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THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM INTRODUCTION On the 16th of June 1916, the Great Arab Revolt erupted. Arab armies set forth to liberate Arab land and man, and advanced steadfastly towards their goal, carrying the Arab nations historical legacy, its grieve, and hope for the future. The principles of the Arab revolt, were based on Arab intellect and renaissance that calls for a united Arab independent state.
The Hashemite led the Arab nation, and established the Arab glory since the days of the old Arab tribe Quraish, and their service of the holy sites in Mecca and Madina. History betells of the Hashemites and of their state building, as well as their endeavours to achieve Arab independence, sovereignty and dignity. PRE ISLAM ERA
Arabs came to know of the state
'system' and of society 'regulation' when Qusai Bin Kilab from
Quraish presided over Mecca and administered Haj. The first social
Arab institute he established was 'Dar al Nadwah' or - the house of
seminar.
Yaqout al Hamawi in his gazetteer 'Mu'jam al Buldan', and Al Tabari in his "History" say that Qusai was the first in his tribe Quraish to hold a throne, after Ismail's sons, during the era of Al Munther bin Al Numan, King of Heerah. Qusai divided Mecca into four quarters, where he built Dar al Nadwah. This marked the emergence of a special system for the Arab society, in the period between 482-418 AD, or before the birth of Prophet Mohammad (PBUS), in the year 570 AD. The Hashemites created a new pact from different Arab tribes, led by Bani Abd Manaf, aiming to provide security and stability to the pilgrims traveling to Mecca before Islam. The pact also undertook to protect people, and apply justice. It's strength was derived from that of the Hashemite Qurashians and their abilities to forge a Meccan society before Islam. The Hashemites exercised and invested their authority in the building of an Arab society in the Arab Peninsula. They demonstrated a distinguished ability to communicate with Arab tribes, who visited Mecca for trade and pilgrimage. They reached out to the South - Aseer and Yemen, to the borders of Bilad al Sham - in the north. Arabs spoke of the Hashemites as a household of generosity, merit, and leadership. A further dimension of this reputation was carried to further lands away, with the summer and winter trade journeys called ‘Eilaf', the summer trade journey went to Bilad Al Sham, and the winter journey to Yemen and Egypt. Thus the Hashemite fame reached all Arab lands, and were recognized for amiable well natured conduct. Hashem, the Prophet's grandfather, was one of Eilaf leaders. He died in Gaza, Palestine, while on one of an Eilaf journey. His grave in Gaza testifies to this, and the fact that Gaza is called 'Gazat Hashem', or Gaza that belongs to Hashem, votes for the high regard and leadership people of these lands held for him. Furthermore, the Hashemite Quraish Al Fadoul pact was the first of its kind, established to promote social work, and became a nucleus and example for organization and union structure. Prophet Mohammad (PBUS) witnessed the Fadoul pact when he was twenty years old. Some say he was twenty five years. He attended meetings between different Arab tribes, such as Bani Asad, and Abdul Mutaleb. THE DAWN OF ISLAM
The message of Islam emerged,
carried by the Hashemite Mohammad (PBUS), from the holy land of
Mecca. The message established contact amongst Arab tribes, mainly
Manathirah and Ghasasinah. Through them, contact was further
established with the civilizations of the Persians and Romans.
Trade expanded, thus creating an important element in the build up of Arab culture. Mecca, due to the presence of the Ka'abah, played a vital role in the formation of a political, cultural, and social order, as well as the creation of a nationalistic sense in the region. Mecca became a cultural, religious and historical capital for Arabs and Moslems, and the first of its kind to be known by Arabs. The Hashemites, or Bani Hashem (sons of Hashem) were able to present themselves as the capable leadership, that has the ability to manage the pilgrimage and other seasons, such as Souk Ukaz - a political, social, economic, and cultural event, resembling present cultural events and international exhibition. Poets, men of letters, laureates, orators lit the darkness of the Arabian desert, with Arabic verse and prose, building through the language a nationalistic sense of unity among travelers to the Arab peninsula. Quraish became elevated with its culture and far sightedness. Amidst these highly cultural surroundings, the message of Islam emerged. The faithful Arab Hashemite, Mohammad (PBUS), carried the message of tolerance, love, self denial, and the call for grace, and restraint of the detestable. The Prophet began with his own tribe "Warn the closest to you". He led battles, to unite Arabs under the banner of "No God but Allah, the One, with no partner". Mohammad (PBUS) laid the foundations for a future Islamic society model. Upon succeeding in the Arab peninsula, he carried the banner of Islam internationally. Mu'tah, in the 8th Hijri year, was the first gate he had to go through. Then Yarmouk, in the 13th Hijri, to secure the northern borders. Qadisiyyeh, 15th Hijri, to secure the eastern borders. The State of Islam was thus created, consisting of Bilad al Sham, Arab peninsula, and Iraq. Arabs were united within one structure, with the language and the nationalistic senses bringing them together, based on the righteous Islamic religion. Moslems lived alongside non-Moslems, Ahl al Thima, or whoever wanted to retain their religion. The Islamic nation was thus created, based on the Quranic verse: "Mankind! We created You from a single (pair)of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)"
The Holy Quran,
Surat al Hujarat -13 ISLAMIC AGES
The Prophet's Household, Al
al Bayt, struggled to keep the unity of the Arab society, and
carried the banner of a 'Comprehensive Arab Order' on basis of
equality, justice and freedom of faith, featured in a one state
with different entities, thus guaranteeing a united society,
human rights, safeguarding dignity, freedom and faith.
