IUMS condemns assault on Al-Aqsa by Israeli army and Zionist settlers, reminds nation of its duties
The International Union of Muslim Scholars has followed with deep concern the steps taken in flagrant defiance of the sentiments of Muslims all over the world when a number of Israeli army special forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque early Wednesday, spread across its prayer arena, prevented Muslims from entering the mosque, demanded the people stationed there to leave, allowed Zionist settlers to enter, and perform their rites in what is known as Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles.
The move was preceded by calls from the Knesset to divide the area of Al-Aqsa Mosque among Jews and Muslims similarly to the agreement made over the Ibrahimi Mosque as a preliminary step toward complete domination over the latter.
In light of these Israeli assaults, the IUMS affirms and calls for the following:
1- The union condemns the assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque, its defilation by extremist Jews under the protection of the Israeli army, with a pretext of Jewish celebrations in order to impose a new status quo in preparation for dividing and controlling the mosque.
2- The union calls all the leaders of the Arab and Muslim world, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and all concerned parties and agencies to make the necessary serious efforts and shoulder their responsibilities to prevent a disaster that may befall Al-Aqsa Mosque and threaten its existence, and warns them the consequence of disregarding this incident.
3- The union calls for dedicating the coming Friday September 27th as a day for Al-Aqsa and urges speakers all over the Muslim world, especially union members, to make public and scholarly calls for protests in their respective countries in defense of Al-Quds and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
4- The union respectfully salutes the people of Al-Quds who held their ground in the yards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in the face of Zionist arrogance and who have for long rejected attempts at normalization and submission to Zionists. The union urges Palestinians in Al-Quds, in occupied 1948 Palestinian territories, and the West Bank to head to Al-Aqsa Mosque, station themselves in its yards, defend it in all their capacity, fend off the assailants, and leave no excuse to those who fail to stand up for it.
(And Allah has full power over His affairs, but most among mankind know it not)
Doha on: 13 Dhul Qi`da, 1434 H
Dated: 19 September, 2013
Dr. Ali Mohyi Al-Deen Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President