Q.1. Some people say that the Muslims have the right to kill Jews because they have occupied Jerusalem, the third holy place, and they prevent Muslims from access to the holy sites.
Q.2. Do we make our own fortune in this world, or is it something determined by God?
M. Badialam, Riyadh
A.1. No Muslim would say that they have such a right. There are Jews who are opposed to Zionism and Israeli methods. What we say is that the people of Palestine have been targeted by Zionist and Israeli aggression for over 70 years during which many massacres, atrocities and killings have taken place. Hence, it is perfectly legitimate to resist such occupation and to repel the aggressors.
If this means fighting, then we must fight. We cannot slam a blanket verdict affecting every Jew, wherever they live. God says in the Qur’an: “As for such of the unbelievers who do not fight against you on account of your faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave toward them with full equity. Indeed God loves those who act equitably. God only forbids you to turn in friendship toward such as fight against you because of your faith, and drive you forth from your homelands, or aid others in driving you forth. Those who turn toward them in friendship are truly wrongdoers.” (60: 8-9)
Needless to say, in the light of these verses, we should maintain friendly relations with all those who do not share in aggression against Muslims. As for Israel and Zionists, we cannot extend to them a hand of peace unless they stop their aggression against Muslims.
Since there is little chance that this should come about, all Muslims throughout the world should join hands in an effort to re-establish justice for Palestine and the Palestinian people.
A.2. We earn what we earn in this life through our efforts. God knows how much we will earn in our life well before we are born, but His knowledge does not mean that we will get it without effort. This is not how things take place. We must work for our living and we must always choose to earn our living by lawful means.