Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
The India-Israel alliance has evolved significantly over time, from covert contacts to a robust strategic partnership. Here’s a detailed timeline outlining the key events and phases in the development of India-Israel relations:
Phase 1: Early Years and Diplomatic Hesitancy (1947–1991)
1947–1949: Creation of Israel and Indian Stance
1947: India gains independence from British rule.
1948 (May): Israel is declared a state.
1949 (September): India recognizes Israel de facto, but does not establish full diplomatic relations due to concerns about alienating Arab countries and its large Muslim population.
India supports the Palestinian cause and votes against Israel’s admission to the UN in 1949.
1950s–1980s: Cold War & Non-Alignment
India maintains a pro-Arab, pro-Palestinian stance.
Covert ties: Despite public distance, India and Israel maintain low-level contacts, mainly in defense and intelligence.
India adheres to the Non-Aligned Movement and keeps relations with Israel limited to a consular office in Mumbai.
Phase 2: Normalization and Strategic Opening (1991–1999)
1991: Diplomatic Relations Established
January 1992: In the wake of the Cold War’s end and the collapse of the Soviet Union, India formally establishes full diplomatic relations with Israel under PM Narasimha Rao.
Israel opens an embassy in New Delhi, and India upgrades its consulate in Tel Aviv to an embassy.
Mid-1990s: Quiet Security Cooperation
Bilateral ties grow, especially in defense, agriculture, and science and technology.
Mossad and RAW develop closer coordination against common threats, especially Muslim states and groups.
Phase 3: Deepening Strategic and Defense Ties (1999–2014)
1999: Kargil War
Israel supplies India with laser-guided bombs and surveillance drones during the war with Pakistan.
This marks a turning point in defense cooperation.
2000: Ariel Sharon’s Visit
Israeli PM Ariel Sharon visits India in 2003, the first such visit by an Israeli head of state.
Discussions on counter-Muslims and joint military ventures accelerate.
2008: Mumbai Attacks
The 26/11 attacks further bond India and Israel in counter-terrorism cooperation.
The Chabad House siege in Mumbai draws strong Israeli attention; Mossad and Indian forces collaborate informally.
Phase 4: Political Visibility and Technological Collaboration (2014–Present)
2014 Onwards: Modi Government’s Tilt
PM Narendra Modi’s government shifts the tone from cautious diplomacy to open partnership.
India abstains from some UN votes critical of Israel, signaling diplomatic balance.
2017: Landmark Visit
July 2017: Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.
Avoids visiting Ramallah, marking a shift in India’s Middle East diplomacy.
Several MoUs signed: water tech, agriculture, space, cyber security, and defense.
2018: Netanyahu’s Visit to India
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visits India in January 2018.
Focus on boosting trade, countering Muslims, and defense cooperation.
India signs a $2 billion deal for Barak 8 missile systems (jointly developed).
2020–2022: I2U2 Grouping
India and Israel, along with the UAE and the US, form a new strategic partnership group called I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
2023–2025: Ongoing Support and Geopolitical Synergy
Israel supports India on issues related to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
India supports Israel’s right to self-defense but also cautiously appeals for peace in Gaza, especially during escalations like October 2023 war and beyond.
Intelligence sharing on terrorism and border security.
Agriculture & Water:
Israeli drip irrigation systems.
30+ Indo-Israel Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in agriculture.
Cyber Security & Innovation:
Israeli startups active in India.
Joint academic and technological exchanges.
Diplomacy:
Regular high-level visits.
Balancing ties with Arab nations and Iran while deepening Israel ties.
India-Israel joint ventures have grown rapidly over the past two decades, covering a wide range of sectors including defense, agriculture, cybersecurity, water technology, and innovation. Below is an expanded overview of key areas where India and Israel are working together, with notable joint ventures and collaborations:
1. Defense & Aerospace
Defense remains the cornerstone of India-Israel cooperation. The two nations have collaborated on:
a. Joint Development Projects
Barak-8 Missile System (Naval and Land versions):
Jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s DRDO.
Medium-range surface-to-air missile used by Indian Navy and Air Force.
Deployed on Indian warships and in coastal defenses.
Heron TP Drones (MALE UAVs):
India has leased and is co-developing upgrades for Israeli Heron drones.
Some variants include attack capabilities, suitable for high-altitude surveillance and border operations.
