Islamic scholars from Türkiye and around the world have called for more effective methods of Islamic outreach, emphasizing the use of modern technology, the importance of exemplary Muslim character and the duty to support Palestinians in Gaza and defend Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The remarks came during opening addresses at the 11th Scholars’ Meeting, organized by İTTİHADUL ULEMA (Union of Scholars) in Diyarbakır, southeastern Türkiye, under the theme “Methods of Dawah and New Approaches.”

Speaking at the gathering, Faisal Jalali, a representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, highlighted the opportunities and challenges that modern technology presents for Islamic outreach.

“We are living in an age of technology that makes life easier but can also lead to intellectual and cultural corruption,” Jalali said, noting that ideas and cultural influences increasingly enter homes through digital platforms, cartoons and games, affecting even young children.

He urged Islamic scholars and outreach workers to use technological tools wisely to promote Islamic values, morality and justice.

“ We must use these tools to spread Islamic values, morality and Islamic justice,” he said.

Jalali stressed that dawah should extend beyond mosques and pulpits, arguing that a Muslim’s personal conduct and integrity are among the most powerful means of conveying Islam.

“Sometimes good character, good behavior and righteous deeds reach places that words cannot,” he said.

Jalali highlights Afghan Muslims’ struggle

Jalali also referred to the struggle of Afghan Muslims against foreign military forces between 2001 and 2021, describing it as a practical demonstration of faith and perseverance.

“Afghan Muslims proved that piety and faith can bring major powers such as the United States and Europe to their knees,” he said, presenting their struggle as an example of Islam being conveyed through action as well as words.

Egyptian scholar calls for greater support for Gaza and Al-Aqsa

Sheikh Mohammed al-Saghir, head of the International Commission for Supporting the Prophet of Islam, drew attention to the situation facing Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinians, calling on Muslims to recognize their religious and moral responsibilities.

“Al-Aqsa Mosque is our first qibla, our second mosque and our third holy sanctuary,” he said, expressing concern over what he described as continuing violations against the sacred site.

Al-Saghir questioned the failure of the wider Muslim world to provide sufficient support to Palestinians, despite the Muslim population numbering more than two billion.

Turning to Gaza, he said Palestinians and resistance fighters had fulfilled their responsibilities under extremely difficult circumstances and challenged Muslims elsewhere to assess whether they had done enough in response.

“Has the Muslim ummah fulfilled its duty toward Gaza?” he asked.

Al-Saghir stressed that Muslims were responsible for supporting Al-Aqsa and Gaza to the extent of their capabilities.

“Allah Almighty has held Muslims responsible according to their strength and capacity. We must offer what we can for Al-Aqsa; otherwise, we should not consider ourselves excused,” he said.

He added that those who had continued to uphold their responsibilities amid the devastation in Gaza included the resistance fighters and murabitun — Muslims who remain steadfast in defending and protecting sacred Islamic sites.

The scholars’ remarks underscored the meeting’s central themes: strengthening Islamic outreach through contemporary methods, embodying Islamic teachings through personal conduct and reinforcing solidarity with Palestinians amid the continuing struggle over Gaza and Al-Aqsa Mosque. (ILKHA)