The International Union of Muslim Scholars
Welcomes the Cessation of the Zionist Aggression on Gaza, Commending the Resilience of Its People and the Sacrifices of Its Heroes.
The Union calls on everyone to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza and to provide the essentials for a dignified life for its steadfast people.
It also demands the prosecution of all perpetrators of genocide and that they be held liable for compensation for all the destruction they have caused.
The Union followed, with deep pain and sorrow, the horrific genocide that Gaza endured over the past 16 months. The aggression targeted civilians and vital facilities, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of tens of thousands of civilians, most of whom were women, children, and the elderly. It also caused the destruction of hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches, in addition to the severe humanitarian suffering of displaced residents confined to camps and shelters.
Despite the harsh conditions, the people of Gaza courageously and steadfastly resisted this aggression, making enormous sacrifices in defense of their land and rights. Their resilience in the face of oppression and injustice over more than a year is a testament to their strength and determination.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
"And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper'?" (An-Nisa: 75)
In light of the agreement to cease the aggression, which represents a significant step toward halting genocide, the Union calls for the following actions:
1. Reconstruction of Gaza
The Union urges all Islamic nations, international organizations, the United Nations, and humanitarian and relief organizations, both local and global, to organize campaigns to collect donations, zakat contributions, and active participation in rebuilding Gaza. This includes reconstructing hospitals, schools, homes, and destroyed infrastructure, as well as meeting urgent humanitarian needs such as food, drinking water, medicine, healthcare, and education.
The Union particularly calls on all Muslims to fulfill their financial obligations, as this is the most pressing duty of the time. Allah says:
"Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allah - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you." (Muhammad: 38)
2. Media Awareness
The Union calls on media outlets to make every effort to highlight the crimes against humanity committed by the Zionist occupation, the suffering of civilians in Gaza, and to motivate the international community to actively participate in relief and reconstruction efforts.
3. Accountability for Genocide Perpetrators
The Union urges legal and judicial institutions to investigate the crimes committed in Gaza by the Zionist entity, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, the killing of prisoners, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the use of internationally prohibited weapons. Those responsible for violating international human rights laws must be prosecuted and held accountable.
4. International Community Responsibility
The Union calls on the international community to continue effectively supporting Gaza, pressuring neighboring countries to open all crossings, and lifting the unjust blockade imposed on Gaza by the criminal Zionist entity for years.
5. Role of Scholars, Imams, and Educational Institutions
The Union encourages scholars, imams, and educational institutions to play an active role in highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people in their sermons and lectures. It also urges the Muslim Ummah to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, akin to the brotherhood established between the Muhajireen and Ansar in Medina, and to stand by the Palestinian people during this ordeal.
Allah says:
"Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly." (As-Saff: 4)
Conclusion
The Union expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to all those who made sincere and effective efforts to achieve the ceasefire agreement, particularly the State of Qatar – its Emir, government, and people – who led the efforts to halt the aggression and establish peace in Gaza.
We pray that Allah blesses their efforts and brings justice and goodness to the Palestinian people, and that peace and security prevail across the Islamic Ummah and the world.
We also ask Allah Almighty to accept the martyrs of Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and other regions in the highest ranks of Paradise, to heal the injured and afflicted, and to grant the swift release of all prisoners.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
Doha: 15 Rajab 1446 AH – 15 January 2025 CE
Secretary-General
Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi
President
Dr. Ali Mohieddin Al-Qaradaghi