Quranic Discourse in Ḥamās’ Military Wing Speeches: Eschatological Interpretations Relating to Ṭūfān al-Aqṣā (October 7)
Part of a series of seminars on Signs of the Times: Christians, Muslims and the Apocalypse
Speaker on 16 June: Dr Motaz al-Thaher
(CMCS Houston)
Abstract
This presentation analyzes the Quranic discourse employed by Abū ʿUbayda, the spokesman of al-Qassām Brigades, the military wing of Ḥamās, during the “Ṭūfān al-Aqṣā” [al-Aqṣā Flood] operation launched on October 7, 2023. Based on analysis of 33 speeches delivered between October 7, 2023, and July 18, 2025, it identifies jihad as the central analytical lens through which this discourse is structured and communicated. The presentation explores how Quranic verses and selected Hadith are mobilized to frame the conflict through eschatological and prophetic lenses, along with interpretations specific to geographical locations related to the Holy Land. It highlights recurring references to divine promise, martyrdom, ribāṭ, the Victorious Group in and around Bayt al-Maqdis [Jerusalem], and narratives of divine help and punishment, showing how these elements shape the theological framing of jihad in Gaza. It also examines the relative presence of jihad compared to other themes such as resistance, national liberation, and Palestinian rights. The objective is to provide deeper insight into how Ḥamās constructs its theological worldview through Quranic discourse and eschatological motifs in wartime.
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The topic of End Times prophecy in the Bible is a major focus of the CMCS Reading the Bible in the Context of Islam (RBCI) project on Daniel, Islam, Apocalyptic.
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