US President Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seen during a press conference at the White House, Washington, D.C., US, Feb. 4, 2024. (AA Photo)
| Published July 10, 2025
🛡️ “Enemies of God”: 100 Muslim Scholars’ Declaration on Trump & Netanyahu
A coordinated show of ideological unity amid regional turmoil
Introduction
On July 9, 2025, a group of 100 predominantly Sunni and Shia Muslim scholars from over 30 countries issued a joint statement labeling former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “moharib”—“enemies waging war against God”—and “corruptors on earth.” The declaration, propagated by Iran-affiliated outlets like PressTV and Mehr News, followed a tense regional confrontation dubbed the “12‑day war.” It also signals an effort by Iranian authorities to reinforce ideological cohesion within the Islamic world.
🌍 Who signed the declaration?
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100 Muslim scholars and intellectuals hailing from a diverse group of countries—including Iraq, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, the U.S., and more—affiliated with both Sunni and Shia traditions.
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Their statement expressed “full and unwavering support” for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for unity in resisting perceived aggression.
📜 What does the statement say?
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It cites Quranic verse al-Mā’idah 5:33 to justify labeling Trump, Netanyahu, and others as “enemies waging war against God and His Messenger” and “corrupters on earth.”
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The declaration condemns:
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Bloodshed, occupation of Muslim lands, and violations of human rights, especially toward Palestinians.
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Any kind of cooperation or normalization with the U.S. or Israel as religiously forbidden (haram) under Islamic law.
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It urges Muslims globally to “converge, unify, and form a united front” against what it describes as Zionist-Western conspiracies.
⚔️ Context: The “12‑Day War” & fatwas
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The statement comes in direct response to a mid‑June 2025 flare‑up:
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Israel allegedly struck Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists on June 13.
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Iran retaliated with missiles and drones.
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On June 22, a U.S.–Israeli air raid hit three Iranian nuclear facilities.
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Iran responded again by striking the U.S. Al‑Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
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A cease‑fire held by June 24.
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Prior to the scholars’ communique, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi and others had issued religious edicts (fatwas) branding both Trump and Netanyahu as moharib, punishable under Islamic law, potentially including death or crucifixion for “waging war against God.”
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Those fatwas also declared that Muslims worldwide who fight these “enemies” would be considered mojahid, or warriors on God’s path, and eligible for divine reward.
🔥 Resulting Effects of the Declaration
1. Escalation of Religious Tensions
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By framing Trump and Netanyahu as moharib—a title that carries heavy implications in Islamic law—the declaration spiritually escalates political hostility into a divine conflict.
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This has sparked sectarian solidarity among Iran-aligned and anti-Israel clerics, potentially pressuring even moderate voices in the Islamic world to take sides.
2. Fueling Extremist Rhetoric and Action
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Radical groups could use the statement as religious justification for attacks against U.S. and Israeli figures, assets, or allies.
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Western intelligence agencies have raised concerns about potential “lone wolf” terrorism, especially among radicalized individuals who may interpret the scholars’ words as a religious duty to act.
3. Soft Power Expansion by Iran
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Iran gains a strategic ideological advantage, uniting a range of Sunni and Shia voices under its anti-U.S., anti-Israel agenda.
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This serves as a soft power campaign, allowing Tehran to project influence across borders—especially in Pakistan, Lebanon, Iraq, and even Western Muslim communities.
4. Diplomatic Complications for Muslim-Majority Nations
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Countries attempting to normalize relations with Israel or cooperate with the U.S.—such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, or Egypt—now face religious backlash from internal clerics or scholars pressured to reject such partnerships.
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This adds friction to diplomatic efforts, including peace accords, trade deals, and anti-terror alliances.
5. International Security and Policy Responses
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Western governments may respond with:
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Increased surveillance of clerics and religious centers suspected of spreading incitement.
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Visa bans or sanctions against scholars or groups that endorse violence.
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Greater investment in counter-radicalization programs.
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U.S. and Israeli embassies in certain countries are reportedly tightening security, anticipating possible unrest.
6. Undermining of Moderate Muslim Voices
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The wide media coverage of this fatwa-style declaration threatens to drown out moderate scholars who advocate peaceful engagement.
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It risks polarizing religious discourse in mosques, campuses, and Islamic organizations worldwide.
7. Rising Global Media Polarization
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Iranian and allied media platforms hailed the declaration as a moral stand against Western aggression.
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Meanwhile, conservative Western outlets (e.g., Breitbart) frame it as an outrageous, medieval attack on religious and political freedom—deepening the East-West narrative divide.
Bottom Line: A Religious Cover for Political Warfare
This orchestrated declaration by 100 Muslim scholars—many aligned with Iran’s radical clerical regime—isn’t about faith. It’s about weaponizing religion to legitimize hostility toward the West, Israel, and conservative leadership figures like Donald Trump. Labeling Trump and Netanyahu as “enemies of God” is not a spiritual concern—it’s a strategic tool of intimidation and ideological warfare.
Iran is once again hiding behind clerical robes to issue what amounts to theological hit lists. This should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric. We’ve seen how similar fatwas, like the one against Salman Rushdie, inspired real-world violence.
At its core, this is a warning to the West: The same regime that funds terrorism, represses women, and chants “Death to America” is now organizing global religious leaders to call for spiritual war against the values of liberty, sovereignty, and strong national leadership. And once again, Donald Trump is the lightning rod—not because he’s wrong, but because he’s effective.
The U.S. and its allies should take this threat seriously—not just militarily, but ideologically. We cannot afford to be passive when enemies of freedom are cloaking their hatred in divine language.
