International Union Of Muslim Scholars, Which Preaches Jihad And Terrorism, Working To Tighten Cooperation With Islamic Centers In Ireland And Elsewhere In Europe
Wanis Al-Mabrouk, assistant secretary-general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), recently visited Ireland's capital Dublin as part of the organization's efforts to strengthen its ties with Islamic centers and communities in Europe. In the course of his visit he met with prominent figures in Ireland's Muslim community and with mosque imams from across the country, and discussed cooperation between them and the IUMS, including the possibility of their joining the union.
Currently numbering about 100,000 members in 92 countries, the IUMS serves as an organ of the Qatari regime for spreading an extremist and anti-West Islamist ideology. It routinely promotes hateful rhetoric and incitement to jihad, terrorism and antisemitism, in line with Qatar's decades-long support for various terrorist groups worldwide (see the Appendix).
The IUMS has special ties with Ireland because it was founded there in 2004 by Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradawi. The union was headquartered in Dublin until 2010, when it came to be sponsored by Qatar and moved its headquarters to Doha.[1] Sheikh Al-Qaradawi, who was born in Egypt and settled in Qatar in the 1960s, was a leading authority for the Muslim Brotherhood movement, and was known for his extremist positions in praise of jihad and terrorism and even suicide bombings, and for his extreme anti-West views and his aspiration for Islamic control of Europe.[2] Due to his views he was designated a terrorist by several Arab countries and banned from entering several Western countries, including the U.S. His successors in the IUMS, Ahmad Al-Raissouni and the current chair Ali Al-Qaradaghi, have expressed similar opinions and praised jihad and terrorism.
IUMS logo
Below are details about Wanis Al-Mabrouk's visit to Dublin.
IUMS Assistant Secretary-General Wanis Al-Mabrouk Visits Dublin To Strengthen Ties With Islamist Centers In Europe
According to the IUMS official website, Al-Mabrouk's visit to Dublin was part of the union's "efforts to strengthen ties with the Islamic communities and centers in Europe." In the course of his visit he delivered a Friday sermon, organized a three-day seminar and met with Muslim community leaders and with mosque imams from around the country. He "discussed the IUMS vision and goals, avenues for future cooperation, and the possibility of integrating new members into the IUMS in the near future." The website added that "the visit was held as part of the IUMS ongoing interest in supporting and aiding Muslim minorities in Europe… so as to consolidate their positive presence and their balanced integration into [European] societies."[3]
Wanis Al-Mabrouk on his visit to Ireland (Images: Iumsonline.org, May 29, 2025)
Appendix: MEMRI Reports And Clips About The IUMS And Its Members
Over the years, MEMRI has monitored the extremist discourse disseminated by the IUMS which includes incitement to jihad and terrorism, and contains blatant antisemitism. The following are examples of these MEMRI reports:
Special Dispatch No. 11903 - Fatwa By International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Based In And Funded By Qatar, Declares 'Armed Jihad' Against Israel Obligatory For All Muslims, Calls To Urgently Form 'Islamic Military Alliance' Against Israel - 03/31/25
Special Dispatch No. 11611 - Since Hamas' October 7 Attack On Israel, Qatar's Unreserved Support For Hamas, Incitement Against Israel, Continues On The Political, Media, Educational And Religious Levels - 10/10/24
Special Dispatch No. 11595 - Former Vice President Of International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Mauritanian Islamic Scholar Muhammad Al-Dadow Al-Shanqiti: The Most Noble Death A Person Can Have Is While Waging Jihad; This Is Not A War Against Israel, But The Infidel World; The Forces Of Evil Have Gathered Against Hamas - 10/02/24
Special Dispatch No. 11553 - Head Of Qatar-Funded IUMS Describes Perpetrator Of Terror Attack At Jordan-Israel Border Crossing As 'Hero' Whose Action Reflects The Sentiments And Ideas Of The Muslim Nation - 09/12/24
Special Dispatch No. 11519 - Member Of Qatar-Backed International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Says Gaza War Can Be Used To Teach Children Important Lessons: 'This War Is Pure Jihad'; Children 'Should Be Raised On Love Of Jihad'; The War Is Religious And Ideological, Not A Dispute Over Borders - 08/22/24
Special Dispatch No. 11413 - London Central Mosque Hosts Jihad Supporter Jassem Bin Muhammad Al-Jaber, Member Of Qatar-Backed International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Which Incites Terror - 06/24/24
Special Dispatch No. 11226 - Calls For Terrorist Operations Against Israel From Jordanian Territory – Hamas And Muslim Brotherhood Officials, Clerics Close To Qatar: Jordanians Must Buy Arms And Undergo Military Training; Fighting Jews Is 'Islamic Duty' - 03/25/24
Special Dispatch No. 11221 - Member Of Qatar-based, Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Touhami Medjouri Calls On All Muslims To Join Hamas' War Against Israel, Target Interest Of U.S., U.K., France, And Germany Everywhere - 03/21/24
Special Dispatch No. 11164 - Member Of Fiqh Councils In Europe And North America: The Islamic Nation Must Wage Jihad To Help The Palestinians; Sykes-Picot Borders Have No Legal Status In Religious Laws Of Jihad - 03/04/24
Clip No. 10699 - Hamas MP Marwan Abu Ras Calls On West Bank To Rise Up Against The Palestinian Authority: Mahmoud Abbas Is a Traitor; May Allah Take Revenge On Criminal, Nazi America - 12/02/23
Special Dispatch No. 11027 - In Interview With Pro-Afghan Taliban Media, Secretary-General Of Qatar-Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Alleges Zionist Propaganda Against Muslims, Cites Quran To Argue That 'Allah Has Called Media Jihad As The Greatest Jihad'; 'We Should Not Neglect The Significance Of Effective [TV] Channels In Languages Like Pashtu, Farsi, And Urdu' - 12/19/23
