Jihad Against Israel is Now an Obligation for the Muslim Ummah – Mufti Taqi Usmani
Islamabad, 11 April (www.deccanlive.com): At the end of the National Palestine Conference held in Islamabad, Islamic scholars issued a joint declaration, saying that Jihad against the occupying Zionist state (Israel) is now obligatory for the entire Muslim Ummah.
The conference was attended by scholars from all Islamic schools of thought, leaders of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, and a large number of citizens.
In his speech, renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani said that not just the Pakistani government, but all Muslim governments are now religiously bound to declare Jihad against Israel. He added that instead of just passing resolutions and holding conferences, the Muslim Ummah should now take real action.
He said,
“Instead of gathering here, we should have gathered in Gaza. Sadly, we are doing nothing practical to help the Palestinian fighters. It is a religious duty on the Muslim Ummah to give practical, financial, and physical support to the people of Palestine.”
Mufti Taqi Usmani questioned,
“If more than 55,000 Muslims have been slaughtered, and we still don’t consider Jihad to be obligatory, then when will it be?”
He reminded that Pakistan never accepted Israel, and that the founder of Pakistan called it an illegitimate state. He said Pakistan’s position will never change, no matter how powerful Israel becomes.
He further added that since there is no agreement between Pakistan and Israel, and since Israel has already broken international agreements, there is no reason left to stay silent.
Mufti Taqi Usmani strongly criticized the Muslim world, saying:
“The Muslim Ummah has failed to support the fighters defending Masjid Al-Aqsa (the First Qibla). While bombs are still falling in Gaza, Muslims are stuck in making speeches and passing resolutions. This is the time to announce Jihad, not hold more conferences.”
He also said that although there is a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Israel is still bombing. He added,
“Israel does not respect morals or international laws.”
Other prominent speakers at the conference included:
- Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman (Barelvi scholar)
- Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman (Leader of Jamaat-e-Islami)
- Maulana Fazlur Rehman (Leader of JUI-F)
- and several other religious and political leaders
