Why is Palestine Not Mentioned in the Qur’an?

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
For Max Shimba Ministries Org

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Introduction

A close reading of the Qur’an reveals a striking omission: the name Palestine is never mentioned. Instead, the Qur’an consistently affirms the unique and divinely chosen status of Israel and the land granted to the children of Israel. This raises a significant theological and historical question: if Allah himself never sanctified or even acknowledged “Palestine” in the Qur’an, why do contemporary Muslims advocate so strongly for Palestinian claims against Israel? This tension exposes both a religious and political paradox.

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The Qur’anic Recognition of Israel

In Surat al-Baqara 2:40, Allah addresses the Israelites directly:

“O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill My covenant upon you, and I will fulfill your covenant from Me, and fear only Me.”

This verse highlights that Israel—not the Arab nations—was the recipient of divine favor. The Qur’an does not record a parallel address to the Arabs, nor does it affirm that Palestine, as a geographical or theological entity, holds any divine sanctity.

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Israel’s Superiority According to the Qur’an

Allah’s words in Surat al-Baqara 2:47 emphasize Israel’s exalted status:

“O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over all peoples.”

Here, the Qur’an explicitly affirms that the Israelites were divinely chosen and elevated above other nations—including the Arabs. This divine election becomes a source of envy and resentment, particularly among Arabs who are excluded from this covenantal privilege.

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Theological Implications of the Omission of Palestine

While the Qur’an repeatedly acknowledges Israel as a blessed nation, it is silent on the existence or significance of Palestine. There is no verse declaring Palestine as a sacred land, nor any recognition that the Arab peoples inherited the divine covenant. Consequently, the Muslim claim to Palestine rests not on scriptural authority, but on political and ideological constructs that developed much later.

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Israel as the Recipient of Revelation and Prophecy

Further evidence is found in Surat al-Jaathiya 45:16:

“And indeed We gave the Children of Israel the Scripture and judgment and prophethood, and We provided them with good things, and We preferred them over all the worlds.”

The Qur’an acknowledges that Israel was entrusted with Scripture (Kitab), divine law (hukm), and prophecy (nubuwwa). These privileges are not attributed to Arabs or Palestinians. Thus, the very text that Muslims hold as divine testimony reinforces Israel’s unique role in salvation history.

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Historical and Contemporary Envy

This recognition helps explain the persistent animosity of many Arab nations toward Israel. According to the Qur’an itself, Israel is chosen and divinely favored, while the Arabs are not. Such exclusion breeds theological jealousy and political hostility, fueling centuries of conflict and attempts to delegitimize Israel’s existence.

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Conclusion

The Qur’an itself provides the foundation for understanding why the modern concept of “Palestine” lacks divine legitimacy. By consistently affirming Israel’s chosen status and entirely omitting Palestine, the Qur’an inadvertently supports the biblical truth that Israel is God’s covenant people. For Christians, this serves as yet another confirmation that God’s promises to Israel remain unshaken. No matter the political manipulations or hostilities, Israel continues to stand as a nation blessed by God, both biblically and—ironically—even according to the Qur’an.

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Author’s Note

This reflection is presented as part of the theological mission of Max Shimba Ministries Org, which is dedicated to proclaiming the truth of the gospel and defending the authority of Scripture against distortions.

Maxwell Shimba, Th.D.
Servant of Jesus Christ
Max Shimba Ministries Org ©2016. All Rights Reserved