Bilal Bashir Bhat
A Fatwa for “Jihad for Palestine” by Pakistan’s Sunni clergy at the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad has sparked limited support both within Pakistan and globally, amid sectarian tensions and international criticism.
The conference, held on 10th April 2025, was organized by Deobandi, Barelvi, and Wahabhi movement leaders, while leaders from other sects, including Jamaat Islami, TLP, Tanzeem E Islami, were also present in the conference, notably excluding Shia scholars, drawing sharp rebuke domestically.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Nazir Ayyad, on Monday condemned the fatwa issued by the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) as “irresponsible,” reflecting broader skepticism about the call for military action.
Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, a prominent Deobandi scholar and former judge of the Federal Shariat Court, declared military jihad against Israel an “obligatory duty” for all Muslim governments.
The conference was also attended by Muneeb-ur-Rehman, who is considered the Grand Mufti of Pakistan by the Sunni Barelvi community. Although the Barelvis believe in and preach “Sufism,” this call for Jihad has also raised questions about their curriculum.
Addressing attendees, Usmani criticized Muslim nations for their “failure to provide sufficient support” to those defending Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, a site of significant religious importance.
Other scholars at the conference echoed Usmani’s sentiments, with many directly criticizing the Pakistani government for not declaring war on Israel. The rhetoric underscored frustration with Pakistan’s cautious foreign policy, which has historically avoided direct military engagement with Israel due to geopolitical constraints and domestic priorities.
The absence of Shia scholars at the conference fueled controversy. Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza (EMAM), a widely heard Sunni scholar known for his inclusive stance, publicly criticized the organizers for excluding Shia representatives.
EMAM warned that if the Pakistani government fails to respond to the jihad call, it would be perceived as a “match fixed,” implying complicity or deliberate inaction. His remarks highlighted underlying sectarian divides, as Pakistan’s Shia community, which constitutes roughly 15-20% of the population, has often felt marginalized in Sunni-dominated religious gatherings.
EMAM’s critique resonated with some segments of the public, as posts on X reflected frustration over the lack of Shia representation. One user noted, “How can you call it a National Palestine Conference when a major sect is excluded? This is divisive, not unifying.” The exclusion risks alienating a significant portion of Pakistan’s Muslim population, potentially undermining the conference’s legitimacy.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti Nazir Ayyad’s condemnation of the IUMS fatwa underscored broader international unease. Ayyad argued that such declarations risk escalating tensions without addressing the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His statement aligns with Egypt’s cautious approach, given its peace treaty with Israel and its role as a mediator in Gaza ceasefires. Other Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have not publicly endorsed the jihad call, reflecting a lack of consensus.
Within Pakistan, the call for jihad faces significant hurdles. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has maintained a delicate balance in its foreign policy, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza while avoiding direct confrontation. Pakistan does not recognize Israel diplomatically, and public sentiment remains strongly pro-Palestinian. However, economic challenges, including a fragile economy and reliance on international aid, limit the feasibility of military engagement.
Globally, the jihad call aligns with a broader wave of pro-Palestinian activism but lacks the coordination needed for a tangible impact. The Muslim world remains divided, with countries like Iran advocating armed resistance, while others, like the UAE, prioritize diplomatic normalization with Israel. The IUMS’s fatwa, while symbolically significant, is unlikely to translate into collective action, as evidenced by the lack of endorsements from major powers like Saudi Arabia.
With inputs from News Agencies
