On May 13, 1999, after a long jihad in the service of knowledge and scholars, and of Islam and Muslims, the esteemed Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Baz passed away, may Allah have mercy on him.
“Al-Mujtama” republishes this article in which Sheikh ibn Baz spoke about the hostility of the Jews towards Islam and Muslims. It was originally published in issue 272 (in Arabic publication), on October 28, 1975, under the title “A New Aggression by Jews on the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron... The Jews' Hostility towards Islam is Ancient and Ongoing,” in which he says:
The enmity of the Jews towards Islam and Muslims is ancient and ongoing, as mentioned in the Holy Quran: “You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah.” (Al-Ma'idah: 82) History records countless events and images of this hostility. Their return to Palestine, the Holy Land, in this century after being expelled from it for centuries, is nothing but the implementation of dangerous Zionist plans. These plans are manifested by enemies of Islam everywhere, aiming to Judaize the region, remove Islamic sanctities through demolition or conversion into Jewish temples or other Jewish institutions, wage war against Islam through all means, weaken the strength of Muslims, dismantle their solidarity, disperse their unity, and achieve Zionist and colonial ambitions in their lands and resources.
Recently, the Israelis burned down the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first Qibla and the third holiest mosque, and they didn't stop there. They excavate around it and beneath it in search of what they claim to be the “Temple of Solomon.” Now, they are turning towards the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, dividing it with Muslims and occupying the larger portion. In there, they drink alcohol, blow trumpets, and hold feasts and loud celebrations for their weddings and circumcisions. They disturb Muslim worshipers in the part of the mosque they've left for them using various means, prevent them from announcing the call to prayer and performing prayers except at times they specify, restrict their entry into the mosque to one gate, and assault the mosque's imams.
The Islamic University of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah condemns in the strongest terms the blatant and sinful aggression against Islam and Muslims, not only in Palestine but in all parts of the world wherever Muslims exist. It urges Muslims everywhere to stand up against this barbaric aggression on their religion and sanctities and confront it with all their strength. Merely convening the Al-Quds Committee is not sufficient to counter this threat. Therefore, the Islamic conference calls for a special session to study the positive steps needed to confront the ongoing Zionist aggression on Islamic sanctities in Palestine and develop a practical plan to respond to it. All Islamic countries, governments, and organizations must commit themselves to implementing this plan and not merely issuing recommendations or condemnations that the Israelis disregard and mock, continuing their aggressive and criminal plans, one after the other, as long as they do not encounter a deterrent force that puts an end to their transgressions.
Indeed, standing up against Zionism with all our strength is an obligation upon all Muslims. Neglecting, compromising, or delaying this duty is sinful. Allah has enjoined jihad in His cause upon Muslims, as He says, “And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him.” (Al-Hajj: 78), and He has guaranteed them victory over His and their enemies, saying, “And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Al-Hajj: 40)
The Zionists have repeatedly shown in their aggressive methods against Muslims and their sanctities that they take sinful steps and launch their aggressive strikes, then they follow up among Muslims. If they do not find any action to deter them, they go another step forward.
Muslims should be vigilant and beware of the dangers posed to their religion, sanctities, and lives by the aggressor Zionists. They should unite in confronting and repelling these dangers. Allah is with them if they fear Him and show patience, as He says, “And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah is encompassing of what they do.” (Aal-Imran: 120)
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Read the Article in Arabic