Clip No. 10727 - Former Sec.-Gen. Of The Qatar-Based IUMS Mohammad Salim Al-Awa: If The Two-State Solution Is Realized, It Will Be Temporary, Because Palestine Is Ours In Its Entirety – From The River To The Sea - 12/14/23
MEMRI Daily Brief No. 554 - Qatar-Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Delegation Meets With Taliban Ministers In Kabul: 'The Islamic Emirate's Mujahideen Achieved Success Against The World's Great Powers – Similarly The Palestinians, With Their Strong Will, Will Definitely Win This War' Against Israel - 12/13/23
Clip No. 10599 - Qatar-Based International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Issues Fatwa Obligating Palestinians In West Bank And Within 1948 Borders, Israel's Neighbors, All Arab And Muslim Countries To Intervene Militarily On Behalf Of Gaza - 10/31/23
Special Dispatch No. 10925 - Qatar-Based And Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Publishes Old Article By Senior Hamas Official Describing Takeover Of Gaza Border Region, Israeli City Of Ashkelon, In Preparation For Liberation Of Palestine And Realization Of Prophetic Promise - 11/01/23
Special Dispatch No. 10836 - In Statement, Qatar-Based And Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Calls 'Al-Aqsa Storm' Operation An 'Effective' And 'Mandatory Development Of Legitimate Resistance,' States: Muslims Must Support Their Brothers In Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem And Gaza - 10/08/23
Special Dispatch No. 10786 - Condemning France's School Abaya Ban, Arab Intellectuals And Prominent Muslim Scholars Question French Secularism, Accusing The State Of Fomenting Hostility Toward Islam As A Distraction From Domestic And International Failures - 09/08/23
Special Dispatch No. 10783 - On X Platform, Prominent Islamist Figures, Jihadi Clerics Commemorate Anniversary Of Execution Of Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Ideologue Sayyid Qutb, Glorify His Legacy - 09/06/23
Special Dispatch No. 10769 - At IUMS-Sponsored Seminar In Turkey Featuring Grand Mufti Of Libya Sadiq Al-Ghariani And 'Ali Al-Qaradaghi: Jihad In Palestine Is A Personal Religious Duty For Every Muslim - 08/25/23
Clip No. 10408 - Indian Islamic Scholar Salman Husaini El-Nadwi Of IUMS Board Of Trustees: We Must Engage In Jihad By Means Of The Quran, 'Raid' Europe, America And Call People To Islam In Every City, Village, Home - 07/22/23
Special Dispatch No. 10699 - Reactions In Qatari Media To Riots In France: It Is A Racist Country Unworthy Of Hosting The Olympic Games Next Year; The Riots Are Divine Punishment For Its Crimes Against Islam And Muslims - 07/07/23
Special Dispatch No. 10656 - Qatar-Affiliated Journalists, Clerics: The Egyptian Border Guard Who Murdered Three Israeli Soldiers Is 'A Real Hero,' 'A Martyr' And 'The Pride Of The Arabs' - 06/08/23
Special Dispatch No. 10645 - Islamist Figures And Institutions Embrace Anti-LGBT Statement By U.S.-Based Clerics And Scholars, While Hardliners And Liberals Reject It - 06/02/23
Special Dispatch No. 10608 - Ahead Of Turkish Presidential Election, Dozens Of Prominent Islamist Scholars, Headed By Secretary-General Of Qatar-Funded-And-Operated International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) 'Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Endorse President Erdoğan, Call On Turkish Muslims To Reelect Him - 05/12/23
Special Dispatch No. 10557 - Qatar-Funded And Operated International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) And Hamas Leaders In Qatar Call Palestinians To I'tikaf In Al-Aqsa Mosque With Intention Of Waging Jihad Prior To April 5 Clashes, Declare April 7 As 'Day Of Rage' - 04/07/23
Special Dispatch No. 10553 - Member Of The International Union Of Muslim Scholars: Muslims Must Liberate Al-Aqsa By Any Means; It Is The Blood Of The Jihad Fighters That Lights The Flame Of Al-Aqsa; The Day Of Judgement Will Come When The Muslims Fight And Kill The Jews - 04/05/23
Special Dispatch No. 10463 - Islamic Religious Scholars From Palestine, Egypt, Sudan, Libya Meet With Afghan Taliban Government Leaders, Applaud 'Victory Of Jihadi Struggle Of Afghans' - 02/06/23
Special Dispatch No. 10464 - International Union Of Muslim Clerics (IUMS) Member: The Jerusalem Terrorist Who Killed Seven Civilians Is A 'Hero' And A 'Role Model'; The Quran Explicitly Calls To Wage Jihad For The Sake Of Allah - 02/06/23
Special Dispatch No. 10356 - Youssef Al-Qaradawi's Successor Ali Al-Qaradaghi Shares Mentor's Hardline Views And Positions On West, Christianity, And Jihad, Actively Promotes Muslim Brotherhood Ideology To Millions Of People On Multiple Platforms - 12/05/22
Special Dispatch No. 10327 - In Qatar On The Eve Of The World Cup, Continuing Expressions Of Homophobia And Disgust Over LGBTQ+ Visitors To The Country - 11/18/22
Special Dispatch No. 10287 - Islamists, Prominent Arab Figures Say French Company's Guilty Plea For Paying ISIS Proves West's Involvement In Founding, Funding ISIS - 10/28/22
Special Dispatch No. 10253 - Prominent Islamists And Arab Intellectuals Condemn UAE For Opening Hindu Temple In Dubai, While Liberal Muslims Consider It Promotion Of Tolerance - 10/11/22
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1652 - Al-Qaradawi: Qatar's Islamist Empire Builder - 10/03/22
Special Dispatch No. 10234 - Jihadi Clerics, Afghan Taliban Eulogize Jihadi Muslim Brotherhood Ideologue Yusuf Al-Qaradawi - 09/28/22
Special Dispatch No. 10222 - Analysts Describe New Indonesian President Of International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) As Muslim Brotherhood Loyalist, Say His Appointment Reflects Muslim Brotherhood Intention To Expand In East Asia - 09/23/22
Clip No. 9786 - President Of International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Moroccan Islamic Scholar Ahmad Al-Raysouni In Controversial Interview: We Should Organize A Jihad March In Western Sahara And Algeria's Tindouf; Establishing Mauritania Was A Mistake; Normalization With Israel Is A Mark Of Shame; Moroccan Jews Who Emigrated Were Traitors - 07/29/22
Special Dispatch No. 10040 - Ahead Of FIFA World Cup In Qatar, Homophobic Incitement In Country Continues - 06/27/22
