The Silence of Muslim Leaders in the Face of Palestinian Oppression

The time has come for all Muslim leaders and Ulama to put aside their mutual differences and unite as one strong Ummah. Together, they can make a significant difference for the people of Palestine and, in doing so, exemplify their unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of all humanity.

Written by

Mohammad Yasin, USA

Published on

July 3, 2025

In the face of the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, one cannot help but question the silence of many Muslim leaders around the world. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, calls upon the Ummah, the global Muslim community, to stand up against oppression. However, despite these clear teachings, many Muslim leaders have remained passive in the face of this ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, often funded or supported by the likes of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

 

The Quranic Call to Resist Oppression

The Quran is unequivocal in its condemnation of oppression and the call for Muslims to stand up against it. One of the most powerful verses addressing this, is found in Surah Al-Nisa (4:75):

“And what is [the matter] with you that you stand not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children…”

“And the wrongdoers will soon know at what final place they will end up.”

(Sūrat al-Shu‘arā, No 26, Āyat 227)

Let this verse be a reminder to the oppressors of the world that they will not get away with their oppression. God has warned them of their end, in this world and in the hereafter.

These verses encourage believers to stand up for justice and protect the oppressed. They emphasise the sanctity of human life and underscores the importance of justice. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to stand up for justice, particularly when lives are being taken unjustly, as is the case with the Palestinian people.

 

The Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Palestine

The Palestinians have endured decades of suffering, with the Israeli government’s actions often referred to as genocide and ethnic cleansing by various international observers. We must remember that, history did not start on October 7, 2023, in fact the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has endured for generations, causing immense suffering on both sides. The policies of the Israeli government, supported by the US, UK, and the EU, have resulted in the displacement, death, and suffering of countless Palestinians – including women and children.

Certain Zionist forces are taking full advantage of our collective weakness and, on the contrary, and with the leverage of biased media, making Muslims appear as enemies and labelling them as terrorists. This only adds to the complexity of the situation and perpetuates negative stereotypes.

 

The Role of Global Protests

Ironically, while the silence of Muslim leaders is deafening, the world is witnessing large protests across the US, UK, and many parts of the world where Muslims and non-Muslims alike, who are advocating for Palestinian rights, have come out in support to end their suffering. These protests highlight that the call for justice and solidarity is not limited to any single religious or ethnic group.

 

The Urgent Need for Unity

It is high time for Muslim leaders and scholars to come together on a single platform to voice their concerns and stand up against the injustices being perpetrated against the Palestinians. Unity within the ummah is crucial in addressing these issues effectively. By doing so, Muslim leaders can demonstrate that they are committed to justice, peace, and the welfare of all people, regardless of their backgrounds.

 

Call upon Muslim Leaders

As the world is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and abuse suffered by the Palestinian people. It is a matter of utmost importance that leaders of the Muslim world, stand together in solidarity and unequivocally condemn the injustices being inflicted upon our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

The plight of the Palestinian people, who have endured decades of conflict, displacement, and suffering, calls for immediate attention and action. We must unite in our efforts to put an end to this ongoing crisis and seek a just and lasting solution.

I implore the leaders of every Muslim nation to use their influence and authority to reach out to the world leaders, who support and fund this conflict, and demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, and call upon them to end their bias against the Palestinians. It is a moral obligation upon the leaders to advocate for a just and peaceful resolution to this longstanding conflict.

 

No Room for Ambiguity

In conclusion, the Quranic teachings leave no room for ambiguity: Muslims are not only encouraged but obligated to stand up against oppression. The ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people serves as a stark reminder of the significance of these teachings. It is an urgent call to action for all Muslim leaders and scholars to set aside their differences and unite in their unequivocal condemnation of the injustices in Palestine.

By doing so, they fulfiltheir moral and religious duty to advocate for justice and work tirelessly towards a brighter future for the Palestinian people. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that some forces manipulate the situation to create a negative image of Muslims. In promoting unity, open dialogue, and peaceful advocacy, we can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable world, where all individuals and communities are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The time has come for all Muslim leaders and Ulama to put aside their mutual differences and unite as one strong Ummah. Together, they can make a significant difference for the people of Palestine and, in doing so, exemplify their unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of all humanity.