[After the successful attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza almost every day. In this context, on October 13, 2023, Shaikhul Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (daamat barakatuhum) tweeted towards the Honourable Katibs of all masjids regarding the subject of their upcoming sermon. In his tweet, requesting all Honourable Katibs, he said, ‘Make Muslims aware of the current situation in Palestine in tomorrow's sermon. Highlight the urgency to actively support Mujahideen of Hamas. Discuss their responsibilities and duties of our rulers. After the Friday sermon and prayers, recite Kunoot e Nazela supplication in Salah. Pray for the victory of Hamas, the destruction of Israel and the protection of the oppressed Gaza inhabitants to Allah.’

Next day, in the speech before the sermon of Jumu`ah, Hadrat discussed the matter. Specifically, he presents the best guidance for the entire Muslim Ummah, directed to both rulers and the ruled. The translation of his speech is presented below for the readership of monthly alkawsar - Editor]

After the Hamd and Sana...

Dear brothers and friends! Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Today, we are about to perform the Jumu'ah prayer when Palestinians are going through a miserable time. The primary residents of Palestine are Arabs. However, strategically, Jews were brought and settled into the land from various parts of the world. 

In a normal situation, if Jews reside in any Islamic territory, Islam ensures their rights as citizens. Islamic territories are well-established with principles to ensure civil privileges and rights for non-Muslims, which are similar to the rights of ordinary Muslim citizens. Whether or not the citizen is Jewish, Christian, an idolater, or a Buddhist—Jurisprudence dictates the Islamic governments that if they abide by the laws of the state and uphold peace, security, and discipline, then they will not only be provided with security but also the protection of their life, property, honour and even the right to freely practice their religion will be ensured.

When our honourable Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) migrated to Madina, he made a pact with the Jewish residents of the region. Therefore, if any Jew resides under an Islamic governance, abides by the laws and maintains peace and security, Islam does not object to it.

However, the recent systemic settlement of Jews from various parts of the world in Palestine and the displacement of the original inhabitants is not a common or acceptable practice. It is not a ordinary matter; rather, it involves forceful eviction and displacement."

The Palestinian Crisis: How it began

You may have heard of "Sahyuniiyyah", which is referred to as Zionism in English. It is a particular perspective and plan. In essence, it claims that Jews have the right to global governance. The centre for Jews will be established where Baitul Muqaddas is located. From there, they will expand and establish their empire in the surrounding regions. This way, they aim to govern the entire world.

From this perspective, they initially started by purchasing some land there, intending to gradually create settlements for Jews in that area. If any Jew wants to buy land in our region, there is no prohibition according to Islamic law. However, their sinister plan was to establish an Israeli state in this region by bringing Jews from around the world. Then, they planned to expand further into the surrounding areas. They referred to this plan as 'Greater Israel.' One of the goals of Greater Israel is to reach as far as Madina Munawwara, Naudhubillah. Subsequently, the ultimate target is to establish control over the entire world.

 In 1920s, although the Jewish population was very small, they started buying land in small amounts. During that time, the scholars of India gave fatwa that selling land to Jews was impermissible. They advised the local Muslims not to sell land to the Jews. Local people did not obey it. They said that there is no specific prohibition in Islamic law that disallows non-Muslims to buy land in Muslim territories. However, Hakeem ul Ummat Hadrat Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullah alaihi), wrote in Imdadul Fatawa that: “In the region where a certain plan is underway for implementation, selling land to Jews is impermissible.” Because they anticipated that the Jews would not stop by only buying land. Their plan will be exposed only when they completely establish themselves in the region. 

Sultan Abdul Hamid was the last caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate. A large delegation of Jews approached him and said, "Grant us some areas in Palestine. We want to settle there." Sultan Abdul Hamid replied, "As long as I am alive, I cannot give you that opportunity." The Muslim scholars and leaders were aware of their plans and conspiracies and thus remained vigilant and resolute against them.

Witness, the same history is being created in Kashmir. Hindus from other places are being brought in Kashmir to settle there so that the Muslim majority in that area decreases. At that time, the honourable scholars issued fatwas—I also issued a fatwa—that Muslims should not sell land to those Hindus who come from other regions to settle here, because, they plan to eliminate the Muslim majority and assimilate the Hindu minority community into the majority community. In this situation, it is not permissible from the Shariah perspective for Muslims to sell land to Hindus. This fatwa had been widely spread in that region. Alhamdulillah, its impact was significant.

