“Jihad Now Obligatory”: Mufti Taqi Usmani Urges Muslim Governments to Defend Gaza

Islamabad: Renowned Pakistani Islamic scholar and President of Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia, Mufti Taqi Usmani, has declared that material, physical, and financial support for the Palestinian people is now an obligation upon the entire Muslim Ummah. Addressing the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad, Mufti Usmani asserted that the scale of atrocities being committed in Gaza renders armed resistance a religious duty, not only for individuals but for all Muslim governments, including Pakistan’s.

“Over 55,000 believers have been slaughtered before our eyes. If this is not enough to make jihad obligatory, what is?” he questioned passionately, criticizing what he described as the Muslim world’s silence and inaction.

Mufti Usmani lamented that despite previous conferences, such as one held at Islamabad’s Convention Centre a year ago where vows were made to support Palestine, no meaningful steps have been taken. “The real demand was not just gathering here, but to stand in Gaza with our brothers and sisters,” he said.

“Redirect Voluntary Umrah Funds to Palestine”: Mufti Usmani Urges

In a powerful appeal to the Muslim public, Mufti Usmani called on those planning to perform nafl (voluntary) Umrah to instead donate those funds to support the Palestinian cause, especially the resistance in Gaza. He condemned the complacency of the Muslim world, stating, “The Ummah today is a mere spectator, limited to issuing condemnations and organizing conferences.”

“The time for statements is over. We must move beyond lip service. When tens of thousands of Muslims are being brutally killed, how can we stay silent?” he asked.

“Ummah Has Failed to Protect Al-Aqsa”: Scholar Criticizes Global Inaction

Mufti Usmani voiced deep concern over the lack of international Muslim response to the ongoing aggression against Palestinians. “The defenders of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) have received no real help from the Muslim world. The obligation of jihad now rests upon all Islamic nations. Our governments cannot escape this responsibility.”

He also condemned ongoing violations of ceasefire agreements by Israel, stating, “Israel neither respects moral values nor international law. The Zionist regime recognizes no faith, no covenant, and no humanity.”

“Pakistan Must Uphold Founder’s Vision on Israel”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing stance on Israel, Mufti Usmani reminded the audience of the position taken by the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who referred to Israel as an illegitimate entity. “Pakistan cannot and will not backtrack. No matter how powerful Israel becomes, our principles will remain unchanged,” he said.

He also referenced an emotional message from a doctor in Gaza: “We waited for you, but you didn’t come. Now we say goodbye.”Highlighting the dire situation in the besieged enclave, Mufti Usmani warned of plans by global powers to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a leisure zone. “It appears that Trump and his allies now view the entire world as their property,” he remarked.

Call for Peaceful Boycott of Israeli Products

Mufti Usmani called on Muslims worldwide to engage in a complete and peaceful boycott of Israeli products and the companies that support Israel. “Let us boycott, but without causing harm to lives or property. Shariah prohibits violence and destruction of public or private property, even in protest,” he emphasized.