WHAT WOULD MOSES, JESUS, AND MUHAMMAD SAY ABOUT PALESTINE TODAY?

 

WHAT WOULD MOSES, JESUS, AND MUHAMMAD SAY ABOUT PALESTINE TODAY?

In the face of the ongoing tragedy in Palestine, where civilians—men, women, and children—continue to suffer the consequences of war, displacement, and occupation, we are compelled to ask: WHAT WOULD MOSES, JESUS, AND MUHAMMAD SAY IF THEY WERE ALIVE TODAY?

These three spiritual leaders, revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, stood for timeless principles: justice for the oppressed, mercy for the suffering, and a profound reverence for human life.

Moses, the prophet who led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, knew deeply the pain of persecution and exile. His message, as recorded in the Torah, still echoes today: “Do not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of a stranger—you were strangers in Egypt” (Exodus 23:9).

The Talmud reinforces this ethic of life, stating, “Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the entire world” (Sanhedrin 37a). Moses would likely call out the injustice of collective punishment and displacement, reminding us that true power lies in humility before God and protection of the weak—not in domination over others.

Jesus of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem under Roman occupation, championed radical compassion, peace, and love for one’s enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, he taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

He reminded his followers that what we do for “the least of these” is what we do for him (Matthew 25:40). Were Jesus present today, he would mourn with victims on all sides, comfort the grieving, and challenge political and religious leaders to act with mercy. He would stand firmly against violence, even in the name of righteousness, and urge all to choose the path of reconciliation.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who brought the Qur’an to a fractured Arabian Peninsula, consistently advocated for the dignity of the oppressed while insisting on strict ethical guidelines in conflict. The Qur’an teaches, “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness” (Qur’an 5:8), and “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress. God does not love transgressors” (Qur’an 2:190). Muhammad ﷺ forbade the killing of women, children, and non-combatants, and encouraged peace when possible: “If they incline to peace, then incline to it also” (Qur’an 8:61).

Today, he would likely denounce the indiscriminate killing of civilians and call all sides to justice grounded in mercy and mutual respect.

While they lived centuries apart, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad would find unity in this moment—not in allegiance to one side, but in their shared horror at the suffering of innocents.

They would cry for every child lost, every family shattered, and every soul dehumanized by hatred. They would demand moral accountability, urge restraint, and call on us to reject vengeance. Most importantly, they would remind us that peace is not possible without justice—and justice is not justice unless it applies equally to all.

The deeper question, then, is not merely what they would say—but whether we, in our political decisions, our prayers, and our principles, are willing to listen.

And to the descendants of Moses—the Children of Israel—the Qur’an offers this eternal reminder, one that speaks across time, conflict, and ideology:

“Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul—unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32), Sahih International

Let all who claim to follow these prophets take heed. Let us remember the sacred worth of every life—and act accordingly.

Peace.

Anas Zubedy

Penang