The Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is the third most holy site in the world for Muslims, after Mecca and Medina. Last week, it was stormed by Israeli troops who were trying to take it over and allegedly prevent Palestinians from praying there. Shaikh Ali Al Abbasi, Imam of the Al Aqsa, tells DNA— at the International Islamic Peace Conference held in Sion (E) — that they need someone like Gandhi to broker peace between the two groups.
Why is the Al Aqsa a target for violence?
Palestinians have lived in Jerusalem for thousands of years. But the Israelis want to capture Jerusalem and evict the Palestinians. They want to capture our mosque, demolish it and construct a temple in its place. The Palestinians today are facing the same problem that the Indians faced under British rule.
Is this a second attack on the mosque? In September 2000, former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon had apparently entered the mosque compound with more than 2,000 military forces...
When Sharon came, he came for a visit with his troops. The Islamic administration had not given him permission to enter. The recent attack on the mosque took place when I wasn’t present. I was told it was more dangerous this time as the Israelis insisted on praying alongside the Palestinians inside the mosque, which isn’t allowed. It’s also mentioned in the Quran that only Muslims can offer prayers at this mosque
What is your impression of Indians as promoters of peace?
We are here in Mumbai to promote peace, and to pray to Allah to bring peace between us and the Jews. Records show that India has always supported the Palestinians in their struggle, even when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. We have no issues with the Christians, and live in harmony with them. We respect the Jews and their religion. We just don’t want them to attack our lands and our mosque. We pray to Allah that he send us someone like Mahatma Gandhi to resolve the differences between the Palestinians and the Jews
You led the Jummah Salaah (namaaz) on Friday. What message did you have for the Muslims in India and the world over?
According to the Quran and Hadees, all of humanity comes from Adam and Eve. We should live in unity to be closer to Allah. It is also mentioned in the Quran that one should stay away from those who fight with the Muslims.
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