The Rulers of the Middle East and Their Allies - Part 1

When we look at the first covenant that God made with humanity, we see two main figures who play key roles in this story: Adam and Iblis. Today, we see in the rulers of the Middle East the exact image of Iblis.

According to both the biblical and Quranic creation narratives, Adam was created by God in His “image” (Genesis 1:26–27) and as a vicegerent (Arabic: Khalifa) on Earth (Quran 2:30). In Islamic tradition, Adam was given the knowledge of “all names” by God – a metaphor for divine wisdom and, more specifically, for the true nature of angels and divine light-beings (Quran 2:31).

According to the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt, Adam’s soul was not created directly by God, but through the “Hand of God,” Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ali, seen as the embodiment of divine power, represents the metaphysical source from which Adam came. Thus, while Adam is the physical father of humanity, he is spiritually regarded as a “son” of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, whose closeness to God and spiritual purity surpasses him.

Iblis, in Islamic belief, is a jinn – a being made from smokeless fire (Quran 18:50). His elevated status among God’s creation came from his knowledge and proximity to the heavens. But when God commanded all to bow to Adam, Iblis refused (Quran 38:74–76). His pride and envy towards humans turned him into the enemy of God and the origin of disobedience.

Now, what does all this have to do with the rulers of the Middle East and their allies?

When we examine the core of the story of Adam and Iblis, we see a figure who refuses to acknowledge the man appointed by God because he sees himself as superior. Iblis refused to recognize Adam despite God’s direct command. His long devotion to God didn’t save him from rejecting God’s chosen man – because he couldn’t see beyond the material.

We witness this same attitude across the world today, especially in the Arab world. What makes the rulers of the Middle East so particularly dangerous? They argue against God’s appointed man using the very religious texts meant to guide us. Just as Iblis reasoned with flawed logic, thinking he was superior because of his fiery origin, these rulers use superficial justifications to oppose the truth. Their arrogance drags the peoples of the Middle East into ruin.

In the Shia collection Bihar Al-Anwar, volume 52, we find the following Hadiths:

“People will argue against him with what they find in their books (stored religious knowledge), while he comes with the true interpretation of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.” (Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 354)

“The Qa’im will face greater trials than the Messenger of Allah, for the Prophet was opposed by pagans, but the Qa’im will be opposed by those who claim to be Muslims.” (Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 354)

This second Hadith should make everyone reflect. Whoever opposes the Qa’im and claims to be Muslim – in truth, is not. They fight against God’s chosen representative and by doing so, disqualify themselves from truly being Muslim. A Muslim is someone who submits to God and aligns themselves with His will and purpose.

Let us now analyze whether the rulers of the Middle East align with God's will and goals:

Monotheism – Belief in the One God:

Monotheism is not just about believing in one God, but also about accepting only His laws – as revealed through His messengers in each era.

The rulers of the Middle East create their own laws, not through God’s appointed representative. The non-working scholars do the same and call it Ijtihad. But the Ahlul Bayt always warned against this path.

Imam Ali said:

“They judge by their own opinions without knowledge. When faced with doubt, they make up weak arguments and get tangled in confusion like a spider’s web.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 17)

And Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – it is they who are the disbelievers.” (Surah 5:44) “... It is they who are the wrongdoers.” (Surah 5:45) “... It is they who are the rebellious.” (Surah 5:47)

Practicing Justice and Mercy:

Justice, compassion, and mercy are basic duties of every human being. Every world religion includes these values. Yet here, the rulers and non-working scholars of the Middle East show themselves to be spiritual children of Iblis – following in his footsteps rather than acting on God's principles. The Bible says:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin but neglect the more important matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23)

And the Qur’an says:

“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives...” (Surah 4:135)

And the Hadiths say:

“Creation is the family of God, and the most beloved to God is the one most beneficial to His family.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 109) “One day of just leadership is better than sixty years of worship.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 210) “He who is not merciful to people, Allah will not be merciful to him.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319) “There are three types of people Allah will not speak to on Judgment Day... among them: a lying ruler.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1828)

Where can we find justice and mercy in these lands? People are oppressed, tortured, killed, and their God-given rights are ignored. Anyone who speaks out is targeted – regardless of age, gender, or innocence.

Love for God and Neighbor:

A brief look at the rulers and so-called scholars of the Middle East reveals that none of them truly love God – or their neighbors. They love only themselves and cling to this material world. The Bible has said for two thousand years:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39)

And the Qur’an similarly says:

“Beautified for people is the love of desires – for women, children, gold, silver, fine horses, livestock, and crops. That is the enjoyment of worldly life. But with Allah is the best return.” (Surah 3:14)

And the Prophet Muhammad said:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith 45)

While the people suffer, rulers and scholars live in luxury, clinging to their power so desperately they would sacrifice even their own families to keep it.