However, Israel initially started buying land in the Palestinian territory. Unfortunately, when Muslims saw that some were selling land to them at exorbitant prices, many Muslims began selling land to them. As a result, when a significant portion of land was accumulated, they gradually became aggressive and started displacing the local Muslims. Britain and its allies were supporting them from the beginning. The infamous Balfour Declaration gave recognition to the Israeli state.

Many years ago, on one side, the state of Pakistan was in the process of formation, and on the other side, Israel was also being established. When Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was asked about Israel, he replied “This was an illegitimate offspring of Western powers.” In his biography, his sister mentioned that in his final moments, three words dominated his conversation: Kashmir, Muhajireen and Palestine. Then, he recited the Islamic declaration, "La ilaha illallah," and took his last breath. Simultaneously, on one side was Pakistan and on the other was Israel. With the establishment of Pakistan, there was a certain expectation among the Muslim ummah that Pakistan would become a state that would lead the entire Muslim world.

Salutation towards the Mujahideen:

In the history of the world, perhaps this is the only example where such a vast population has been surrounded and isolated in this way. Nothing reaches them except for a few grains and water. Many years have elapsed in such a way. Just think for a moment about those believers, who are living in such dire conditions. Night and day, they face attacks. Relentless bombing takes place. They become martyrs. Even in al-Masjidul Aqsa, in the courtyard and sometimes inside the masjid, they face gunfire! On the other side, think about those who orchestrate such hellish atrocities!

We salute to those young men who are bravely resisting the brutal oppression and ruthless tyranny of Israel. Initially, they used stones to defend themselves. That means in the battle against tanks and gunfire, they had nothing but pieces of stones. Teenagers of sixteen or seventeen would confront them with stones. This was the initiation of Hamas. Then Allah, the Almighty, bestowed upon them such strength that today they have challenged the formidable power of Israel, which had been dominating worldwide, possessing nuclear capabilities, numerous warplanes, highly advanced equipment for rocket interception and a well-organized defense system... In the face of all this, these youths continue to accumulate relentless strength, begin to manufacture missiles and engage in an unwavering battle.

Now, when they started launching rockets, they neutralized the Iron Dome system that Israel used to intercept rockets. As a result, their intelligence network was disrupted. All of their plans fell apart. They went and attacked their vital locations. Israel has never suffered such extensive damage in its history. In this Hamas attack, according to their information, thirteen to fourteen hundred Israelis have been killed so far. They are feeling terror and concern. However, in response to this, the brutality and ruthlessness that they are exercising against the Gazans is unprecedented in history. According to the international policy of war, you can attack the enemy's defence system and directly inflict damage on them. However, carrying out attacks on the civilian population is completely prohibited under international law. These are classified as war crimes.

Furthermore, not only conventional bombs but also phosphorus bombs are being used there. The bodies are seen badly burnt. The use of phosphorus in any warfare is prohibited by international law. However, those bombs are being used. The entire Gaza City is being transformed into a wasteland. Hamas brave Mujahideen are fighting against them and putting them in big trouble.

World Situation: 

Looking at the situation, it is evident that the entire Western world has come together in support and solidarity with Israel. Right from the beginning of the conflict, the U.S. Secretary of State visited there and stated, "As long as we are here, no one can harm Israel. We stand with them." The entire Western world, including Britain, has declared support for Israel. In other words, the entire Western world has united in support of the illegitimate child. From the United States to Britain and other European countries, the entire Muslim world, including India, stands by them. India states, “We stand with Israel.” If you focus on the Muslim world, you will see that geographically, from Morocco to Indonesia, the entire Muslim world is like a chain. In the midst of this, there are only two influential non-Muslim powers - one is India, and the other is Israel. They are mutually supportive. So, India also declares, "We are with Israel."

However, what is extremely regrettable and painful in this situation is the role of Muslim countries, ranging from Indonesia to Morocco, even countries that border Gaza. Among Muslim countries, Israel is like a dot. Once it was said that if Muslims united and spat together, Israel would be wiped off the map. Unfortunately, in this situation, those Muslim nations remain silent or offer minimal verbal condolences and assurances of support.

Servants of Allah! Our Prophet has stated that the believers are like one body. If any part of the body is injured, or if there is pain in any organ, the whole body cannot sleep at night. The body experiences fever. Similarly, if any Muslim is oppressed anywhere on the earth, the entire Muslim world will feel the pain. This is the message of our Prophet.

