The issue of Jerusalem is one that concerns Muslims worldwide. We would like a clarification of the role of Muslims in reclaiming this city and how Muslims can support the Palestinian and Arab negotiators in light of the exercise of control and usurpation by Israel?

Islam is the religion of honor and dignity; Allah Almighty says, “And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers” (Quran, 63:8). Islam does not condone oppression, nor does it accept humiliation or disgrace for its followers. The actions Israel has taken since the 1948 war against the Palestinian people, and its ongoing occupation of the country and expulsion of its people violate divine laws, international norms, and international law.

Jerusalem is an Arab city and the cradle of divine laws. Islam commands Muslims to safeguard and defend every inch of it, and to cooperate and provide political, social, economic help to all our Palestinian brothers and sisters, both morally and materially. Islam also enjoins Muslims to support the Palestinian struggle to reclaim Jerusalem under Islamic and Arab sovereignty, in pursuit of social justice, the protection of religion and worldly well-being, and the rejection of injustice, usurpation, and aggression; Allah Almighty says, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression” (Quran, 5:2) and “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran, 3:103). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The believer to the believer is like a building; each part strengthens the other” (Bukhari and Muslim).

 

We urge all Arabs, Muslims, and others to uphold justice and stand by the right to restore the land to its rightful owners and people. We also call for the support the Palestinian negotiator by all legitimate means to recover his land, determine the fate of his usurped state, and defend the rights of his Arab and Muslim nation and people everywhere. Through this, peace and security will be achieved in the Middle East and the entire world, enabling human and economic development in the conflict zone and ultimately bringing prosperity, stability, and peace globally.

And Allah Almighty knows best.