I was raised Muslim and programmed to hate Christians and Jews

OPINION:

“If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love,” said Corrie Ten Boom.

I was one of those who was taught to hate. We were programmed to hate Jews and Christians in the Muslim world. We didn’t even know that we were brainwashed to hate. Through the media, school, books, articles, family, culture, and friends, before you know it, you are brainwashed with lies and deception. Deception is when you believe something wrong and make it right and vice versa.

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It is the same today. I was taught to hate the Jews, Armenians, and all other races and minorities, especially Christians. In the meantime, I wasn’t aware that I was hating myself. You see, hatred is a seed that damages and hurts the human soul that carries that seed.

I was ignorant of the fact that all hate was directed towards myself before anyone else since I was housing and festering that hatred. It took me years to understand. Until I met Love. Yes, I met Love. Love is a person. God is love. Once you meet Love, you will understand the big contrast between love and hatred.

In recent times, we have seen a growing hatred towards the Jewish people and Israel. We know that the author of hatred is the devil, and the author of Love is God. Actually, He is more than the author. He is LOVE.

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The Bible speaks extensively about God’s covenant with Israel. Genesis 12:3 declares, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This promise to Abraham underscores the importance of supporting the Jewish people.

There needs to be an awakening, seen as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, as Christians increasingly understand their spiritual heritage and connection to Israel.

Contrary to the mainstream media narratives that often frame Israel and the Jews as the bad guys who were brutally attacked in their own houses, I will stand against the lies and deception.

To all who are against Israel and filled with hate (not knowing and accepting that they are hateful because deception comes with justification), I have a few questions: What would you do when a terrorist group came into your house and took your own children and loved ones, killed and raped them, and took them hostage? What would you do if some evil people broke down your doors, violated your boundaries, and hurt the very people you loved? What would you do when you were innocent of any crime and someone destroyed your life in a split second?

Please don’t pass any judgment before answering these questions.

Everyone needs to understand that what is being tolerated today is condoning and empowering the evil to do the same to them and their loved ones in the future. The threat we are facing is not out there in another part of the world. It is here in our backyards. This hatred is in our schools, college campuses, and government offices.

I am thankful to God for opening my eyes and showing me what true love looks like. That is my prayer: For Him to show this true love to everyone in the world. Yes, just like Corrie Ten Boom said, “if people are taught to hate, they can be taught to love.”

I was serving a god (Allah) who was telling me to go and die for him until I met the God who came to earth and died on the cross for me. That is the difference, my friend. That difference transforms haters into lovers. That is my prayer today for Hamas, for all Jewish haters, and for all haters. May they become lovers through the biggest lover of all time: Jesus Christ.

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Işık Abla Ministries (IAM) is a global beacon of hope and empowerment led by visionary founder, President, and CEO Işık Abla. As a Muslim believer, she is uniquely positioned, knowing the culture, language, and social norms, to authentically and relationally share the good news of Jesus Christ with Muslims. Today, Işık’s programs are broadcast in multiple languages in over 200 countries on six continents and are available to more than 700 million people.