ASAS REAFFIRMS SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE AMID ONGOING CRISIS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

MEDIA RELEASE

ASAS REAFFIRMS SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE AMID ONGOING CRISIS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Kuala Lumpur, 31 December 2025 — The Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance Malaysia (ASAS) stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, reaffirming its commitment to justice, peace, and humanitarian values rooted in Shariah.

In light of the recent fragile ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2025, ASAS expresses grave concern over continued violations and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite international efforts, airstrikes have resumed, and humanitarian aid remains critically insufficient, with only a fraction of promised supplies reaching those in need.

As Malaysia continues to demonstrate principled leadership by voting in favour of the UN General Assembly Resolution endorsing the New York Declaration for Palestinian statehood, as well as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Palestine to support economic recovery, including trade, halal industry development, and SME empowerment, ASAS also continues to echo Malaysia’s stance and support the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry and Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, which conclude that acts of genocide have been committed in Gaza and call for international accountability.

“As Shariah advisors, we are morally obligated to uphold justice and advocate for the oppressed. The plight of the Palestinian people is a humanitarian and ethical crisis that demands our attention and action”, said ASAS President, Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin.

In these critical times, ASAS urges all Shariah advisors, practitioners and Islamic financial institutions to exercise heightened ethical vigilance in their professional decisions, approvals, and endorsements. It is imperative that every action taken within the Islamic finance ecosystem reflects our collective responsibility to uphold justice and avoid complicity, be it directly or indirectly, with entities or financial structures that support the oppression of the Palestinian people.

Practitioners are advised to scrutinize processes, instruments and partnerships to ensure they do not contribute to or benefit parties complicit in the occupation or aggression against Palestine. This includes being mindful of affiliations with companies or institutions that have been identified as supporting or profiting from illegal settlements, arms supply, or discriminatory policies.

Let our decisions be guided not only by compliance, but by conscience, ensuring that our work remains aligned with the values of Shariah, humanity, and solidarity.

ASAS calls upon its members and the broader Islamic finance community to:
-Support humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
-Promote ethical financial aid aligned with Shariah principles.
-Raise awareness and educate stakeholders on justice and peace in Palestine.

ASAS remains committed to standing with the ummah and promoting values of compassion, dignity, and solidarity.

ASAS SECRETARIAT
Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance Malaysia (ASAS)
31 DECEMBER 2025