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Memri
2 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
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
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Conference Of Islamic Clerics In Pakistan Calls For Jihad Against Israel: 'The Entire Region, Including Israel, Is The Ancestral Homeland Of Palestinians... America, If It Wants, Can Settle The Israelis Anywhere Else'
On April 10, 2025, a National Conference on Palestine organized by Islamic religious clerics in Pakistan issued a declaration calling for jihad against Israel and said: "Gaza war is not merely a war but an open genocide of Palestinians. Jihad has become an obligatory duty for Muslims. All Muslim rulers should formally announce it [jihad against Israel]." [1] The declaration adopted by the conference also stated: "We want to say it openly that the entire region, including Israel, is the ancestral homeland of Palestinians; they have legal and natural rights on it. America, if it wants, can settle the Israelis anywhere else." [2] The conference, billed as "Palestine and the Responsibility of Muslim Ummah," was organized at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad by Majlis Ittehad-e-Ummat Pakistan, a collective of Islamic religious organizations of different sects and religious-political parties. [3] The conference was addressed by top-ranking clerics like Mufti Taqi Usmani, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Liaqat Baloch, Allama Zahoor Alvi, and others. [4] Mufti Taqi Usmani, the Grand Mufti of Pakistan, addressing the conference whose attendees included predominantly the followers of religious-political parties, said: "The leaders or the mujahideen of Hamas are not ready to retreat even an inch. We have told all Islamic governments openly through a fatwa [Islamic religious decree] that jihad has become obligatory upon you. Muslim rulers cannot hide from their obligation by mere talk. What are the armed forces of Muslim countries if they cannot wage jihad?" [5] "Pakistan neither has nor will have any relations with Israel," Mufti Taqi Usmani said, reminding the audience that before the creation of Pakistan in 1947 its founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had described "Israel as an illegitimate child." [6] The cleric added: "The state of Pakistan is even today firm on its stand for not recognizing Israel." [7] Mufti Taqi Usmani, noting that the United Nations has become "a toy in the hands of Israel and the U.S.," told the participants: "There are many paths for you to wage jihad. It is your obligatory duty to wage jihad. Today's conference is giving a message to the rulers to perform their responsibilities. How long we will spend our lives this way? Boycott Israel and its allies." [8] Hamas representative Dr. Zuhair Naji, who lives in Pakistan, addresses the conference In his address, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the emir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUI-F), said: "Behind every difficult in Pakistan, there is a Jewish conspiracy. Jihad has become obligatory on all Muslims. In the matter of Palestine, no pact is an obstacle to participation in jihad." [9] Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, a leading religious scholar, "in his address formally announced the jihad becoming obligatory on the Muslim Ummah." [10] Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, former senator and a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, asked: "Where are the 57 Islamic countries? Are they 57 Islamic countries or American military bases?... Intervene militarily in Gaza, send the armed forces. Jihad has become obligatory amid the situation in Gaza." [11] Mushtaq Ahmad Khan added: "We salute the inhabitants of Gaza and courage of Hamas, which are standing tall in front of America and Israel. Keep in mind: victory and triumph will be for Gaza and Hamas." [12] Maulana Qari Haneef Jalandhari, addressing the conference, said: "The entire world has become a spectator. It is sad that the OIC and Muslim countries are silent. While Israel is a cruel animal and terrorist, the rulers of Muslim countries too are equally participants... After Gaza, attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and threats to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt are [caused by] the dream of Greater Israel." [13] Dr. Naji Zuhair, Hamas leader Khaled Mash'al's special representative to Pakistan, said: "The land of Palestine is indeed the land of Bait-ul-Muqaddas [Holy Land]. Palestine is indeed the land of prophets. The oppressed of Gaza are looking up to the Muslim Ummah. The oppressed Gaza's people are looking up to the government of Pakistan, the Ulema [religious scholars] of Pakistan, and the people of Pakistan. In this situation, the Pakistani people's full support is needed by the Palestinian public." [14] A view of the audience at the National Conference on Palestine Following is a translation of the Urdu-language Declaration adopted by the conference and photos from the conference: [15] "With The Blessing Of America And The Inhabitants Of The West And Complete Material, Financial, And Military Aid, Israel Has Unleashed The Present Century's Most Destructive Atrocities On The Oppressed Palestinians" "With the blessing of America and the inhabitants of the West and complete material, financial, and military aid, Israel has unleashed the present century's most destructive atrocities on the oppressed Palestinians. No example of this can be found in the entire world in the recent past. About 55,000 people, including children, women, the elderly, and youths have become martyred. Approximately two million people have become wounded and disabled, and more than 70 percent of the area has been transformed into rubble. "The entire infrastructure of civilian services has been destroyed. Most hospitals, educational establishments, institutions of management and welfare services have been destroyed. This is not merely a war, but an open and organized ethnic cleansing (genocide) of Palestinians. "It seems that the global conscience has died. Those struggling for autonomy and independence of their homeland are called terrorists, and killers, oppressors, and tyrants are deemed as based on rights. The United Nations, the Security Council, have become ineffective. America is vetoing every resolution for an unconditional ceasefire. Human rights, women's rights, the rights of children, the International Court of Justice and other international institutions have become paralyzed and helpless. "In such a situation, according to shari'a, jihad has become an obligatory duty and helping the Palestinians has become obligatory on the Muslim Ummah based on the principle of Al-Aqrab Fil Aqrab [i.e., jihad becoming obligatory on those experiencing oppression and the circle of jihad becoming wider and wider to include communities close by]. Quranic verses, sacred ahadith [sayings and deeds of Muhammad], and universally accepted principles of Islamic jurisprudence are reliable witness. Muslim rulers and the entire Ummah will be accountable for it before Allah and no excuse will be acceptable regarding it before Allah the generous. "The United Nations, through its resolutions in 1967, has declared Israel's occupation of Jerusalem and other occupied Palestinian regions as illegitimate, usurped, and illegal. According to Islam and universally accepted international laws, to struggle for the freedom of one's homeland is the Palestinians' shari'i [shari'a compliant], legal, and moral right. The International Court of Justice has declared Israeli atrocities in Gaza as ethnic cleansing, and the countries that are supporting, aiding, and backing Israel at present are guilty of breaking international pacts and international consensus." "Inside Muslim Countries, To Wage Armed Struggle Against Governments For Reforming Situations And For Change Is Corruption On Earth, Terrorism, And A Non-Shari'i And Illegal Act" "Inside Muslim countries, to wage armed struggle against governments for reforming situations and for change is corruption on earth, terrorism, and a non-shari'i and illegal act. And according to the Quran, such individuals or groups are rebels and liable to be killed, and are ideological offsprings of the Kharijites, [16] if they do not abandon rebellion and obey the Islamic government. For their destruction, for domestic and external security, we support the government and armed forces. History teaches that the result of such operations [against Islamic states] became the reason for differences within the Ummah and its downfall. i) "We demand that the Organization of Islamic Conference [sic] establish an immediate fund for the rehabilitation of Palestinians and make arrangement for their transport to the affected persons. ii) "The Muslim countries that have established diplomatic and trade relations with Israel should break these relations until the unconditional ceasefire [is agreedon ], recall their ambassadors, and expel Israeli diplomats. iii) "Muslim countries should temporarily quit the membership of the international institutions that are not performing their responsibilities. A meeting of the UN Security Council should be called immediately, and Pakistan, since it is its non-permanent member, should take the initiative on this." "This Conference Strongly Condemns The U.S. President's Statement In Which He Has Spoken About The Palestinians To Leave Their Ancestral Homeland And Emigrate From There, And Has Also Expressed In Hints And Whispers The Intention To Occupy Gaza" "In principle, the responsibility for representating the Muslim Ummah and for the realization of its demands is upon the Muslim governments. But until the Muslim government perform their responsibilities, the duty of the Muslim Ummah is to: "a) Offer financial aid to Palestinians on priority through trusted welfare organizations. "b) Make the world aware of your sentiments through writings, speeches, and peaceful gatherings and protest rallies. "c) Provide food supplies and clothes, appropriate for their situation, to the besieged of Gaza. "d) Establish mobile hospitals in convoys of containers that should have an operation theater, laboratory, medical equipment, x-rays, ultrasound and CT scan, and medical and non-medical staff. Involve the Doctors Without Borders organization. Surgeons, physician and technicians with senior expertise should offer free services. "e) Boycott peacefully at the international level the products of businesses engaged in economic activity with Israel. "f) Mark the next Friday [April 18] as the Day of the Oppressed and Besieged of Palestine, and organized peaceful protests and rallies across the country. "g) Use all available modern electronic and social media platforms to shake up the international conscience. "h) An all-parties conference should be called at the non-governmental level to shake up the global conscience and raise a consensus voice in favor of the rights of the oppressed and besieged Palestinians so that nobody has an execuse for the absence of their participation. If no one takes the initiative, then the Majlis Ittehad-e-Ummat Pakistan will author a strategy regarding this. "This conference strongly condemns the U.S. president's statement in which he has spoken about the Palestinians to leave their ancestral homeland and emigrate from there, and has also expressed in hints and whispers the intention to occupy Gaza. We want to say it openly that the entire region, including Israel, is the ancestral homeland of Palestinians; they have legal and natural rights on it. America, if it wants, can settle the Israelis anywhere else "In the current serious situation, we demand of the government of Pakistan and state [military] institutions to really work for the establishment of peace in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, crush the heads of the rebels and secessionists, but also make arrangements for expanded dialogue at the political level for restoring the trust of the people. Because, a definitive and lasting solution of problems can come only from mutual trust and respect for each other. This is the strategy through which we can counter the intrigues and conspiracies of domestic and foreign enemies." Pakistan's top Islamic religious scholars addressed the conference Following are screenshots of the four-page Declaration in Urdu: Page 1 of 4 of the Declaration Page 2 of 4 of the Declaration Page 3 of 4 of the Declaration Page 4 of 4 of the Declaration Renowned Islamic religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani addressing the conference Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses the conference Islamic religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman also addressed the gathering A day before the April 10 event, top Pakistani religious scholars met to discuss the organizational mattes involving the National Conference on Palestine [1] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [2] April 10, 2025. [3] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [4] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [5] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [6] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [7] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [8] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [9] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [10] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [11] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [12] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [13] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [14] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [15] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), April 11, 2025. [16] The Kharijites (literally, "those who come out"), were an early Islamic sect that advocated excommunicating Muslims for even minor sins and was proclaimed heretical by the mainstream Sunna. Today, the term is used to brand Muslim groups as extremist
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Fitrana and Fidya values for 2025: Who to pay and when?
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and Eid al-Fitr approaches, Muslims are reminded of their obligation to pay Fidya and Fitrana, which are integral parts of the Islamic tradition during this blessed month. Here's everything you need to know about how to pay these charitable dues, including their value, who should pay, and when. Who Should Pay Fitrana? Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is obligatory for all Muslims, whether or not they are required to pay regular zakat. If a person is liable for zakat or possesses wealth in excess of essential needs (such as home, clothing, and household goods) that equals or exceeds the Nisab threshold, they must pay Zakat al-Fitr. This applies regardless of whether the wealth is from trade goods or personal assets, and regardless of whether a full year has passed. Those who meet these criteria are required to fulfill this duty. When to Pay Fitrana Zakat al-Fitr is specifically tied to the morning of Eid al-Fitr, starting at dawn, when Fajr prayer time begins. Ideally, Fitrana should be paid before the Eid prayer on the morning of Eid. Paying it before the prayer brings great reward. If it is not paid before the prayer, it can still be paid after, though the reward will be diminished. One can also pay it during the month of Ramdan but delaying payment beyond the morning of Eid is discouraged and considered contrary to tradition, but it remains obligatory. What is Fidya? Fidya is a form of charity for Muslims who are unable to fast due to reasons such as illness, old age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any other condition that permanently prevents them from fasting. Instead of making up for missed fasts, these individuals can pay Fidya to feed a poor person for each missed fast. The concept of Fidya is outlined in the Quran. When to Pay Fidya Fidya can be paid in the form of food or money, depending on personal circumstances and available resources. It can be paid before or during Ramadan but is preferably given before Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month. Fidya can be paid online through various Islamic charitable websites or offline via local mosques or Islamic organizations. Value of Fitrana and Fidya Renowned religious scholar and former Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, has announced the minimum values for Fitrana and Fidya for the current year. The minimum amount for both is set at Rs240 per person. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman emphasized that individuals of means should pay their Fitrana, Fidya, and Kaffara according to their financial capacity. He also clarified the specific values for various forms of Fidya: Rs240 for wheat flour, Rs700 for barley, Rs4000 for premium dates, and Rs6400 for high-quality raisins. In addition, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman explained that the Kaffara for breaking a fast, due to reasons such as intentionally eating or drinking—is to feed two meals to 60 needy individuals. As Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims are encouraged to fulfill these charitable obligations, ensuring the welfare of those in need and receiving the rewards of their acts of charity.
