I write to you as a Muslim student at the University of Glasgow, with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency as the Court’s meeting approaches. The University’s continued investment in arms companies directly linked to the genocide unfolding in Gaza, demands immediate and morally responsible action.

 

As you may know, this University holds investments in companies such as BAE Systems and Leonardo, both of which supply weapons to the Israeli military. These weapons are being used in the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, where over 50 thousand of innocent Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023. These are not just numbers, they represent lives, families, and communities destroyed. The University’s financial involvement with these companies implicates it in this human tragedy.

 

Our faith teaches the sanctity of life. The Qur’an states:

 

“Whoever kills a soul—unless for a just cause—it is as if they had slain all of mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as if they had saved all of mankind.” (Surah al-Ma’ida, 5:32)

 

So, by continuing to invest in arms companies profiting from this violence, the University is complicit in suffering. This is not merely a policy issue; it is a moral failure.

 

This call for justice is not mine alone. In the recent SRC referendum, 89.3% of students voted in favour of divesting from arms companies, nearly 9,000 students. This was not a symbolic act, but a clear demand for ethical action.

 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught:

 

“Whoever sees an evil, let them change it with their hand; if they cannot, then with their tongue; and if they cannot, then with their heart and that is the weakest of faith.” (Hadith 34, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi)

 

I cannot remain silent while the institution I study at continues to profit from the arms trade. I therefore urge the University of Glasgow to:

 

1. Immediately divest from companies involved in the arms trade, especially those complicit in the Israeli occupation of Gaza.

 

2. Provide a clear and public timeline for full divestment, ensuring transparency at every stage.

 

3. Acknowledge the moral urgency of this issue, and affirm the University’s commitment to ending its complicity in violence.

 

As the Qur’an reminds us:

“Do good to others as God has done good to you, and do not seek corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not love those who spread corruption.” (Surah al-Qasas, 28:77)

 

I urge the Court to take decisive action at your upcoming meeting. We do not need platitudes or mental health guidance, we need tangible steps toward justice. Let the University of Glasgow be remembered not for silence, but for moral clarity and courageous leadership.