Latest news with #NaserMakaremShirazi
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is fatwa? Iran issues fatwa against President Donald Trump, here's what it means
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi declared a new fatwa against President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them the "enemies of God" on Sunday. Here's what it means. "Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered a 'warlord' or a 'mohareb'," Makarem said in the ruling, according to news officials. Adding, "Any cooperation or support for that enemy by Muslims or Islamic states is haram or forbidden. It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes." This religious decree follows the Israeli bombing that started June 13, killing Iran's top military commanders and scientists leading its nuclear program, in effort to prevent them from developing a nuclear weapon — to which, Iran retaliated. The United States joined Israel's fight on June 22, launching airstrikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities, before a ceasefire was reached on June 24. A fatwa is a non-binding legal opinion in Islam, issued by a qualified religious scholar (mufti) on a specific issue, serving as interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia) and guiding Muslims on various aspects of life, from religious practices to ethical dilemmas, according to The Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs. While Muslims are not obligated to follow fatwas, the weight of the fatwa is usually influenced by the authority that has issued it. Fatwas can cover a wide range of topics, such as permissions, dietary rules, financial matters, family issues or more complex issues, like social or religious interpretations. Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on What is fatwa? Iran issues fatwa against Trump, Netanyahu, what it means
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu
Iran's top Shiite cleric issued a religious decree against President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday, an act some experts called an incitement to terrorism. The fatwa from Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi called on Muslims around the world to take a stand, according to the New York Sun. It states that any individual or government that challenges or endangers the leadership and unity of the global Islamic community (the Ummah) is to be regarded as a "warlord" or a "mohareb," defined as someone who wages war against God. Under Iranian law, those identified as mohareb can face execution, crucifixion, limb amputation, or exile. "Those who threaten the leadership and integrity of the Islamic Ummah are to be considered warlords," Makarem said in the ruling. He finished with a prayer asking for protection from these "enemies" and for the swift return of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shiite Islam. Iran's Supreme Leader Slams Trump Just Days After Us Strikes On Nuclear Sites British-Iranian commentator Niyak Ghorbani condemned the fatwa, describing it as a state-endorsed incitement to global terrorism. He posted on his X account that the Islamic Republic's aggression is not limited to domestic dissent but signals broader international ambitions for religiously motivated violence. Read On The Fox News App Iran Calls Israeli Strikes A 'Declaration Of War,' Swiftly Replaces Killed Military Leaders "The West must realise: the Islamic Republic is not only targeting its own people — it is preparing for global violence in the name of religion," he wrote in the post. This fatwa followed what has been dubbed the "12-Day War," during which American and Israeli efforts reportedly inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iranian Dictator's Mouthpiece Incites Firing Bullets Into Trump's 'Empty Skull' On June 13, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, reportedly killing top scientists and commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israeli cities. The U.S. joined the conflict a week later, striking three Iranian nuclear sites. Trump had earlier warned that any further enrichment of uranium by Iran to weapons-grade levels would provoke additional American action. This warning followed a brief ceasefire that ended a 12-day period of intense conflict. It is not the first time Iranian clerics have used fatwas to incite violence. The most infamous case was the 1989 decree against author Salman Rushdie after the release of his novel "The Satanic Verses," which many Muslims considered offensive. That fatwa forced Rushdie into hiding, led to the murder of a Japanese translator, and multiple attacks on the book's has survived multiple assassination attempts since, including a 2023 stabbing attack in upstate New York in which he lost an article source: Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu
Fox News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu
Iran's top Shiite cleric issued a religious decree against President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday, an act some experts called an incitement to terrorism. The fatwa from Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi called on Muslims around the world to take a stand, according to the New York Sun. It states that any individual or government that challenges or endangers the leadership and unity of the global Islamic community (the Ummah) is to be regarded as a "warlord" or a "mohareb," defined as someone who wages war against God. Under Iranian law, those identified as mohareb can face execution, crucifixion, limb amputation, or exile. "Those who threaten the leadership and integrity of the Islamic Ummah are to be considered warlords," Makarem said in the ruling. He finished with a prayer asking for protection from these "enemies" and for the swift return of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shiite Islam. British-Iranian commentator Niyak Ghorbani condemned the fatwa, describing it as a state-endorsed incitement to global terrorism. He posted on his X account that the Islamic Republic's aggression is not limited to domestic dissent but signals broader international ambitions for religiously motivated violence. "The West must realise: the Islamic Republic is not only targeting its own people — it is preparing for global violence in the name of religion," he wrote in the post. This fatwa followed what has been dubbed the "12-Day War," during which American and Israeli efforts reportedly inflicted significant damage on Iran's nuclear capabilities. On June 13, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, reportedly killing top scientists and commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israeli cities. The U.S. joined the conflict a week later, striking three Iranian nuclear sites. Trump had earlier warned that any further enrichment of uranium by Iran to weapons-grade levels would provoke additional American action. This warning followed a brief ceasefire that ended a 12-day period of intense conflict. It is not the first time Iranian clerics have used fatwas to incite violence. The most infamous case was the 1989 decree against author Salman Rushdie after the release of his novel "The Satanic Verses," which many Muslims considered offensive. That fatwa forced Rushdie into hiding, led to the murder of a Japanese translator, and multiple attacks on the book's has survived multiple assassination attempts since, including a 2023 stabbing attack in upstate New York in which he lost an eye. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
