Article by Mansoor Hussain Laghari
The word Zionism has been so distorted that many people condemn it without ever understanding what it actually means.
So let's make it simple.
Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have the right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland: Israel.
That's it.
Not colonialism.
Not racism.
Not supremacy.
The same right every other nation on earth claims for itself.
The Jewish people are one of the oldest continuous civilizations in human history. They maintained their identity, language, faith, and connection to the Land of Israel for thousands of years despite exile, persecution, massacres, expulsions, and the Holocaust.
Yet somehow, the world decided that Jewish self-determination is the one national movement that must be questioned.
As a Muslim, I find it remarkable that many who attack Zionism ignore what the Quran itself says.
Allah tells the Children of Israel:
«"O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you."
(Quran 5:21)»
Allah further states:
«"And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, 'Dwell securely in the land.'"
(Quran 17:104)»
And the Quran repeatedly acknowledges that Allah bestowed special blessings upon the Children of Israel:
«"O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds."
(Quran 2:47)»
«"And We gave the people who had been oppressed inheritance of the eastern and western regions of the land which We had blessed."
(Quran 7:137)»
Whether people like it or not, the connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel is not merely historical. It is recognized throughout Jewish history, Christian scripture, and Islamic scripture.
You do not have to agree with every Israeli government policy.
I certainly do not agree with every government on earth.
But if you believe:
Jews have the right to exist Jews have the right to safety Jews have the right to defend themselves Jews have the right to self-determination Jews have the right to live in their ancestral homelandThen you already understand the core principle of Zionism.
The truth is that much of what is called "anti-Zionism" today is simply opposition to the existence of a Jewish state - something no other people on earth are asked to justify.
More than 50 Muslim-majority countries exist.
Dozens of Christian-majority countries exist.
Hundreds of ethnic and national homelands exist.
Yet one tiny Jewish state is treated as a global problem.
That is not a standard.
That is a double standard.
And history has taught us where double standards against Jews often lead.
Israel is not going anywhere. The Jewish people are not going anywhere.
The future belongs to those willing to build bridges, reject extremism, and recognize the legitimate rights of all peoples.
As a Muslim Zionist, I stand unapologetically for the Jewish people's right to live, thrive, and defend themselves in their historic homeland while pursuing peace, dignity, and security for everyone.
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