During this century, the title of
"Mufti" has been abused in the Land of Israel
("Palestine").
The Board of Ulema (experts in Islamic law)
of the Italian Muslim Association regards as frauds, usurpers
and pseudo-muftis both Haj Amin el-Husseini, the Nazi
collaborator and British Mandate appointed first "Grand
Mufti of Palestine;" and Mr. Akramah Sabri, the present
Palestinian Authority appointed "Mufti of Jerusalem and
the Holy Land."
A legitimate Mufti must have these
qualifications:
The Mufti must be appointed by a
Caliph, or by the Caliph's delegate, or by one who
exercises political sovereignty, or by a person or a
group who is authorized by the sovereign power.
The Mufti must be an expert in
Islamic studies.
The Mufti must be regarded as a
trustworthy Muslim by the Islamic scholars who live
in the area under his jurisdiction.
Mr. Akramah Sabri, the present Palestinian
Authority "Mufti of Jerusalem and the Holy Land,"
has been appointed by an organization (the Palestinian
Authority) which is not a government and which has no
jurisdiction in Jerusalem.
In his public pronouncements, Mr. Sabri
frequently contradicts the fundamental teachings of Islam and
even unquestionable historical facts.
After the death of the British Mandate
appointed "Grand Mufti" Haj Amin el-Husseini, it
became established tradition (accepted by all Muslim scholars
and Islamic governments everywhere in the world) for the
Mufti of Jerusalem to be appointed by the King of Jordan.
This tradition is confirmed by the text of
the Treaty of Peace between Israel and Jordan. Since Israel
is the country that exercises sovereignty over Jerusalem, and
since it agrees to "recognize Jordanian rights over
Muslim Holy Places in the Old City," the only legitimate
Mufti of Jerusalem can be a Muslim scholar appointed by King
Hussein and approved by Israel.
There is a legitimate, Jordanian appointed
Mufti of Jerusalem, ShaykhAbdul Azim Salhab, but he has been
compelled to accept the PalestineAuthority appointed Mufti,
Mr. Akrama Sabri, and to keep silent.
The pulpit of the al-Aqsa mosque is again
used to preach fanaticism and even genocide, this time by Mr.
Sabri, but no one reacts.
King Hussein does not protest. The Israeli
government (which prevents most Torah-observant
["orthodox"] Jews from praying on the Temple Mount,
is afraid to imprison a man such as Mr. Sabri. I am amazed
that a government of Jews in a Jewish State permits a man
such as Mr. Sabri, from the Temple Mount itself - the holiest
place in Jerusalem, Israel's Capital City - to insult the
Jewish People, the Jewish religion and to even call for the
destruction of the State of Israel!
I am praying to the Most High to help Israel
in this difficult situation, and I ask you all to pray for
the peace of Jerusalem.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sheikh Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi
Rome, Italy