In brief
Dr. Salman al-Dayah, a leading Islamic scholar in Gaza, has issued a fatwa condemning the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel, arguing it violates Islamic tenets governing jihad. His statement reflects significant civilian suffering and urges the protection of non-combatants. This critique adds to the internal debate about the moral implications of armed resistance within Palestinian society.
In a notable turn of events, Professor Dr. Salman al-Dayah, one of Gaza’s most respected Islamic scholars, has issued a fatwa strongly condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel that took place on 7 October 2023, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The attack has led to widespread devastation in the territory, and Dr. Dayah, a former dean at the Hamas-affiliated Islamic University of Gaza, expressed profound disapproval of the actions carried out by the militant group.Dr. Dayah's fatwa, detailed in a six-page document, criticizes Hamas for breaching the Islamic principles that govern the conduct of jihad, which he asserts should only be undertaken under specific, ethical circumstances. He stressed that jihad, interpreted as “struggle,” should not culminate in unnecessary humanitarian crises. His ruling carries substantial weight, given Gaza's predominantly Sunni Muslim population, and serves as an embarrassment to Hamas, which has used religious justifications to bolster its support.According to the fatwa, the 7 October attack has resulted in substantial civilian casualties—over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages—followed by brutal retaliatory actions from Israel. Dr. Dayah emphasizes that this level of destruction contradicts foundational Islamic teachings, particularly regarding the protection of non-combatant life. He points to verses in the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that dictate strict conditions for jihad, urging militants to avoid provocations that might elicit devastating responses.Moreover, Dr. Dayah's critique extends to Hamas’s failure in shielding civilians in Gaza from the repercussions of their military operations, emphasizing the group’s obligation to ensure the well-being and safety of non-combatants. "Human life is more precious to God than Mecca,” he passionately articulates in his fatwa.As a moderate Salafist, Dr. Dayah's views starkly contrast with those of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He advocates for an Islamic order grounded in law instead of politicized movements, asserting his vision of an Islamic caliphate free from party politics.This fatwa significantly contributes to the rising internal discourse regarding the ethical implications of Hamas's actions, likely exacerbating divisions within Palestinian communities over the path towards conflict resolution and resistance. Prominent voices within Gaza are acknowledging this fatwa as a turning point, with one of Dr. Dayah's students highlighting its historical importance in the ongoing struggle.Dr. Dayah remains committed to his scholarly responsibilities despite the dangers present in Gaza, continuing to challenge extremist narratives while advocating for an interpretation of Islam that prioritizes humanitarian values amid conflict.
