Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire

Prominent Islamic scholar Ali al-Qaradaghi, president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, has issued a religious ruling urging an immediate halt to fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, Qaradaghi said that fighting between Muslim nations contradicts Islamic teachings and stressed that the lives of Muslims must be protected. He described the suspension of hostilities during Ramadan as a religious obligation, calling on leaders of both countries to stop the conflict before the last ten days of the holy month.

The scholar also urged the two sides to use the ceasefire as an opportunity to begin dialogue after Eid, noting that countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey

Qaradaghi emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim nations and warned against internal conflicts that weaken the broader Muslim world.

Hundreds, including civilians, have been killed and injured in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan that began over a week ago.