Prominent Gaza Imam Issues Fatwa Against Hamas for October Attack

In a notable development amidst the ongoing conflict, Professor Dr. Salman al-Dayah, a highly respected Islamic scholar in Gaza, has issued a potent fatwa condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which set off a devastating war in the Palestinian territory. Dr. al-Dayah, formerly the dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at the Hamas-affiliated Islamic University of Gaza, is regarded as one of the region’s most authoritative religious voices, making his opinions particularly influential among Gaza's predominantly Sunni Muslim population of two million.A fatwa is an Islamic legal ruling delivered by a learned scholar and is often drawn from the Quran or the Sunnah—the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. In a detailed six-page document, Dr. al-Dayah criticizes Hamas for overstepping Islamic principles related to jihad. He explains that jihad, defined as “struggle” in Arabic, encompasses both personal and military endeavors, but insists that any form of armed struggle must adhere to strict conditions to prevent harming innocents.Dr. al-Dayah argues that the October attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and led to Israel's military response claiming over 43,400 fatalities in Gaza, violated fundamental Islamic teachings. He states, “If the pillars, causes, or conditions of jihad are not met, it must be avoided in order to avoid destroying people’s lives,” implying that Hamas's actions were counterproductive and catastrophic.The implications of Dr. al-Dayah’s fatwa are profound, striking at the core of Hamas's narrative, which often invokes religious justifications for its operations against Israel. He articulates a need for leaders to prioritize the welfare of non-combatant civilians and to ensure their safety during conflicts. His position is particularly significant, given his standing as a vocal critic of armed Islamist movements and advocacy for a more moderate approach to Islamic governance.The fatwa has ignited discussions regarding the ethical and legal repercussions of Hamas's militant strategies, likely exacerbating existing rifts within Palestinian society over the use of armed resistance. Responses from the community highlight the fatwa's importance; Sheikh Ashraf Ahmed, one of Dr. al-Dayah's students who has himself faced displacement due to the conflict, describes the ruling as an essential contribution to Islamic jurisprudence during a pivotal moment.Dr. al-Dayah’s call for restraint emphasizes the relevance of Islamic principles in contemporary conflict, demonstrating the intricate interplay between faith and politics in the region. His condemnation of the 7 October attacks underscores a critical, ongoing debate about the moral responsibilities of leadership within the context of violence and resistance in Gaza.