Muslims react with anger over Trump's decision on Jerusalem

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims in the country today reacted with anger at the United States decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia described the decision announced by US President Donald Trump as a most undesirable one which denied Palestine of its sovereign rights.
Its director-general, Tan Sri Othman Mustapha, said the announcement by Trump, who also called for the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, had caused anger among Muslims around the world.
"Jakim does not at all support the proposal to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel because the land of Palestine is the property of Muslims, then, now and forever.
"The staging of peaceful solidarity gatherings by various quarters is most significant in expressing support for the people of Palestine and protesting against the move to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel," he said in a statement here.
He said Jakim urged Muslims to hold special 'hajat' prayers to pray for Jerusalem and the entire land of Palestine to remain the property of Muslims.
The Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) strongly denounced any action which caused tension and jeopardised the search for peace in Palestine.
Its president, Mua'amar Ghadafi Jamal Jamaludin, said in a statement that Trump's decision reflected the true attitude of the United States as a mastermind of the conflict in the region.
He also said that the US declaration was clearly in violation of the United Nations resolutions and international laws and the international efforts to seek peace and resolve the conflict.
The Trump announcement not only complicated the process for peace between Palestine and Israel but also sparked tension in the Arab world and Muslim countries, he said.
"MBM urges authorities such as the UN, OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and EU (European Union) to use diplomatic action in urging the United States to withdraw its declaration because Jerusalem is not a merchandise for the use of any party for their own interests," he said.
He said MBM, representing youth organisations in Malaysia, dismissed the declaration of the US president and would cooperate with the relevant NGOs in mobilising the 'Save Al-Quds' campaign.
In KANGAR, Perlis Mufti Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin today praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for his stand on the Jerusalem issue.
He said in a post on his Facebook account that Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was clearly a challenge to the Muslim world.
Muslims around the world, especially in the Arab countries, cannot remain silent in the matter, he said.

"It is hoped that Muslim political parties in Malaysia will express their opposition to Trump's decision.
"Hopefully, Muslims around the world will unite in opposing this issue," he said.
The Perlis Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) said it would organise a programme to protest against the US declaration.
MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor said in a statement that as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians, every mosque in Perlis would fly the Palestinian flag from Dec 15.
"Furthermore, sermons and sessions on the Palestine issue will be held throughout the state," he said, adding that the programme had the cooperation of the Perlis Department of Islamic Affairs (JAIPs). — Bernama