PA Mufti calls on Islamic world to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque from “continuing attacks” and “desecration,” warns of “impending religious war
This article was published by WAFA (the official Palestinian news agency) on July 13, 2015, and on Al-Ayyam on July 14, 2015.
Headline: “PA Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Hussein calls to increase visits to Al-Aqsa”
“PA Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories and preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein called to increase visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in order to thwart the escalating Israeli calls to invade the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound ] and hold Talmudic ceremonies (i.e., Jewish prayers) in its pure courtyards. This was after the extremist Temple organizations called on their supporters to organize a Jewish demonstration in front of the Golden Gate (in Jerusalem’s old city walls –Ed.) this Tuesday [July 14, 2015], the 27th of Ramadan, in order to demand that the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound] be closed to all Muslims during the anniversary of the so-called ‘destruction of the Temple.’ (i.e.,Tisha B’Av – see note). The Mufti considered this call a dangerous escalation, and explained that the continuing attack against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, its desecration, and the encouragement of the extremists to visit it, indicate an impending religious war.
In addition, he stated that the calls and the aggressive plans inciting to desecrate the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards and to harm it have increased during the month of Ramadan. The Mufti called on worshippers from Jerusalem and the 1948 territories (i.e., Israel) and anyone who is able to reach the Al-Aqsa Mosque from across the homeland, to make every effort to visit it and strengthen their presence in it, in order to protect it from the ongoing and increasing attacks against it.
In addition, he stressed that our people will tenaciously hold onto their mosque, regardless of the cost and sacrifices it would take, until the day Allah inherits the land and everything on it.
The Mufti called on the Arab nation and the Islamic nation to carry out their duty and protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem, and to assist them with every means at their disposal in order to protect the purity of the Holy City and prevent the vigorous attempts to desecrate, falsify [its character] and Judaize it.”
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Notes: “Extremist Temple organizations” – refers to religious Jewish movements including the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation, The Jewish Freedom on the Temple Mount initiative and Students for the Temple Mount, which spread awareness of the importance of the Temple Mount in Judaism and encourage people to visit the site. On July 14, 2015, several of these organizations held a planned demonstration in Jerusalem's Old City. The demonstration was allowed by the Israeli Supreme Court and protested the discrimination against Jews on the Temple Mount. The PA sees any presence of Jews on the Temple Mount as an "invasion". Jews are not permitted to pray on the Temple Mount and have very limited access to the holy site. All visitors are subject to rigorous checks by Israeli security personnel before being granted access to the Temple Mount.
Tisha B’Av is a Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the forced exile of all Jews from the land of Israel.
Headline: “PA Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Hussein calls to increase visits to Al-Aqsa”
“PA Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories and preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein called to increase visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in order to thwart the escalating Israeli calls to invade the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound ] and hold Talmudic ceremonies (i.e., Jewish prayers) in its pure courtyards. This was after the extremist Temple organizations called on their supporters to organize a Jewish demonstration in front of the Golden Gate (in Jerusalem’s old city walls –Ed.) this Tuesday [July 14, 2015], the 27th of Ramadan, in order to demand that the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound] be closed to all Muslims during the anniversary of the so-called ‘destruction of the Temple.’ (i.e.,Tisha B’Av – see note). The Mufti considered this call a dangerous escalation, and explained that the continuing attack against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, its desecration, and the encouragement of the extremists to visit it, indicate an impending religious war.
In addition, he stated that the calls and the aggressive plans inciting to desecrate the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyards and to harm it have increased during the month of Ramadan. The Mufti called on worshippers from Jerusalem and the 1948 territories (i.e., Israel) and anyone who is able to reach the Al-Aqsa Mosque from across the homeland, to make every effort to visit it and strengthen their presence in it, in order to protect it from the ongoing and increasing attacks against it.
In addition, he stressed that our people will tenaciously hold onto their mosque, regardless of the cost and sacrifices it would take, until the day Allah inherits the land and everything on it.
The Mufti called on the Arab nation and the Islamic nation to carry out their duty and protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem, and to assist them with every means at their disposal in order to protect the purity of the Holy City and prevent the vigorous attempts to desecrate, falsify [its character] and Judaize it.”
Click to view bulletin
Notes: “Extremist Temple organizations” – refers to religious Jewish movements including the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation, The Jewish Freedom on the Temple Mount initiative and Students for the Temple Mount, which spread awareness of the importance of the Temple Mount in Judaism and encourage people to visit the site. On July 14, 2015, several of these organizations held a planned demonstration in Jerusalem's Old City. The demonstration was allowed by the Israeli Supreme Court and protested the discrimination against Jews on the Temple Mount. The PA sees any presence of Jews on the Temple Mount as an "invasion". Jews are not permitted to pray on the Temple Mount and have very limited access to the holy site. All visitors are subject to rigorous checks by Israeli security personnel before being granted access to the Temple Mount.
Tisha B’Av is a Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the forced exile of all Jews from the land of Israel.