The event, themed "Aqsa Flood, Ummah, and Ulema's Responsibility (Ummah's Honor Gaza)," centered on the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza conflict and the role of Islamic scholars (ulema) in confronting global injustice.
Among the prominent speakers was HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, who delivered a powerful speech addressing the broader threats facing the Muslim world and humanity. Yapıcıoğlu highlighted the escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning the Israeli occupation for its continued genocidal actions. He stressed that Israel, backed by Western imperialism, threatens not only Palestine but also Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and the entire region.
Yapıcıoğlu identified global exploitation and injustice as the core problems facing humanity today. He noted that the relentless wars, occupations, and civil conflicts, fueled by a global system of exploitation, are causing widespread suffering. Referring to Israel’s expansionist policies and aggressive military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and other parts of the region, Yapıcıoğlu called on Islamic countries to take decisive action against this oppression.
He emphasized the critical role of Islamic scholars in this struggle, stating that ulema bear a greater responsibility than ever before. According to Yapıcıoğlu, the failure of governments in the region to act decisively, with some even siding with oppressors, places an even heavier burden on religious leaders. "Islamic countries must unite around a common action plan and take concrete, deterrent steps against the Zionist regime and Western imperialism," he asserted.
One of the key points in Yapıcıoğlu’s speech was the need for unity among Muslims. He urged the audience to "put aside our differences" and "strengthen our unity and solidarity." He stressed that Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and other Islamic nations cannot be viewed as separate from one another. “We cannot limit our brotherhood and faith with artificial borders drawn by imperialists 100 years ago,” he remarked, underscoring the shared history, faith, and responsibility that bind the Muslim world.
Yapıcıoğlu warned that failure to act would have dire consequences, not just for Palestine, but for the entire region. "Every day that we remain silent, the Zionist regime, which dreams of a land of desert, will set fire not only to Palestine and Lebanon but to the whole region," he cautioned.
The HUDA PAR leader was also critical of international institutions such as the United Nations, calling them ineffective in addressing global injustice. Yapıcıoğlu argued that the UN was shaped by Zionism and Western imperialism from its inception, and therefore, it is "absurd to expect anything from the United Nations today." He also lamented the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) drift away from its founding mission, calling for a return to its original purpose of defending oppressed peoples and promoting justice.
In his speech, Yapıcıoğlu emphasized that the Palestinian cause is not merely a territorial dispute but a "struggle for faith and freedom." He argued that the liberation of Jerusalem and Gaza is central to the survival of the Ummah, and that supporting the Palestinian resistance is a religious and moral obligation. "Jerusalem and the cause of Jerusalem have been the honor of the Ummah throughout history," he noted, drawing parallels between the current resistance in Gaza and the historic victory of Saladin Ayyubi.
He praised the resilience of the Palestinian people and the mujahideen in Gaza, who are both defending the Holy Quran and fighting for the liberation of all humanity from Zionist oppression. "The resistance in Gaza today should inspire the Ummah and the whole of humanity," he said, adding that the Palestinian fighters are "instilling spirituality and courage" in Muslims worldwide.
Yapıcıoğlu concluded by underscoring the critical role of Islamic scholars in leading and guiding the Ummah during these difficult times. "The greatest responsibility of scholars in this process is to guide the Ummah," he stated. He urged the ulema to maintain the morale and motivation of the Muslim community and to offer both scientific and moral support to the Palestinian resistance. According to Yapıcıoğlu, the success of the resistance depends on the unity and solidarity of the Ummah under the leadership of the ulema.
In closing, Yapıcıoğlu paid tribute to the martyrs of the Palestinian cause, including Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah, and prayed for the success of the Meeting of Scholars in fostering greater unity in the Islamic world. He expressed hope that the gathering would inspire positive change and strengthen the front against Zionist and imperialist aggression.
The 9th Meeting of Scholars in Diyarbakır thus highlighted the urgent need for solidarity among Muslims in confronting global injustice and supporting the Palestinian cause, while also emphasizing the pivotal role of Islamic scholars in shaping the path forward. (ILKHA)