In a noteworthy development, the influential Global Imams Council (GIC) has taken a public stance against Hamas and imposed a ban on any member who supports or participates in protests endorsing the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. This action comes as Israel has been conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Sahara Reporters.
A joint press statement, dated 9 October 2023, has been signed by 209 members hailing from 38 different nations. In this statement, they unequivocally denounce Hamas for its attacks on Jewish, Christian, and Muslim civilians in Israel.
The statement also references a fatwa issued against Hamas by the Islamic Fatwa Council on 9 March 2023, which charged Hamas with corruption and crimes against humanity. This fatwa prohibits Muslims from supporting, donating to, joining, or praying for the terrorist organisation.
GIC STATEMENT ON HAMAS' TERRORISM.
— Global Imams Council (GIC) (@ImamsOrg) October 11, 2023
ISSUED 09 OCTOBER 2023 pic.twitter.com/4B9RCiasFx
The statement reads: “The Global Imams Council (GIC), headquartered in the Islamic Seminary of Najaf, Iraq, consists of over 1,470 Muslim Imams and Scholars from various Islamic denominations and sects. We strongly condemn the barbaric and terrorist acts committed by Hamas against civilians of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths in Israel. The GIC maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of Islamism. Anyone found supporting Hamas in Mosques, Islamic Centers, or institutions affiliated with the Global Imams Council will face public condemnation, a ban from the venue, and possible involvement of local law enforcement. Likewise, any member of a GIC congregation participating in pro-Hamas protests or activities in any manner will be publicly condemned and barred from entering any GIC venue.”
The GIC underlines its continuous communication with Grand Ayatollahs and Grand Muftis across the Middle East, ensuring that accurate information about Hamas’ terrorism is provided to jurists. This step aims to prevent religious leaders from issuing Fatwas and directives based on false or sympathetic network-propagated information about Hamas.
Additionally, the GIC expresses condolences to the victims’ families and calls upon the international community, including world and faith leaders, to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people in their fight against Islamist terrorism resembling ISIS carried out by Hamas.
The Global Imams Council has consistently opposed Hamas, its genocidal antisemitism, and its ideology of annihilation. They reaffirm their commitment to the Fatwa issued against Hamas on 9 March 2023, charging the organisation with corruption and crimes against humanity. The GIC prohibits Hamas from operating and fundraising in the Islamic Seminary, as they have done in the past.
The GIC notes that its imams and affiliates are prominent figures in countering Hamas narratives in various languages, reaching a substantial daily viewership.
Additionally, the GIC condemns the extremist and violent rhetoric observed at rallies in Europe, Canada, the USA, Australia, and elsewhere, where flags of designated terrorist organisations are raised, accompanied by genocidal chants against the Jewish people.
The GIC announces its intention to initiate a series of delegations to Jewish communities to offer unwavering support in the face of Hamas and its allies.
It’s important to note that in 2020, prior to the Abraham Accords, the GIC was the first Imams Council to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in collaboration with the US State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. They remain steadfast in their commitment to combat all forms of Islamist extremism and terrorism.
The signatories include members from the GIC Governing Council, GIC Senior Imams Committee, GIC Advisory Committee, members of the GIC General Council, and GIC Immediate Concerns Council, totaling 209 members representing 38 countries.
(with inputs from Sahara Reporters)