Muslim religious scholars issue rare fatwa calling for jihad against Israel

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.

Under the leadership of Ali al-Qaradaghi, one of the most revered figures in the Sunni community, the organisation urged Muslim countries and individuals worldwide to rise up against Israel and extend military, economic, and political support to Palestinians.

Previously led by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, IUMS is now under the supervision of Ali al-Qaradaghi, who released a statement on Friday with 15 key points for Muslim nations.

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.”

Read: Renewed Israeli attacks killed 100 Palestinian children daily: UNICEF

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

What is stated in the 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.

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.

Israeli military offensive continue in Gaza

Israel has continued its relentless assault on Gaza, which had persisted until December, when a fragile ceasefire took effect in January. However, the truce was severely violated by Israel on March 18.

Read: Gaza is breathing its last breath,’ health official warns

Currently, Israel has displaced thousands of Palestinians, forcing them to leave refugee camps on foot. Many struggle to carry their belongings, while children and the elderly endure the physical toll of walking long distances.

Over 1,250 Palestinians have been killed since Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire on March 18, with casualties rising amid escalating airstrikes and ground assaults.

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