In the labyrinth of Middle Eastern diplomacy, few concepts are as misunderstood—or as potentially consequential—as the Islamic notion of hudna. Derived from the Arabic word for "calm" or "quiet", a hudna is often simplistically translated as a ceasefire or truce. However, as tensions in the region continue to simmer, a deeper understanding of this concept becomes increasingly important for policymakers and diplomats alike.
The roots of hudna can be traced back to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in 628 CE, a pivotal agreement between the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. This treaty, intended to last ten years, allowed Muslims to perform pilgrimage to Mecca and established a truce between the two parties. However, the peace was short-lived; within two years, Muhammad's forces conquered Mecca, citing violations of the agreement.
Dr. Mordechai Kedar, an Israeli scholar of Arab culture at Bar-Ilan University, argues that this historical precedent continues to shape Islamic jurisprudence and diplomatic strategy today. According to Kedar, the hudna is not viewed as a path to permanent peace, but rather as a tactical maneuver to be employed when Muslims find themselves in a position of weakness.
"If you, the Muslim, are weak and the infidel is too strong, you can give him a temporary peace," Kedar explains. "The second thing is, if the infidel falls asleep on guard, you can do whatever you like to him, even within the time of the temporary peace, because this is what Muhammad did."
This interpretation suggests that a hudna is less a genuine peace offering and more a strategic pause—a time for regrouping and strengthening one's position. It's a perspective that casts a shadow over contemporary peace negotiations in the region, raising questions about the long-term viability of agreements based on this concept.
Critics argue that this view oversimplifies a complex theological and historical concept, potentially exacerbating mistrust between parties. Proponents, however, insist that understanding the hudna in its original context is crucial for realistic diplomatic engagement.
The implications extend beyond mere semantics. In an era where the West often seeks permanent resolutions to conflicts, the concept of hudna introduces a fundamentally different approach to peace—one that is inherently temporary and conditional. This lack of understanding can lead to misaligned expectations and failed negotiations.
2 comments:
The second paragraph outlines a future hudna between 666 and Israel. The first hudna ten years lasted only two. The upcoming hudna seven years will last only three and one-half.
One physical result of hudna - constructing a mosque on the Temple Mount to thwart any attempt to construct a Third Temple that will house the true Messiah Jesus Christ upon His return.
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