Mufti Menk has faced intense criticism online after a post on X about remaining silent during uncertain situations was widely interpreted as referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States (US).

Menk, whose full name is Ismail Ibn Musa Menk, regularly shares sermons and lectures online and has more than 10 million followers on X. The backlash followed a post he shared on March 4.

“When you don’t know EXACTLY what’s going on, it’s best not to say the wrong thing. Let those with a deeper understanding in that matter say what needs to be said. The Prophetic teaching to those who believe in the day of reckoning is to ‘utter what’s upright or remain silent,’” the post read.

Users on X interpreted the post as referring to the illegal strike on Iran, where Israel and the United States have killed more than 1,000 people and damaged civilian infrastructure, according to international media reports.


The reactions circulating on X were mainly in response to Menk’s post. Many questioned why a religious scholar with a large platform would avoid addressing the conflict directly. 


Some users suggested that remaining silent in the face of suffering was equivalent to avoiding responsibility, saying scholars had a duty to speak against injustice and oppression. Others accused Menk of prioritising financial interests or public standing over openly criticising Israel.


Several posts mocked the statement as a cautious attempt to avoid losing influence or income. One user wrote, “Translation: I don’t want to lose money by criticizing Israel too loudly.” 


Another added, “Being a scholar you have a duty to speak truth and stand against tyrants but you remain silent for your personal gain and enjoying the luxury of the world.”


Some comments accused Menk of choosing worldly gains over religious responsibility. One post said, “Guys i will try to translate this for you: Mufti menk choosing money/ duniya over DEEN!! He is a coward or MUNAFIQ , there is no 3rd option. Thank you for your attention for this matter!!” 

Another described the approach as an Islam reduced to feel-good slogans: “This is the kind of Islam colonizers are comfortable promoting. An Islam reduced to self-help slogans. An Islam that speaks endlessly about ‘ignoring haters’ but falls silent in the face of tyrants.”

Other users highlighted the contrast with the struggles of Muslims in Iran, saying that while they face attacks, Menk’s post offered only general guidance. 

One wrote, “So instead of uttering what’s upright, you remained silent. I have never understood how so many people get taken in by fortune-cookie preachers of any religion who utter feel-good platitudes 24/7 but disappear the moment their voice could matter.” 

Another added, “Islam and Muslims are under attack by zi0nist and this is what you tweet? Tweet about your brothers and sisters in Iran who are fighting the enemies of Islam alone and suffering.” Some summed up their frustration by saying, “save us from Sheikhs like this one.”

Menk later shared a prayer on X, asking for guidance, steadfastness, contentment with divine decree, and protection from harm: “Almighty. Guide us towards goodness beyond this month for Your sake only. Keep us steadfast, enduring the trials You send our way. Grant us a soft heart, always content with Your Decree. Grant us sincerity, success & protect us from harm. Aameen.”