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Afaq, Tabassum, Shah in snowshoeing finals
Pakistan's Muneeb-ur-Rehman in action during the 50 metres Cross Country Skiing event at the 12th Special Olympics Winter Games being held in Turin, Italy. PHOTO: SOP In the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, Pakistan's snowshoeing athletes Muhammad Afaq, Tabassum Nasir, and Shah Galoon have qualified for the finals in the 100-meter race and the 4x100-meter relay divisioning race. On Thursday, March 13, all 10 Pakistani athletes will be in action in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events. In the final round of the 50-meter cross-country skiing race, Pakistan's two skiers, Rovina Qurban and Muneeb Ur Rehman, will compete for medals. Both athletes will also participate in the 100-meter final race on March 15. In the 200-meter snowshoeing final races on Thursday, four Pakistani female athletes and three male athletes will compete, while Moazzam Iqbal will be in action in the 800-meter race. The 100-meter and relay snowshoeing races will be held on March 14, while the 400-meter race is scheduled for March 15. Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani met with the Pakistani athletes and congratulated them on reaching the finals. She said that this achievement is the result of five years of hard work, and now the athletes have made it to the finals of the World Winter Games. She urged the people of Pakistan to pray for the success of these special athletes. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025! Gonzolo, who traveled to Turin from Santiago, Chile, competed in the Advanced Giant Slalom Snowboarding Final where he finished in first place with a time of 1:40.370, almost 4 seconds faster than his closest competitor. The snowboarding competition began at Melezet in Bardonecchia early Tuesday, 11 March, morning with athletes taking to the slopes for warmups and quickly getting into action. Escobar competed in Divisioning earlier in the day, finishing the heat with a time of 49.160 putting him in the D01 groupthe top level of the snowboarding competition for both men and women at the Turin Games. After exiting the starting shoot, Gonzolo took off down the mountain with record speeds, making swift cuts as he maneuvered himself through the gates. As he neared the finish, Gonzolo stayed in a tucked position gaining him as much pace as he could before crossing the finish line to clinch the gold. He was honored with his medal at an award ceremony later in the day along with the medalist from the Intermediate and Novice Giant Slalom Finals. This is Gonzolo's first World Games experience, but not his first international competition. In 2020, he competed in the Unified X Games in Aspen, Colorado with Special Olympics and got a taste of what it feels like to compete on a world stage.
Express Tribune
02-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Fitrana, Fidyah values announced for 2025
Listen to article Renowned religious scholar and former Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, has announced the minimum value for Fitrana and Fidyah for the current year, stating that the per person minimum amount for both is Rs240. In a recent statement, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman emphasized that individuals of means should pay their Fitrana, Fidyah, and Kaffara according to their financial capacity while clarifying the specifics of Fitrana, Fidyah for fasting, and Kaffara for breaking a fast. According to Mufti Muneeb, the Fidyah for wheat flour has been set at Rs240 person, while the Fidyah for barley is Rs700. For premium dates, the Fidyah is Rs4000, and for high-quality raisins, the Fidyah value is Rs6400. Furthermore, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman explained that the Kaffara for breaking a fast (due to reasons such as intentionally eating or drinking) is to feed two meals to 60 needy individuals.
