President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars: "Supporting Gaza and Al-Aqsa is a Religious Duty, and Aiding the Enemy is Betrayal of the Nation and Faith"
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Al-Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, delivered a compelling and impactful address during his participation in the second International Conference of the "Guardians of Al-Aqsa for Preachers and Sharia Graduates" Foundation. The event was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Gaza: Resilience in the Face of Aggression and Reviving the Palestinian Cause
In his speech, Al-Qaradaghi praised Gaza’s resilience and described its people’s resistance as a "historic epic" that has redefined the balance of power and exposed the fragility of the Zionist occupation. He emphasized that failing to support Gaza constitutes a grave moral and religious crime, stating:
"Gaza is writing the most glorious chapters of resilience with the blood of its people, uncovering the myth of the invincible army."
He highlighted the achievements of Palestinian resistance in bringing global attention back to the Palestinian cause and exposing disgraceful normalization efforts and attempts to marginalize Palestinian rights.
Al-Aqsa: A Looming Threat and the Call for Collective Action
Al-Qaradaghi warned of ongoing Zionist attempts to Judaize Al-Aqsa Mosque, demolish its features, and build the so-called Temple. He affirmed that defending Al-Aqsa is a religious obligation and a collective responsibility. He called for unified Islamic and international efforts to counter this imminent danger.
"Al-Aqsa Mosque is the beating heart of the Muslim nation. It is our duty to protect it from the architectural eradication threatening its identity and history."
Practical Proposals and Future Recommendations
Al-Qaradaghi presented several practical proposals, including:
- Convening an urgent Islamic humanitarian summit to provide material and moral support to Gaza and protect Jerusalem.
- Launching comprehensive reconstruction campaigns to rebuild homes, hospitals, and provide essential needs for Gaza’s citizens.
- Drawing inspiration from the "Hilf Al-Fudul" model as a unified framework to defend just causes and Islamic sanctities.
- Strengthening Palestinian and Islamic unity as the cornerstone for confronting the occupation and thwarting its plans.
A Message to the Nation
Al-Qaradaghi concluded his speech with a powerful message addressed to the Muslim Ummah and the world at large:
"Those who aid the enemy are betraying their religion and nation. Those who fail to support Gaza and Al-Aqsa are sinful. The time has come for unity in the Islamic and global ranks to restore rights and end oppression."
The Conference’s Significance
The conference was held under the theme "Preachers of the Nation… Guardians of Al-Aqsa" and brought together a distinguished group of scholars and preachers from across the Islamic world. It focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in supporting the Palestinian cause and defending Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The conference took place at a critical time when the Muslim Ummah is facing significant challenges. It aimed to activate the role of scholars in serving the nation’s causes and supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
Source: Media Office of the Union