'Irresponsible:' Egypt's grand mufti dismisses fatwa for jihad against Israel

Following a fatwa issued by Muslim religious scholars of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) calling on Muslim countries to engage in open jihad against Israel, Egypt’s Grand Mufti Nazir Ayyad, rejected the decree and labeled it irresponsible.

Last week, IUMS Secretary General Ali al-Qaradaghi issued the fatwa, which was supported by 14 other religious scholars from the organisation. It stated that every Muslim country is legally bound to fight Israel through political, military, and economic means.

A fatwa is a non-binding decree issued by a religious authority based on the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadith.

In the statement, al-Qaradaghi declared, “The failure of Arab and Islamic governments to support Gaza while it is being destroyed is considered a major crime under Islamic law against our oppressed brothers in Gaza.”

However, Grand Mufti Nazir Ayyad, the highest religious authority in Egypt, denounced the IUMS fatwa and stated that it went against Sharia.

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"No individual group or entity has the right to issue fatwas on such delicate and critical matters in violation of Sharia principles and its higher objectives," Ayyad stated in his decree.

"Such actions may endanger the security of societies and the stability of Muslim states," he added.

The Grand Mufti cotninued, "Supporting the Palestinian people in their legitimate rights is a religious, humanitarian and moral duty. However, this support must be provided in a way that truly serves the interests of the Palestinian people, and not to advance specific agendas or reckless ventures that could lead to further destruction, displacement, and disaster for the Palestinians themselves."

According to Ayyad, the call for jihad can only be made by a ‘legitimate authority’, which he said was a state, not an organisation or an entity.

"In our current era, this authority is embodied in the recognised state and political leadership, not in statements issued by entities or unions that lack legal authority and do not represent Muslims either religiously or in practice," he said.

Mufti Nazir Ayyad furthered on, "Calling for jihad without regard to the nation’s capabilities and its political, military and economic reality is an irresponsible act that contradicts Sharia principles, which call for preparedness, prudence, and consideration of consequences."

He emphasised seeking ways to diffuse tensions rather than waging any armed struggle.

The IUMS fatwa was also rejected by Egyptian Salafi cleric Yasser Burhami, who dismissed the decree in light of Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

Burhami is also a prominent religious scholar with strong backing from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and supported him during the 2013 coup against elected predecessor Mohamed Morsi.

The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that at least 50,523 Palestinians have lost their lives and 114,638  injured in Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.

What is stated in the IUMS fatwa?

The fatwa, supported by 14 other scholars, also called for an immediate cessation of all support to Israel, referring to the country as the "infidel enemy" while it continues to 'exterminate Palestinians.'

The IUMS committee further stressed the need for a "full blockade" on Israel via air, land, and sea to show sincere solidarity with Gaza and Palestinians under occupation.

"It is forbidden to sell weapons to Israel or facilitate their transport through international routes such as the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, or any other land, sea, or air means," al-Qaradaghi emphasised.

Additionally, the statement urged Muslim countries to sever all diplomatic and bilateral ties with Israel, including any treaties or agreements.

Check: Fatwa declares 'dunki' or illegal immigration equivalent to 'suicide'

The fatwa calls for the complete rejection of normalisation with Israel and the severing of all cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties with the 'Zionist enemy.'

It also urges Muslim scholars who have entered peace treaties with Israel to revoke those agreements and engage in armed struggle to defend Palestinians.

The fatwa strictly prohibits the supply of gas and oil to Israel, as its war machinery continues to massacre innocent Palestinians.

Additionally, the fatwa encourages Muslims to contribute to financial jihad by making donations to support Palestinians, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Israel in Gaza.

A complete boycott of Israeli products and businesses that support Israel is also called for, as well as the withdrawal of ambassadors from Israel by Muslim countries.

The decree urges sanctions to be imposed on Israel, aiming to isolate the country and force it to halt its ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.