Putrajaya: The Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ekrima Sa'id Sabri, has expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for the willingness to provide wakaf-based assistance to support education and healthcare development in Baitulmaqdis, Palestine. He said the assistance would contribute to community projects, including supporting orphans, building hospitals and mosques, and maintaining cemeteries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sheikh Dr Ekrima emphasized the spiritual significance of wakaf, stating, 'Through wakaf, we draw closer to Allah SWT. May Allah SWT reward the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for this positive and meaningful initiative, and may Allah SWT bless Malaysia,' he said during a lecture at the MADANI Knowledge Ceremony at Masjid Putra.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia would provide specific aid for education and healthcare in Baitulmaqdis and recovery efforts in Gaza. Anwar noted that the assistance, provided through the wakaf instrument, aligns with a request from Sheikh Dr Ekrima, who sought Malaysia's support for development in Baitulmaqdis. The aid is designated for Al-Quds University, madrasahs, schools, and hospitals in the city.

Sheikh Dr Ekrima also encouraged other Muslim nations to follow Malaysia's example in supporting and defending fellow Muslims in Palestine. He extended this invitation to all Arab countries and Islamic governments, emphasizing that Al-Quds (Baitulmaqdis) belongs to the entire Muslim ummah. He highlighted the need for support in various projects to aid the residents, who have been protecting and preserving this sacred city.