Al-Harakatul Islamiyyah urges Muslim unity and calls on Nigeria to take stronger action on Palestine and Iran

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A Muslim group has called on Muslims to stay united and remain firm in their faith, urging stronger action on issues affecting Palestine and Iran. The call was made during the 2026 Quds Day event in Ilorin, which included a public demonstration.

Speaking at the event, the Amir of Al-Harakatul Islamiyyah, Mallam AbdulRazzaq AbdulWahab Al-Amin Aladodo, blamed the ongoing crisis in Palestine on disunity among Muslims and a failure to follow Islamic teachings. He said the continued suffering of Palestinians and attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque show that injustice still exists due to a lack of unity and moral direction.

He described Al-Aqsa Mosque as the third holiest site in Islam and stressed its importance to Muslims worldwide. The group also urged the Nigerian government to take a stronger stand on the Middle East crisis, including cutting diplomatic ties with Israel. It said simply calling for peace without addressing those responsible is not enough.

Aladodo further called on Nigeria to openly condemn what he described as aggression by Israel and the United States against Iran, warning that remaining neutral in such situations weakens efforts to achieve justice and peace. He also described the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel as a key moment in the Palestinian struggle and linked current tensions to the long-standing Palestinian issue.

The group expressed support for Iran’s role in the conflict and urged Muslim countries to put aside their differences, especially tensions involving Gulf states and Iran. It warned that continued division among Muslims could weaken global support for Palestine.

Al-Harakatul Islamiyyah also criticised the Abraham Accords, saying they harm Palestinian interests. It added that normalising relations with Israel by some Arab countries goes against the sacrifices made in the Palestinian struggle.

The group further called on Gulf countries to reconsider hosting US military bases, saying they serve foreign interests. It also warned the United Arab Emirates against returning its ambassador to Israel, describing such a move as support for policies it called oppressive.

At the event, Sheikh Abubakar Olori urged Muslims to avoid criticizing fellow Muslim countries publicly and instead promote unity and prayer for Palestinians and other affected communities.

In his remarks, Dr Abdullateef Raji said the Middle East crisis is linked to long-standing Western political strategies, including divide-and-rule tactics and Islamophobia. He traced these issues back to the early 20th century and linked them to the creation of Israel in 1948.

He added that Iran has played a major role in resisting what he described as long-term Zionist goals, noting that Iran’s political position since 1979 has placed it at the centre of resistance in the region.

Quds Day, observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan, is marked by pro-Palestine protests and calls for the liberation of Jerusalem. The latest event comes amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Source: Tribune