Islamic scholar urges Muslims to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque amid heightened tensions
Dr. Wasfi Ashur, a prominent figure in Islamic Law at Mardin Artuklu University, has said that safeguarding Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a moral duty but a religious obligation for Muslims.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered as the first Qiblah (direction of prayer) and the second holiest site (Haram Sharif) in Islam after Mecca's Grand Mosque, stands as a symbol of faith and history. It marks the end point of the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and the beginning of his Ascension.
Professor Ashur's urgency stems from the ongoing israeli occupation of Jerusalem and attempts to alter the site's character. He points to increased attacks on Muslim worshippers during Ramadan, particularly targeting the brave Murabite defenders of the mosque. These assaults, he underlines, aim not only to harm physically but also to humiliate and intimidate those practicing their faith.
In a powerful call to action, Professor Ashur urges Muslims worldwide, both within and outside Palestine, to journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque. He emphasizes that this duty, rooted in Sharia law, extends to both individuals and institutions. Drawing on Quranic and Sunnah teachings, he highlights numerous religious injunctions supporting the protection of Al-Quds al-Sharif (Jerusalem) and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.
As tensions escalate, recent israeli announcements regarding mosque closures during Ramadan have raised concerns. The eyes of the world remain fixed on Al-Aqsa, a sacred place where faith, history, and duty converge. (ILKHA)