UAS: I am Ahlus Sunnah, I differ from Shia, I stand with those who defend Palestine

JAKARTA — Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) has spoken out about the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States-led coalition with Israel. As a Muslim of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah faith, who differs from Iran’s Shia population, UAS emphasised that he stands with anyone who defends Palestine.

“I am ahlussunnah, different from shia. I stand with anyone who defends Palestine,” UAS told Republika via a text message on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

UAS also said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin defends Palestine, he would stand with Putin, even though UAS is not Orthodox Christian. “If Putin defends Palestine, I stand with Putin, but I am not orthodox,” he said.

The same applies to other leaders who defend Palestine. “If Xi Jinping defends Palestine, I stand with China, but I am not a communist,” UAS said.

UAS stressed that American hegemony must be opposed. Global domination must be eradicated as it is not in line with justice, in accordance with the preamble of the 1945 Constitution.

UAS also reminded that the figure who mobilised support for Indonesia’s independence was Mufti Palestine, Amin al-Husaini. Meanwhile, the country that previously opposed Indonesia’s independence was the United States.