This statement follows a call to action by Abu Obeida, the spokesperson of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, urging scholars across the Islamic world to mobilize in defense of Gaza and the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Abu Obeida’s appeal was made in a video message, urging scholars and Muslim leaders to intensify their efforts in the fight against Israeli occupation forces, particularly in light of the recent escalations in Gaza and the occupied territories. His call focused on the duty of Muslims to defend Palestine and, specifically, to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from the ongoing threats posed by the Israeli accupation regime.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, has been at the center of Palestinian resistance for decades, and its defense has long been a rallying point for Muslims around the world. Abu Obeida’s message emphasized that this is not only a military conflict but a religious one that requires the full participation of the global Muslim community.
The declaration represents a significant moment in the issue, as it marks a formal alignment of religious scholars with the Palestinian resistance, underscoring the centrality of Al-Aqsa Mosque not only as a religious site but as a symbol of resistance against the Israeli occupation. The document also provides theological justification for increased participation in a religious and moral struggle.
The Declaration of the Flood Scholars
Responding to Abu Obeida’s call, sixteen Islamic organizations released the "Declaration of the Flood Scholars," naming the ongoing conflict as the "Flood of Masjid al-Aqsa." This flood, they argue, is a divine test that has separated the true scholars of Islam—the “scholars of the ummah”—from those who are beholden to political power, the “scholars of power.”
The declaration is framed as both a religious duty and a moral imperative for Muslims worldwide. The scholars assert that their mandate is clear: they must guide the Muslim community (Ummah) in its defense of Palestinian land, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and ensure that every Muslim understands the religious obligation to resist the Israeli occupation. This resistance, they argue, is not optional but is rooted in Islamic teachings and is a duty that applies to all Muslims.
The statement includes several Quranic references to support its claims, quoting verses that condemn those who conceal the truth or fail to stand against injustice. It positions the scholars as the moral authority in the conflict, tasked with leading the Ummah in its resistance efforts.
Key Themes in the Declaration
The scholars’ declaration focuses on several core themes, each reinforcing the urgency of the situation in Gaza and Palestine more broadly. Among the most critical of these are:
1. The Inviolability of Palestine: The declaration emphasizes that all of Palestine, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River, is Islamic land. This includes not only Gaza and the West Bank but all of the territory currently under Israeli control. The scholars argue that no part of this land can be negotiated away or compromised, as it is sacred to all Muslims. The document is unequivocal in its rejection of any political agreements or peace deals that might cede parts of Palestine to Israel, declaring that such concessions are not permissible under Islamic law.
2. The Religious Obligation of Jihad: The scholars argue that jihad, or struggle, is obligatory for all Muslims in defense of Palestine, particularly when the local population is overwhelmed by an aggressor. The declaration describes this as a “jihad al-defa,” or defensive jihad, which requires the support of all Muslims, not just those in Palestine. This type of jihad, they argue, is required when an Islamic land is under attack, and it extends beyond military actions to include financial support, media activism, and protests.
3. Multiple Forms of Jihad: In addition to armed resistance, the declaration outlines a variety of ways in which Muslims can engage in jihad. These include providing financial support to the resistance, boycotting Israeli and Western products, organizing protests, and engaging in cyber warfare against Israel. The scholars also emphasize the importance of education, particularly the responsibility of raising future generations to continue the struggle for the liberation of Palestine.
4. A Call to Arab and Islamic Governments: The declaration is particularly critical of Arab and Islamic governments that have normalized relations with Israel. It calls on these governments to sever all political, economic, and military ties with Israel, arguing that any form of cooperation with the Zionist regime is a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and, by extension, of Islam. The scholars demand that these governments not only cut ties with Israel but actively support the resistance in Gaza by all possible means.
5. Rejection of Normalization Agreements: The declaration categorically rejects all normalization agreements with Israel, labeling them as invalid under Sharia law. The scholars argue that these agreements do not impose any obligations on Muslims, and they should be resisted by all means. The document criticizes Arab states that have entered into such agreements, particularly those that have signed deals in recent years as part of the Abraham Accords.
6. Obligation to Oppose Leaders Who Hinder Resistance: One of the most striking elements of the declaration is its assertion that Muslims are not obligated to obey their leaders if those leaders prevent them from supporting the Palestinian resistance. The scholars argue that when a leader opposes the jihad effort or aligns with Israel, Muslims must resist such authority, as obedience to unjust rulers is considered a rebellion against Islamic principles.
7. A Call for Scholars to Lead the Ummah: The declaration underscores the role of Islamic scholars in guiding the Muslim world through this conflict. It calls on scholars to issue more fatwas in support of jihad, to educate the Ummah on the importance of the resistance, and to counter the false narratives from governments or media outlets that support Israel. The scholars also express solidarity with those who have been imprisoned or persecuted for their activism, highlighting the sacrifices being made by many in defense of Palestine.
The "Declaration of the Flood Scholars" is not only a religious document but also a political one, as it directly challenges both Arab governments that have normalized relations with Israel and global powers that support the Israeli state. By invoking religious obligations, the declaration seeks to galvanize the Muslim world into action, framing the defense of Gaza and Al-Aqsa as a collective responsibility that transcends national borders.
The statement also reflects the growing frustration within parts of the Muslim world over the inaction or complicity by some Arab and Islamic governments in the face of Israeli aggression. The scholars' call for greater mobilization—including the potential for direct military involvement—could escalate tensions further, particularly in countries where public support for the Palestinian cause is high, but government actions have not matched popular sentiment.
The "Declaration of the Flood Scholars" represents a significant moment in Palestinian resistance against Israeli aggression, as it brings together influential Islamic scholars to issue a unified call for action. By framing the resistance as a religious obligation for all Muslims, the declaration seeks to rally the Ummah around the cause of Gaza and Al-Aqsa, urging not only military resistance but a broad-based effort that includes financial, media, and educational initiatives. As the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, this declaration could serve as a rallying cry for increased activism and resistance across the Muslim world. (ILKHA)