The Zohar in parashat Vaera explains the secret behind the Brit Milah (circumcision). The concept of brit milah is also related to the period of time known as Shovavim* because the brit milah consists of taking away the negative part of the males reproductive organ. Also Shovavim is about the removal of negativity that has to do with the reproduction organ. The Zohar mentions that also Ishmael (the Arabic world) do circumcision. The questions asked is that since Ishmael does do circumcision do they have a portion in the world to come? To what Hashem answers that yes,  they have a certain portion in the lower realms. And this is the connection that the arabs have to Eretz Israel. 

Due to the merit of the brit milah that Ishmael has, they have an attached connection with the holy land. Therefore, when the Jewish people is not acting accordingly and lose control of Eretz Israel, by default the control goes to Ishmael. The Zohar continues...

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