In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
We categorically reject and condemn the signing of The Drumlanrig Accord, initiated by Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi and others who have engaged in meetings with Zionist figures and clear supporters of the Israeli apartheid regime—without any mandate from the Muslim community, particularly Shia Muslims. This accord, falsely portrayed by the British media as an agreement signed by “senior Muslim clerics,” does not represent Islam, the Shia faith, or the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them). It is an unacceptable act of normalisation that serves only to undermine the struggle of the oppressed and whitewash the crimes of the occupiers.
It is important to distinguish between Judaism and Zionism. Judaism is a faith, deserving of respect like any other. Zionism, however, is a political ideology responsible for the ongoing occupation of Palestine, the dispossession of its people, and the brutal apartheid policies imposed on the indigenous population. Engaging in dialogue with Jewish communities on matters of faith is entirely different from sitting with Zionists who justify war crimes and ethnic cleansing. Those who blur this distinction only serve to legitimise oppression.
The presentation of this accord to King Charles, along with the absence of transparency regarding its discussions, raises serious concerns about the motivations behind this initiative. Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, in particular, has no recognised authority to speak on behalf of the Muslim community. It remains unclear who gave him his turban or what legitimacy he can claim to represent Muslims in such engagements. His credentials from the Islamic seminary are at best entry-level, yet he presents himself as an authoritative voice on matters that affect the entire Muslim community. We reject the hijacking of our faith by those who seek to normalise with genocide sympathisers and provide cover for betrayal.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forewarned us of such figures when he said:
“The jurists are the trustees of the messengers as long as they do not become involved in worldly affairs.”
When asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what does it mean for them to become involved in worldly affairs?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied: “They are followers of the ruler, and when they do so, beware of them regarding your religion.” (Al-Kāfī)
These words serve as a clear warning against clerics who compromise their integrity by aligning with rulers and oppressors. Zionists are not neutral interfaith partners; they are active aggressors waging war against Islam and Muslims. As Allah commands:
“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire…” (Holy Qur’an 11:113).
Sitting with them behind closed doors and signing accords that lack community consensus is not diplomacy—it is complicity. The Muslim community, particularly Shia Muslims, have the right to know what was discussed in their name and to reject any attempt to whitewash oppression under the guise of religious leadership.
Let it be clear: The Drumlanrig Accord does not represent our faith, our community, or our values. Those who signed it do not speak for us. We stand firmly with the oppressed and reject all forms of normalisation with the enemies of Islam. We honour the martyrs of Palestine and Lebanon who have been killed by the Zionist genocidal regime, and we will not allow their sacrifices to be dishonoured by those seeking favour with oppressors.
Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission
16 Shaʻban 1446 AH
15 February 2025