Special Dispatch No. 9950 - Following Yesterday's Terror Attack In Elad, Israel, In Which Three Israelis Were Murdered, Users Tweet Praise For The Attack, Incitement To More Axe And Knife Attacks - 05/06/22
Clip No. 9569 - Palestinian Islamic Scholar Mraweh Nassar: Muslims Must Cut Off The Head Of The Zionist Snake If They Want To Solve Their Problems; The Zionist Occupation Is Ending – These People Will Be Eliminated - 05/16/22
Special Dispatch No. 9912 - Prominent Salafi Cleric Ali Al-Salabi: Major Islamic Conquests Took Place During Ramadan; Muslim Conquest Of Iberian Peninsula Was Natural Outcome Of Muslim Strategy During Invasions – Protecting Borders, Spreading The Religion, And Waging Jihad Beyond Borders - 04/19/22
Special Dispatch No. 9902 - In Statement, International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Which Is Funded By Qatar And Turkey, Praises Perpetrators Of Recent Terror Attacks In Israel, Calls On Palestinians To March To And Remain In Al-Aqsa Mosque Until Ramadan's End, Urges 'The People Of Palestine In Every Place, And From All Factions, To Carry Out All Forms Of Jihad Activity' - 04/15/22
Special Dispatch No. 9866 - Opinion Shapers In Qatar Praise Terror Attacks In Israel And Their Perpetrators - 03/31/22
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1621 - Religious Authorities Across The Muslim World: Homosexuality Is A Dangerous Abomination That The West Is Trying To Impose On Us - 02/02/22
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1613 - Despite Qatar's Promise To Respect Gay Community In World Cup, Incitement Against It In Qatari Media Continues - 12/15/21
Special Dispatch No. 9556 - International Union Of Muslim Scholars To Taliban Delegation: We Appreciate Your Jihad, Will Help You As Much As We Can In Establishing Islamic Rule - 09/20/21
Special Dispatch No. 9530 - Member Of Qatar-Supported International Union Of Muslims Scholars: The Taliban Are Paragons Of Steadfast Jihad; We Do Not Fear Them But Fear For Them - 09/01/21
Clip No. 8915 - Hamas MP, Member Of IUMS Board Marwan Abu Ras: It Is The Religious Duty Of The Islamic Nation To Help The Palestinians Massacre The Enemy, Strike Their Necks - 06/05/21
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1576 - As Qatar Mediates Between Israel And Hamas, It Holds Mass Rally For Hamas In Doha Supporting Armed Struggle And Jihad Against Israel – Participants Included Hamas Political Bureau Head Isma'il Haniya - 05/21/21
Clip No. 8951 - Palestinian Islamic Scholar Mraweh Nassar: Western Society Attacks Islam For Sanctioning Polygamy Yet It Is Full of Infidelity; Christian Monks Would Fornicate With Nuns, Kill Their Fetuses - 05/02/21
Clip No. 8854 - Palestinian Islamic Scholar Mraweh Nassar: 'Humanity Will Not Thrive Until The Jewish Nation Is Annihilated... I Mean The Jews Living In Palestine' - 05/11/21
Special Dispatch No. 9325 - International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Funded By Qatar And Turkey, Urges Muslims To Wage Jihad, Sacrifice Their Souls For Al-Aqsa - 05/09/21
Special Dispatch No. 9208 - Facebook Shuts Down Account Of International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Which Frequently Calls For Terror And Jihad - 03/02/21
Special Dispatch No. 9173 - Fatwa Signed By Over 200 Mauritanian Muslim Clerics: Normalization With Israel Is 'A Betrayal Of Allah, His Messenger And The Muslims'; Jihad Against Israel Is A Religious Duty - 02/09/21
Special Dispatch No. 9073 - Senior Member Of International Union Of Muslim Scholars In Antisemitic Article Against Normalization With Israel: Muhammad Expelled The Jews From His Territory By Force - 12/07/20
Special Dispatch No. 8985 - Days After International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Posts, On Its Website, Article By IUMS Secretary-General Claiming French Teacher's Beheading Was Staged By French Authorities, IUMS Removes It – Along With Articles Inciting Against President Macron - 10/22/20
Clip No. 8426 - Palestinian Islamic Scholar Mraweh Nassar: France Is Hostile To Muslims Because It Fears The Spread Of Islam; Macron's Wife Is A Relative Of Rothschild - 10/27/20
Clip No. 8374 - Sheikh Ali Al-Yousuf Of The International Union Of Muslim Scholars: Killing Of French Teacher Paty Was In Keeping With The Ruling Of The Shari'a But It Should Have Been Done By The Islamic State, Not By Just Any Individual - 10/18/20
Clip No. 8369 - Sec-Gen. Of International Union Of Muslim Scholars Ali Qaradaghi: Macron Has A Crusader Ideology, Still Lives In The Middle Ages; The West Is In Moral Crisis - 10/14/20
Clip No. 8366 - Sudanese Islamic Scholar Abd Al-Hayy Yousuf: Normalization With Israel Is Treachery; Allah Forbids Us From Being Allies With The Jews; It Is Obligatory For Muslims To Be Hostile To The Jews - 10/06/20
Special Dispatch No. 8974 - Secretary-General Of International Union of Muslim Scholars, 'Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Resumes Jihadi Incitement: Claims Murder Of French Teacher Was Staged By French Authorities And Real Killer Is Still Alive - 10/20/20
Special Dispatch No. 8807 - Qatari Doublespeak: Pretending To Fight Terrorism While Holding Conference With Sheikhs Supporting ISIS And Suicide Bombings - 06/18/20
Special Dispatch No. 8770 - Member Of Qatar-Supported IUMS: Coronavirus Is Divine Retribution For Oppression Of Muslims In China And Elsewhere - 05/28/20
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1501 - Qatar, Qatar-Backed International Union Of Muslim Scholars Blast Trump's Peace Plan: It Belongs In the Dustbin Of History, Must Be Opposed By Every Possible Means - 02/05/20
Special Dispatch No. 8367 - Petition By Muslim Brotherhood-Affiliated Clerics Calls For Economic Boycott Of UAE; Anti-MB Salafi-Jihadi Cleric: Boycott Is Not Enough; Petition Signatories Support Polytheistic Governments That Fail To Implement Allah's Laws - 11/15/19
Special Dispatch No. 8295 - IUMS Head Dr. Ahmed Al-Raissouni, Who Promotes Extremist, Antisemitic, Anti-Western Discourse, Joins Faculty Of Qatar University - 09/26/19
Special Dispatch No. 8135 - International Union Of Muslim Scholars, Supported By Qatar, Calls To Boycott Bahrain Conference On Deal Of The Century, Support Palestinians' Jihad - 06/24/19
