The event, which is held annually in October, this year focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and its implications for the global Muslim community.
Egyptian scholar Muhammad al-Saghir, President of the International Committee for the Support of the Prophet of Islam, delivered a powerful speech on the impact of the Aqsa Flood on the international community and its organizations.
Al-Saghir emphasized that the Palestinian resistance has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of a 17-year blockade, pointing out that Gaza's long-term preparation for jihad enabled its success despite years of siege. “The people of Gaza have succeeded in this jihad because they were prepared for it, despite 17 years of isolation and hardship,” al-Saghir remarked, underscoring that Gaza has become an example for the Islamic world. He cited the resignation of Israeli commanders following the Aqsa Flood operation as a testament to the defeat suffered by the Zionist regime, describing this operation as a military and intelligence setback for Israel.
Al-Saghir also discussed the global implications of the Aqsa Flood, highlighting how the resistance efforts have sparked discussions worldwide. He praised Gaza's military leader Yahya Sinwar, noting that even Israel’s adversaries have recognized his strategic prowess compared to the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu.
According to al-Saghir, this widespread recognition is part of a broader shift, as Gaza's struggle gains international attention and serves as a rallying point for Muslim solidarity.
Reflecting on Diyarbakır's significance, al-Saghir called the city "the voice of the Ummah" and emphasized its spiritual role throughout Islamic history, particularly in the struggle for Jerusalem. He paid tribute to the city’s historical ties to the legacy of Saladin Ayyubi, the Muslim leader known for his role in the recapture of Jerusalem during the Crusades, positioning Diyarbakır as a center for Islamic solidarity and action in support of Gaza.
Al-Saghir highlighted past events in Diyarbakır, such as the community’s collective mourning for Tunisian engineer Mohammed Ez Zawwari, who developed drone technology for Hamas, reinforcing the city’s active support for the Palestinian cause.
Al-Saghir stressed the essential role that Islamic scholars, or ulema, must play in guiding the Ummah, saying that their leadership is crucial for success in both spiritual and worldly matters. He lamented the lack of unified support for Gaza from Muslim nations and urged scholars to inspire solidarity with the resistance movement. Drawing a parallel with the international support for Ukraine, he criticized the disunity among Muslim-majority countries in their support for Gaza.
The speech concluded with a hopeful message: al-Saghir predicted that future generations would view this period as the "Aqsa Flood Century" and the "Afghanistan Jihad Century," inspired by the perseverance of the resistance in Gaza. He expressed hope that the Aqsa Flood marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Muslim world, one that would witness the rise of a leader akin to Saladin Ayyubi.
The gathering in Diyarbakır has underscored the urgency of solidarity among Muslim countries, not just in rhetoric but in action. Al-Saghir's address highlighted the critical role of the scholars in leading the charge, mobilizing support for Gaza, and fostering unity among Muslim-majority nations against the shared threats they face. As the conference continues, participants are expected to further discuss the implications of the Aqsa Flood and strategize on concrete steps to support Gaza and resist Zionist occupation.
The Gathering of Scholars in Diyarbakır provided a platform for scholars and community leaders to discuss the pressing issues facing the Ummah, particularly the crisis in Gaza. The event's focus on the Aqsa Flood served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and the importance of international support for the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)