Gharqad Trees & the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Aabid Mir et al., 2024 ✉
Awsaj, the Arabic name of Garqad, also known as, Box thorn tree or Lycium shawii is a thorny tree known for medicinal uses in desert environments, particularly in Yemen where leaves of similar species treat eye ailments, (the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein present in goji berries are known for protecting the eyes and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases). The Gharqad tree, a symbol of protection and concealment in Islamic eschatology, is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict narrative. It is often associated with the End Times and has become a powerful symbol in the Israeli-Palestinian discourse.
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Islam is the religion of mercy and peace & permits Jews and Christians to reside in Muslim lands without fear of expulsion or harm. This arrangement was formalized in the Pact of Omar رضي الله عنه, which outlined the rights and responsibilities of both parties. If Jews and Christians upheld the specified conditions, they were entitled to security and the right to remain in those lands. Hence, Islam offered protection to Ahl-adh-dhimmah in Muslim lands and defended their rights if they adhered to the conditions of residence, to the extent that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
مَنْ قَتَلَ مُعَاهَدًا لَمْ
يَرَحْ رَائِحَةَ الْجَنَّةِ ، وَإِنَّ رِيحَهَا تُوجَدُ مِنْ مَسِيرَةِ أَرْبَعِينَ
عَامًا
“Whoever kills a mu‘ahid (non-Muslim living under Muslim rule) will not smell the fragrance of Paradise, even though its fragrance may be detected from a distance of forty years.” Narrated by al-Bukhari (3166).
And he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever wrongs a mu‘ahid, detracts from his rights, burdens him with more work than he can do or takes something from him without his consent, I will plead for him (the mu‘ahid) – or I will be the opponent of (the Muslim who wronged him) – on the Day of Resurrection.”
Narrated by Abu Dawood (3052); classed as hasan by Ibn Hajar in Muwafaqat al-Khabr (2/184); classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
But if they break the conditions – such as if they commit acts of betrayal or treachery, or they prepare to fight us or help our enemies, and the like – then they have broken the treaty, and in that case, there is no treaty between us and them, and they do not deserve to reside in security as they did not uphold the treaty.
Some sheikhs firmly believe that Israel is strategically planting Gharqad trees around their settlements, creating a mystical shield against attacks. However, the pragmatic view which is far from reality reveals the tree's identity as the Nitraria retusa, a salt-tolerant shrub native to the region. The juxtaposition of symbolism and practicality surrounding the Gharqad tree reflects the complex layers of meaning and interpretation within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where narratives intertwine with historical, religious, and geopolitical realities.
The Gharqad or Boxthorn tree, is a species mentioned in the Hadith of Sahih Muslim The most direct reference to this is found in Sahih Muslim, one of the six major hadith collections in Sunni Islam, considered second only to Sahih al-Bukhari in terms of authenticity. The hadith follows as:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ : أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ ﷺ قَالَ: « لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يُقَاتِلَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ الْيَهُودَ فَيَقْتُلُهُمُ الْمُسْلِمُونَ، حَتَّى يَخْتَبِئَ الْيَهُودِيُّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ الْحَجَرِ وَالشَّجَرِ فَيَقُولُ الْحَجَرُ أَوِ الشَّجَرُ: يَا مُسْلِمُ يَا عَبْدَ اللهِ، هَذَا يَهُودِيٌّ خَلْفِي فَتَعَالَ فَاقْتُلْهُ، إِلَّا الْغَرْقَدَ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرِ الْيَهُودِ .» [صحيح مسلم، كِتَابُ الْفِتَنِ وَأَشْرَاطِ السَّاعَةِ (٥٢)، حديث: 2922]
Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
The last hour would not come unless the Muslims fought against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews. [Sahih Muslim, (The Book of Tribulations and Portents of the Last Hour), Book-52, Hadith- 2922]
The Gharqad tree is believed to protect Jews during an apocalyptic battle near the Day of Judgement. Abu Huraira's Hadith reveals that all stones and trees, except the Gharqad tree, will miraculously reveal the location of Jews seeking refuge.
The actual quote in Arabic is: "إِلاَّ الْغَرْقَدَ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرِ الْيَهُودِ" which translates to "but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews" in English. This Hadith describes a scenario where during a great apocalyptic battle, all stones, and trees, except for the Gharqad tree, will speak to reveal the location of Jews seeking refuge behind them.
Context of Hadith
Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه, one of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ companions, mentions the Gharqad tree in the context of a prophecy about a great apocalyptic battle known as al-Malhamat al-Kubra, which is prophesied to occur close to the Day of Judgement. This prophecy involves the Gharqad tree protecting the Jews from the Muslims during this significant event. This hadith is one of the narrations that discusses events related to the end times within Islamic eschatology. It is important to approach such texts with a nuanced understanding of their historical, theological, and contextual significance.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Interpretations
Interpreting
hadiths, especially those with eschatological themes like the one about Muslims
fighting Jews and the speaking stones and trees, through a metaphorical,
symbolic, or allegorical lens is an approach taken by some scholars and
thinkers within the Islamic tradition. This interpretive approach suggests that
the hadith's imagery and scenarios should not necessarily be understood as
literal future events but rather as symbols carrying deeper moral, spiritual,
or ethical meanings.
Perspectives on how this hadith could be interpreted metaphorically, symbolically, or allegorically:
The scenario described in the hadith may symbolize the eternal struggle
between truth and falsehood, righteousness, and wickedness. From this
viewpoint, the confrontation between Muslims and Jews might represent the
broader conflict between believers upholding divine guidance and those opposing
it. The speaking stones and trees might symbolize the natural world bearing
witness to the truth and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.