Clip No. 7309 - IUMS Sheikh Sameer Saeed to Cape Town Mosque Congregation: You Will Be the Muslim Army to Protect Jerusalem; We Will Fight the Jews and Christians in the End Times - 06/14/19
Special Dispatch No. 8083 - Dr. Ahmed Al-Raissouni, Head Of The International Union Of Muslim Scholars Which Was Founded By Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradawi In Dublin: Questioning The Holocaust Is Not Just A Right But An Obligation - 05/23/19
Special Dispatch No. 8076 - Ramadan Religious Lesson By Muslim Brotherhood Spiritual Leader Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradawi, Published By Qatari Government Daily: The Jews Opposed Muhammad, Therefore Allah Cursed Them And Turned Them Into Apes And Pigs; The Christians Were Stricken With Ideological Blindness And Strayed - 05/21/19
Special Dispatch No. 7984 - International Union Of Muslim Scholars Urges Imams To Preach Armed Jihad Against Israel To Save Al-Aqsa - 04/04/19
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 1413 - French Manifesto Calling To 'Declare Obsolete' Violent Quranic Verses Sparks Fury From Islamic Religious Establishment, Writers In Arab Media - 08/20/18
Special Dispatch No. 7264 - Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradawi Calls For Resistance, Jihad And Martyrdom Following Trump's Recognition Of Jerusalem As Israel's Capital - 01/04/18
Clip No. 5297 - Palestinian Scholar Samir Said: The Jews Have a Criminal, Satanic Nature and Are the Enemies of Mankind - 01/21/16
Special Dispatch No. 6059 - Senior Sunni Cleric: Both ISIS And The Fight Against It Serve The Interests Of The West And The Shi'ite Regimes - 05/28/15
Special Dispatch No. 5316 - Al-Qaradhawi's Support For Jihad And Martyrdom During Gaza Visit And In Biography Of Hamas Bomb Maker Yahya 'Ayyash - 05/28/13
Special Dispatch No. 5298 - Saudi Professor And IUMS Member Tareq Hawwas In Antisemitic Diatribe: 'If Only Hitler Had Finished Them Off' - 05/10/13
Special Dispatch No. 5227 - International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS)Attacks UN For Promoting Resolutions Banning Polygamy, Underage Marriage, Marital Rape, Promotion Of Gender Equality - 03/08/13
Clip No. 3598 - Hamas MP Marwan Abu Ras: The Jews Are Behind Every Catastrophe on Earth - 09/12/12
Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 785 - Antisemitic and Anti-Israel Articles on Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Website - 01/13/12
Special Dispatch No. 3823 - Article on Muslim Brotherhood Website: U.S. Terrorism Worse than Bin Laden's - 05/09/11
Clip No. 3426 - Moroccan Cleric Abd Al-Bari Al-Zamzami: Husbands May Have Sex with Dead Wife's Corpse; Women May Use Carrots as Vibrators - 05/11/11
Special Dispatch No. 3600 - Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradhawi in Friday Sermon at Cairo's Tahrir Square: Pray for the Conquest of Al-Aqsa - 02/18/11
Sheikh Al-Qaradhawi Says He'll Boycott Interfaith Conference Due To Attendance Of Jews - 10/26/10
Clip No. 2624 - Muhammad Salim Al-Awa, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars: Copts Amass Weapons in Egyptian Churches and Are "Preparing for War against the Muslims" - 09/16/10
Special Dispatch No. 3093 - Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradhawi Calls for Jihad of Self-Sacrifice and for Rejecting the Political Process - 07/13/10
Special Dispatch No. 2843 - Sheikh Yousuf Al-Qaradhawi Gives Broad-Ranging Interview to BBC Arabic on His Support of Mayrtdom Attacks, His Condemnation of the U.S. Military Base in Qatar, His Position on Shi'ites, His Relations with the Egyptian Government, and More - 03/04/10
Special Dispatch No. 2709 - Sheikh Al-Qaradhawi on Christmas Celebrations in Muslim Countries: 'I Wanted To Warn My People That This Is Prohibited, Shameful, And Inappropriate... Ignorance Of What Islam Obliges Us To Do...;' '[Can] Muslims in Europe and America... Celebrate Ramadan... in the City Centers[?]' - 12/21/09
Special Dispatch No. 2662 - Sheikh Al-Qaradhawi Explains His Objections to Muslim-Christian Interfaith Dialogue - 11/30/09
Special Dispatch No. 2285 - The Struggle for Power, Influence, and Control Surrounding Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradhawi - 03/19/09
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At Anti-Israel Protests In Pakistan, Islamic Religious Scholars Call For Jihad Against Israel, Urge Rulers Of Islamic Nations To Use Their Armies To Help Palestinians
In April and May 2025, Pakistan's Islamic religious organizations, especially Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JeIP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), held a series of conferences and mass rallies in several Pakistani towns and cities where Islamic scholars and community leaders expressed support for Hamas and called for jihad against Israel. A national Palestine conference was held on April 10 in Islamabad, while protests and events were also held at Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir as well as in the cities of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Quetta, among others. At these events, the religious scholars called for supporting Palestinians and Kashmiris. Islamic scholars address the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad on April 10, 2025 On April 10, a national Palestine conference was held in Islamabad to express solidarity with the Palestinians, where Hamas representative Dr. Naji Zaheer, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, President of the Wafaqul Madaris Al-Arabiya Mufti Taqi Usmani, prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, and other eminent personalities delivered speeches.[1] According to a report in the Urdu daily Roznama Express: "In the declaration adopted by the national conference, Muslims were called upon to boycott Israel and its supporting countries… According to shari'a, under the principle of 'Al-Aqrab Fal-Aqrab [i.e., jihad becoming obligatory on those on and near the crisis site and its scope expanding gradually to cover wider regions],' jihad has become obligatory on all Muslims."