9:20). This move was not just a physical relocation but a spiritual journey from oppression to the establishment of a just society.
Hadith Stories:
The Hadith literature elaborates on these struggles, emphasizing themes of patience and perseverance. For example, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim recount numerous instances of the Prophet's endurance in adversity. These stories reinforce that suffering for one's faith is a noble and necessary trial.
One poignant story often recounted is that of Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave who was tortured for embracing Islam. Despite being laid on burning sands with a heavy rock on his chest, Bilal remained steadfast, repeating "Ahad, Ahad" (One, One), signifying the oneness of God. Bilal's story symbolizes the early Muslim experience and is invoked to inspire resilience in the face of modern challenges.
Islamic eschatological teachings predict severe trials and tribulations for Muslims before the Day of Judgment, reinforcing the sense of ongoing struggle and persecution.
Quranic Verses on End Times:
Verses such as Quran 81:1-14 describe catastrophic events that will precede the end times, suggesting that the faithful will endure great trials.
Hadith on End Times:
Hadith literature, including collections by Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, detail various forms of persecution and hardship that Muslims will face, painting a picture of continuous trials that test the faith of believers.
The Quran and Hadith stress the virtues of patience (sabr) and perseverance in the face of adversity, fostering a sense of enduring victimhood as intrinsic to Muslim identity.
Quranic Teachings:
Quran 2:214 states: "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, 'When is the help of Allah?' Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near."
Quran 29:2-3 reinforces this: "Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe,' and they will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars."
The story of Khadijah, the Prophet Muhammad's first wife, is often highlighted for her unwavering support and patience. Despite the boycott and suffering endured by the early Muslim community in Mecca, Khadijah's steadfastness and support for the Prophet are celebrated as ideals of patience and faith.
The collective memory of colonialism plays a crucial role in shaping the sense of victimhood among Muslims. The subjugation and exploitation of Muslim-majority regions by European powers have left a lasting impact on the collective consciousness of these communities.
Colonial Disruption:
Scholars like Albert Hourani and Edward Said have extensively documented colonialism's adverse effects on Middle Eastern societies. These effects include economic exploitation, social disruption, and cultural erosion, all contributing to a narrative of historical victimhood (Hourani, 1991; Said, 1978).
The British mandate in Palestine and the Sykes-Picot Agreement are often cited as examples of how colonial powers disregarded the aspirations of the local populations, leading to long-lasting grievances. The arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers often ignored ethnic and sectarian divisions, sowing seeds of future conflicts.
The struggle for independence and subsequent political instability further entrenched the perception of victimhood. Establishing new nation-states often involved conflicts and displacement, with the Arab-Israeli conflict being pivotal.
Nakba and Palestinian Displacement:
The creation of Israel in 1948 and the displacement of Palestinians (Nakba) are seen as direct injustices, reinforcing the narrative of Muslim victimhood and resistance against foreign domination (Khalidi, 1992).
Personal stories from the Nakba, such as those of families forced to flee their homes in Haifa and Jaffa, illustrate the deep personal and collective trauma that continues to shape Palestinian identity. These narratives are passed down through generations, maintaining the sense of injustice and loss.
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is central to the narrative of Muslim victimhood. The perception of injustice against Palestinians serves as a powerful symbol of contemporary oppression.
Occupation and Settlements:
The occupation of Palestinian territories and the expansion of Israeli settlements are viewed as direct injustices against Muslims, framing the conflict as a struggle for liberation and justice (Pappé, 2006; Finkelstein, 2003).
The story of Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian teenager imprisoned for slapping an Israeli soldier, became a symbol of resistance for many Palestinians. Her defiance and subsequent imprisonment highlighted the broader struggle against occupation, resonating deeply with the narrative of victimhood and resistance.
Political leaders and groups often exploit the narrative of Muslim victimhood to mobilize support and justify actions against perceived enemies. This dynamic is evident in both state and non-state actors.
Mobilization by Groups:
Organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah frame their resistance against Israel within the narrative of enduring Muslim victimhood, emphasizing solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli policies (Hroub, 2006; Norton, 2007).
The use of imagery and stories in political rhetoric, such as the destruction in Gaza or the plight of Palestinian refugees, serves to galvanize support and maintain a unified front against perceived oppressors. Leaders like Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah often invoke historical and contemporary grievances to rally support and justify their actions.
The recognition of Jewish victimhood, mainly through the Holocaust, sometimes clashes with the narrative of Muslim victimhood. While acknowledging Jewish suffering, the establishment of Israel is viewed as perpetuating Palestinian suffering.
In extreme cases, Holocaust denial or minimization is used to maintain the narrative of Muslim victimhood. This perspective is driven by the belief that acknowledging Jewish suffering undermines the Palestinian cause and the broader Muslim narrative of oppression (Khalidi, 1997; Said, 1979).
The controversial statements of leaders like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who questioned the Holocaust's historical accuracy, reflect this tension. Such statements, while politically motivated, underscore the deep-seated belief that recognizing Jewish suffering might dilute the Muslim narrative of victimhood.
The belief in exclusive victimhood creates a zero-sum game where acknowledging Jewish suffering is seen as detracting from Muslim grievances. This perspective hinders empathy and mutual understanding between Muslim and Jewish communities.
Impact on Dialogue:
The zero-sum perception of victimhood perpetuates antagonism and conflict. The reluctance to recognize the legitimacy of the other's suffering undermines efforts to foster dialogue and empathy (Elman, 2011).
Initiatives like the Bereaved Families Forum, where Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones to the conflict come together to share their grief and advocate for peace, show the potential for bridging these divides. However, such initiatives often face resistance due to the entrenched narratives of exclusive victimhood.
The narrative of exclusive victimhood is a powerful force in shaping Muslim views on Israel. Rooted in religious teachings, historical experiences, and contemporary socio-political realities, this narrative profoundly impacts Muslim-Jewish relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Recognizing and addressing these narratives is crucial for fostering understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.