The Quran proclaims that “All Muslims are brothers”. This declaration of the Quran breaks down nationalistic barriers. It states that the identity of the believers is one and that is the Muslim Ummah. Regardless of where they are in the world—be it in Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East—all Muslims are brothers. According to the hadith, the essence of brotherhood is such that a Muslim cannot abandon their brother in a state of need. They cannot leave their brother helpless in times of difficulty, nor can they expose them to an enemy. This is the distinctive identity and characteristic of a Muslim. Examining the history of Islam, abundant examples can be found where, in the face of aggression against any Muslim, others came forward for their protection. Muslims have historically protected each other from the onslaught of adversaries. Our Indian subcontinent has witnessed countless instances in history where, during attacks on Muslims by Hindus, brave warriors, such as those from Afghanistan, came to their rescue.

The actions of Harat Shah Waliullah (R.A.) had a significant impact on the rise of the Marathas. During this period, Muslims were facing oppression. Hadrat Shah Waliullah (Rahmatullah) wrote a letter and sent it to Hadrat Ahmad Shah Abdali. In response, Hadrat Shah Abdali engaged in the Battle of Panipat, breaking the backbone of the Marathas. Therefore, a Muslim must come to the aid of another Muslim, regardless of the region or language they belong to, as long as they share the bond of faith. Muslims should unite and extend a helping hand to their fellow believers.

However, it is a matter of regret and remorse that, to protect an illegitimate child such as Israel, the entire Western world has come together to ensure security. They have sent combat aircraft carriers, equipped to destroy a small territory. Despite Israel already having much more power than Hamas, its claim is, "You should supply me with more equipment." The U.S. Secretary of State came and said, "We are with you." 

So remember, Allah has said -

ضُرِبَتْ عَلَیْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ اَیْنَ مَا ثُقِفُوْۤا اِلَّا بِحَبْلٍ مِّنَ اللهِ وَ حَبْلٍ مِّنَ النَّاسِ وَ بَآءُوْ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللهِ وَ ضُرِبَتْ عَلَیْهِمُ الْمَسْكَنَةُ ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّهُمْ كَانُوْا یَكْفُرُوْنَ بِاٰیٰتِ اللهِ وَ یَقْتُلُوْنَ الْاَنْۢبِیَآءَ بِغَیْرِ حَقٍّ ذٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْا وَّ كَانُوْا یَعْتَدُوْنَ.

Disgrace has been stamped over them wherever they are found, unless (saved) through a source from Allah and through a source from men, and they have returned with wrath from Allah, and misery has been stamped over them. All this is because they used to deny the signs of Allah, and to slay the prophets unjustly. All this is because they disobeyed and transgressed the limits. Sura Alu ‘Imran, verse 112

They have been subjected to humiliation and oppression. However, there are occasions when some people come forward to help them. Due to this assistance, they gain some opportunities. Today, the powers of Europe and America are the "Hablum Minan Nas", expressing their support through the principles of "humanitarianism". They are providing aid and cooperation. In the meantime, the Muslim world is engulfed in a state of deep slumber. From Morocco to Indonesia, Muslims are in power. In the middle, Israel has occupied a small territory. To the right and left, in all directions, there are only Muslim countries. Still, they remain silent, expressing only verbal assurances and sympathy until now. No assistance is being provided. No help is being extended to Hamas. The Gaza Strip's ordinary residents, including women and children losing their lives, are living in dire conditions with interrupted electricity, water supply cut off and food supply blocked. Some food supply from Egypt is being restricted, and Israel has closed the process of supplying it. The process of providing aid has also been halted. Egypt, which has a somewhat open process of supplying food across the border, has also been closed by Israel. So, they are just sitting there. They are not allowing anyone to enter, and are not sending anything. It means Egypt will follow whatever Israel says. This is the current situation of the Muslim world.

Alhamdulillah, Pakistan's military is considered the most powerful among Muslim nations. Pakistan also possesses nuclear capabilities. However, economically, Pakistan has been kept in such a precarious situation through various economic manipulations that they are burdened with debt. Economically, Pakistan is somewhat subservient to foreign powers. Therefore, the statements coming from here are trivial, lacking any real strength. Even our media does not give much attention to these news items. If we turn to our media, we get news of our differences. Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and Imran Khan are the ones keeping the media busy. Even they give priority to cricket news. Only at the end, they briefly touch upon the news of Palestine.