[2] The declaration stated: "Regarding Palestine, no pact prevents participation in this jihad [against Israel]. In the name of Palestine, no armed-struggle against our own governments will be legitimate. The entire region, including Israel, belongs to Palestinians."[3] At the conference, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, the head of Tanzeem Al-Madaris, read out the declaration adopted on the occasion. Dr. Naji Zaheer, the Hamas representative, who was a star speaker at the conference, said: "Palestinians have great hopes from Pakistan. Israel is afraid of Pakistan, otherwise it wants to complete the project of Greater Israel."[4] Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has led many anti-Israel pretests in Pakistani towns over the past few years, told the gathering: "If Pakistan does not fight for the Palestinians, it is denying its ideology. The [so-called] philosophers of our country ask how the economy will function if relations with Israel are not improved. What is there to fear? Pakistan's position on Israel should be clear. We also want to know the position of the state of Pakistan."[5] Hamas representative Dr. Zuhair Naji, who lives in Pakistan, addresses the conference Calling the gathering "historic" and urging practical jihad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman promoted a hardline approach, inciting violence rather than fostering a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue. "Today's gathering is not a traditional gathering; history will not be able to ignore this gathering. The entire nation is united on the issue of Palestine. Practical jihad has become obligatory on the Ummah. Muslims should participate in jihad in any way possible," he added.[6] The JUI-F leader said: "In 1917, when the State of Israel was proposed, only two percent of Jews lived in Palestine. Correct history and do not spread the lie that Palestinian Muslims sold their lands themselves. There is a Jewish conspiracy behind any problem in Pakistan. In these circumstances, the purpose of the establishment of Pakistan should be understood."[7] The state of Pakistan was established as a homeland for Muslims; Maulana Fazlur Rehman's message was that the nuclear-armed Pakistan must support Palestinians practically. One of the leading speakers at the conference was Grand Mufti of Pakistan Taqi Usmani. The religious scholar questioned Muslim governments for not using their armies for jihad, saying: "Peaceful protests are allowed, throwing stones and harming someone's life and property is forbidden. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli bombing continues. The Zionists do not have any faith, any religion, any international agreement or promise. What is the use of the armies of Muslim countries if they do not wage jihad?"[8] "The requirement was that instead of gathering here [in Islamabad], we would have gathered in Gaza. A ceasefire agreement was reached in Palestine; despite the ceasefire agreement, the bombing continues. Israel has no moral values nor the value of international laws. [U.S. President Donald] Trump has now started considering the entire world his property. Despite seeing death, the Palestinians have not backed down from their position," Mufti Usmani said.[9] Mufti Taqi Usmani (left) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman address the National Conference on Palestine on April 10, 2025. The Grand Mufti accused Israel of implementing a plan for Greater Israel, saying: "Today, preparations are being made to implement the Greater Israel plan. According to the United Nations, no one has human rights except those with fair skin. The [Hamas] brave-hearts in Gaza have created a new history. Will jihad not be obligatory even after seeing more than 55,000 Muslims being slaughtered?"[10] Mufti Taqi Usmani added: "The founder of Pakistan [M.A. Jinnah] had called [Israel] an illegitimate child. Our position will not change under any circumstances, no matter how much power Israel gets. When we do not have any pact with Israel, there is no excuse [for Jihad]. Muslim countries should know that when it has broken agreements, then by what agreement are you bound?"[11] The Islamic religious scholar also said: "The U.S. Secretary of State has said that no matter how many Muslims Israel kills, we will not stop supporting it. After Israel, America has also broken its agreements. We do not say to launch a nuclear attack on anyone. Governments have a thousand ways; they should realize that jihad is our duty."[12] Earlier, on February 5, to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day, several events were held in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir by militant groups and the Pakistani military and government. These events were also attended and addressed by jihadi commanders and Hamas leaders. One of the biggest events was held in the town of Rawalakot in Pakistani Kashmir. Hamas spokespersons Dr. Khalid Qaddoumi and Dr. Naji Zaheer, along with Hamas leaders Mufti Azam and Bilal Alsallat, participated in the event, according to an Indian media report.[13] The event was also attended by Talha Saif, brother of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) emir Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM commander Asghar Khan Kashmiri, senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Masood Ilyas, and other top LeT commanders. Jihadi leaders address a rally in Rawalakot, Pakistani Kashmir, on February 5, 2025. "The entire event was an effort to build a narrative to equate the Gaza Strip with Jammu and Kashmir," Indian media outlet News 18 reported.[14] "The conference had been organised to spin a common tale of Pakistan and Palestine as well-knit united fronts against Israel and India," the report said.[15] In a video of the Rawalakot event available on the internet, several militant leaders can be seen delivering speeches.