Leading Pakistani jurist rallies for Palestine

MUFTI MUHAMMAD TAQI USMANI emphasises the tragic reality of Palestine and the obligation of Muslims to support.

THE current situation in Palestine is alarming for Muslims, with thousands of casualties, including women and children, due to targeted bombings by Israel. It is disheartening to see superpowers claiming to champion human rights remain silent and even support Israel, revealing a lack of moral perspective in their actions.

Israeli propaganda has successfully misled even non-aligned countries, spreading fabrications that have been widely believed due to relentless repetition.

Muslims themselves raise burning questions: ‘Why did Hamas choose to attack Israel, fully aware of the vast military power that Israel possesses, which is a hundred times greater than its own? Surely, this is suicidal.’

Israel is not an independent force, but rather propped up within the Islamic world. The objective extends beyond Palestine, as Western powers aimed to establish a strong force against the Islamic world. They employed plots and stratagems to manipulate Muslim countries, like Egypt and Jordan, into accepting Israel as a Jewish state.

There were subsequent attempts to normalise relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The ultimate goal of these actions was to ensure that all Muslim countries eventually recognise Israel as a legitimate state.

Hamas attacked Israel due to the latter’s long history of atrocities and aggressions, which have transformed Israel into this monstrous entity. Hamas feared that if the Muslim world accepted Israel, it would give rise to a malignant force and enable Israel’s goal of establishing a ‘greater Israel.’

Therefore, Hamas believed that inflicting a painful blow on Israel would disrupt the formation of these relationships with Muslim countries. Hamas’s attack on Israel initially succeeded, as Muslim countries reconsidered their plans to establish ties with Israel. Hamas argues that since they believe they are destined to die anyway, embracing the honourable death of martyrs is preferable. In the eyes of Islam, Hamas’s attack on Israel was justified and legitimate.

By contrast, Israelis assert that they have a right to inherit the land, stating they are descendants of Bani Israeel. Yet, it was the Canaanites who migrated from the Arabian Peninsula who were the original inhabitants of Palestine. After the conquest by Prophets Moosa and Shammil, Bani Israeel ruled for 99 years, killing numerous prophets during that period.

At the end of ninety-nine years, 1 800 years passed without Jewish rule. It is illogical to claim rights based on a brief historical period. This argument would set a precedent for other groups to claim ancestral lands such as the Red Indians over the Americans, and displace current inhabitants, which is why it is universally rejected.

However, the Jews supported the notion of exodus from Europe, which would eventually result in the country enduring severe amputation and mutilation in order to fulfil their desires. In 1948, Britain and America proposed the creation of Israel, which was promptly accepted by America after the massacre of Palestinians at Deir Yassin and the forced expulsion of thousands.

Religious claims assert that Prophets Dawood and Sulayman constructed places of worship here, which is also supported by the Quran. Masjid Al Aqsa was built by either Prophet Sulayman or Prophet Dawood, while the Kaabah in Makkah was initially constructed by angels and later rebuilt by Prophet Adam. However, the original structures were lost over time, and Prophet Ibrahim then reconstructed the Kaabah. Prophet Sulayman was not the first to construct Al Aqsa either. According to tradition, it was initially established by Prophet Adam but later destroyed.

Prophets Sulayman and Dawood subsequently reconstructed it, so it was not solely built by Bani Israeel. These two prophets are also considered our prophets. Therefore, the Jewish community does not have exclusive rights to claim it. Furthermore, the belief in their Torah that Prophet Sulayman became an apostate and worshipped idols is refuted by the Quran.

Prophet Sulayman did not embrace disbelief, but the devils did. The Jews accuse him of apostasy while claiming rights over the building he constructed, which weakens their claims over Palestine.

The Jews, in collaboration with America and Britain, have been attempting to divide and weaken the Muslim world. Since 1948, they have continuously perpetrated atrocities against the indigenous population of Palestine, engaging in acts of ethnic cleansing and extermination. In response, Hamas launched an attack, leading to Israel’s retaliation.

This ongoing conflict is undoubtedly a deeply distressing tragedy, as Israel’s anger has transformed it into a monstrous entity. However, even more disheartening is the silence of the Muslim world. According to the shariah, if non-Muslims attack Muslims, all Muslims are obligated to engage in jihad. This obligation starts with those closest to the affected region and extends outward. Therefore, jihad is obligatory in countries near Palestine. Additionally, Muslims should contribute to jihad based on their capabilities.

Moreover, Muslim countries have a responsibility to provide physical and financial assistance to Palestinians, but it should be done wisely to bring benefit and avoid harm. In order to determine the most effective course of action, collective action is crucial. For instance, Pakistan, with its strong military, must assist Palestinians strategically. It is important to note that this assistance does not involve openly launching missiles or rockets. Furthermore, supporting Palestinians is an obligation on all Muslim countries.

In order to address and eliminate the threat, Muslim countries must unite and use practical wisdom. It is important not to remain passive. Ordinary Muslims should support Palestine in any way possible, such as making small monetary contributions. Additionally, supplication plays a crucial role in the face of bombings and the loss of innocent lives. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to do what we can and have faith in Allah’s command for peace.

This is an abridged version of the pre-khutbah talk, delivered on October 13, 2023 in Karachi, Pakistan.

• Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani is a Pakistani jurist and a leading scholar of the Quran, Hadith, Islamic law, Islamic economics and comparative religion. He currently teaches Sahih al-Bukhari, fiqh, and Islamic economics at Darul Uloom Karachi.