History testifies that the presence of Bani Hashem, through out the Ummayad's to the Abbassid's eras, the Fattimides, Ayyoubids, and others, never ceased to be the force of wisdom behind building societies. The Hashemites suffered for their firm positions in support of humanity and saving lives. They protected people's dignity, notwithstanding any gains in this life. Say: "No reward do I ask
of you for this, except the love of those near of kin."
The Holy Quran, Surat Al
Shoura - 23
The base of the Abbassids call, was Al al Bayt message. The Abbassids built the greatest nation witnessed by their ages, the glories of which remains to be wonders of our times. Justice prevailed and the word of Islam and its teachings offered the society the bases for advancement. When the Mamlukes carried the banner of Islam, and succeeded in blocking the advancement of the Moghul and expelling them from the lands of Islam, the Islamic State was further cemented in the hearts and minds of the faithful. The Ottomans set up their empire, but relied on the Hashemite message in administering and ruling its vast areas. They governed the Arab lands, over a period of four centuries. The Ottoman rule, however, transgressed and diverted from the real meanings of the message of governance and social order, to a strange system that aimed to transform the united society to a non-religious subordination. THE MODERN AGE
Despite the constant
changes of governance over the years, the Hashemite role in
Mecca and Madina was not affected. The Hashemites remained the
servers of the holy lands, the Islamic society system and
structure safekeepers in the Arab peninsula. Researchers of
these times saw the peninsula divided amongst two Hashemite
governments: one in Mecca and the other in the Madina. The
grandfathers of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali, inherited the honour
of service and leadership throughout the ages and retained
such status in the peninsula. Yet with the dawn of the
twentieth century, the world witnessed a change in
international politics. New nationalities emerged, such as the
Toranic. Arabs needed strong leadership to cater for its
nationalistic aspirations and needs, to be able to face
different currents of racism, atheism. Al Hashem in Mecca and
Madina had all the means to shoulder the burdens of the
responsibility. They qualified for the mission, since they:
For these reasons, and other, people looked up to Al al Bayt, and demanded they continue to perform their historical role, based on the Hashemite legacy in leading the nation, reunite it, and drive it out of the Age's backwardness. The Hashemite responded to the call of the 'Free Arabs', who met in Damascus in 1915, with Prince Faisal the first Ibn al Hussein. Together, they set up the Damascus Convention, which specified the Arab state and the Arab system. Al Sharif Hussein, may Allah rest his soul in peace, defended the Convention, as a concrete principle, for the Arabs, their unity, national interests, and state. When the Greater Arab Revolt erupted, it aimed to shape a united independent Arab state, with an aim of recapturing Mecca's historic role. The Islamic message that was laid forth by Mohammad the Hashemite (PBUH), for the enlightenment of people, has become comparable to the new Hashemite launch of a historical legacy, and the first shot towards liberty and gaining rights was made in June 10, 1916, after four centuries of darkness and marginalization. HASHEMITES & THE MODERN STATE
The course of the modern
Arab state, is based on Arab will, and not that of
individuals. The Hashemites endeavoured to serve this
purpose, and to translate principles into actions and
reality that tallies with the building of a modern state.
The Arab renaissance, instigated by the liberal Arabs,
witnessed a match in the Hashemites will and determination
to carry the message and fulfill the aspirations of the Arab
nation. A call to reinvigorate the roles of Mecca, the
Ummayyads and Abbassids were demonstrated in the exchange of
correspondence between Sharif Hussein and Macmahon, the
British Hijazi negotiations, and Prince Faisal Bin al
Hussein's participation in London Conference, and Paris
Conference in the years 1918 and 1919. Dates and locations
changed, but the only regular element aspired for was the
united independent Arab state , and an understanding of the
international political reality, as well as realizing the
capabilities needed to achieve aspiration, even if at its
lowest.
Sharif Hussein Bin Ali did not surrender any Arab principle, yet he did sacrifice the throne, during his struggle in the political corridors. He refused to give away one foot of Jerusalem and the land of Palestine. He insisted on the unity of Arab land and Arab People. Prince Faisal's negotiations in London and Paris to realize the Arab State and upgrade it to befitting standards were hard. Prince Abdullah Bin al Hussein carried the banner and established an independent state in Jordan. HASHEMITES ON A STEADY COURSE The Hashemites assumed throughout Arab history a responsible role , based upon a historical legacy.
The holy Quran
Surant Al-Ahzab - 33 The Hashemites led the Arabs, succeeded in building an Arab order, laid the foundations for an Arab unity example that would guarantee rights and regulate duties, protected human dignity and sovereignty, and catered for the individual Arab 'personality'. The Hashemites offered an approach to governance and an example in uniting societies. They built the 'state' that began with the gathering at 'Dar al Nadwa', and Al Fadhoul pact, to the greater Islamic state, with several empires. The Hashemites were the only hope when calamities befell. They would rise up to assume the roles demanded of them, forsaking past animosities. They took the lead of revolutions, political leadership and governance management, aiming for no more than the good and well being of their nation. History witnessed in the land of Hijaz a Kingdom ruled by the Hashemites, which extended to Persia and Busra. They built order and unity, but the decline that swapped Arab lands, soon dropped dark drapes for a while. The Hashemites were soon to lead a new dawn for Arabs, thus regaining glory of the Arabs at the beginning of the twentieth century. King Abdullah I summed up the Hashemites role when he declared that "We, the household of the Prophet, are the reason behind all Kingdoms, and Arab monarchies seen today." The Hashemites were acknowledged for truthfulness and honesty at every encounter, preparedness to participate in all efforts of help and readiness to present Arab causes on the international arena. Their relentless call for Arab unity, self sufficiency, deplore of all forms of terrorism, and call for dialogue and responsible logic and rhetoric are all demonstrated by His Majesty King Abdullah II, along the course set by the great members of the 'household of the Prophet.' |
