Muslim theologians call for jihad against Israel

Ali al-Qaradaghi. Photo: aa.com.tr

April 7, 2025 – The International Union of Muslim Scholars has issued a fatwa calling for jihad against Israel, according to a report by nournews.ir.

The document was signed by several prominent Muslim figures, including the Union’s Secretary General, Sunni theologian Ali al-Qaradaghi.

The fatwa was prompted by Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. The statement includes sharp criticism of Islamic governments for their inaction and silence regarding the situation, which it describes as a “moral and religious failure.”

The text strictly prohibits any form of cooperation with Israel — including arms trade and the use of transportation routes and ports such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. It also advises Islamic states to reconsider peace agreements with Tel Aviv.

In addition, the fatwa addresses Muslim communities living in the United States, urging them to pressure the administration of Donald Trump to stop the hostilities and work toward establishing peace.

Ali al-Qaradaghi is a student of the well-known preacher Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who in 2012 called Russia “Islam’s number one enemy.” Today’s calls for a “holy war” appear to reflect political ambitions and internal rivalries rather than any genuine unity within the Muslim world.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Russia no longer considers the Taliban a terrorist organization.

Read also

Prayers offered for victims of shelling in destroyed UOC church, Kryvyi Rih

Metropolitan Ephraim offered prayers for those killed and wounded in the shelling of Kryvyi Rih within the walls of a church destroyed by a missile strike.

Director of the Orthodox School in Holosiiv: We were slandered

The head of the school at the Holosiiv Monastery stated that journalists distorted the facts about the teachers' work and in some cases outright lied.

Moldova’s Orthodox Church could be stripped of 800 churches – media

A ruling by the Chisinau Court of Appeal creates a mechanism for transferring holy sites away from the Orthodox Church of Moldova in favor of the Bessarabian Metropolis.

His Beatitude leads Liturgy in Feofania on Venerable Bonifatius feast day

The festive service at the Panteleimon Women’s Monastery took place on the day of commemoration of the Feofania ascetic and gathered hierarchs and clergy of the UOC.

MinCulture to hold scientific conference on history of humanities at Lavra

The event, focusing on the development of humanities research, will take place on January 15–16, bringing together scholars and museum professionals.

Luna: Ukrainian officials involved in church seizures to be held accountable

In an exclusive comment to the UOJ, Anna Paulina Luna promised to hold accountable the Ukrainian officials involved in the seizure of UOC churches.