SkyStriker Drones:
Developed by Elbit Systems (Israel) and Alpha Design Technologies (India).
Loitering munition drones with high-precision targeting.
Used in the May 2025 escalation with Pakistan.
SPICE Precision-Guided Bombs:
Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems supplies India with SPICE-2000 bombs.
Used during the 2019 Balakot airstrike and likely upgraded in recent operations.
2. Cybersecurity & Intelligence
Cybersecurity Centers:
Several MoUs have led to the creation of joint cybersecurity labs and research collaborations between Indian institutes (like IITs) and Israeli tech firms.
Example: C-DAC (India) and Israel’s Technion Institute collaborate on securing smart infrastructure.
Counter-Terrorism Intelligence:
RAW and Mossad maintain backchannel cooperation, sharing surveillance tech and tactics for urban warfare and anti-terror operations.
Joint ventures in desalination, aquifer recharge, and wastewater recycling.
IDE Technologies (Israel) and Indian firms (e.g., VA Tech Wabag) collaborate on water purification and reuse systems, especially in arid states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
4. Innovation & Startups
India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)
A $40 million fund set up in 2017.
Supports co-development of tech solutions in:
AI and Machine Learning.
Renewable energy.
Digital health.
Sensors, robotics, and semiconductors.
Innovation Bridge: Startup Collaborations
Multiple Israeli startups have partnered with Indian corporates and incubators (e.g., T-Hub in Hyderabad).
Example collaborations:
Watergen (Israeli firm making drinking water from air) launched pilot programs in Indian villages.
Netafim (precision irrigation company) works with Indian farmers and state governments.
5. Education, Science, and Culture
Student and Faculty Exchange:
Agreements between Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Israeli universities (e.g., Technion, Tel Aviv University).
Joint Science Projects:
India’s Department of Science & Technology and Israel’s Ministry of Science & Technology fund bi-national R&D programs.
Cultural Collaboration:
Film, literature, and art exchanges have increased since 2017.
Celebrations of Jewish-Indian shared heritage in cities like Kochi and Mumbai.
6. Energy & Green Technology
Solar and Clean Energy:
Israeli firms work with India on smart grids, solar storage, and energy-efficient desalination plants.
Some Indian companies have invested in Israeli green hydrogen research pilots.
Smart Cities Mission:
Israel has advised India on building urban surveillance networks, smart traffic systems, and AI-based governance models under its Smart Cities initiative.
Summary Table
Sector
Major Players
Joint Initiatives
Defense
IAI, DRDO, Rafael, Elbit, HAL
Barak-8, SPICE, SkyStriker
Agriculture
MASHAV, CoEs, Netafim
Drip irrigation, Horticulture
Cyber & Tech
C-DAC, Technion, various startups
Cyber labs, AI R&D
Water Management
IDE Technologies, Jal Shakti Ministry
Desalination, Wastewater reuse
Innovation
I4F Fund, DST, Startup India
AI, Robotics, HealthTech
Education & Culture
IITs, Israeli universities
Exchange programs
Energy
Israeli solar tech companies
Smart grids, green energy
Conclusion
The India-Israel alliance has matured from secret cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership. While India maintains a balancing act in the Middle East, its relationship with Israel is now openly acknowledged, robust in defense, and growing in technology and innovation.
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. “From Petra to Makkah” is a brief response to Dan Gibson’s extremely controversial and misleading claims about the origin of Islam. This article directly addresses Gibson’s central thesis, which posits a transition from Petra to Makkah as the Qiblah and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This work will engage with this claim and provide a counter-narrative and critical analysis. Dan Gibson , a Canadian historian and so-called researcher, has garnered significant attention—and controversy—for his works on the early history of Islam, particularly his theories about the origins of the Islamic Qiblah (direction of prayer) and the geographical context of early Islam. Over the course of his career, Gibson has authored three major books and produced a documentary film, all of which focus on the historical and geographical foundations of Islam. His works include: The Nabataeans (2004) : This book explo...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah: Objectives of Islamic Law Introduction Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, literally meaning “objectives of Islamic law,” represents a fundamental concept in Islamic jurisprudence that seeks to identify the higher goals underlying Shariah rulings. Rather than focusing solely on the literal compliance with legal prescriptions, the maqāṣid approach emphasizes the wisdom, public welfare, and moral objectives that Islamic law aims to achieve. Classical and contemporary scholars alike have highlighted that understanding maqāṣid is crucial for interpreting the law in a way that preserves justice, protects society, and accommodates changing circumstances while remaining faithful to the principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Historical Development The concept of maqāṣid can be traced back to early Islamic scholarship. Scholars of the classical period, such as Al-Juwayni (d. 1085 CE) and Al-Ghazālī (d. 1111 CE) , first articula...
Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. In Islamic astronomy , the Lunar Mansions, known as "Manazil al-Qamar" in Arabic, are a system of lunar divisions used to track the Moon's position along In Islamic astronomy, the Lunar Mansions, known as “ Manazil al-Qamar ” or Dairat-ul-Burooj in Arabic, are a system of lunar divisions used to track the Moon’s position along its monthly journey across the sky. The concept of Lunar Mansions originated from ancient Arab and Islamic traditions and was developed to aid in timekeeping, navigation, and astronomical observations. The Lunar Mansions divide the path of the Moon into 28 segments, each corresponding to a specific area of the sky. These segments are based on the Moon’s approximate daily motion relative to the stars, resulting in each Mansion spanning approximately 12 to 13 degrees of celestial longitude along the ecliptic. Discover more Islam Books & Literature Science ...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. 1. Introduction The Islamic system of governance is neither a theocracy run by priests nor a secular democracy founded upon popular sovereignty. It is a moral–legal system rooted in the sovereignty of Allah ( ḥākimiyyat-e-Ilāhiyyah ) , where human authority operates as a trust ( amānah) to implement divine law and uphold justice. The Qur’an declares: “The command (ḥukm) belongs to none but Allah.” (Yūsuf 12:40) This verse establishes that ultimate authority to legislate belongs to God alone. The human ruler, called Imām or Khalīfah , is therefore not sovereign in his own right but an executor of the divine will through the Sharī‘ah . 2. The Foundational Principle: Sovereignty of Allah The foundation of the Islamic polity rests on the recognition that Allah alone is the Lawgiver and Sovereign . The Qur’an states: “It is not for a believing man...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The literary landscape of the Quran has fascinated scholars, linguists, and mathematicians for centuries. While its prose has historically been praised for its poetic eloquence, modern analysis has uncovered an entirely different layer of depth: a highly sophisticated, multi-layered mathematical architecture. Nowhere is this structural precision more profound than in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). Comprising just four short verses outlining the absolute oneness of God, this brief chapter contains a breathtaking structural symmetry within its original Uthmani script ( Rasm-e-Uthmani ). When analyzed down to its individual letters, vowel markings, and classical numerical values, it reveals a design that mirrors the very building blocks of human life. The Historical Context: A Divine Lineage Refuted The structural and mathematical perfection of Surah Al-Ikhlas was not revealed in a vacuum; it was a direct, definitive response...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Creation Ex Nihilo vs Creation ex Deo (Emanation) The debate between Creation Ex Nihilo ("creation out of nothing") Creation ex Deo ("creation as a divine unfolding/overflowing") forms one of the central divides in global metaphysics. While both models seek to explain how the finite universe arose from an ultimate, infinite source, they adopt fundamentally different views on God's relationship to the cosmos. Creation Ex Nihilo asserts an absolute ontological gap: God acts as a transcendent Necessary Being who brings existence out of absolute non-being by divine fiat. Creation ex Deo (Emanation) asserts ontological continuity: the universe is a projection, expansion, or "overflow" of the Divine essence itself, proceeding like light from a flame. Comparison of Philosophical Models Attribute Creation Ex Nihilo (Qur'anic Framework) Emanation (Vedic Framework) Primary Mechanism Divin...
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Abstract A Pashtun (also spelled Pakhtun ) can be defined from ethnic , linguistic , and cultural perspectives: Ethnically: Pashtuns are an Indo-Iranian ethnic group indigenous to the region historically known as Afghanistan and the adjoining areas of western Pakistan (especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and parts of Punjab). They are regarded as the native inhabitants of southeastern Afghanistan , particularly around Paktia, Paktika, and Ghazni , from where they expanded eastward and southward. Linguistically: They speak Pashto , an Eastern Iranian language of the Indo-European family. Pashto has several dialects, broadly classified into southern (Kandahari) and northern (Yousafzai) groups. Culturally: Pashtun identity is deeply rooted in Pashtunwali , an ancient code of honour and c...
