Firstly, in difficult situations that concern the general public of the Ummah (community), individuals, groups, scholars, and leaders must take positions that stem from the essence of our religion, which enjoins good and forbids evil, and which urges not to cooperate in sin and aggression.

Every Muslim is commanded to do this to the best of their ability. The minimum level of ability is to denounce with the heart for the weak and those with excuses. Heartfelt denunciation is described in the Qur᾽ān: “And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses [or signs], then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation.” (Al-᾽An῾ām: 68). Mosques and Islamic institutions should be the foremost in this, as they set an example for others.

Secondly, while inviting politicians in Western countries is a matter of political jurisprudence and community activity, practical experience has shown that most, if not all, of these politicians are part of the deeply ingrained political and social hypocrisy within modern Western societies, especially among those in positions of power.

These individuals are playing both parties, saying what suits the occasion. They speak one way in the mosque, another in the church, and yet another in the temple. Their primary concern is their personal interest and the corrupt system that has nurtured them to reach such high positions of power. This is their god and what they worship. Anyone who expects otherwise is either ignorant, deluded, or has ulterior motives.

Thirdly, even though dealing with some of these politicians might sometimes be a necessity, such as seeking their help in certain local civil rights issues, Muslims must prioritize their current duties. The duty now is to support Palestine and the oppressed, which involves boycotting the murderers and oppressors who openly or covertly commit atrocities.

Most politicians in Congress fall into these categories. The duty now is to support Palestine by discrediting these individuals and exposing their hypocrisy, rather than assisting them in deceiving and misleading the general Muslim populace.

Fourthly, unfortunately, we still suffer from poor management of Islamic centers and institutions due to several factors:

• Lack of proper religious education.
• Lack of social awareness and understanding of nation-building and civilization.
• Defeatism and subservience displayed by those in these administrations towards Western or differing personalities, often because they are immigrants.
• The complex of trying to please the white master and attempting to assimilate under the guise of integration.
• Failure of the Muslim community to hold such administrators accountable through dismissal and replacement, settling instead for talking in social gatherings and on social media groups.

As for the question at hand: Jerusalem and Palestine are the conscience of the Ummah, and through them, we judge stances and make distinctions. Whoever is with us in heart and soul on this issue, we support them to the extent of this condition. Whoever betrays us and our cause, we will abandon them, regardless of who they are, without blame.

It is not permissible for a Muslim, whether an individual, center, or institution, to support, endorse, elect, or even associate with those who aid the murderers and oppressors who kill men, women, and children and spread corruption on earth. Rather, it is a religious obligation to boycott these individuals and expose their hypocrisy to the best of one’s ability.

All Muslims should advise individuals and administrative boards kindly, and if this does not yield results, they should pursue the legal means of change, and at the very least, boycott these individuals and expose the corruption of their ways.

May Allāh grant victory to the people of Palestine, and disgrace those who abandon them.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr