Iran Israel war: Iran declared war against Israel in name of Haider and Khyber... what's the 1400-year-old connection...
The Iran-Israel war seems to be taking a terrible form. Statements by US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have already indicated this, but Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in an Instagram post on the sixth day of the conflict that the war has begun. Khamenei wrote on Instagram, 'In the name of the great Heydar, the battle begins. Ali returns to Khyber with his Zulfiqar.'
There is a possibility of uproar in Israel after this post. Ali Khamenei used 4 such words in his post, which have attracted everyone's attention. These include Haider, Ali, Zulfikar and Khaiber. Let us try to know the meaning of these words, their history and their relation with the recent war.
Haider and Ali
Haider is a name often used for Hazrat Ali, whom Shia Muslims consider the first Imam and successor to the Prophet Muhammad. He was a central figure in Islamic history and Sunni Muslims consider him the fourth Caliph.
He was also the nephew of the Prophet Mohammed and the husband of his daughter Zehra Fatima. Ali means 'lion' in Arabic, symbolising strength, courage and leadership. The Supreme Leader's use of the word 'Haider' while declaring war is a reminder of Ali's legacy and is often used to garner support in times of conflict.
Meaning of 'Zulfiqar'
Ali Khamenei wrote in his post, 'Ali returns to 'Khyber' with his 'Zulfiqar'.' Zulfiqar is the double-edged sword of Imam Ali, which in Islamic tradition symbolizes divine justice, power and victory. It is often shown in posters and banners at Shia ceremonies and represents Ali's rule.
Ali Khamenei's use of Zulfiqar in his post shows readiness for war and the imagination of Allah's help against enemies. It is also a symbolic declaration of strength and resolve.
Khayber where Muslims defeated Jews
Khayber is associated with one of the historic battles of Islam. The Battle of Khayber was fought in 628 AD, in which Prophet Muhammad and his followers led by Imam Ali defeated the Jewish tribes of Khayber in the Arabian Peninsula. The Battle of Khayber symbolizes victory over a dangerous and harmful enemy.
Khayber of Arabia was a prosperous and strategically important area, which could pose a threat to Medina. The Jewish tribes here had strong forts and military resources. Prophet Muhammad and the Muslims attacked Khayber and took control of this area and ensured the safety of Medina, so that no other attack could happen in the future.
Khyber's connection with today's war
Iran is trying to portray the war between Israel and Israel as a war between Muslims and Jews. Iran attributes its hostility to Israel to the occupation of Palestine and the oppression of Muslims there. The third holiest mosque of Islam, Al Aqsa, is located in the occupied Palestinian city of Jerusalem. In Iran, 'Khyber' is often used as a code word for opponents of Israel or Jews, which reminds of the victory of Muslims over Jews in history and gives it a religious form.
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