Sami Hamdi | Gaza’s Uprising, The Ummah’s Response & MBS’s 2030 Vision | BB #106
Oct 14, 2023
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In this episode, Dilly Hussain discusses the Palestine-Israel war, Israeli intelligence failure, and the civilizational struggle. They also talk about the safety of Jews under Muslim rule, Sami's involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Saudi-Israel normalisation. Additionally, they touch on Mohammed bin Salman's unIslamic '2030 Vision' for Saudi Arabia.
The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine signifies a significant turning point and challenges the notion that the Palestinian cause is dying.
The perception of the Israel-Palestine conflict varies globally, with Muslims supporting it as a struggle for justice while others view it as a civilizational or religious war.
External powers and changing dynamics influence the support for Israel and Palestine, with Saudi Arabia prioritizing economic interests and normalization with Israel over the Palestinian cause.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's '2030 Vision' for Saudi Arabia raises concerns about the future of Islam in the country, as his reforms contradict Islamic teachings and sideline Islamic scholars.
Deep dives
Palestinians taking back land from Israeli occupation for the first time since 1948
The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine feels different because it's the first time since 1948 that the Palestinians have been able to take back land from Israeli occupation. Even if they don't keep that land, it is significant enough for Netanyahu to declare war, as it challenges the belief that the Palestinian cause was dying.
Civilizational interpretation of events and the perception divide
The interpretation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is starkly divided. Muslims around the world celebrate and show solidarity, while some in the Western world see it as Muslims celebrating terrorism against Israel. This divide stems from the perception that Palestinians are fighting for justice against oppression, while others see it as a civilizational or religious war.
The influence of external powers and changing dynamics
The support for Israel and Palestine is influenced by various external powers. Saudi Arabia, for example, is prioritizing economic interests and normalization with Israel over the Palestinian cause. The US is focused on stability and supporting its allies, while some European nations carry the burden of historical guilt. The changing dynamics and shifting alliances contribute to the interpretation divide.
The importance of justice and framing the conflict
At the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict is the call for justice. Islam, as a religion, emphasizes justice and fairness. The aim is not to kick Jews out of the land, but to restore Palestinian homes and rights. The focus should be on justice, rather than framing it as a civilizational or religious confrontation. Islam upholds justice as a foundational principle, and this perspective can help bridge the interpretation divide.
Bin Salman's reforms: Restricting and constraining Islam in Saudi Arabia
Bin Salman's vision for Saudi Arabia, known as Vision 2030, seeks to transform the country into a prosperous and powerful nation. However, the way he is implementing his reforms raises concerns about the future of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Bin Salman's focus on Westernization and the introduction of entertainment initiatives like raves and concerts contradict the principles of Islamic teachings. The restrictions on mosques, including limiting the volume of the call to prayer and banning Quran recitation through loudspeakers, further restrict the presence of Islam in public spaces. These measures reflect a shift away from the Islamic identity of the country and an attempt to please Western audiences. As Bin Salman tries to modernize Saudi Arabia, he sidelines Islamic scholars and restricts religious freedom, highlighting a dangerous trend that undermines the Islamic foundation of the country.
Bin Salman's alignment with American interests
Bin Salman's reforms and aligning with Western ideals primarily serve the interests of the United States. His aim is to gain American support and protection against potential threats, particularly from Iran. Bin Salman seeks economic investment, military technology, and political backing from the United States. By pleasing the Americans, he hopes to secure Saudi Arabia's stability and protect his government. However, this alignment with American interests compromises the Islamic identity of the nation and raises concerns about Saudi Arabia's independence and loyalty to its religious roots.
The hypocrisy of Bin Salman's reforms
Bin Salman's reforms claim to modernize Saudi Arabia, but they often contradict Islamic teachings and principles. His emphasis on promoting entertainment initiatives and Western-style prosperity leaves little room for prioritizing justice, societal well-being, and the ethical conduct emphasized in Islamic teachings. The crackdown on dissent and imprisonment of scholars critical of the regime demonstrate a disregard for Islamic values of freedom of expression and intellectual diversity. While claiming to reform Salafism, Bin Salman is actually suppressing Islamic voices that could contribute to a more positive and balanced representation of Islam.
The future implications of Bin Salman's reforms
The path Bin Salman is leading Saudi Arabia down raises serious concerns for the future of the country, both domestically and within the wider Muslim community. As he continues to implement his reforms, which prioritize Western ideals and restrict Islamic practices, the Islamic identity of Saudi Arabia is at risk of being eroded. This shift away from Saudi Arabia's religious foundations could have profound implications for Muslims globally, as the country is considered the custodian of Islamic holy sites and holds significant influence in the Muslim world. It is crucial for Muslims and the international community to critically assess and address these developments to ensure the preservation of Islam's core principles and values.
In this timely episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain speaks with political commentator and broadcaster Sami Hamdi. #Gaza#Palestine#SaudiArabia
Topics of discussion include:
Operation Al Aqsa Flood and the Palestine-Israel war.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel at the U.N.
Israeli intelligence failure, Egyptian tip-off, and conspiracies.
Is the Palestinian struggle a religious and civilisational struggle?
Islam, justice, and the safety of Jews under Muslim rule.
Is Sami a part of the Muslim Brotherhood (the Ikhwan)?
Saudi-Israel normalisation, and MBS vs MBZ Cold War.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unIslamic ‘2030 Vision’ for Saudi Arabia.