Living a Moral Life:

One of the clearest signs of immoral rule is the double standards of Middle Eastern leaders. While enforcing strict religious rules on the public – like dress codes, alcohol bans, or censorship – they secretly live in luxury and break the very laws they impose, shamelessly enriching themselves. But God says in the Qur’an:

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Surah 2:256)

This verse is a powerful proof of religious freedom in Islam. True faith must come from free will, not pressure or fear. Any regime that denies this acts against divine revelation.

Repentance and Return (Tawba):

Islam is a religion of mercy, hope, and new beginnings. One of its most beautiful teachings is that of Tawba – the path back to God through remorse, repentance, and good deeds. The Qur’an emphasizes this again and again:

“Say: O My servants who have wronged themselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy! Truly, Allah forgives all sins. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Surah 39:53)

But what about the rulers of the Middle East? Kings, presidents, generals – who for decades commit injustices, fuel division, and show no remorse? Instead of humbling themselves, they cling to power, even if their rule is bought with blood and betrayal.

How can we speak of repentance, when they repeatedly follow the same dark patterns over decades? May God free the peoples of the Middle East from these enemies of humanity.

Peace and Justice in the World:

God’s goal is for humanity to build peace, justice, and compassion.

In Syria, civil war has raged for over a decade, sparked by the Assad regime’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. Hundreds of thousands have died, millions are displaced, and cities lie in ruins. Barrel bombs, chemical weapons, torture, sieges – all documented. Is this peace and justice?

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Since 2015, Yemen has been ravaged by war. The Yemeni people face a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Hundreds of thousands have died, millions are starving, infrastructure destroyed, and civilians bear the brunt. The powerful wage proxy wars while the people die. Aid is blocked, Western weapons keep flowing, and the rulers choose war over reconciliation.

Even though Israel is not under Arab rule, it is part of the Middle East – and here too, peace and justice are violated daily: occupation, land confiscation, the blockade of Gaza, the killing of civilians – all contradict God’s command for justice. And the rest of the region’s rulers are complicit – by looking the other way, staying silent, or supporting the status quo instead of justice for Palestinians.

In nearly every Middle Eastern country, corruption is systemic. In Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan – elites get richer while most of the population suffers in poverty, neglect, and lack of opportunity. The Bible and Qur’an both stand with the oppressed – and against the selfishness of the rich.

“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you to consume a portion of the wealth of others while you know [it is unlawful].” (Surah 2:188) 

“Woe to you who are rich! For you have already received your comfort… You have hoarded wealth in the last days!” (James 5:1–5)

All the rulers of the Middle East live in palaces while their people starve. This is not God’s will – it is the very opposite of what God expects from leadership.

Salvation of Humanity:

The goal of all Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam – is not only worldly success but spiritual salvation. They teach us to seek purification, truth, justice, and closeness to God. The Torah speaks of “walking in God’s ways,” the Bible of “salvation through faith and works,” and the Qur’an of the “straight path (al-sirat al-mustaqim)” and “eternal success (al-falah).” But what happens when the rulers – responsible for millions – not only stray from this path themselves but block entire societies from following it?

This has been the tragedy of the Middle East for millennia. It contradicts everything God has revealed in all three scriptures. Through control of religion, the pure knowledge of God is distorted. From childhood, people are taught to obey rulers – not to seek truth.

Truth sets people free – politically, spiritually, and emotionally. But those who suppress it prevent people from reaching God. The rulers appear pious: they build mosques, quote scriptures, visit the Kaaba, or host interfaith events. But in truth, they wage war on their own people, live in excess, and manipulate with lies. This religious hypocrisy (nifaq) is one of the greatest spiritual crimes today – it distorts our image of God and pushes people away from faith.

“I hate your festivals, I take no delight in your solemn assemblies… Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!” (Amos 5:21–24) 

“This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8) 

“O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.” (Surah 61:2–3)

Fulfillment of Creation:

In the end, humanity is meant to enter Paradise – or be with God – by following His will. God wants what is good for us in both this life and the next. Though some rulers claim religious narratives, they often use them not to restore God’s order, but to justify power and control. When a person realizes that the path to God is not a distant place, but the return to their true self – then paradise begins not after death, but in the awakening of the soul here and now.

In future articles, we will uncover the satanic deeds committed by today’s rulers and non-working scholars. We will compare them to the archetypal enemies of each covenant and expose their true faces.

Stay tuned, and strive for a world where the family of God becomes truly one – giving loyalty only to Him, so that this world may become a reflection of the Garden of Eden.