What we can do

Brothers, I said something to share some feelings of my heart with you. The main point is that if the entire Muslim world stands in support of Hamas at this time, Israel's existence would be erased. Unfortunately, there seems to be no visible action on the external front. May Allah Almighty arrange things in His mercy. However, the general public must react – they should express their affection, grievances and emotions to their governments. Protests are happening in various countries. In Jordan, there has been a protest, where the Muslim people have conveyed a message to the government that they should participate in this cause. Similar protests are taking place in different countries, but there is no strong protest from the general public here. I say to the common Muslim people – express your grievances yourselves. I urge the citizens of all Muslim countries to raise their voices against Israel's oppression and in favour of Hamas.

As time is limited, let me briefly express a few thoughts. The question is, what should we do at this moment? When Muslim leaders and global Muslim leadership fail to fulfill their responsibilities, what should the common people do? First and foremost, everyone should raise their voices of protest from their positions. Put pressure on the government, don't just sit in a neutral position in this war; instead, extend maximum support to Hamas. It's not just about verbal formalities; rather, come forward in every possible way to meet their needs.

I am reciting a verse; it needs to reach the ears of our government. The Quran addresses the entire Muslim Ummah, saying:

وَ مَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُوْنَ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللهِ وَ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِیْنَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَ النِّسَآءِ وَ الْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِیْنَ یَقُوْلُوْنَ رَبَّنَاۤ اَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هٰذِهِ الْقَرْیَةِ الظَّالِمِ اَهْلُهَا وَ اجْعَلْ لَّنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ وَلِیًّا وَّ اجْعَلْ لَّنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ نَصِیْرًا. 

What has happened to you that you do not fight in the way of Allah, and for the oppressed among men, women and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out from this town whose people are cruel, and make for us a supporter from Your own, and make for us a helper from Your own.” Sura Nisa, Verse 75

Today, this verse is epitomizing the image of the Muslims in Gaza. They are oppressed and helpless. They are praying, "O Allah, rescue us from this calamity." The Quran says, "O Muslims! Why are you not crossing over to their side in Jihad?" This is the message of the Quran.

We, as ordinary people, cannot directly participate in Jihad there; it is beyond our capabilities. If people try to go to Gaza individually, it may create more problems than solutions. However, we can exert pressure on our government and express strong discontent so that the government is compelled to take effective initiatives. I believe that our government and military are not so senseless that, even after witnessing so much, they will not take any action. Many times, their efforts do not come to the public's attention, but if the strength of the people is with them, they feel encouraged. Therefore, from all levels, at this moment, I urge for the voice of protest to be raised.

The second point is that prayer (Du'a) is a significant weapon for Muslims. Unfortunately, we do not consider it as a weapon. Allah Almighty is Musabbibul-Asbab. Rockets, missiles, tanks, warplanes—all these are merely external tools. No one can create an impact in these tools without Allah.

Another point is to return to Allah. My call to every Muslim is to keep making prayers for them. So, it never happens that you are not supplicating for them.

Our elders had a practice: when adversity befell the Muslims, they would recite the verse "La ilaha illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz-Zalimin". They would recite Hisne-Hasin. Muslims would sit together to complete the recitation. This way, they turned towards Allah. We should also adhere to these practices. Du'a is an extremely effective weapon. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

الدُّعَاءُ سِلَاحُ الْمُؤْمِنِ.

Du'a (supplication) is the weapon of a believer." - (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 1812)

And this is also a weapon. Al Quran says- 

كَمْ مِّنْ فِئَةٍ قَلِیْلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِیْرَةًۢ بِاِذْنِ اللهِ .

How many small groups have overcome large groups by the will of Allah. Allah is with those who remain patient. (Sura Baqarah, verse 249) 

Through supplication, small groups have defeated large forces throughout history. This success has primarily been achieved by relying on Allah. There is no time to discuss this at the moment, but this success is fundamentally rooted in being devoted to Allah. Therefore, repent from your sins and supplicate. Since the consequences of our sins are being experienced by us today. Pray that Allah Almighty removes them, thus, seek forgiveness, repent, ask for His mercy and strive to be devoted to Allah. May Allah grant us His blessings, grace and mercy in all our endeavors.

وآخر دعوانا أن الحمد لله رب العالمين.

Translation: A S M Redwan Haidar