MUI strongly condemns Israel's attempt to Judaize Al-Aqsa Mosque, urges the UN and OIC to act
JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, gave a firm statement regarding the situation in Palestine. MUI strongly condemns Israel's actions, which are considered to continue the process of Judaization of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to Prof. Sudarnoto, Israel's actions are not merely a regional issue, but a real threat to the religious rights of Muslims around the world as well as international humanitarian heritage.
"Al-Aqsa Mosque is the trust of the world's Muslims and part of the heritage of human civilization that must be guarded. Any attempt to change its identity, character, function, and legal status is a threat to the honor of Muslims globally," said Sudarnoto in a written statement.
Chronology and Reasons for the Growing Threat in Al-Aqsa
In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in repressive policies from Israeli authorities. Some of the actions highlighted by the MUI include:
Strict restrictions on Muslim worshippers who want to worship. Weakening the authority of the Jordanian Islamic Waqf as the legitimate manager. Systematic efforts to change the internationally recognized historical status quo.Sudarnoto also bluntly criticized the role of the United States. He assessed that the permissiveness and impunity enjoyed by Israel were inseparable from the political, diplomatic, military, and international protection provided by the superpower.
5 Points of MUI's Strong Appeal to the International Community
Responding to the ongoing crisis, MUI issued five important appeals addressed to various parties across the country:
To the UN, UNESCO, and the UN Human Rights Council: Immediately take concrete and effective steps to stop the Judaization of Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and ensure compliance with international law. To the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Concretely increase its political, diplomatic, and legal role, including by establishing an international mechanism to monitor Israel's violations. To the Kingdom of Jordan: Continue to maintain its historic mandate as the custodian of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The MUI affirms that Indonesian Muslims stand in full support of Jordan. To the Government of the Republic of Indonesia: Continue to improve international diplomacy, rally with friendly countries, and use global forums to pressure Israel. To the World's Muslims: Increase solidarity, public education, advocacy, humanitarian assistance, and prayer through peaceful and legal channels.Plan to Issue Fatwa on Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque
As a concrete domestic step, Prof. Sudarnoto considers it necessary for MUI to issue a Fatwa on the Protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Rejection of the Judaization of Al-Quds.
This fatwa is expected to become an official religious guide for Muslims in Indonesia. This step also confirms that defending Al-Aqsa is part of the responsibility of faith, morality, and humanity. Sudarnoto stated that he would immediately carry out internal communication and consultations within the MUI to mature the fatwa.
"The world must not be silent, the world must act. Let's together reject and fight against this action through international legal instruments and unity of the people," he concluded.