Egyptian Grand Mufti Rebukes Call for Jihad Against Israel as "Irresponsible"
A significant divergence in religious opinion has emerged within the Muslim world regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Egypt's Grand Mufti, Nazir Ayyad, the highest authority for issuing religious edicts in the country, has publicly rejected a fatwa issued by the influential International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) that urged all "able Muslims" to engage in "jihad" against Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
The IUMS, led by its secretary general Ali al-Qaradaghi and backed by 14 other prominent Muslim scholars, had declared that all Muslim nations have a legal obligation under Islamic law to "intervene immediately militarily, economically and politically to stop this genocide and comprehensive destruction" and to impose a siege on Israel. Al-Qaradaghi further stated that the inaction of Arab and Islamic governments in supporting Gaza constituted a "major crime against our oppressed brothers in Gaza." The IUMS also called on Islamic countries to reconsider their peace treaties with Israel and urged Muslims in the United States to pressure then-President Donald Trump to halt the aggression and establish peace.
However, Grand Mufti Ayyad issued a counter-fatwa, firmly stating that it was "irresponsible" for any individual group or entity to issue such pronouncements on critical matters that contravene Sharia principles and its broader objectives. He warned that such actions could jeopardize the security of societies and the stability of Muslim states. While affirming that supporting the Palestinian people's legitimate rights is a "religious, humanitarian and moral duty," Ayyad stressed that this support must be provided in a manner that genuinely serves Palestinian interests and avoids advancing specific agendas or "reckless ventures" that could lead to further devastation and displacement.
Ayyad emphasized that the declaration of jihad in Islam is the prerogative of a "legitimate authority," which, in the modern context, is embodied in the recognized state and political leadership, not in statements from entities or unions lacking legal authority and not representative of all Muslims. He argued that "calling for jihad without regard to the nation’s capabilities and its political, military and economic reality is an irresponsible act that contradicts Sharia principles, which call for preparedness, prudence, and consideration of consequences." Instead of military intervention, the Grand Mufti advocated for Muslim nations to prioritize de-escalation efforts.
Adding to the dissent, a leading Egyptian pro-government Salafi cleric, Yasser Burhami, also dismissed the IUMS fatwa as unrealistic and contrary to Egypt's 1979 peace treaty with Israel. Burhami, a key supporter of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, further underscores the division in opinion within Egypt itself.
A fatwa, as the article clarifies, is a non-binding Islamic legal ruling issued by a respected religious scholar, typically based on the Quran or the Sunnah. While al-Qaradaghi is considered a highly respected religious authority whose decrees carry significant weight among Sunni Muslims, Ayyad's strong rebuttal highlights the complexities and differing interpretations within Islamic jurisprudence regarding political and military action.
The backdrop to this debate is the devastating conflict in Gaza, where, according to reports cited in the article, Israel has killed over 50,000 Palestinians since October 2023, leading to widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also led to accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli leaders.
The contrasting fatwas from prominent religious figures underscore the delicate balance between religious obligation, political realities, and the potential consequences of calls for action in a volatile geopolitical landscape. The debate highlights the multifaceted perspectives within the Muslim world on how best to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
No comments:
Post a Comment