[16] One militant leader, speaking Urdu, warns India: "I want to tell [Indian Home Minister] Amit Shah that the mujahideen of Kashmir and Palestine have become united…"[17] Not far from Rawalakot, on the same day in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended another conference to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. Speaking on the occasion, General Asim Munir warned India, saying: "Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or in the near future, you may commit atrocities in occupied Kashmir, but this will not go on forever. The decision of Kashmir must be made by the people of Kashmir, not by any occupying force in Kashmir. Three wars have been fought for Kashmir, and if ten more need to be fought, we will fight, Allah willing."[18] He made these remarks at the at the martyrs' memorial in Muzaffarabad. In his speech to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for Kashmiris, saying: "Pakistan will continue to offer its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to self-determination."[19] Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir (third from left) attends an event in Muzaffarabad on February 5, 2025, held as part of the Kashmir Solidarity Day commemorations On April 13, just three days later, another public rally on the theme of "Solidarity with Gaza" was organized by JeIP on Shahrah-e-Faisal Road in Karachi. Addressing the protestors, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said: "Israel is committing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, while Pakistan's political leadership and the international community remain silent. PML-N, PPP, and PTI must also raise their voices for Gaza and condemn the U.S. and Israel."[20] PML-N refers to Pakistan Muslim League (N) Party of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while PPP stands for Pakistan's People Party led by Bilawal Bhutto, son of President Asif Zardari, and PTI for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman further said: "[Israel] has shredded the United Nations charter. Even today, Israel cannot face Hamas. The brutality in Gaza has exposed the true face of Western leaders. Even in the U.S., 50 percent of people support Palestine. Every child around the world is expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza. All political parties should condemn Israel."[21] The JeI leader reminded the protestors that Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was asked to recognize Israel, but he replied: "Our foundation is not for sale" – referring to the religious foundation of the newly created Islamic state of Pakistan.[22] JeI, which is the largest religious organization in Pakistan, also held a nationwide shutter-down strike, in which shops and other businesses close to halt commercial activity as a form of protest, on April 27 to signal popular consensus and pressure the government into adopting a firmer anti-Israel stance.[23] Business centers remained closed in most cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Quetta. Lawyers in various cities also observed a complete strike and boycotted court proceedings. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, addressed a press conference at the Jamaat headquarters Mansoorah in Lahore, where he declared the nationwide shutter-down strike as successful, stating that the success of the strike was a proof that the entire Pakistani nation stands against Israel and India.[24] The strike was held just five days after the April 22 jihadi terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which more than two dozen Hindu males were shot dead.[25] JeI emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman raises slogans during the Gaza Million March on April 20, held to express solidarity with Palestinians As part of the April 27 nationwide strike, local JeI leaders in the city of Hyderabad, Pakistan's Sindh province, held a Press Conference in front of the Hyderabad Press Club. On this occasion, Hafiz Tahir Majeed, the Emir of JeI for Hyderabad district, and other JeI leader Aqeel Ahmad Khan, Abdu Quayyum Sheikh, Muhammad Hanif Sheikh, Abdul Basit Khan, and Hafiz Sufiyan Nasir were present. According to a report in the Urdu daily Roznama Jasarat, Hafiz Tahir Majeed said: "Today's strike was a referendum that has told the entire world that we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Palestine. I salute the citizens of Hyderabad, whose hearts beat with the Muslims of Gaza."[26] "America, Israel, and India play the role of security guards – they have destroyed the peace and order of the entire world," he said, adding: "With America's support, Israel is planning to destroy Gaza. The fate of America, Israel, and India is bringing them toward Pakistan."[27] Hafiz Tahir Majeed slammed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for terminating the Indus Water Treaty. "If India shows an eye to Pakistan, we have the capability to gouge out both its eyes. We will wipe India from the map. Tomorrow we have to take back Delhi, which belonged to Muslims. Insha'Allah, very soon Pakistan's flag will unfurl over Delhi."[28] The JeI leader said: "The world will see that India, Israel, and America will not find two metres of land on earth. After Pharaoh, they are the people who will be most ashamed in the world."[29] Hafiz Tahir Majeed also accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, adding: "On the issue of Gaza, the entire Pakistani nation stands in unison… If Islamic countries do not make joint efforts regarding a ceasefire, the situation will not be in anybody's control."[30] JeI leaders in Hyderabad city talk to the media on April 27 In Lahore, on April 13, Pakistan's leading religious scholar Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, addressed a Press Conference where he called for the boycott of Israeli products. "We must boycott Israeli products. We want a free Palestinian state. The elders of the entire Muslim world should be gathered in Mecca [to formulate a joint response on Israel]," he said and also expressed support for an independent Kashmir.[31] Calling for "practical steps" for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said: "The army, government, and people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Palestine. Palestine and Gaza are ours – they were and will remain so… Our hearts are with the people of Palestine. May Allah grant freedom to the people of Palestine and Kashmir."