The dove is a bird recognized by humanity as a symbol of peace. The tribes of Mecca engaged in prolonged conflict and bloodshed until they agreed upon a treaty known as the “Hilf al-Fudul.” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was 20 years old when he participated in this treaty. The treaty comprised five clauses:

1. We will support the oppressed, regardless of their tribe, until they receive their due rights.
2. We will protect travelers.
3. We will establish peace and order in the country in every respect.
4. We will continue to help the needy and the weak.
5. We will not allow any oppressor or usurper to reside in Mecca.

Dear readers, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) valued his participation in this treaty so much that even during his prophethood and leadership, he said, “If I am invited to such a treaty even today, I would accept it” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi, Musnad Ahmad). In the current situation, peace-loving Muslims and Christians have played the role of the peace dove, reminiscent of the late Yasser Arafat, who made the dove carrying an olive branch the symbol of his organization. The message was that a chapter of the Quran, Al-Tin, was revealed to the Prophet, where after mentioning figs, Allah swears by the olive, followed by a mention of Mecca, the secure city. Thus, we Muslims desire peace throughout the Middle East. When peace prevails here, it will spread throughout the world.

I asked the Grand Mufti of Gaza, Mahmoud Yusuf Muhammad Al-Shubaki, about the nature of cooperation with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi. He told me that they are providing all kinds of assistance. Over the past two or three years, they have become the dove of peace. King Salman bin Abdulaziz also immediately expressed his intention to become the peace dove when Pakistani leaders, in collaboration with Chinese President Xi Jinping, played a role in mediating peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Thus, Pakistan also played the role of the dove. President Ebrahim Raisi, who is no longer with us, visited Pakistan a few weeks ago with a high-level delegation. The tensions caused by border terrorism proved to be temporary as President Raisi’s visit greatly improved Pakistan-Iran relations. The flight of the dove proved so beneficial that Pakistan-Iran relations began to soar to new heights. Raisi and General Asim Munir handed the olive branch to the Pakistan-Iran dove, symbolizing peace in the world. We pray to Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate, to grant martyrdom to all those who perished in the unfortunate incident, Ameen.

Respected Ebrahim Raisi also significantly improved relations with neighboring Azerbaijan, which undoubtedly involved Pakistan’s role, as Pakistan had greatly supported Azerbaijan against Armenia. Now Iran and Azerbaijan have inaugurated a joint dam. The dove of peace was in flight when the call from Allah came, and Ebrahim Raisi’s soul ascended to the heavens, while his earthly remains were buried in Mashhad. I hope and believe that the role of the peace dove will continue to soar with Allah’s grace, Insha’Allah. Raisi’s burial took place on Thursday, while the day before, on Wednesday, three European countries—Spain, Norway, and Ireland—announced to the world that Israel had committed atrocities against the oppressed people of Gaza. They declared their recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. Ismail Haniyeh was performing Raisi’s funeral prayers in Tehran when the world broadcasted this news as breaking news. Netanyahu and his defense minister were recognized for their war crimes against Palestinians, and the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for them. This was a major victory for the weak, peaceful, and oppressed Palestinian doves.

Companion of the Prophet, Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him), was a prominent general under the command of Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who conquered regions such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Gaza, including Palestine.

Eventually, Egypt was conquered, and he became its governor. These areas were taken from Christian rulers, and he had observed their behaviors closely. Companion Mistawrid (may Allah be pleased with him) said to Amr ibn al-As, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say, ‘The Hour will come when the Romans (Christians) will be the majority of people.'” Amr ibn al-As said, “Consider what you are saying.” Mistawrid replied, “I am saying what I heard from the Messenger of Allah.” Amr ibn al-As said, “If you have heard this from the Prophet, then listen to four qualities I have observed about them, based on my experiences, and a fifth, beautiful quality at the end: 1. They are the most resilient people during trials. 2. They recover quickly from calamities compared to other nations. 3. They are swift to counterattack after retreating in battle. 4. They are the most charitable to the poor, weak, and orphans compared to other nations. 5. They are the most effective at preventing the oppression of kings” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan).

To the Muslim world and other non-Christian nations, I would say that they should heed the words of the Last Prophet (peace be upon him). Today is the era close to the end of times, and the Christian world remains the largest population. Additionally, consider the analysis of the Prophet’s companion, which history will attest to. I urge the Muslims, especially in our country Pakistan and those involved in foreign affairs, to consider these facts when formulating policies and to avoid emotional decisions.

In conclusion, I commend the students of all American universities who have played a significant role for the oppressed and destitute women and children, orphans, and the needy in Palestine. I salute their public and private support. The UN and its agencies’ personnel who lost their lives while serving there deserve our respect, as do their families. The American private organization National Kitchen provided invaluable assistance in Gaza and Rafah, setting up temporary kitchens and distributing food shortly after the outbreak of war. Despite injuries and death, they continued their service. To them, we offer our heartfelt respect and love. The Christian countries of Latin America, the people of South Africa, and some of their leaders also played commendable roles. The citizens of countries whose rulers gave Netanyahu free rein also protested against their leaders. All these are doves of peace. Their roles are fostering the dawn of a free Palestine. Hence, I say that global humanity is interconnected. Many tributes to this peaceful dove, with the prayer that its flight continues.

Written By:Moulana Ameer Hamza