Islamabad, April 10, 2025: Renowned Islamic scholar and President of Wifaq-ul-Madaris, Mufti Taqi Usmani, has called on the Muslim world to impose a total boycott of Israel and its supporters, urging that all demonstrations remain peaceful and within the bounds of Sharia law.
Speaking at the National Palestine Conference held in Islamabad, Mufti Usmani strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza and criticized the global community’s silence. He emphasized that while Muslims must raise their voices and act in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians, any harm to life or property during protests is strictly forbidden in Islam.
“Stone-throwing, violence, or damaging property is not allowed in Sharia,” he stated. “Our protests must be peaceful, principled, and impactful.”
The conference, attended by prominent scholars and leaders from various Islamic sects, served as a unified platform to denounce the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speakers noted that more than 60,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in Israeli assaults.
Mufti Usmani questioned the inaction of Muslim nations, asking: “If the armies of Muslim countries are not prepared to defend the oppressed in Gaza, then what are they for?” He called on Muslim-majority nations to not only sever ties with Israel but also completely boycott products and companies that support it.
His comments followed an incident in Mirpurkhas, where a fast-food outlet was attacked by protestors earlier this week. The cleric denounced such acts, reiterating that harming innocent people or damaging private property contradicts Islamic teachings.
Mufti Usmani also reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel, referencing Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic stance against the state’s legitimacy. He also criticized the United Nations for enabling Israeli aggression through its inaction and called for a unified Muslim response.
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman went further, labeling Israel a “terrorist state” and criticizing the Muslim world’s leadership for its inaction. “The time for condemnation is over. Jihad is now a religious duty,” he declared, urging Muslim countries to take military action.
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan echoed similar sentiments, urging Muslim nations to move beyond verbal condemnations and take practical steps to support Palestinians. He commended the resistance of Hamas fighters and called for the collective military involvement of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The conference concluded with a strong joint resolution that included the following demands:
- Immediate suspension of diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Israel.
- A complete economic boycott of Israeli products and companies that support Israel.
- Peaceful protests and public demonstrations across the Muslim world.
- Urging Pakistan to lead diplomatic efforts and call for an emergency UN session.
- Declaration of April 11 as the “Day of the Oppressed Palestinians.”
- Recognition of Jihad as an obligation on all Muslims under the principle of al-Aqrab fi al-Aqrab — that those closest in need must be helped first.
The resolution also denounced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about relocating Palestinians, declaring all of Palestine, including Jerusalem, as the historical and rightful homeland of the Palestinian people.
“The Muslim world must unite in action, not just words,” the declaration stated. “Israel’s occupation is illegal, and the entire land of Palestine belongs to its people.”
