Sheikh of Al-Aqsa and Guardian of Its Pulpit Visits Algeria: A Testament to Historical Ties and Continued Support for Palestine
In an official visit at the invitation of the Higher Islamic Council of Algeria, Sheikh Ikrima Sa’id Sabri, Head of the Supreme Islamic Council and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, met with the Algerian people and institutions. This visit is part of his international tour aimed at conveying the suffering of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque and raising awareness about the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people.
Palestinian Joy at Algeria’s Honoring of Imam Ikrima
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri received a warm welcome from religious institutions in Algeria, which expressed their deep appreciation for his role as one of the most prominent figures of Palestinian resistance. Many religious institutions in Palestine also praised this official and popular reception, considering his honoring in Algeria as an honor for the entire Palestinian people.
This reception reflects the deep historical ties between Palestine and Algeria and reaffirms Algeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
Who is Sheikh Ikrima Sabri?
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri is one of the most distinguished Islamic figures in Palestine and a prominent symbol of steadfastness and resistance against Israeli occupation. Born in Jerusalem in 1938, he hails from a distinguished scholarly family. His father, Sheikh Sa’id Sabri, was a judge and the founder of the Supreme Islamic Council in Palestine, and a prominent figure who bravely opposed the Israeli occupation. Growing up in this scholarly environment, Sheikh Ikrima continued his family’s legacy of serving knowledge and advocacy, becoming one of Palestine’s most influential religious leaders.
The Longest-Serving Preacher on Al-Aqsa’s Pulpit
For 53 years, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri has been the longest-serving preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Throughout his tenure, he has never ceased to proclaim the truth from this sacred pulpit, defying threats and pressures from Israeli authorities. More than just a preacher, he has been a voice for defending Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, using his sermons to expose Israeli attempts to Judaize the holy city.
The Independence of Al-Aqsa’s Pulpit: Sermons Beyond Control
One of Sheikh Ikrima’s defining traits is his insistence on complete independence in his sermons. He has maintained a steadfast commitment to the freedom and struggle of the Palestinian people, ensuring that no external entity dictates his messages. This unwavering stance makes him a symbol of steadfastness, resilience, and defiance against occupation.
A Scholarly and Advocacy Journey
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri began his career teaching in Al-Aqsa’s Islamic schools, mentoring numerous scholars in Jerusalem. He later assumed several positions in Islamic education and advocacy, including serving as Director of Al-Aqsa’s Islamic Schools and Director of Preaching and Guidance in Jerusalem. In 1994, he was appointed Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, where he established the Palestinian Fatwa Council and the Supreme Fatwa Council, becoming a key Islamic authority in Palestine.
A Symbol of Resistance Against Occupation
Despite his advanced age—having exceeded 85 years—Sheikh Ikrima Sabri continues to resist the occupation with remarkable courage. He has faced numerous arrests and threats from Israeli forces, aimed at silencing or expelling him from his homeland. However, he remains unwavering, rejecting any notion of exile, surrender, or negotiation over Al-Aqsa, firmly standing his ground on the soil that carries his legacy of struggle.
A Leading Role in National and Resistance Movements
Beyond his religious duties, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri has played a pivotal role in national movements and resistance activities aimed at defending Al-Aqsa and Islamic sanctities. He has actively opposed Israeli policies seeking to alter the status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as exemplified by his leadership in the 2017 Bab Al-Asbat Uprising, where he decisively rejected Israeli-imposed restrictions.
Arrest and Trial by the Israeli Occupation
Five months ago, Israeli occupation forces raided Sheikh Ikrima Sabri’s home and arrested him, following a sermon he delivered at Al-Aqsa Mosque. As a punitive measure, they banned him from entering the mosque. In a defiant act, Sheikh Ikrima broke the ban in 2020, entering Al-Aqsa carried on the shoulders of worshipers—a historic moment demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the right of Muslims to pray in their mosque.
Despite repeated arrests and threats, Sheikh Ikrima remains steadfast. He currently faces trial before the Israeli occupation court on charges of "incitement to terrorism," charges he dismisses with disdain, unwavering in his faith and unshaken by the prospect of imprisonment or martyrdom.
Sheikh Ikrima’s Scholarly Contributions: Knowledge and Advocacy in Service of the Cause
Beyond his activism, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri is also a prolific author, having written over 25 books and participated in numerous international conferences and seminars. His works focus on Palestine, Islamic sanctities, and resistance, reinforcing his role as a leading voice for the Palestinian cause.
During his current tour in Algeria, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri continues to relay the message of Al-Aqsa, calling upon the Islamic world to stand in solidarity with Palestine and its people.
Algeria and Palestine: A Historic Bond and a Call for Continued Support
Algeria, a nation known for its unwavering support for Palestine, welcomed Sheikh Ikrima Sabri with great honor, reflecting its deep appreciation for Palestine’s role in defending Islamic sanctities. Dubbed “The Guardian of Al-Aqsa’s Pulpit” by hundreds of Islamic scholars, Sheikh Ikrima serves as a model of resilience and sacrifice, embodying the highest values of dedication to faith and homeland.
Sheikh Ikrima Sabri: The Voice of Jerusalem and Palestine
Despite the countless challenges he faces, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri remains a steadfast defender of truth and justice, standing as a living testament that Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa will always be at the heart of every Muslim, regardless of time or distance.
From the land of Algeria, he continues his mission of defending Al-Aqsa, awaiting the day of liberation, with unwavering faith in divine justice and victory.
By: Engineer Hamdi Muhammad, Member of the Supreme Islamic Council – Palestine.
Note: All published articles represent the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.