[32] He added: "Palestine belongs to the people of Palestine, and no conspiracy to expel the people of Gaza from their land can be accepted. The government and various organizations are sending aid for the people of Palestine. We have remained peaceful in our protest demonstrations. At this time, there is a need to unite the Muslim Ummah, and we appeal to all Muslims to pray."[33] One of the largest anti-Israel protests was organized by JUI-F on May 15 in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan. Addressing the protestors, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman said: "The alliance between India and Israel is part of history. The Modi government, acting as an Israeli representative, carried out attacks in Pakistan but we took revenge for Gaza by giving a befitting reply."[34] It should be noted that in response to the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, India launched strikes at nine terror centres in Pakistan on May 7, leading to a four-day war with Pakistan.[35] "Israel has been Pakistan's enemy from Day One," Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, adding: "The rulers of Israel were busy in a rabbit's dream but we opposed Israel from Day One and will continue to do so in future, while Jews and Hindus are one…"[36] He added: "Pakistan should be cautious of the India-Israel axis. If Muslim rulers gather courage, then Israel's power can be eliminated."[37] * Mantasha Ansari is a Research Assistant at MEMRI's South Asia Studies Project.
Memri
an hour ago
- Memri
Editor Of Qatari Government Daily: Hamas Must Not Disarm – It Will Defeat Israel With The Strength Of Its Weapons Like The Taliban Defeated Both The U.S. And The West
According to numerous recent reports in Arab media, a demand to disarm has been presented to Hamas, as part of the contacts for a ceasefire in Gaza, and this demand was rejected by Hamas officials.[1] Joining Hamas in its position are journalists in Qatar, who call the weapons of the Palestinian resistance an "existential necessity" that "are not to be bargained over"; they also refer to them as "honor" and that "relinquishing them is humiliation" and as a means that "caused heavy losses to the occupation." Particularly noticeable among these journalists was the position of Jabar Al-Harmi, editor of the Al-Sharq government daily, who called on Hamas not to give up its weapons and not to disavow its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, because "what was taken by force will be restored only by force." He called on Hamas to act like the Taliban in Afghanistan, which despite its sacrifices never gave up its weapons and, "armed from head to toe," forced the U.S. to sit at the negotiating table with it to discuss "not what it [the U.S.] would achieve and what it would gain, but how it would escape [from Afghanistan]." Hamas's holding on to its weapons, he said, would stop Israel from recovering from October 7; he added that in any case, Israel's disappearance was nearer than people think. It should be noted that Al-Harmi also holds antisemitic views and has called for the destruction of Israel. In his articles in the newspaper, and on his X account, he regularly expresses support for Hamas and its October 7, 2023 attack, in which 1,200 were killed and 251 were taken to Gaza as hostages.[2] This mirrors Qatar's absolute support for Hamas.[3] Cartoon in Qatari daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi: Resistance fighter stands fast against attempts to take "the weapons of the resistance" from him. (Source: Al-Quds Al-Arabi, London, April 25, 2025) This report will present the positions of writers in Qatar on the subject of the "weapons of the resistance," particularly the position of Al-Sharq editor Jabar Al-Harmi: Al-Sharq Editor Al-Harmi On X, May 24, 2025: Like The Taliban, Hamas Must Not Give Up Its Weapons – And Must Not Disavow Its October 7 Attack Al-Sharq editor Jabar Al-Harmi called on Hamas not to give up its weapons and not to disavow its October 7, 2023 attack. He likened Hamas's situation to that of the Afghan Taliban, who never relinquished their weapons and even, he said, forced the U.S. to negotiate with them by force of their weapons, in addition to "defeating Russia and then the U.S. and the West all together" who today seek "the love of the Afghans – love that comes by force of arms." In a May 24, 2025 post on X, Al-Harmi wrote: "Had the Afghans agreed to solutions of submission during the invasion of their country by two of the strongest countries – the U.S.S.R. in 1979 and the U.S. in 2002 [sic[4]] – and had they said 'We have no strength against these two countries, we are a poor country, and if we are in a position of inferiority, we have no weapons and the world is set against us,' they would not today have a state that is respected by all those who invaded them previously. "The Afghans opposed [the invaders] with their force and might, defeating Russia and then the U.S. and the West all together. Although the invaders used the most criminal weapons, including weapons banned by international conventions, the Afghans did not surrender, despite all the victims. This is what ultimately forced the invaders to sit at the negotiating table with them, by force of arms – not to negotiate over what it [the U.S.] would achieve and what it would gain, but how it would escape [from Afghanistan]. "This did not happen by virtue of the Afghans' consent to disarm – it was by virtue of their strong opposition to the invaders and their defense by means of everything they had, and by means of the weapons of the enemies that they had seized. This is the path to liberation. What was taken by force will be restored only by force, and anything else is an attempt to anesthetize and distract the occupied peoples. Today, Russia and the U.S. seek the love of the Afghans – a love that comes by force of arms. "Consent to disarm the resistance in Gaza and to disavow the October 7 [attack] means that the enemy [Israel] will revive, [and will continue to exist] for the next 100 years. Even if the Palestinian people is wounded, and if the Gazans are dead, do not think that the enemy is relaxed – on the contrary, its fear is greater, and it is now focusing on its entity's future. Will this entity, which is [weaker than] a spiderweb,[5] survive, or will it disappear and not see out its eighth decade? Its disappearance is nearer than you think. 