The Story of ‘Ād, Thamūd and Israel

The recent deployment of a U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery to Israel, following unprecedented missile attacks by Iran, reveals a profound shift in Israel’s defence posture. While Israel has long been perceived as militarily invincible, the need for U.S. intervention exposes vulnerabilities that undermine this perception. This moment echoes a timeless lesson found in the Qur’anic stories of ‘Ād and Thamūd—ancient peoples who, despite their immense strength and seeming invulnerability, ultimately fell due to their arrogance and the belief that material strength is paramount.

A Modern Parallel to the Story of ‘Ād and Thamūd

In the Qur’an, the tales of the peoples of ‘Ād and Thamūd serve as examples of arrogance and misplaced reliance on worldly power. Both communities possessed immense strength and resources, far beyond what was typical for their time. ‘Ād, known for their towering structures and physical prowess, boasted of their ability to withstand any threat. Thamūd, similarly, prided themselves on their technological advances, carving homes into mountains as symbols of their security. Yet, despite their power, they faced destruction when they defied warnings and placed their faith solely in their material strength, believing themselves to be invincible.

Israel’s position in the modern Middle East resembles ancient communities like ‘Ād and Thamūd in several ways. For decades, Israel has been viewed as an unassailable military force, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and bolstered by a belief in its superiority. Its advanced defence systems, such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, are perceived as protective barriers that make Israel nearly invulnerable to regional threats. However, much like ‘Ād and Thamūd discovered that no amount of worldly strength guarantees true invulnerability, Israel’s dependence on the U.S. THAAD system raises questions about its independent military strength. This belief in invincibility is further exemplified by statements from Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s assertion that “there is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East.” Such declarations highlight the arrogance often associated with military might, perpetuating the idea that power and technological superiority ensure security. Yet, this sense of invulnerability is increasingly being challenged, particularly in light of recent events that expose the limits of Israel’s military dominance.

The Erosion of Israel’s Military Invincibility

Israel’s Iron Dome and other air defence systems have provided a sense of security against regional threats, giving the impression of a nation fortified against all external dangers. However, Iran’s recent missile attacks have exposed gaps in Israel’s defences—gaps that even these advanced systems could not fully cover. The deployment of the U.S. THAAD battery, a foreign defence system brought in to shield Israel, is a clear sign that Israel’s self-sufficiency in defence is not absolute.

This moment challenges the narrative of Israeli invincibility, much like the downfall of ‘Ād and Thamūd challenges the belief in worldly strength. While Israel remains a powerful military force, the growing reliance on U.S. support reveals that Israel, regardless of how advanced, is truly immune to vulnerability.

In the Qur’anic narrative, the people of ‘Ād arrogantly asked, “Who is stronger than us?” (Qur’an 41:15), confident that their strength made them untouchable. Thamūd, similarly, believed their ability to carve homes out of mountains ensured their safety. However, both peoples learned that reliance on material power alone was their undoing. Their destruction came not from an outside force they could prepare for but from something beyond their control, against which their strength offered no protection.

Both the peoples of ‘Ād and Thamūd received clear warnings of impending destruction, yet they chose to disregard these messages, believing in their might and dismissing the significance of the she-camel as a divine sign. This arrogance ultimately led to their annihilation. Similarly, the necessity for the U.S. to supply Israel with its THAAD defence system underscores Israel’s failure to acknowledge its vulnerabilities. Instead of reflecting on its real weaknesses, Israel continues to project an image of invincibility and arrogance to the world, as if its military might justifies its actions. This reliance on advanced technology reveals a troubling denial of the consequences of its own policies and behaviours, mirroring the fate of those ancient tribes that met their demise due to their hubris.

THAAD vs. Hasbunallahu wa Ni’mal Wakeel

The Palestinians have consistently responded to the crimes committed against them with resilience and unwavering faith, even in the face of overwhelming military might. While Muslim rulers have often failed to uphold the Palestinian cause and, at times, have even contributed to their oppression, the Palestinians’ response to the brutality they face is encapsulated in the phrase “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel.” This declaration signifies their profound belief that their faith can withstand the most advanced weaponry and violence directed at them.

Israel and the U.S. struggle to comprehend this steadfastness, as it transcends mere physical resistance. Just as the Prophet Nuh warned the peoples of ‘Ād and Thamūd with words alone—warnings they could not grasp—Palestinians hold onto their faith in the face of immense challenges. It is this simple yet powerful expression, “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel,” that empowers Palestinians, rendering them invincible in spirit. Their strength does not stem from media portrayals of invincibility or support from leading nations but from an unshakeable iman (faith) that fosters resilience and unity. Even those in the West are astonished at how a nation that has been obliterated by weapons can still stand tall, smile, and turn to Allah in hope and prayer. This unwavering belief is what truly makes them formidable against oppression, embodying the conviction that, ultimately, justice and divine support will prevail over tyranny.

Israel’s perceived invincibility, bolstered by advanced military technology and international support, has been continuously challenged by the unwavering determination and resilience of the Palestinian people. The occupation has not only caused immense suffering but has also sparked a global awakening, with the Ummah uniting in support of Palestine. The phrase “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel,” which embodies the faith and steadfastness of the Palestinians, has become a powerful rallying cry for Muslims and justice advocates worldwide. Those of us beyond Palestine must actively embody this principle, recognising that the removal of colonial rulers and the establishment of sincere Islamic leadership will be the decisive force — the storm and earthquake — that brings an end to Israeli arrogance and occupation in the region.