Mauritanian scholar Sheikh al-Dido issues fatwa urging support for Palestinian resistance

Prominent Mauritanian Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad al-Hassan Walid al-Dido has issued a fatwa calling upon Muslims worldwide to financially and morally support the Palestinian resistance.

In his statement, he described Jihad as a collective duty under the current circumstances and emphasised the importance of backing efforts to confront the Israeli occupation.

The fatwa also warned against supporting companies that provide any form of assistance to Israel, asserting that such support contradicts Islamic principles.

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The scholar urged Muslims to reassess their political and economic engagements, encouraging decisive and unified action in support of Palestine.

Sheikh al-Dido’s remarks come amid escalating violence in Gaza and growing international calls for ceasefire and humanitarian access.

The scholar, widely respected across the Islamic world, is known for his influence in religious and academic circles. 

Read: Muslim religious scholars issue rare fatwa calling for jihad against Israel

Earlier, the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), led by prominent religious figures from the Muslim world, issued a rare fatwa calling for an open jihad against Israel amid the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.

Israel has resumed its military operations in Gaza following a breach of the fragile ceasefire that had been in place since January.

The truce was reportedly violated on March 18, triggering a new wave of violence and displacement across the besieged territory.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 1,250 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire collapsed. The renewed offensive has led to widespread destruction, with continuous airstrikes and ground assaults targeting densely populated areas.

Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes and refugee camps, many traveling on foot and carrying their belongings. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are particularly affected, as they endure harsh conditions during the mass displacement.

Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the Health Ministry reports that at least 50,523 Palestinians have been killed and more than 114,638 injured in Israeli military actions.