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this beast means the Umayyads who attacked them from the pit of error, and who rose against the religion of Muhammad and against the reality of 'Ali - in other words, the love of God. It is said, 'The beast made war against these two witnesses' -that is to say, a spiritual war; meaning that the beast would act in entire opposition to the teachings, customs and institutions of these two witnesses, to such an extent that the virtues and perfections which were diffused by the power of those two witnesses among the peoples and tribes would be entirely dispelled, and the animal nature and carnal desires would conquer. Therefore, this beast making war against them would gain the victory... in other words, that it would destroy the spiritual life which they spread abroad in the midst of the nation, and entirely remove the divine laws and teachings, treading under foot the Religion of God. (Some Answered Questions 51) (86:1) According to this interpretation, the abomination of desolation refers not to a literal idol being set up in the Temple, but to individuals who, through worldly power, sought to make themselves as idols within the Faith of God. This understanding has not escaped Christians interpreters. (86:2) Islam and the Symbolic Meaning of the Temple-- The biblical correlation between religion and the Temple suggests that the term 'abomination of desolation' can be applicable to transgressions against any true religion. In all periods of history, there have been those who opposed the religion of God, some who pretended acceptance, and some who failed to live according to its precepts. In this broad sense, the transgression against God's sanctuary, the abomination of desolation, has occurred in all religions. But it is not surprising that Jesus should specifically use this term (Matt. 24:15) in a prophecy about the tragedy that would befall Islam.
(86:3)
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