The head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Ali Al Qaradaghi, has called upon Muslims to set aside their sectarian differences to unite in resisting the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sheikh Qaradaghi emphasized the importance of solidarity, stating, “We cannot allow Lebanon or Gaza to become vulnerable targets due to sectarian or political disagreements. The enemy does not differentiate between Muslims in its brutal campaign; anyone who opposes their agenda is considered a target.”
He further stressed that it is a religious obligation for Muslims to stand united against the Zionist project and the genocide that threatens the region. “What we are witnessing today, in the form of relentless attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, is not just an attack on specific groups—it’s an attack on the dignity of our people and lands. We must not allow this aggression to continue unchallenged.”
The International Union of Muslim Scholars, founded by the late Sheikh Yusuf Al Qaradawi and based in Qatar, includes scholars from across the globe, with Sheikh Qaradaghi being one of its most prominent members. Originally from Kurdistan, Sheikh Qaradaghi now resides in Qatar and continues to play a vital role in addressing the concerns of the Muslim world.
In a statement translated from Arabic, Sheikh Qaradaghi addressed the gravity of the situation:
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, what is happening in Lebanon today is a clear act of aggression against its land and people. Civilians, including women and children, are being killed, homes are being destroyed, and this is part of a broader plan led by Netanyahu and his far-right government to expand Israel, not only over Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, but also parts of Lebanon and Jordan. The annexation of the Golan Heights has already occurred.”
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He emphasized that this is not merely a disagreement between political or sectarian factions. “Distinguishing between sectarian issues and matters that affect the entire Muslim Ummah is a responsibility that all Muslims, and indeed all free people, must recognize. We must not allow Lebanon or Gaza to fall prey to division or violence due to sectarian or political disputes. The enemy makes no distinction between Muslims; to them, anyone who is not an ally is an adversary.”
Sheikh Qaradaghi reiterated the religious duty to resist the Zionist project. “Shari’ah compels us to stand united against this aggression. The attacks on Lebanon and Gaza are attacks on the dignity of our people, and we cannot remain passive.”
He also highlighted that any differences Muslims may have with Lebanese or Palestinian political groups should not lead them to condone violence against civilians. “We must not celebrate when innocent lives are lost in Lebanon or Palestine. This aggression is unjustifiable, and Muslims, along with their governments, must take action to prevent it.”
As the leader of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Qaradaghi called for an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim leaders to address the Zionist escalation. He also called for the international Muslim community to take immediate steps to halt the Israeli aggression, particularly the bombing of Gaza, and to provide essential support for the besieged people in Gaza—whether military, economic, or humanitarian.
Sheikh Qaradaghi pointed out that Arab and Muslim nations have powerful tools at their disposal, including the possibility of cutting off oil and gas supplies until the aggression ends, and implementing political and economic boycotts of Israel. “Our silence only deepens the suffering of our people. We must act in accordance with the priorities set by Islamic jurisprudence and heed the lessons of unity as instructed in the Quran. God commands us to ‘Hold fast, all together, to the rope of God,’ and warns us, ‘Do not dispute, lest you lose courage.’ God is our helper.”
The scholar concluded his statement by urging Muslim nations and leaders to step up and take collective action in stopping the Zionist attacks, highlighting the need for unity in the face of such threats to the Muslim world.