Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, former Mufti of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Palestine and imam-khatib of Al-Aqsa Mosque, has called on Muslims worldwide to strengthen their unity, defend Al-Aqsa Mosque and stand firmly alongside the Palestinian people, saying the sacred site is a responsibility shared by the entire Islamic ummah.

In a message delivered on the final day of the 11th Scholars’ Gathering organized by the Scholars and Madrasas Union (İTTİHADUL ULEMA) in Diyarbakır, Sabri thanked the organizers and participants, conveying greetings from his fellow Palestinians standing guard at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

He highlighted the significance of holding the gathering at the Salahaddin Ayyubi Mosque, named after the renowned Muslim commander who liberated Jerusalem in 1187 and whose legacy remains closely associated with the defense of the holy city and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Sabri said Salahaddin Ayyubi’s name serves as a reminder of the Muslim ummah’s responsibility to protect its sacred sites and pass this commitment on to future generations.

‘Israeli restrictions cannot silence our message’

Expressing regret that he could not attend the gathering in person, Sabri said restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation prevented him from travelling to Türkiye.

“It would have been a great source of joy for me to participate in such a beautiful gathering on the blessed lands of Türkiye,” he said, praising the Turkish people for their love of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), their attachment to Islam and their sensitivity toward the cause of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

However, he stressed that the restrictions would not prevent him from conveying his message to scholars and Muslims around the world.

“Yet we emphasize that this obstruction cannot stand in the way of thought and cannot conceal the message,” Sabri said. “Even if our gathering is prevented, our souls come together. By Allah’s permission, they will not be able to silence our voice.”

His remarks underscored the determination of Palestinian religious figures to continue raising awareness about Al-Aqsa despite restrictions on their movement and activities.

Sheikh Sabri urges Muslims to make Al-Aqsa their compass

Sabri stressed that unity among Muslims is essential to confronting oppression and tyranny, warning against attempts to divide the ummah through racism, sectarianism and other forms of discord.

Citing a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which compares believers’ mutual compassion to a single body that responds when one of its limbs suffers, he called on Muslims to demonstrate practical solidarity with Palestinians.

“The unity of the Islamic ummah is a great necessity in these days,” he said, describing unity as one of the means of confronting injustice and oppression.

He urged scholars, religious leaders and Islamic institutions to use their knowledge, pulpits and public platforms to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque and keep its cause at the forefront of public consciousness.

“Furthermore, we advise you to make Al-Aqsa Mosque your compass, to continue advancing on the path of defending it, and to mobilize your knowledge, pulpits, and opportunities for oratory in its defense,” Sabri said.

He also called on Muslims to educate their children and wider communities about the mosque’s history, religious significance and central place in Islam.

‘Al-Aqsa is a trust upon every Muslim’

Sabri said that although Muslims have a deep emotional attachment to Al-Aqsa Mosque, greater efforts are needed to educate the ummah about its history and status in Islamic belief.

He emphasized that responsibility for the mosque extends far beyond Palestine and cannot be regarded as the concern of Palestinians alone.

“Al-Aqsa Mosque does not belong solely to the Palestinian people. It is a trust upon the neck of every Muslim,” he said.

“A Muslim in Palestine has no greater right over Al-Aqsa Mosque than a Muslim in Türkiye, Iraq, Egypt, or any other country in the world.”

His remarks reinforced the view that defending Al-Aqsa is a shared religious and moral responsibility for Muslims everywhere, regardless of nationality or geographical boundaries.

‘The Palestinian people will not surrender’

Concluding his message, Sabri expressed confidence in the Palestinian people’s determination to remain committed to their land and Al-Aqsa Mosque despite the immense hardships they face.

“The Palestinian people are faithful to their covenant and their word. They will not surrender and will not give up even a handspan of the land of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.

He added that Palestinians would remain attached to Al-Aqsa and continue defending its place in their religious and national life, regardless of the cost.

Sabri also thanked Türkiye and its people for their support, extending his appreciation to people around the world who continue to advocate for Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.

He called on supporters of Palestine to maintain their resolve and continue their efforts until, as he expressed it, relief comes by Allah’s permission.

The message brought the 11th Scholars’ Gathering in Diyarbakır to a close with a renewed appeal for Islamic unity, the preservation of religious solidarity and sustained international support for the Palestinian people and Al-Aqsa Mosque. (ILKHA)