Historical Record Shows Complex Muslim Responses to Nazism Amidst Joe Lonsdale's Critique of Islamists

Venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale recently sparked discussion with a tweet asserting that "MANY of the worst Islamists supported Hitler, and lost. Bad guys." He further claimed that "the majority of the Muslim world criticized Nazism; many also volunteered for the allies," while distinguishing between "Islamist fools" and the broader Muslim community. This statement highlights a complex historical narrative regarding the relationship between the Muslim world and Nazi Germany during World War II.

Historical records indicate that certain influential figures and groups within the Muslim world did align with Nazi Germany. Notably, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini, and Iraqi Prime Minister Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, actively collaborated with the Axis powers, seeking support against British and French colonial rule and Zionism. These figures were involved in propaganda efforts and the recruitment of Muslim soldiers for German units, including the Free Arabian Legion and some Bosnian Muslim SS divisions.

However, Lonsdale's assertion that the "majority of the Muslim world criticized Nazism" is also strongly supported by historical evidence. Numerous Arab intellectuals, politicians, and religious leaders vehemently condemned Nazism as a totalitarian and racist ideology incompatible with Islamic principles. Egyptian newspapers, for instance, published articles criticizing Hitler and fascism, and prominent figures like Taha Hussein denounced the lack of freedom in Nazi Germany.

Furthermore, many Muslims actively contributed to the Allied war effort. Thousands of Palestinians and North African Muslims served in the British and French armies, fighting against the Axis powers. Religious leaders in various regions also took stances against Nazi ideology, with some issuing fatwas that warned against attacking Jewish communities, emphasizing Islamic teachings of protection for neighbors.

The historical context reveals a nuanced picture, where pragmatic anti-colonial sentiments sometimes led to alliances with the Axis, while widespread ideological opposition to Nazism and direct military participation alongside the Allies showcased a diverse range of responses within the Muslim world. Lonsdale, known for his outspoken views on geopolitics and technology, has previously expressed strong anti-Islamist and pro-Israel positions, adding a contemporary layer to this historical discussion.