In a powerful address at the National Palestine Conference held in Islamabad, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, one of Pakistan’s most esteemed Islamic scholars and former judge of the Federal Shariat Court, declared that military jihad against Israel is an obligatory duty for all Muslim governments.
1. Obligation of Jihad for Muslim Governments: Mufti Taqi Usmani emphasized that Muslim countries have failed to provide sufficient support to those fighting to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. He made it clear that jihad, in this context, is not optional but an Islamic obligation for Muslim states.
Speaking to a congregation of prominent Islamic scholars and political leaders, Mufti Usmani criticized Muslim countries for their inaction in the face of Israel’s aggression towards Palestinians and the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
2. Critique of Muslim Armies’ Inaction: He questioned the purpose of Muslim armies if they do not engage in jihad to protect Islamic sanctities and oppressed Muslims, highlighting the urgent need for action beyond verbal solidarity.
The conference’s official declaration echoed Mufti Usmani’s sentiments, stating that jihad has become obligatory for Muslim countries, especially those in proximity to Israel, and subsequently for the broader Muslim world.
3. Demand to End the Siege on Gaza: The declaration also called for the end of the siege on Gaza and urged the Egyptian government to keep the Rafah border crossing permanently open to ensure the supply of necessities to the people of Gaza.
Mufti Usmani also urged Muslims intending to perform voluntary pilgrimages, such as Umrah, to instead allocate their resources to support the Palestinian resistance.
4. Call for Economic Support to Palestinians: He emphasized that, while Umrah holds great importance, the current dire situation in Gaza necessitates prioritizing aid to the oppressed, viewing such support as a form of jihad with wealth.
In his speech, Mufti Usmani referenced Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, stating that Jinnah had declared Israel an illegitimate state and that Pakistan’s stance should remain unchanged regardless of Israel’s strength.
5. Reference to Pakistan’s Founding Stance: He reaffirmed that Jinnah considered Israel an illegitimate entity, and asserted that Pakistan must uphold this founding stance, no matter how powerful Israel becomes.
He also firmly rejected the two-state solution, asserting that no Muslim can accept the state of Israel.
6. Rejection of the Two-State Solution: Mufti Usmani declared that the Islamic world possesses the resources and unity to compel Israel to end its brutal occupation, rendering the two-state proposition unacceptable from an Islamic standpoint.
The conference also featured a video address from Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, who expressed hope in Pakistan’s support and detailed the challenges faced by Palestinians under Israeli aggression.
7. Recognition of Hamas’ Struggle: Mufti Usmani acknowledged the efforts of Hamas, stating that their struggle will continue until the occupation of Palestine ends and emphasized the Muslim world’s duty to support their resistance.
8. Call for Practical Assistance: Concluding his address, Mufti Usmani urged Muslim leaders to move beyond empty words and take concrete action to assist Gaza. While military engagement may not be possible for every state, providing humanitarian and financial aid to the suffering population is a religious obligation for every believer.
The National Palestine Conference’s call for jihad marks a significant moment in the Muslim world’s response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the deepening divide among Islamic scholars and leaders on the appropriate course of action.