2. Unity and Division
The distinction made between the Gharqad tree and other trees could
symbolize the nature of unity and division among people based on their moral
choices and allegiances. This interpretation might suggest that in times of
moral and ethical trials, one's true allegiance—whether to principles of truth
and justice or falsehood and injustice—will be revealed, just as the trees
reveal the hiding individuals in the hadith.
3. Divine Support and Witness
The aspect
of nature (stones and trees) speaking could be understood as symbolizing the
idea that all of creation is aware of and responds to the moral order
established by God. This could underscore the belief that divine support and
witness are always present and that the natural world itself is a participant
in the unfolding of divine will.
4. Allegory of End Times
In a broader eschatological context, the hadith might be seen as part of
the allegorical imagery that characterizes many religious traditions'
visions of the end times. This perspective would interpret the events described
as part of the complex weaving of signs and trials that will precede the Day of
Judgment, emphasizing the need for moral readiness and spiritual awareness.
5. Call to Ethical Conduct
Some might interpret the hadith allegorically as a call to
ethical conduct and steadfastness in faith, rather than a call to conflict.
This interpretation focuses on the moral and spiritual preparation believers
must undertake to navigate the trials of the world, including standing firm in
the face of injustice and falsehood.
Hadith interpretations, including allegorical, metaphorical, and
symbolic readings, vary among scholars and Islamic intellectual traditions.
They are influenced by theological, philosophical, and ethical frameworks.
Context, scholarly consensus, and a nuanced understanding of language and
history are crucial for interpreting these complex narratives.
Gharqad Plantation in Israel
The planting of the Gharqad tree (Boxthorn
tree) by Israel is closely linked to interpretations of a hadith mentioning the tree in the context of a prophesied
end-times battle between Muslims and Jews. This hadith prophesies that in the
end times, all trees and stones will call out to Muslims to come and eliminate
Jews hiding behind them, except for the Gharqad tree, which will not betray the
Jews behind it, being termed "the tree of the Jews."
Symbolic Significance: The act of planting Gharqad trees by Israel
is often interpreted symbolically, drawing on its mentioned protection in the
hadith. This symbolism is frequently referenced in discussions and propaganda
relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rather than indicating any
strategic military or defensive objectives.
Practical Planting Reasons: Beyond any religious or prophetic
narratives, the planting of Gharqad trees and other vegetation in Israel may
serve various practical purposes. These include combating desertification,
enhancing shade and greenery, and contributing to landscaping, indicating a
range of motivations beyond religious texts.
Diverse Interpretations: The hadith's eschatological interpretations,
especially concerning the Gharqad tree, are varied among Islamic scholars. This
diversity ranges from metaphorical to literal understandings, reflecting the
broad spectrum of theological perspectives within Islam.
Complexity and Sensitivity: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, marked by
deep historical, political, and religious complexities, often sees such
narratives being used to signal allegiances or levy criticisms. The deployment
of religious narratives in the discourse surrounding this conflict highlights
the multifaceted interplay between religion, politics, and history.
Understanding
this narrative requires sensitivity and recognition of the multiple
interpretations and viewpoints that exist, particularly given the intricacies
of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of religious texts in
contemporary geopolitical discussions.
Interpreting religious texts like hadiths to foster peace and resolve
conflicts requires a nuanced understanding of their spiritual, moral, and
social teachings. The hadith regarding the Gharqad tree, when viewed through a
lens of peace and reconciliation, can offer several lessons that might
contribute to saving humanity from conflicts.
The narrative can encourage believers to cultivate empathy and
understanding towards others, including those from different faiths or
communities. By recognizing the symbolic nature of such texts, individuals can
focus on the shared values of compassion and mercy that are central to many
religions.
This hadith, like many religious texts, underscores the importance of
recognizing our common humanity. Despite the conflicts depicted or predicted,
the overarching message of peace present in the broader religious tradition can
serve as a reminder of our shared goals of harmony and coexistence.
The mention of trees and stones can be interpreted as a call to
stewardship of the Earth, emphasizing the importance of preserving our
environment. This shared responsibility can unite people across different
backgrounds in a common cause, reducing conflicts arising from environmental
degradation and resource scarcity.
The hadith’s context in eschatological narratives can inspire interfaith
dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. Understanding the symbolic meanings and
historical contexts of such texts can foster conversations about peace,
tolerance, and coexistence, crucial for resolving conflicts.
Promoting critical thinking and nuanced interpretation of religious
texts can prevent the misuse of scripture in justifying conflicts. By promoting
education and scholarly debate, communities can better understand the
allegorical and metaphorical aspects of these narratives, focusing on messages
of peace and unity. This can be applied through interfaith initiatives,
environmental conservation efforts, peace education programs, and advocacy for
understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.
Conclusion
Religious texts, such as the Hadith of the Gharqad tree, can inspire
actions and dialogues that promote peace, mutual understanding, and humanity's
advancement. By interpreting these texts within Islamic eschatology and
prophesied events, individuals can engage in discussions that promote
tolerance, respect, and empathy towards different faith traditions. This
narrative encourages believers to treat others with kindness and compassion,
regardless of religious differences. By delving deeper into the meanings of
these texts, individuals can transcend divisive interpretations and focus on
building bridges of understanding and cooperation. Through education, dialogue,
and mutual respect, these challenging aspects of religious texts can be
reframed as opportunities for harmony, empathy, and peaceful coexistence among
diverse communities.
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