The War in the Levant: How Did Prophet Muhammad Foresee the Future of the Region?

To this day, rigid theories created by prominent thinkers in Europe and America dominate the realms of politics, economics, and social sciences. These theories present deterministic and fixed views of the future, offering inescapable explanations for the course of history. Examples include Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History,” which gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century by claiming the inevitability of capitalism as the ultimate endpoint of human history. Similarly, Karl Marx’s theory of class struggle posits the eventual rise of communism as an inevitability. Another prominent example is the “conspiracy theory,” which has garnered significant attention from researchers in political, social, and economic fields. This theory attributes every event in the world to hidden forces controlling the affairs of humanity—whether extraterrestrial beings, Jews, wealthy elites, or prominent ruling families that drive the global economy and politics.

All these rigid theories, which try to appear as certainties, fail to withstand the compelling and definitive interpretation of history and its conclusion that was brought forth by a great man from the Arabian Peninsula—Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Long before these theorists emerged with their ideas, Prophet Muhammad provided explanations and predictions more than 14 centuries ago, all of which have come true with remarkable precision. His authentic sayings (ahadith) have foretold the end of history and the world with unparalleled accuracy, even as modern science continues to uncover some of their mysteries and mechanisms for future events. This is why the definitive explanation provided by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remains the most complete and truthful. It demands deeper reflection and effort to understand, as it is divinely inspired revelation.

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The Divine Nature of the Events in the Levant

What is happening in the Levant (Al-Sham) is part of Allah’s divine plan, unfolding according to His wisdom and a precise chronological sequence. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us of this in numerous authentic narrations highlighting the virtues of the Levant and its people. Some people understand these narrations, while others remain heedless of them. The chosen servants of Allah reside in the Levant, and during times of great conflicts—like the current wars—they are the ones who will defend Islam and the Muslims.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There will always remain a group from my Ummah steadfast upon Allah’s commands, unharmed by those who oppose them, fighting their enemies. Every time a war ends, another begins. Allah leads the hearts of some people astray to grant these steadfast believers victory until the Hour comes. It will strike them like the darkness of the night, causing them to panic. They will arm themselves with shields and prepare for battle. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘They are the people of the Levant.’ Then he gestured toward the Levant until his finger hurt.”

This narration indicates that the ongoing war will not cease, even if there are intermittent pauses due to international interventions.

The Virtue of the People of the Levant

Blessed are the people of the Levant, for Allah has guaranteed their protection. Whoever is under Allah’s protection will not be lost. They are, as mentioned in the authentic hadith, among Allah’s chosen creation. Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The chosen land of Allah is the Levant, and in it are His chosen servants. A group from my Ummah will enter Paradise without judgment or punishment.” (Narrated by Al-Tabarani)

Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Blessed is the Levant! Blessed is the Levant! Blessed is the Levant!” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, why is that?” He replied:

“Because the angels of Allah spread their wings over the Levant.”

Abdullah ibn Hawalah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“You will find armies: one in the Levant, one in Iraq, and one in Yemen.” Abdullah said: “I stood up and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, choose for me!’ He replied: ‘You must go to the Levant. If not, then go to Yemen and drink from its springs. Allah has guaranteed the Levant and its people.'” Rabi’ah, who narrated this hadith, added: “I heard Abu Idris narrating this hadith and saying: ‘Whoever Allah guarantees will never be forsaken.'”

Why Do Some Flee the Blessed Land?

Despite all the virtues bestowed by Allah upon the people of the Levant, why do our brothers flee this blessed land upon which angels spread their wings? The divine answer comes through the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him):

“Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported hearing the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: ‘When the great battles occur, Allah will send forth an army from Damascus comprised of freed slaves who are the most noble of Arabs in steeds and the best in weaponry. Allah will support the religion through them.'”

This hadith clearly indicates that the people of the Levant will become few due to forced migration or illegal immigration, as described by some nations. This has already happened before. Then, a group of freed slaves, Muslims from various parts of the world (not those who have appeared under black flags and shed the blood of Muslims), will come to establish the religion and fight the enemies of Islam. These individuals will be the people of Allah, bearing true faith in their hearts and adhering to the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in their words and actions.

Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“One day, the angels took the pillar of the Book (the Quran) and placed it in the Levant. When trials occur, faith will be in the Levant.”

The Two Competing Projects

This is the hidden truth many overlook: the migration of the people of the Levant is not merely a forced exodus. It fulfills two significant opposing projects:

1. The Persian Project: This aims to establish a Magian (Zoroastrian) state as the heirs of Kisra (Chosroes). However, this will not happen, by Allah’s will. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) foretold:
  
  “When Kisra dies, there will be no Kisra after him.”
  
  Despite Iran’s efforts in shedding blood, fighting Sunni Muslims, and forging secret and open alliances with communist, Christian, or Zionist powers, their project is doomed to fail as prophesied by the Prophet (peace be upon him).

1. The Zionist Project: This seeks to establish the state of Israel, with plans to dominate the entire world and spread unprecedented corruption. However, its end is also divinely foretold.

Allah says in the Quran what means: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder. Yet, whenever a reminder comes to them from their Lord, they turn away, heedless, and mock it.“ (Surah Al-Anbiya: 1-3)