Somali Islamic scholar Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omar Dirir has publicly criticised any move by the administration of Somaliland to recognise Israel, warning that such a step would undermine religious principles and risk deepening divisions within the Muslim community.

In remarks delivered during a religious address, Sheikh Dirir cautioned against what he described as the normalisation of relations with Israel, arguing that its actions against civilians have been widely documented. He urged Muslims to avoid facilitating or justifying measures that could harm Islamic values, stating that aligning with non-Muslim powers against fellow Muslims carries serious moral and social consequences.

He described it as troubling that some individuals portray Jews as “brothers,” saying such narratives could lead to the erosion of communal cohesion and, ultimately, the weakening of the Muslim ummah. According to Sheikh Dirir, replacing religious solidarity with political alliances that contradict Islamic ethics poses a significant risk to social stability and faith.

The cleric also referenced past Somali support for Palestinians, recalling fundraising efforts that raised approximately two million US dollars during periods of acute crisis. He stressed that the continued suffering of Palestinians makes it inappropriate, in his view, for Muslims to appear tolerant of or reconciled with what he characterised as ongoing injustice.

Sheikh Dirir further warned against internal division among Muslims, describing disunity as a dangerous condition repeatedly cautioned against in the Qur’an. He called on communities to prioritise unity, consultation, and collective responsibility, saying these principles are essential for safeguarding both religious integrity and societal well-being.

He is among a number of Somali religious figures who have voiced opposition to any potential recognition of Israel by the Somaliland administration, expressing concern over what they see as the broader religious, moral, and communal implications of such a move.