The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page cxix
GENERAL INTRODUCTION Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever (9:7). Did Jesus ever ascend the throne of David? It may be said he did so 300 years later, when the Roman Emperor became Christian. But the prophecy lays down that the throne is to be retained forever. The hold of Jesus lasted for about 300 years when it ended with the rise of Islam, and now for 1300 years, Palestine the throne of David has been in the possession of Muslims. What is nearer to the expression "for ever" in the prophecy 300 years or 1300? No doubt, today a Christian power holds Palestine. But it is significant from our standpoint that the British are there not as rulers but as holders of a mandate. A temporary lapse in the Muslim possession cannot contradict the prophecy. The rule which the Prophet of Islam established in the world through his followers was full of judgement and justice, to use the words of the prophecy. We have historical evidence to prove this. In the time of ‘Umar, the Second Khalifah of Islam, a Muslim army had to withdraw temporarily from Christian territory under the pressure of superior Roman forces. Before they did, they collected the inhabitants and told them that they could no longer protect their lives and property; so they were returning to them the money they had realized from them as tax. The Christian inhabitants of Jerusalem were so impressed by this singular act of good judgement and justice that they came out with the Muslim army, wailing and praying for the Muslims speedy return. (The Caliphate and Futūḥ). Little wonder Isaiah says of the Promised One: Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgement and with justice (9:7). (e) In Isaiah (19:21-25) we have: And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day; and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it. And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land; whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. This prophecy speaks of a time when God would manifest Himself to the people of Egypt who would, therefore, come to know Him and would make Xcili