In a bold and historic move, the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has issued a sweeping fatwa declaring armed jihad against Israel a religious obligation for all able-bodied Muslims across the globe. Released through its Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee and announced by Secretary-General Ali AlQaradaghi via X (formerly Twitter) on April 4, the fatwa calls upon Muslim governments and communities worldwide to mobilize in defense of Palestine.
The fatwa stresses that supporting the Palestinian resistance is a binding religious duty not only through military means but also through financial, political, and legal channels. It urges the formation of a united Islamic military alliance to safeguard the global Muslim community (ummah) and protect Palestine from further aggression and occupation.
The ruling goes beyond military engagement by prohibiting normalization of relations with Israel and advocating for a total halt in oil and gas exports to the Zionist state. It also demands a re-evaluation of all existing peace treaties and diplomatic engagements with Israel, calling for a complete severing of ties.
Muslim nations are urged to impose sanctions and launch a comprehensive boycott of Israeli products and businesses. The fatwa includes a passionate appeal for “financial jihad” to sustain the Palestinian people, especially those suffering in besieged Gaza. It calls for the immediate opening of border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow uninterrupted into the region.
The scholars also asked Muslim communities in the United States to hold the U.S. government accountable to its promises—particularly on ending support for Israeli military actions and actively working toward a peaceful resolution.
Ending with a call for Muslim unity, intensified prayers for Gaza, and unwavering support for all pro-Palestinian efforts, the fatwa resonates deeply amid growing outrage over the escalating violence. Gaza’s health authorities report over 50,609 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 115,000 injured, including 1,249 deaths in the latest surge of Israeli attacks since mid-March.
