Mufti Taqi Usmani urges Muslim countries to boycott Israel, its supporters

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani has called for a complete boycott of Israel and its supporters, saying that jihad has become obligatory upon all Islamic governments.

He questioned the purpose of Muslim countries’ armies and weapons if they could not protect the oppressed Muslims of Palestine from the tyranny and brutality of Israel.

Addressing a national conference on Palestine in Islamabad, Mufti Usmani said that Israel has no regard for international laws and that the United Nations has become a puppet in the hands of Israel and the United States.

He said that despite the ceasefire agreement, bombings are being dropped on Palestine. “Even after a truce was reached in Gaza, Israel continues the bombardment. The US Secretary of State shamelessly declared that no matter how many Muslims Israel kills, they will continue to support it.”

He said that whether they are fighters or leaders, Hamas has not retreated an inch from its position. “The Muslim Ummah has failed to support the Mujahideen fighting to defend Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Today, the Ummah is only passing resolutions and holding conferences, whereas what is really needed is the declaration of jihad.”

Mufti Usmani said, “We have openly told all Islamic governments through a fatwa that jihad is now obligatory on you. Empty statements cannot absolve Muslim rulers from their responsibility. What good are Muslim armies if they do not wage jihad?”

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He posed a thought-provoking question: “Even after witnessing the slaughter of more than 55,000 believers, is jihad still not obligatory?” He said that providing practical, physical, and financial support to Palestinians is a religious duty upon the Muslim Ummah.

“There are many paths to jihad,” he continued, “and it is an obligation on all of you. Today’s gathering sends a message to Muslim rulers to fulfil their responsibility: boycott Israel and its supporters completely, but ensure that no harm comes to lives or property.”

Mufti Taqi Usmani emphasized that Pakistan has no ties with Israel and never will. “Even before the formation of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam had declared Israel an illegitimate entity, and Pakistan still adheres to the stance of not recognising Israel.”

‘Supporting Palestinians Religious Obligation for Muslims’

Speaking at the conference, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said it was essential for Muslims to show solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine and send a clear message to the world that whether it’s a Pakistani Muslim or any other believer in the global Muslim community, they all stand with their Palestinian brothers.

He endorsed the fatwa previously issued by Mufti Taqi Usmani and earlier by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, stating that joining the battlefield in support of Palestinians is a religious duty not just for Pakistani Muslims but for the entire Muslim world.

 ‘Government Is Like Torn Shirt’

Maulana Fazl criticized the current government of Pakistan, saying it resembles a torn shirt. “The PDM is running the government, yet the president acts like the opposition. Instead of listening to the president, it’s unclear who they’re following.”

He urged reflection on the purpose behind the creation of Pakistan, adding that a state established in the name of the Muslim Ummah is responsible for fighting the battles of Muslims around the world. “If Pakistan does not stand with Palestine today, it betrays the very purpose of its creation.”

Calling Israel a “state terrorist,” he said, “Israel is not just a killer of today, its hands are stained with the blood of prophets. Its history is one of bloodshed and brutality. They have no other pastime. But Allah has exposed their true face—whenever they ignite the flames of war, Allah extinguishes them.”

He also refuted the narrative that Palestinians voluntarily gave their land to Israelis. “Those making such claims should check their facts. In 1917, when the proposal and resolution for the Israeli state was presented, only 2 per cent of the land was inhabited by Jews—98 per cent belonged to Muslims. Even by 1947, just before the declaration of Israel in 1948, 94 per cent of the land still belonged to Palestinians.”

Conference Declaration

The national conference has announced that the upcoming Friday will be observed as a “Day of Solidarity with the Oppressed and Besieged People of Palestine.”

A unanimous declaration was issued by the conference, stating that no recent atrocity compares to the one unfolding in Gaza, where Zionist aggression has so far resulted in the martyrdom of 55,000 Palestinians and left 200,000 injured.

The declaration noted that civil infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and welfare institutions in Gaza, has been destroyed, stressing that this is not merely a war but a clear campaign of genocide against Palestinians.

According to the declaration, the United Nations Security Council has proven ineffective, while the United States continues to unconditionally veto resolutions related to Gaza. It further said that the International Court of Justice and other global institutions are paralyzed and helpless.

The statement said that under the Islamic legal principle of “al-aqrab fa al-aqrab” (the nearest has the greatest duty), jihad has become obligatory on all Muslims.