In Islam, the legal ruling concerning the sale of Palestinian lands to non-Muslims, particularly Jews, has been a matter of consensus among Muslim scholars for decades. The scholars have unanimously agreed that it is haram (unlawful) to sell land in Palestine to Jews, or to facilitate such transactions through brokerage or mediation, in any form or under any circumstance.
The basis for this unanimous ruling stems from the understanding that selling land to non-Muslims in this context supports the objectives of Zionism, which aims at the Judaization of Islamic lands. Such actions contribute to the displacement of Muslims from their homes, the demolition of Islamic sites and mosques, and the erasure of Islamic heritage. This situation has been seen in areas where Palestinian land has already been sold, with Muslims being forced out and rendered homeless. These consequences also pose a threat to significant religious sites, such as Al-Aqsa Mosque, a place that holds immense importance in Islam as the first Qibla (direction of prayer) and one of the holiest sites.
A fatwa issued by a large gathering of Muslim scholars in Jerusalem on January 26, 1935, emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Palestinian land and preventing its sale to non-Muslims. The scholars declared that such actions are not only harmful to the Muslim community but also go against the interests of Islam and the welfare of future generations. Anyone involved in such transactions, whether directly or as a mediator, is seen as supporting the expulsion of Muslims and contributing to the destruction of Islamic places of worship.
The fatwa further explained that facilitating the sale of land to non-Muslims aligns with actions that support oppression, harm, and injustice. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which prioritize protecting the rights of Muslims and their religious sites. The sale of Palestinian land to Jews is considered an act of betrayal to Allah, His Messenger, and the Muslim community.
In accordance with the Qur’an, the prohibition of such actions is supported by several verses that emphasize the importance of loyalty to the Muslim community and the protection of Islamic lands and places of worship. For instance, the Qur’an states, “O you who believe! Do not take for allies those who are enemies to Allah and His Messenger” (Al-Mumtahanah: 1). Additionally, “And those who harm believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin” (Al-Ahzab: 58). These verses emphasize the importance of maintaining unity and standing against actions that lead to harm and injustice.
Furthermore, the Qur’an warns against befriending those who have fought against Muslims on account of religion and driven them out of their homes. Those who engage in such acts are considered wrongdoers, and their actions are not supported in any form, whether through personal involvement or indifference.
Islamic scholars have reinforced the idea that any individual involved in the selling of Palestinian land to non-Muslims—whether directly, through mediation, or by any other means—must be viewed as someone aiding in the destruction of the Muslim community’s rights. This includes both those who engage in the act of selling and those who do so passively by showing indifference.
In conclusion, the Islamic legal stance on the sale of Palestinian land to Jews is clear: it is haram, and those who partake in such actions or facilitate them are viewed as betraying their religion and community. The Islamic faith calls on believers to protect their lands, their places of worship, and their heritage, ensuring that such destructive actions are prevented for the benefit of future generations. Muslims are advised to remain vigilant and committed to the protection of their faith and land, and to avoid any actions that would aid in the loss of Islamic territories to non-Muslim powers.
As stated in the Qur’an, “And those who harm believing men and believing women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin” (Al-Ahzab: 58), it is the responsibility of each Muslim to safeguard their faith, their community, and their land from harm.