In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Fatwa of the Committee for Ijtihad and Fatwa at the International Union of Muslim Scholars regarding “The Ongoing Aggression on Gaza and the Suspension of the Ceasefire”
Dated: 28 Ramadan 1446 AH / 28 March 2025 CE
All praise is due to Allah, the Abaser of oppressors, the Supporter of the oppressed, the Strengthener of the mujahideen, the Guardian of the believers, the Protector of His righteous allies, the Eradicator of tyrants, and the Chooser of martyrs among the Muslims. May peace and blessings be upon the leader of the mujahideen, the mercy to the worlds, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
The Committee for Ijtihad and Fatwa at the International Union of Muslim Scholars follows with anguished hearts the continuation of the brutal aggression against our people in Gaza. The number of martyrs has surpassed 50,000 since the beginning of the assault. The occupying Zionist entity has once again violated the ceasefire agreement, as is its habitual conduct in breaching covenants with God, His messengers, and His creation. It has resumed its systematic campaign of genocide against our brothers and sisters in Gaza, backed by the United States government, which continues to supply the Zionist aggressors with lethal bombs and devastating weaponry, amid shameful silence from Arab regimes and betrayal by many Islamic governments.
Accordingly, and in fulfillment of the trust placed upon scholars by Allah, the Committee presents the following rulings on the ongoing Zionist aggression:
1. Obligation of Jihad Against the Zionist Entity
Building upon our previous detailed fatwas since the beginning of this genocidal war, we reiterate that it is obligatory for all Muslims and Muslim nations to engage in jihad against the Zionist entity and all those collaborating with it in the occupied land—be they mercenaries or soldiers from any nation.
Military intervention, as well as supplying the mujahideen with weapons, expertise, and intelligence, is a binding duty—firstly upon the people of Palestine, then the neighboring countries (Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon), followed by all Arab and Muslim nations. Jihad against the occupation is an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) upon every capable Muslim.
It is likewise the duty of Muslim governments to intervene immediately—militarily, economically, and politically—to stop this genocide. Abandoning Gaza during its annihilation is a grave sin. Allah says:
"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?"
[Surat An-Nisa 4:75]
Such negligence is a betrayal of leadership responsibilities. Allah says:
"O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]."
[Surat Al-Anfal 8:27]
2. Prohibition of Supporting the Enemy
It is strictly forbidden to aid the enemy in its extermination of Muslims in Gaza in any form—militarily, logistically, or otherwise. This includes the prohibition of selling weapons, facilitating their transportation via international corridors such as the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, or by land, sea, or air. The Committee rules that a complete blockade—land, air, and sea—must be imposed on the occupying entity in support of Gaza.
3. Banning the Supply of Resources
It is forbidden to supply the Zionist entity with petroleum, gas, or any goods that enable its war effort. It is also forbidden to provide food and water while Gaza's children starve. Whoever does so out of love for the Zionist enemy and with the intention of weakening the resistance is an apostate from Islam, whose guardianship is nullified. If done for profit, it is a grave sin and a major betrayal. Such acts constitute forbidden allegiance, as Allah says:
"O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you—then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people."
[Surat Al-Ma’idah 5:51]
4. Call for a Unified Military Alliance
The Committee rules that it is obligatory for Muslim and Arab states to form a unified military alliance to defend Islamic lands and safeguard their religion, lives, wealth, sovereignty, and honor. This obligation is urgent and must not be delayed, as delay leads to corruption and widespread fitnah. Allah says:
"And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy."
[Surat Al-Anfal 8:60]
The current global system has no place for the weak or divided. A unified Islamic military force is essential for deterrence, defense, and maintaining global balance.
"And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on the earth and great corruption."
[Surat Al-Anfal 8:73]
5. Revisiting Treaties with the Occupying Entity
Muslim countries with treaties or agreements with the occupying entity must reconsider them and use their leverage to pressure the enemy. Treaties are meant to serve the public interest of Muslims. They must be re-evaluated based on whether the enemy has honored or violated them.
6. Financial Jihad is Obligatory
Financial jihad is an obligation upon every capable Muslim. Wealthy Muslims must spend from their own wealth—not just from zakat—to equip the mujahideen and support the oppressed. Allah says:
"Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. That is best for you, if you only knew."
[Surat At-Tawbah 9:41]
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever equips a fighter in the cause of Allah has [himself] fought, and whoever looks after a fighter’s family has [himself] fought."
(Agreed upon)
Every effort must be made to deliver financial support to the resistance and to care for the families of fighters and defenders.
7. Prohibition of Normalization
The Committee reaffirms the prohibition of all forms of normalization with the occupying Zionist entity. It is a religious duty for all Muslim states that have normalized relations to sever those ties, in support of the oppressed and to avoid unlawful allegiance. Allah says:
"You see many of them becoming allies of those who disbelieved. How wretched is that which they have put forth for themselves—that Allah has become angry with them, and in the punishment they will abide eternally. And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and in what was revealed to him, they would not have taken them as allies; but many of them are defiantly disobedient."
[Surat Al-Ma’idah 5:80–81]
8. Scholars Must Speak Out
It is a religious obligation upon scholars to speak the truth, to denounce betrayal and silence, and to call for jihad against the occupying enemy by all available means. They must pressure governments, armies, and institutions to fulfill their religious, historical, and moral responsibilities.
9. Boycott of the Occupying Entity and Its Allies
It is obligatory for Muslims—governments and peoples—to boycott the Zionist entity and all collaborators, politically (by withdrawing ambassadors), economically, culturally, and academically. Muslims must not invest in companies involved in building illegal settlements or supporting the occupation, as doing so constitutes high treason.
10. Appeal to the U.S. Government
The Committee addresses the U.S. administration—particularly President Trump, who pledged peace for Gaza and garnered Muslim votes accordingly—and reminds him of these promises. Muslim communities in the U.S. must use all available means to pressure their government.
11. Continued Boycott of Supportive Companies
The Committee urges Muslims to continue boycotting companies that support the Zionist occupation, especially those whose governments supply weapons and political backing.
12. Supporting Gaza with Essential Aid
Muslim populations must provide food, medicine, clothing, and fuel to Gaza by all means possible. If governments block this support, they must be defied, for “There is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to the Creator.” Helping the oppressed is more obligatory than obedience to neglectful rulers.
13. Unity is a Religious Duty
In these dire times, Muslim unity is more critical than ever. This applies to Palestinian factions and all Arab and Islamic states. Allah says:
"And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and your strength would depart."
[Surat Al-Anfal 8:46]
14. Supplication for Gaza
The Committee urges all Muslims to perform Qunoot An-Nazilah in obligatory and voluntary prayers—both silently and aloud—and to increase their supplication for the people of Gaza, as du‘a has profound impact.
15. Acknowledgment and Gratitude
The Committee extends its sincere thanks to all countries, organizations, communities, and individuals who support the people of Gaza—whether by rejecting displacement, providing aid, speaking the truth, issuing fair judgments, or taking bold stances, including some Jewish voices of conscience. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"He who does not thank people does not thank Allah."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
Issued by the Committee for Ijtihad and Fatwa at the International Union of Muslim Scholars
Secretary of the Committee: Prof. Fadl Abdullah Murad
Chairman of the Committee: Prof. Ali Mohieddin Al-Qaradaghi