Thirty five prominent British Muslim scholars and imams have urged mosques to continue making dua for Palestine despite pressure from the Charity Commission, right-wing media and Zionists.
In a statement, the scholars say that imams and mosques must show leadership and “guide our community with unwavering commitment to truth and justice.”
“It is essential to reiterate that making dua, including qunoot, is rooted in the Sunnah,” they say. “The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Dua is the essence of worship’ (Tirmidhi). Our prayers do not target or harm any particular group and remain within the bounds of Islamic principles.”
The statement comes after a series of right-wing media articles led to police investigating allegations of “antisemitic hate speech” by imams at mosques across England.
It is understood that the Charity Commission wrote to several mosques following the articles expressing their concerns.
And this may have had a chilling effect on imams around the country, many of whom are thought to have suspended making dua for Palestine.
Below is the statement by the scholars in full:
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In the name of Allah, the Most High. Peace and salutations be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
11/12/2023 – Statement on Defending the Integrity of Dua in Mosques and Upholding Truth
“O you who believe, be upholders of justice, witnesses for Allah, even though against (the interest) of yourselves, or the parents and the kinsmen”. (Quran 4:135)
As the Israeli occupation launches yet another genocidal military offensive against the 2.3 million residents of the Gaza Strip, Muslims in the UK will be showing their solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine through prayers.
In recent times, we have observed growing efforts to influence and control the content of such prayers, specifically the Qunoot and dua, within our mosques. As a result, some Imams have stopped performing Qunoot and making dua for the Palestinians. It is important we voice our protest in a way that is measured, responsible, and most importantly, that serves to support, rather than undermine, the cause of Palestine.
As Imams, mosques, and scholars, it is imperative that we address this matter with wisdom, courage, and a commitment to truth.
- Leadership and Guidance: In times of increased scrutiny, it becomes an obligation upon Imams and scholars to lead and guide our community with unwavering commitment to truth and justice. We must fearlessly advocate for the principles of justice, compassion, and solidarity, even when faced with external pressures. Allah says in the Quran:
“When Allah took a pledge from those who were given the Book: “You shall make it known to people, and you shall not conceal it” (3:187)
- Condemnation without Animosity: It is crucial to emphasise that condemnation of the Israeli occupiers’ actions is a valid expression of concern for justice and humanity. However, it is equally important to distinguish between condemnation of actions and harbouring animosity towards any religious or ethnic group. It is worth noting that many Jewish people vehemently disagree with the policies of the Israeli government and its occupation.
- Safeguarding Legitimate Criticism: We recognise the increasing attempts to stifle debate and legitimate criticism of the Israeli occupation. We must stand firm against any efforts to suppress discussions within our community. Open dialogue is a fundamental aspect of a healthy society and should not be curtailed.
It should be noted that the right to Freedom of Speech is provided for under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
For the avoidance of doubt, we are not encouraging anyone to be offensive, but rather making clear that the right to speak freely is enshrined in our law and is to be interpreted widely.
- Validity of Dua in Sunnah: It is essential to reiterate that making dua, including qunoot, is rooted in the Sunnah. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Dua is the essence of worship” (Tirmidhi). Our prayers do not target or harm any particular group and remain within the bounds of Islamic principles.
- Upholding the Righteousness of Dua: Mosques and Imams are facing mounting pressure, especially concerning qunoot and dua for the plight of the Palestinian people. Targeting Imams in an attempt to criminalise them is a dangerous tactic. We assert that praying for justice and a fair resolution is a legitimate expression of our compassion and concern for humanity. Such prayers should not be censured, and the obligation to speak out against injustice remains paramount.
It is an infringement upon our right to practise our religion and a violation of our right to freedom of religion enshrined in the international and regional human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”) (articles 18 and 19), the European Convention on Human Rights (articles 9 and 10) and the Equality Act 2010 (section 10).
All of these make clear that the right to freedom of conscience includes the right to manifest one’s religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance. The concept of worship extends to rituals. They also make clear that observance and practice of religion or belief may include the use of a particular language customarily spoken by a group. As such, the words being uttered in the dua should be considered in light of their meanings in Arabic and how they are understood by Muslims, and not how they may be interpreted by others, particularly those who harbour hatred towards Islam and Muslims.
- Support Your Imams: We call upon the Muslim community, and in particular Masjid management, to show support for their Imams and encourage them to be courageous.
In conclusion, let us stand united in upholding the sanctity of our prayers and maintaining the integrity of our mosques as spaces for open dialogue, justice, and compassion. May our collective efforts contribute to a world guided by principles of fairness, understanding, and peace. Aameen.
In solidarity,
Dr Haitham Al Haddad (London)
Dr Mufti Abdur Rahman Mangera (London)
Shaykh Zahir Mahmood (Birmingham)
Shaykh Muhammad Yasir al-Hanafi (Aylesbury)
Mufti Yusuf Shabbir (Blackburn)
Shaykh Asrar Rashid (Birmingham)
Imam Shakeel Begg (London)
Shaykh Suliman Gani (London)
Moulana Tahir Talati (London)
Shaykh Hanif Dudhwala (Blackburn)
Shaykh Ahmad Sidat (Blackburn)
Imam Abdul Mateen (London)
Moulana Sajid Irshad (Burnley)
Moulana Mohammed Farook Kazi (Preston)
Shaykh Ali Hammuda (Cardiff)
Shaykhk Fuad Abdo (Al-Ansar IEC) (London)
Moulana Abid Akram (Manchester)
Imam Sufyan Bora (Leicester)
Moulana Mushtaq Patel (London)
Moulana Zakir Munshi (London)
Dr Abu Salam (Leicester)
Moulana Adil Patel (London)
Moulana Imran Thawa (London)
Moulana Anas Auditor (London)
Imam Ebrahim Noor (Coventry)
Moulana Bodrul Hussain (London)
Moulana Mohmad Zuber Shaikh (Leicester)
Moulana Iqbal Gangat (Coventry)
Imam Ashraf Osmani (Northampton)
Shaykh Ammar al-Madani (Manchester)
Imam Nazir Khalifa (Coventry)
Imam Yousaf Baig (Batley)
Moulana Fadhil Ahmad Choudhury (London)
Imam Abdul Wahhab Bhikhi (London)
Ustadh Muhammad Nadat (London)
