The 10th Scholars Gathering, organized by the Union of Scholars and Madrasas (ITTIHADUL ULEMA), commenced today at the Saladin Ayyub Mosque Conference Hall in Diyarbakır’s central Yenişehir district.

The event, themed “Ideological Initiatives Designed Against Our Islamic Identity,” brought together scholars, academics from the Kurdistan Region and beyond, and representatives from Hamas to discuss pressing issues facing the Islamic world.

After opening remarks, the conference's first session, moderated by Dr. Hüseyin Sudan, began with a pivotal speech from Dr. Nawwaf Takruri. The head of the Palestinian Scholars Association addressed the audience on the theme of “Jihad with Wealth in the Al-Aqsa Flood,” emphasizing the critical role of economic resources in the struggle for Al-Aqsa.

Highlighting the relentless attacks on occupied Palestinian territories, Takruri declared, “Islamic lands are still being bombarded by the Jews. These enemies continue to carry out different faces of genocide.” He praised the resilience of Gaza’s people and mujahideen, stating, “With their lofty sacrifices, they have humiliated the Jews by the will of Allah.” Quoting the late martyr Yahya Sinwar’s prayer, he urged the Islamic Ummah to unite, emphasizing that scholars must lead the charge in mobilizing the community for jihad. “If scholars do not fulfill their duties, the Ummah will not move,” he warned, underscoring their pivotal role in inspiring action.

Tekruri stressed the importance of “jihad by wealth” as a precursor to “jihad by life,” noting that the Quran mentions the former 11 times before the latter. “Without jihad by wealth, jihad by life cannot occur,” he explained, describing financial contributions as essential preparation for physical struggle. He called on all Muslims—rich, poor, young, and old—to contribute, stating, “Even a portion of children’s wealth is to be set aside for jihad.” Takruri emphasized that Allah rewards sincerity over quantity, adding, “Negligence in jihad by wealth will make us culpable on the Day of Judgment.”

Addressing the ongoing war, Tekruri asserted that when Islamic lands are attacked, fighting becomes an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn). He urged scholars to dedicate themselves to mobilizing resources and people for the cause, stating: “Preparing mujahideen and sending them to the battlefields is an honor.”

He also expressed hope for the younger generation, declaring: “Those of my generation will be the ones to free al-Aqsa. This is the great Jihad Project.”

The gathering, attended by prominent figures and scholars, serves as a platform to address ideological threats to Islamic identity and rally support for the Palestinian cause. As the sessions continue, the focus remains on fostering unity and action within the Islamic Ummah to confront ongoing challenges and work toward liberation. (ILKHA)