This document proposes a comprehensive Islamic foreign policy framework for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. It examines the ethical, spiritual, and strategic principles espoused by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and provides actionable policy recommendations across key domains, including defense, diplomacy, economic strategy, and geopolitical alliances. Recognizing Jordan’s religious custodianship of Jerusalem, its historic engagement with Palestine, and its geopolitical significance, this policy document presents a clear roadmap toward justice-oriented, independent, and divinely aligned foreign relations.
Introduction and Islamic Contextualization
In Islam, foreign policy is an extension of the Ummah’s collective morality, identity, and divine duty. It is not dictated solely by national interest or diplomatic convenience, but by the enduring principles of justice, solidarity, and divine accountability. For Jordan, whose historical, cultural, and religious identity is intimately tied to Islamic heritage and the Palestinian cause, a Quranic approach to foreign policy is both a moral obligation and a strategic imperative. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led the first Islamic state in Medina with a foreign policy rooted in treaty fulfillment, defense of the oppressed, and maintaining justice even with non-Muslim entities. This framework seeks to replicate that vision in today’s geopolitical realities.
Core Principles of a Quranic Foreign Policy
A. Tawheed (Oneness of God) and Sovereignty: The foundation of foreign policy must be the absolute sovereignty of Allah over all matters. Jordan should not submit to foreign influences that contravene Islamic values. It must reject the supremacy of man-made systems when they oppose divine law.
B. Justice (Adl) and Moral Consistency: Quranic commands in Surah An-Nisa (4:135) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8) stress unwavering justice even against oneself or allies. Foreign policy must be free from hypocrisy, selective outrage, or favoritism.
C. Defense of the Oppressed (Mustad’afeen): As commanded in Surah An-Nisa (4:75), defending the vulnerable is obligatory. A Quranic foreign policy positions Jordan as a voice for the voiceless, from Gaza to Kashmir to Xinjiang.
D. Upholding Covenants (Wafa bil-Uqood): The Prophet honored treaties until violated by the other side. Agreements must be just, not oppressive. Jordan should reassess treaties such as the Wadi Araba agreement in this light.
Strategic Directives and Institutional Policies
Geopolitical Alignment and Unity of the Ummah
Jordan must shift its alignment away from reliance on Western powers and instead prioritize partnerships with ethical, justice-oriented Muslim-majority nations. An Islamic diplomatic bloc should be established with nations like Türkiye, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, and others. Jordan must play a proactive role in OIC reform, pushing for it to become a truly representative and actionable body.
Review and Nullification of Oppressive Treaties
The Wadi Araba Treaty (1994) must be reevaluated in light of the continued violations of Palestinian rights and desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Quranic principles prohibit alliances that support oppression (Surah Hud 11:113). A roadmap must be developed to phase out normalizations that compromise Islamic values, especially military cooperation or intelligence sharing with aggressor states.
Restoration of Al-Aqsa Custodianship Mandate
As guardian of Al-Aqsa, Jordan must elevate its diplomatic, religious, and legal actions to safeguard the sanctity of the site. This includes creating a multilateral Islamic coalition to pressure Israel legally and politically through the ICC, UNGA, and ICJ.
Defense Doctrine Based on Prophetic Strategy
Inspired by the Prophet’s defensive campaigns and strategic alliances (e.g., Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, alliances with non-Muslim tribes), Jordan must develop a sovereign, morally consistent defense doctrine. Military and intelligence partnerships should be reviewed for compliance with Islamic ethics. The presence of foreign military bases or training that enable aggression against other Muslims must be ceased.
Economic Sovereignty and Islamic Finance
Jordan should implement policies for gradual economic independence from Western financial institutions. Reliance on IMF loans and interest-based borrowing should be replaced with sukuk-based development bonds, Islamic banking expansions, and intra-Muslim trade agreements. Halal industry promotion, ethical tourism, and a “Buy from the Ummah” strategy should be part of the national export-import policy.
Palestine as the Strategic and Spiritual Axis
Jordan’s foreign policy must enshrine Palestine’s liberation as a national priority, not merely a rhetorical position. Policy measures must include cutting diplomatic ties with Israel, enforcing public and private boycotts, supporting legal complaints at the ICC, sponsoring Palestinian resistance diplomacy globally, and funding reconstruction and media counter-narratives.
Islamic Cultural and Knowledge Diplomacy
Jordan should become a hub for Quranic-based diplomacy. Establish international Islamic think tanks, peace institutes, and forums under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that champion justice, dignity, and divine law. Global academic conferences and outreach programs should reinforce the Prophetic message of mercy and justice.
Media and Cyber Strategy Against Disinformation
Jordan must create a state-backed but independent media platform (e.g., a regional Al-Jazeera alternative) to counter global misinformation against Islam, highlight Palestinian truths, and promote Quranic governance. Digital alliances with global Islamic influencers, journalists, and scholars must be institutionalized.
Islamic Refugee and Humanitarian Policy
Following the Prophet’s example during the migration to Medina, Jordan should establish humane and dignified policies for refugees, integrating Quranic compassion with logistical coordination. Special attention should be paid to Syrian, Palestinian, and Uyghur refugee advocacy in international forums.
International Arbitration and Justice Advocacy
Jordan should sponsor a new Islamic Charter for International Arbitration rooted in Shariah justice principles. This includes establishing courts or legal alliances with Muslim countries to independently investigate war crimes, financial exploitation, and human rights violations where Western systems fail.
Conclusion and Strategic Vision
Jordan has an opportunity to lead the Muslim world not only through geography or symbolism but through values. An Islamic foreign policy rooted in the Quran and modeled on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not utopian. It is urgently realistic and morally inevitable. This document calls for a shift from externally dictated diplomacy to divine-aligned strategy. In doing so, Jordan will not only elevate its global standing but fulfill its higher purpose: to be a nation that upholds truth, resists oppression, and reflects the light of Prophethood in modern governance.
