By Rana Farooq Ashraf
The dream of protecting the sacred lands and leading the Muslim Ummah resides in the heart of every believer. However, in these times of turmoil—as global maps shift rapidly and the clouds of war gather over the Middle East—certain facts and blessed Hadiths grant our hearts a new sense of hope and longing. The King Faisal Air Base, located in Tabuk on Saudi soil, is not merely a military installation; it is a strategic reality laying the foundation for the great battles of the future.
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If we look at the map, the distance from this air base to Israel is only about 500 kilometers, a distance covered in mere minutes by modern fighter jets. History bears witness that the region of Tabuk has always served as a defensive shield. Today, as the expansionist ambitions of the enemy grow, the presence of the “Shaheens” (Falcons) of the Pakistan Army and Air Force on Saudi borders is enough to turn the enemy’s designs into dust.
In Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 4040), the saying of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) rings true to the current circumstances word for word, serving as a guiding light for us. He (PBUH) stated that when wars upon wars occur, Allah the Almighty will raise an army from the non-Arabs (Ajam) who will be better riders than the Arabs and will possess superior weapons, and through them, Allah will aid His religion.
When we reflect on the terms “non-Arabs” and “superior weapons” mentioned in this Hadith, they seem to point directly toward Pakistan’s defensive capabilities and its status as a nuclear power. Pakistan is the only country in the Muslim world whose professional expertise and technology are recognized globally. Here, “better riders” refers to the courageous pilots and commanders of the modern era who have established their dominance in the skies and on the ground. During past Arab-Israeli wars, the skill with which Pakistani pilots downed enemy aircraft remains a golden chapter in military history. The stationing of these “Shaheens” at King Faisal Air Base is practical evidence that Allah the Almighty has perhaps chosen Pakistan for this noble service and the defense of the Haramain (The Two Holy Mosques).
A study of Islamic history reveals the reality that whenever the Arab world faced political or military trials, Nature raised a new power from the Ajam to hold aloft the banner of Islam. This mantle was once held by the Seljuks, later Saladin Ayyubi liberated Al-Quds, and the Ottomans defended Islam for centuries. In today’s era of technology and hybrid warfare, Pakistan is the sole power that is self-sufficient not only in manpower but also in missile technology and defense production. The discipline of the Pakistan Army and its spirit of Jihad make it the manifestation of that “Mawali” army mentioned in the traditions. It is no mere coincidence that all brotherly Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, look toward Pakistan at every difficult crossroads. Pakistan’s military presence has become a key element in maintaining the balance of power in the Middle East.
The world currently stands on the brink of a third world war, and threats like “Greater Israel” are rising. In such a situation, Pakistan’s role cannot be that of a silent spectator. In the context of future predictions and current circumstances, it is clear that Pakistan will play a decisive role in the upcoming great battles, referred to in Hadith as Malhama al-Kubra. The training and presence of Pakistani troops in Tabuk appear to be part of the preparation for this grand conflict where faith and technology will collide. The presence of Pakistan’s “Ababeels” (Swallows) at such a short distance from the border is an announcement that every move of the enemy is being closely monitored. Allah has granted Pakistan those “superior weapons” and “better riders” who possess the full capacity to give a crushing response to any misadventure.
We take pride in our armed forces, who are not only the protectors of Pakistan’s borders but also the center of unity for the Muslim world. Every soldier of the Pakistan Army and every Ghazi of the Air Force is equipped with the resolve that if the call comes from the Haramain Sharifain, they will be standing in the front row. King Faisal Air Base is not just a military cantonment; it is a symbol of that unity of the Ummah envisioned by Allama Iqbal. It is an expression that when it comes to the defense of Islam, geographical borders become irrelevant, and Pakistan’s nuclear strength will thwart every strike of the enemy.
We thank Allah for giving us an identity associated with a country called the “Fortress of Islam.” We must trust the foresight of our leadership and our forces, for the day is not far when the world will witness the fulfillment of the Prophetic predictions with its own eyes, and this great army of Pakistan will become the cause of the success and survival of the Muslim world. The defense of the Sacred Land is our faith, and the stability of Pakistan is the guarantee of our survival. May Allah the Almighty be the Supporter and Helper of the Pakistan Armed Forces and keep us always prepared and united for this great purpose.
Long live the Pakistan Army!
Pakistan Zindabad!
