In these critical moments that Gaza is enduring, a catastrophe and a total genocide are being carried out by the worst Nazi-like government, thirsty for bloodshed, in front of the world, with the support of those who provide them with weapons, money, and political backing.
We cannot stand idly by in the face of this unfolding humanitarian tragedy. The real famine that the people of Gaza are suffering.
We are not merely facing a humanitarian disaster but a test of the human and moral values we claim to uphold. Children, women, and the elderly are dying of hunger if they do not die from the genocide, amidst a shameful global silence. We urgently need a global outcry to save the people of Gaza from this real suffering.
Gaza, this small strip of land, has been suffering from a severe blockade by the arrogant and oppressive Israeli occupation for years and now faces an unprecedented famine catastrophe. We see with our own eyes how innocent lives are extinguished day after day, how homes turn into graves for their inhabitants, and how children die in their mothers' arms due to the lack of food, water, and medicine.
These are not just numbers and statistics but painful human stories and a cry for help to every living conscience in this world. We must unite, regardless of our political or religious differences, to save innocent lives. Governments, organizations, Islamic and humanitarian bodies, and individuals must join forces to provide urgent and immediate support to Gaza.
Time is not on our side, and every passing minute means more lives lost.
Saving Gaza is a religious, human, and moral duty that we all must fulfill. Let us raise our voices against the occupiers, the killers of children, women, and the elderly, and use all available means to urge the world to act now.
Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives" (An-Nisa: 135). Where are we from this justice when we see the children of Gaza dying of hunger, its women suffering from pain, and its elderly enduring oppression and siege?
Where are we from the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever" (Agreed upon). Where is our solidarity and compassion? Where is the spirit of Islam, where is Arab dignity, and where is humanity?
The International Union of Muslim Scholars calls on all Muslims, the free world, governments, the United Nations, and all humanitarian organizations to stop these brutal crimes, which are a stain on the forehead of our generation, and to urgently mobilize to save Gaza from the specter of famine. We implore you by Allah, by your humanity, and by your moral responsibility to extend a helping hand to our people in Gaza. Every minute of delay means more lives lost, more tears shed, and more hopes dashed.
O governments of the world, O leaders of the Ummah, this is the call of Allah to you: "Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely" (Al-Ma'idah: 32), and Allah commands us to cooperate in righteousness: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety" (Al-Ma'idah: 2). Lift the unjust siege on Gaza, and provide food, medical supplies, and essential needs for its people.
Muslims and their governments, especially the neighboring governments, are responsible before Allah for the death of their brothers in Gaza due to starvation, killing, and deprivation of medicine and food.
Gaza is calling, and the children of Gaza, especially in the north, its women, children, and elderly are crying out: O Arab nation! O Islamic nation! O humanity! O conscience of the world, do you not see our situation for nine months? Why did not your religion, your Arabism, or your humanity move you? Are we not human beings?!!!!
We ask for a positive response to its call. Let us prove to the world that humanity is still alive and that we are capable of overcoming challenges to save lives. Let all border crossings to Gaza be opened urgently and sustainably. This step is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a moral and ethical duty to ensure the mere survival of the sector's inhabitants.
It is our collective responsibility, and let us rise to this responsibility. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) warned us that Allah's protection is lifted from those who abandon people in such situations: "Any community where a hungry person wakes up while they are well-off, Allah's protection is lifted from them" (Narrated by Ahmad, Al-Hakim, and others, and authenticated by some scholars).
O people of the world, O people of goodness, do not let your brothers die of hunger while you enjoy prosperity and abundance. Donate generously, donate with love, donate sincerely. Allah does not waste the reward of the doer of good, and act to mobilize the Ummah to press the officials to make the necessary decision.
We ask Allah the Almighty to grant victory to the people of Gaza over the occupying Zionists and their allies among the hypocrites and the complicit, to strengthen their steps, to guide their aim, to relieve the distress of our people in Gaza, to have mercy on their weakness, and to assist all those who strive to save them. O Allah, make us among those who strive for good, and grant us strength and determination to support the oppressed in Palestine and all lands.
The International Union of Muslim Scholars
Doha: 19 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445 AH corresponding to June 25, 2024 AD
Dr. Ali bin Muhammad Al-Sallabi , IUMS Secretary General
Prof. Ali Al-Qaradaghi , IUMS President