'If you should be suffering – so are they suffering as you are suffering' – but the difference [between the two comes at the end of the verse]: 'You have hope of reward, help, and support from Allah, which they cannot hope for.'[6]"[7] Post by Jaber Al-Harmi ( May 24, 2025) Al-Harmi On X, April 14, 2025: The "Weapons Of The Resistance" In Gaza Are Not For Sale And Are Nonnegotiable In a previous X post, on April 14, 2025, Al-Harmi rejected the demand that Hamas disarm, using the same parallel to the Taliban's refusal to negotiate over disarming. He wrote: "The resistance in Gaza, whether Hamas or another [resistance movement], will not fall into the trap of disarmament, no matter what guarantees [it receives]... "[In the case of the] Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. tried to set this [disarmament] as the main condition for negotiations, [but the] Taliban would not negotiate at all about this, and the U.S. was forced to go back to the negotiating table with the Taliban while the latter was armed from head to toe. They told the U.S.: 'It was only the weapons that brought you to sit at the negotiating table with us. Therefore, the resistance must not negotiate over its weapons in any way.' The weapons of the resistance in Gaza are not for sale and are nonnegotiable."[8] Article In Al-Sharq, April 23, 2025: The Weapons Of The Resistance Are An Existential Necessity And An Influential Means Of Action Opposition to disarming Hamas was also seen in many articles in the Qatari government press. For example, Palestinian writer Hadir Rashad explained in his column in Al-Sharq, under the headline "The Weapons Of The Resistance Are Not For Bargaining," that "it is not easy to raise the issue of disarming the resistance without this proposal crashing into the obvious wall of reality, according to which weapons in the hands of peoples under occupation are not a choice but an existential necessity... The weapons of the resistance in Gaza will never be a mere symbol or slogan – they are an influential means of action that caused the occupation heavy losses in lives and in [its] economy... "The call to disarm the resistance in Palestine before the occupation departs is a call for surrender, not peace; for permanent consent to the aggression and not for stopping it; for apparent calm whose hidden meaning is seizing the trump card from the hands of the people that has only force of will and arms."[9] Article In Al-Watan, May 16, 2025: Weapons Are Honor, Relinquishing Them Is Humiliation In his May 16, 2025 column in the Qatari government daily Al-Watan, Palestinian writer Samir Al-Barghouti presented the results of a Palestinian poll that showed widespread Palestinian support for Hamas amid the decline in the prestige of the Palestinian Authority and of Fatah. He stated that "82% of the Palestinian [respondents] said that they oppose handing over the weapons of the resistance." He summarized the survey, stating: "Since the first and second intifadas, and the [Al-Aqsa] Flood [the October 7 attack], Palestinians have believed that they have no other choice but resistance, and that weapons are honor, and relinquishing them is humiliation."[10]
Memri
an hour ago
- Memri
The Qatar Weekly Update (QWU) – Part Of The Qatar Monitor Project (QMP) – No. 22, June 6, 2025
1. MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 11999, Editor Of Qatari Government Daily: Hamas Must Not Disarm – It Will Defeat Israel With The Strength Of Its Weapons Like The Taliban Defeated Both The U.S. And The West, May 29, 2025. 2. The TRUTH About Qatar, Hamas, and 9/11,"Mark Levin, LevinTV, June 2, 2025. 3. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser hit with ethics complaint over $62K trip to Qatar, jaunts to Masters and Mar-a-Lago: "Troubling pattern," New York Post, June 3, 2025. 4. Sections on Qatar in newly released French government report on Muslim Brotherhood using its weight to alter EU policy. Press summary of report is here; PDF of report is here. MEMRI highlights of key points on Qatar in report: Turkey and Qatar forming a strong axis of support for the movement; the Gulf states enacting a blockade against Qatar; Qatar politically supporting Islamist factions in Libya; the resolution of tensions between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors; foreign funding for Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated organizations in Belgium, Denmark, and France. Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups tried to influence EU: Report, Politico, May 21, 2025. 5. How Qatar bought America, Honestly with Bari Weiss, The Free Press, June 3, 2025. 6. Why Is the Trump Administration Selling Weapons to the World's Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism? Gatestone Institute, May 30, 2025. 7. Qatar's extensive influence in American politics is bipartisan: "Qatar is going after both sides of the aisle. Conservative media and liberal media. Universities. They're going after all aspects of American life to try to gain some sort of influence." Fanny Block, The Free Press, May 27, 2025. 8. Grassroots campaign in Israel targets Qatar's ties to Hamas, support of terror, The Jerusalem Post, June 5, 2025. 9. Qatari PR Show in Washington to Focus on "Israel's Destruction of Gaza" and "Genocide in Gaza": Qatari-affiliated think tanks in Doha and Washington, D.C. will promote these canards at the National Press Club on June 11. Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, June 5, 2025 10. "Muhammad Ahmad 'Abd Al-Dayim Nasrallah is a longtime Hamas operative based in Qatar with close ties to Iranian entities. He has been involved in the transfer of tens of millions of dollars to Hamas, including to Hamas's military wing, the Izz Aal-Din Al-Qassim Brigades." He has a reward for up to $10 million on his head. Rewards for Justice. Future QWU reports will list wanted Qatari terrorists and terrorists living in Qatar. * Yigal Carmon is Founder and President of MEMRI.
