Jerusalem Mufti Declares Buying Settler-Stolen Olive Oil Forbidden

The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmad Hussein, has issued a religious edict declaring it forbidden to purchase olive oil and olives from Israeli settlers. The fatwa comes amid an olive harvest season marked by repeated attacks from settlers on Palestinian lands and olive trees, including the theft of their fruit.

Sheikh Hussein stated that the original principle is the prohibition of buying stolen goods, as the seller does not own them and has no right to dispose of them. Purchasing such items encourages theft, cooperation in sin and aggression, and tacit approval of wrongdoing. He cited a Quranic verse stating, "Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty."

The Mufti further emphasized that the sin is amplified when buying stolen goods encourages enemies to seize Palestinian lands, plunder their resources, and displace their inhabitants. He referenced the words of Ibn Taymiyyah, a prominent Islamic scholar, who stated that ill-gotten gains, acquired through theft or misappropriation, cannot be legally purchased or acquired by Muslims if the original owner is known.

Consequently, the fatwa prohibits the purchase of olive oil and olives stolen from Palestinian trees and subsequently sold by settlers. The Mufti explained that this practice enables the occupier to seize Palestinian land and called for unified official and popular efforts to reject the sale and purchase of stolen and usurped goods. He concluded by stating that Allah speaks the truth and guides the way.