MUSLIM RELIGIOUS COUNCIL ISSUES

U.S. MUSLIM RELIGIOUS COUNCIL ISSUES FATWA AGAINST TERRORISM


The Fiqh Council of North America wishes to reaffirm Islam's absolute condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism.

Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians� life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram � or forbidden - and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not �martyrs.�

The Qur'an, Islam's revealed text, states: " Whoever kills a person, unless [as punishment through due process] for murder or mischief in the land, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." Qur'an, 5:32)

Prophet Muhammad said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts: "Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil." (Al- Tirmidhi)

God mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects of life when He states in the Qur�an: �We made you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind.� ( Qur�an, 2:143)

In another verse, God explains our duties as human beings when he says: �Let there arise from among you a band of people who invite to righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil.� ( Qur�an, 3:104)

Islam teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God's creation. The Prophet Muhammad, who is described in the Qur�an as �a mercy to the worlds� said: �All creation is the family of God, and the person most beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family."

In the light of the teachings of the Qur�an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:

1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam.

2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.

3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur�an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad � peace be upon him. We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in just and peaceful manners.

We pray for the defeat of extremism and terrorism. We pray for the safety and security of our country, the United States , and its people. We pray for the safety and security of all inhabitants of our planet. We pray that interfaith harmony and cooperation prevail both in the United States and all around the globe.

FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA

Members

1. Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi
2. Dr. Abdul Hakim Jackson
3. Dr. Ahmad Shleibak
4. Dr. Akbar Muhammad
5. Dr. Deina Abdulkadir
6. Shaikh Hassan Qazwini
7. Dr. Ihsan Bagby
8. Dr. Jamal Badawi
9. Dr. Muhammad Adam Sheikh
10. Shaikh Muhammad Al- Hanooti
11. Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdallah
12. Dr. Salah Soltan
13. Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani
14. Shaikh Yahya Hindi
15. Shaikhah Zainab Alwani
16. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah
17. Dr. Mukhtar Maghraoui
18. Dr. Nazih Hammad

ENDORSED BY:

More than 145 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams have endorsed the preceding fatwa as of July 28, 2005.

Salaams Brother;

Well said, Inshallah, it will go to the heart!

The fatwa was for people who dont believe in law.

Israfil wrote: that is exactly my point.....Regardless whether the Fatwa exist and is known to the people, you will have a section of people who will not abide by it....So my question here is while knowing this, what is the point of issuing one?

Wouldn't this go also for secular laws ? Alot of people steal, do fraud, speed in cars, drink drive etc and the same question could be asked what is the point of issuing the laws?