On October 7, 2023, the Qatar-based and funded International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) released a statement signed by its president, Salim Segaf Al-Jufri, and its secretary general, 'Ali Al-Qaradaghi, that called the "Al-Aqsa Storm" (also called "Al-Aqsa Deluge") operation launched by Hamas against Israel an "effective" and "mandatory development of legitimate resistance." The statement further emphasized that Muslims have a religious duty to support their brothers and sisters "throughout all of Palestine, especially in Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem, and Gaza."
Furthermore, the IUMS stressed that its position represents the consensus of Muslim scholars, both past and present, and that it is grounded in definitive evidence from the Quran and Sunnah. Below is the full translation of the statement.
"The International Union of Muslim Scholars affirms that resisting occupation is a legitimate duty established by international law. It emphasizes the Islamic nation's duty to liberate its first Qibla and the occupied blessed lands.
"It exposes to the world that the aggression of the occupying Zionists against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Palestinian people, and their acts of killing, destruction, and capturing has surpassed all limits, with the international community unfortunately remaining silent about it.
"Therefore, the occupation government and its support for aggressive settlers, as well as ensuring their security for aggression on Al-Aqsa and those who worship therein, bear all the consequences that arise from this.
"The 'Aqsa Storm' is an effective development of legitimate resistance, even a mandatory one, and it is the duty of the Islamic nation to stand with it using all its capabilities, each according to their capacity. It is absolutely impermissible to abandon our brothers and sisters in all of Palestine, especially in Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem, and Gaza. We must support them.
"The abovementioned is a matter of consensus among Muslim scholars, past and present. It is based on definitive evidence from the Quran and Sunnah and is in line with sound nature and rational thinking. Just as the human body rejects foreign objects, defending one's land and repelling aggressors from any group is a requirement of sound nature and sound minds. No one would accept the occupation of their country, let alone their first Qibla and the ascension of their Prophet.
"As Allah has said: 'Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought because they were wronged, and indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.' (Quran, Al-Hajj: 39)."
"October 7, 2023.
"'Ali Al-Qaradaghi – the Secretary-General
"Salim Segaf Al-Jufri – the President"
