IUMS Calls for Suspension of Abrahamic Faiths Project, Raising Concerns for Abraham Accords' Stability

Istanbul, Turkey – The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has called for the suspension of the "Abrahamic Faiths project," a move that, in conjunction with parallel statements from the Muslim World League (MWL), is raising significant questions regarding the stability and future of the Abraham Accords. The IUMS's stance suggests a growing rejection of interfaith initiatives perceived as undermining core Islamic principles or political positions.The call for suspension was highlighted in a recent social media post by Stephen Coughlin, who stated, "This is just to complete the thought in one thread by including a separate thread done earlier today on IUMS calling for the suspension of the Abrahamic Faiths project that many simply reckoned to be a long-term, highly successful, active measure that preyed on the squish factor of the interfaith community." He further added, "In conjunction with what's being released in parallel by IUMS and the MWL, this raises questions as to the stability of President Trump's Abraham Accords. Of course, no one pulled out; it simply had its foundation removed."The Abraham Accords, initiated by the Trump administration in 2020, established diplomatic normalization between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements were framed around shared Abrahamic heritage, aiming to foster regional peace and cooperation. However, recent geopolitical events, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have significantly strained these relationships and intensified criticism from various Islamic bodies.The IUMS, an independent international body of Islamic theologians headquartered in Qatar and Dublin, has historically taken strong political stances. In March 2025, its Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee issued a fatwa declaring "armed jihad" against Israel a duty for all Muslims, advocating for an "Islamic military alliance." This position directly contradicts the spirit of interfaith dialogue and normalization promoted by the Abraham Accords. The IUMS has previously denounced the accords as a "capitulation" during a roundtable in Istanbul.While the Muslim World League (MWL) has generally promoted a moderate vision of Islam and interfaith dialogue, the tweet suggests a shift or a parallel critical stance on "Abrahamic Faiths projects" in the current climate. The MWL's official website outlines its mission to clarify Islam's message as a tolerant and universal faith, but specific recent statements regarding the suspension of Abrahamic Faiths projects in conjunction with IUMS remain to be fully detailed.The continued viability of the Abraham Accords faces significant challenges amid escalating regional tensions. Experts note that while the accords have fostered economic and diplomatic ties, public opinion in many Arab countries remains largely opposed, especially given the lack of progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The IUMS's explicit call for the suspension of related interfaith initiatives underscores the deep ideological divides that persist, potentially eroding the foundational principles upon which the accords were built.