At a major international gathering of Muslim scholars in Istanbul, Prof. Dr. Ali Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), issued a powerful appeal for the Islamic world to move beyond statements and take concrete action in support of Gaza.

Speaking at the First Turkish Union of Scholars Conference titled “The Call Rising from the Minarets of Gaza”, Qaradaghi lamented the current state of inaction among Muslim leaders and scholars. The conference, co-organized by the Al-Quds and Palestine Commission and the IUMS, has brought together prominent Islamic figures and scholars from across the globe.

“Our pain is growing, and the scholars are incapable of taking actual steps,” Qaradaghi said, expressing frustration over the limited response from the Muslim world to the ongoing Zionist aggression against Gaza. He criticized reliance on mere condemnations and emphasized the urgency for "real steps" to halt the attacks.

He recalled a verse often cited by attendees—“Give me a wing and let me fly to my beloved”—to illustrate the yearning of the ummah to aid Gaza but noted that despite this desire, effective measures remain absent.

Qaradaghi praised the Union's efforts since the Aqsa Flood operation, including direct appeals to Muslim heads of state, ministers, and influential figures. He highlighted the Union's recent comprehensive fatwa on Gaza, issued by its Fatwa Commission, affirming the religious legitimacy of resistance under occupation.

Quoting hadith literature, Qaradaghi referred to a narration deemed sahih by Imam Ahmad and Hafiz Ibn Hajar, which foretells the resurrection of 70,000 martyrs from Askalan (modern-day Ashkelon) on the Day of Judgement. He connected this narration directly to the current situation in Gaza, stating that “these narrations coincide exactly with what is happening today.”

Qaradaghi denounced the delayed response from many Islamic countries, noting that even citizens in Western nations had mobilized more swiftly in support of Palestine.

“The people of Gaza do not need permission from anyone for resistance,” he declared. “Ceasefire is not enough. The attack must stop, and Gaza must be rebuilt. This is a duty upon the Ummah. Arab and Islamic nations bear responsibility.”

He further explained that defensive jihad, such as the resistance in Gaza, does not require the traditional mechanisms of permission, especially in the absence of a unified Islamic leadership or imam. “If we do not spend for jihad, the enemy will come and destroy us,” he warned, underlining the existential nature of the crisis.

Qaradaghi firmly dismissed critiques of the IUMS's fatwa calling for jihad, asserting that none of the opposing views have a valid Shari'ah basis. He acknowledged political considerations but stressed that the Union’s role is purely scholarly: “We are not a state, nor a political organization. We do not declare jihad. That is the role of rulers. We only explain the judgment of Shari'ah.”

Concluding his address, Qaradaghi expressed gratitude toward Türkiye, the host country, for its support. However, he urged for greater involvement from Ankara.

“We want more from Türkiye,” he said. “Türkiye is a country that can afford it. It has the power and means to do more for Gaza. God willing, we believe it will.”

The conference continues with the participation of prominent scholars, aiming to unite scholarly voices in calling for justice, resistance, and the defense of Al-Quds and Gaza against the Zionist occupation. (ILKHA)