Question:
Assalamualikum,
Is it permissible to host protests and demonstrations in support for the people of Palestine? (Assuming the laws of Islam are followed -no music, no free mixing etc). I have seen that persons said that it was impermissible based on the fatwas of Ibn Baz, al-Fawzan etc, but I have also seen scholars attend them and organize them.
Can you provide clarification on this matter? Is there any basis in the Shariah for it?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The sanctity of Masjidul Aqsa and Palestine is matched only by Makkah and Madinah. In the Qur’ān there are many verses implying that the Land of Palestine, the city of Jerusalem, the entire environs are set apart as blessed, as they have received special divine blessings. The land around Masjid Al-Aqsa is referred to 70 times as the blessed land in the Qur’ān.
There is not a single inch in Al-Quds where a Nabi of Allah Ta’ala has not performed salaah or an angel has not stood”. [Tirmidhi]
Our fervent Du’ā goes out to the Muslims of Palestine and other parts of the world. May Allāh Ta’ālā grant them freedom from oppression. May Allāh Ta’ālā free Al-Masjid al-Aqsā and the clutches of the disbelievers! The sanctity of Palestine will remain deep in the heart of each believer, irrespective of attempts to wipe it from the memories of the Muslims.
It is incumbent upon every Muslim to do whatever is in their capacity to assist the Muslims there.
Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) relates, I asked Rasulullah ﷺ, “Tell us the law about (visiting) Baytul-Maqdis. Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Go and perform salaah there. If you cannot visit and perform salaah there, then send some oil to be used in the lamps (of the Musjid).” [Bukhaari].
It is permissible and encouraged in the current situation, where our brothers and sisters are being massacred, to partake in peaceful protests and demonstrations. A Muslim will not quietly watch as the brutal ethnic cleansing of innocent Palestinians takes place. The advantages of such demonstrations are:
1. Showing solidarity with the Palestinians
2. Applying pressure on our government and those in power.
3. Raising awareness of the Palestinian plight
Our marching should be a plea to Allah, He will bring change on His terms, when He chooses. We don’t produce results, He alone does.
The atrocities being meted out to Muslims in these blessed lands reflect our weakness as an Ummah. As we moved further away from Rasulullah ﷺ.
What else should we do?
– Drawing Allāh Ta’ālā’s help is the only way to assist the Muslims of Palestine, Syria, and other parts of the world. Following the commands of Allah Ta’āla and staying away from every type of sin is crucial in this effort.
– Endeavor to assist them in whichever way possible, especially financially.
– All bāligh males should endeavor to perform their five times daily Salah with Jamā’a in the Masjid.
-Make Duā that Allāh Ta’āla assists the Muslims and alleviates their suffering.
-Take out some Sadaqah and thereby cool the wrath of Allāh Ta’ālā.
Ordinary Muslims do not have the power to go there and fight. However, they should help the people of Palestine in whatever way they can. Monetary assistance, no matter how small, should be extended to the people of Gaza. Du‛ā’ is also extremely important. Imagine if we were to be bombed, if our women and children were to be martyred, will we sit back? Two things are certainly within our power: Extending monetary assistance to them, and turning to Allāh ta‛ālā in du‛ā’. It is man’s duty to do whatever is within his means and to turn to Allāh ta‛ālā. (Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani)
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best.
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
