Palestine Issue In The Light Of Islamic & Contermporary International Law Mushtaq Ahmad Good Tree Press English

Palestine Issue In The Light Of Islamic & Contermporary International Law Mushtaq Ahmad Good Tree Press English

📚 Palestine Issue in the Light of Islamic & Contemporary International Law

✍️ By Prof. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad | Good Tree Press | 2024 Edition

🌍 A Juristic Lens on Occupation, Resistance, and Global Justice

This book is a timely and intellectually rigorous exploration of the Palestinian struggle, viewed through the dual lenses of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and modern international law. Authored by Prof. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad, a seasoned legal scholar and former Director-General of the Shari’ah Academy at IIUI, the work bridges classical Islamic legal thought with contemporary global norms to offer a principled, legalistic, and moral critique of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

🧭 Purpose and Scope

The book aims to answer two essential questions:

What does Islamic law say about occupation, resistance, and justice in Palestine?

How does international law respond to the same issues—and where does it fail or align?

By addressing both frameworks, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad provides a holistic understanding of the Palestinian issue, making the book a valuable resource for:

Islamic scholars and students

Legal professionals and human rights advocates

Activists and educators

Faith-based communities seeking clarity on Palestine

🕌 Part I: The Islamic Legal Perspective

⚖️ 1. Sanctity of Land and Ummah’s Responsibility

Islamic law treats Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and the surrounding region as sacred territory. The book explains:

The religious significance of Masjid al-Aqsa

The obligation of the Muslim Ummah to protect oppressed peoples

The concept of Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Harb in relation to occupied lands

Prof. Mushtaq emphasizes that defending Palestine is not merely political—it is a moral and religious duty rooted in Qur’anic injunctions and prophetic traditions.

🛡️ 2. Jihad, Resistance, and Ethics of Warfare

The book clarifies misconceptions around jihad, showing that:

Armed resistance against occupation is permitted under Islamic law

Civilians must be protected; warfare must be ethical and proportional

Suicide bombings and indiscriminate violence are not sanctioned by classical jurists

This nuanced view helps readers distinguish between legitimate resistance and actions that violate Islamic ethics.

📜 3. Historical Precedents and Juristic Consensus

Drawing from scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi’i, and Shah Waliullah, the book presents:

Historical examples of Muslim responses to colonialism

Juristic consensus (ijma) on the impermissibility of surrendering sacred land

The role of Shura (consultation) and Ijtihaad (independent reasoning) in modern contexts

This section is rich in references and ideal for readers interested in Islamic legal history.

🌐 Part II: Contemporary International Law

📘 1. Legal Status of Occupied Palestine

Prof. Mushtaq examines:

The Fourth Geneva Convention and its relevance to occupied territories

UN resolutions (e.g., 242, 338) calling for Israeli withdrawal

The illegality of settlements, annexations, and the Gaza blockade

He argues that Israel’s actions constitute violations of international humanitarian law, including:

Collective punishment

Forced displacement

Targeting of civilians

🏛️ 2. Failures of the International System

The book critiques:

The UN Security Council’s paralysis due to veto power

The selective enforcement of human rights norms

The double standards applied to Muslim-majority nations

Prof. Mushtaq calls for a reform of global governance, where justice is not dictated by geopolitical interests.

🧑‍⚖️ 3. Legal Remedies and Global Solidarity

He explores:

The role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

The potential for universal jurisdiction in prosecuting war crimes

The importance of civil society movements, including BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)

This section empowers readers to see legal activism as a tool for change.

📖 Writing Style and Structure

The book is:

Concise yet scholarly – 145 pages of tightly argued content

Accessible – written in clear English for non-specialists

Balanced – avoids polemics, focusing on facts and legal reasoning

Well-sourced – includes Qur’anic verses, Hadith, legal statutes, and case law

It’s ideal for academic settings, khutbah preparation, or interfaith dialogue.

🧠 Author Profile: Prof. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad

Former Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate

Served at International Islamic University Islamabad as Law Department Chair

Director-General of Shari’ah Academy (2018–2020)

Advisor to Supreme Court of Pakistan and Federal Shariat Court

Published widely on Islamic law, criminal law, and comparative religion