Fact Check: "Support for Trump and Netanyahu deemed 'haram' by Iranian cleric."
What We Know
Recently, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a prominent Iranian cleric, issued a fatwa declaring U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "enemies of God." This religious decree calls for Muslims worldwide to unite against these leaders, whom Shirazi accuses of threatening Iran. He stated that any support or cooperation with these leaders is considered "haram," or forbidden in Islam (NDTV, Economic Times).
The fatwa emphasizes that those labeled as "mohareb" (warlords) can face severe penalties under Iranian law, including execution. Shirazi's decree follows a period of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly after military actions that resulted in casualties among Iranian military leaders (NDTV).
Analysis
The claim that support for Trump and Netanyahu has been deemed "haram" by an Iranian cleric is substantiated by the fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Shirazi. The fatwa explicitly states that any cooperation with these leaders is forbidden, reinforcing the idea that Shirazi views them as significant threats to Islam and Iran (NDTV, Economic Times).
The sources reporting on this fatwa, including NDTV and the Economic Times, are reputable news outlets that provide coverage of international affairs. They have a history of reporting on Middle Eastern politics and religious issues, which lends credibility to their accounts. However, it is essential to note that the interpretation of fatwas can vary widely, and the implications of such decrees can be influenced by the political context in which they are issued.
Conclusion
The claim that support for Trump and Netanyahu has been deemed "haram" by an Iranian cleric is True. Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi's fatwa explicitly labels any support for these leaders as forbidden, reflecting the cleric's stance against perceived threats to Iran and Islam. The sources confirming this claim are credible and provide a clear account of the fatwa's content and implications.
