The fatwa that was issued by the Fiqh Council of North America a couple of years of has received renewed press attention.
SEE: http://www.theledger.com/article/20071208/NEWS/712080502/1326
One of the questions that we're always asked is "Why don't we hear the 'moderate Muslims' speaking out against terrorism?" The irony of this question is that Muslims in America have been speaking out against extremism and political violence against civilians until becoming blue in the face since 9/11.
In fact not only have American Muslims been doing this, but Muslim leaders worldwide have been speaking out against extremism and Al-Qaeda in particular.
SEE: http://www.juancole.com/2005/07/friedman-wrong-about-muslims-again-and.html
Will these same people who question Muslims about denouncing terorism speak out againt the injustices and oppression that help breed extremism and political violence in the "developing world?"
Showing posts with label Fatwa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fatwa. Show all posts
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Why Halloween is impermissible for Muslims
To learn why Muslims do not observe the pagan Celtic celebration called Halloween, please read the short Islamic legal opinion by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi.
SEE: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503543074&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
SEE: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503543074&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Do the clerics of Iran want nukes?
Despite the hype, it has long been recorded that Iran's clergy has been against nuclear weapons. Ayatullah Al-Khumayni used to refer to them as "tools of Satan."
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/a/2003/10/31/MNGHJ2NFRE1.DTL
Nuclear weapons unholy, Iran says
Islam forbids use, clerics proclaim
Robert Collier, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, October 31, 2003
(10-31) 04:00 PDT Qom, Iran -- In a surprising development, Iran's hard-line clerical establishment, which had bitterly resisted American pressure to open the country's nuclear facilities to inspection, is using its religious influence to rally support for an agreement with the West to foreswear the development of nuclear weapons.
Led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's "supreme leader," Iranian clerics have repeatedly declared that Islam forbids the development and use of all weapons of mass destruction.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran, based on its fundamental religious and legal beliefs, would never resort to the use of weapons of mass destruction," Khamenei said recently. "In contrast to the propaganda of our enemies, fundamentally we are against any production of weapons of mass destruction in any form."
These and other statements from senior Iranian clerics appear to have bolstered domestic support for an agreement signed Oct. 21 with Britain, France and Germany that will allow international inspections of the country's nuclear program.
Bush administration officials and many Western arms experts remain skeptical of Iran's intentions, believing that the country is using its civilian nuclear program to hide a covert weapons program. They cite intelligence, such as the discovery of enriched uranium at two Iranian sites, to support their contention.
But other analysts, diplomats and Iranian clerics say that the unexpectedly strong pronouncements from Khamenei and others have produced a strong domestic consensus on the issue that would be hard for the ruling religious establishment to reverse. "I haven't seen anything like it, this kind of consensus," said one Western diplomat in Tehran. "Even if you view it cynically, as I do, religion seems to be the rhetorical glue that holds it all together."
In an interview, one of Khamenei's top aides hinted that while some prohibited nuclear weapons work may have been carried out, the government has decided to put a stop to it.
"Those in Iran who clandestinely believed they could develop nuclear weapons have now been forced to admit that is forbidden under Islam," said Hussein Shariatmadari, who is president of the Kayhan chain of newspapers, controlled by Khamenei, and an unofficial spokesman for the supreme leader.
Shariatmadari added that there also are practical considerations behind the theological ban.
"A nuclear bomb is not like wine -- you can make in your home and hide it easily," he said. "No, the IAEA can find anything. So if you can't use it, why have it?" (MORE)
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/a/2003/10/31/MNGHJ2NFRE1.DTL
Nuclear weapons unholy, Iran says
Islam forbids use, clerics proclaim
Robert Collier, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, October 31, 2003
(10-31) 04:00 PDT Qom, Iran -- In a surprising development, Iran's hard-line clerical establishment, which had bitterly resisted American pressure to open the country's nuclear facilities to inspection, is using its religious influence to rally support for an agreement with the West to foreswear the development of nuclear weapons.
Led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's "supreme leader," Iranian clerics have repeatedly declared that Islam forbids the development and use of all weapons of mass destruction.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran, based on its fundamental religious and legal beliefs, would never resort to the use of weapons of mass destruction," Khamenei said recently. "In contrast to the propaganda of our enemies, fundamentally we are against any production of weapons of mass destruction in any form."
These and other statements from senior Iranian clerics appear to have bolstered domestic support for an agreement signed Oct. 21 with Britain, France and Germany that will allow international inspections of the country's nuclear program.
Bush administration officials and many Western arms experts remain skeptical of Iran's intentions, believing that the country is using its civilian nuclear program to hide a covert weapons program. They cite intelligence, such as the discovery of enriched uranium at two Iranian sites, to support their contention.
But other analysts, diplomats and Iranian clerics say that the unexpectedly strong pronouncements from Khamenei and others have produced a strong domestic consensus on the issue that would be hard for the ruling religious establishment to reverse. "I haven't seen anything like it, this kind of consensus," said one Western diplomat in Tehran. "Even if you view it cynically, as I do, religion seems to be the rhetorical glue that holds it all together."
In an interview, one of Khamenei's top aides hinted that while some prohibited nuclear weapons work may have been carried out, the government has decided to put a stop to it.
"Those in Iran who clandestinely believed they could develop nuclear weapons have now been forced to admit that is forbidden under Islam," said Hussein Shariatmadari, who is president of the Kayhan chain of newspapers, controlled by Khamenei, and an unofficial spokesman for the supreme leader.
Shariatmadari added that there also are practical considerations behind the theological ban.
"A nuclear bomb is not like wine -- you can make in your home and hide it easily," he said. "No, the IAEA can find anything. So if you can't use it, why have it?" (MORE)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Saudi scholar slams Bin Laden
This new condemnation is just one of several from top Islamic scholars who have denounced Al-Qaeda and Bin Laden. Most Saudis, including the scholars, do NOT support Bin Laden and his Kharajite cronies.
The urban legend that most Saudis love Osama and subscribe to the Kharaji creed is one of the biggest lies told by media and so-called terrorism experts who have never visited Saudi Arabia.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=101271&d=17&m=9&y=2007&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
Oudah Denounces Bin Laden’s Ideology
Khaled Al-Awadh, Arab News
BURAIDAH, 17 September 2007 — In a major blow to the ideology of Osama Bin Laden and his followers in the Kingdom, Sheikh Salman ibn Fahad Al-Oudah, a popular Saudi religious scholar, has criticized the way in which Bin Laden has ruined Islam’s global image. “We as scholars of Islam reject what Osama does,” Al-Oudah wrote in an open letter posted on his website www.islamtoday.com. Al-Oudah also questioned the validity of Al-Qaeda using violence. “What have we gained from the destruction of a whole country such as Iraq and Afghanistan?” Al-Oudah said, adding that these wars have led to civil wars in the region. “Who benefits from turning countries like Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Morocco into insecure places?” he asked.
Many experts considered the letter as a major setback to Al-Qaeda’s ideology, as it comes from an influential Saudi scholar, who is not part of the official religious establishment.
“Brother Osama. How many wars and how much bloodshed have occurred in the name of Al-Qaeda? How many innocents, old men, children are killed in the name of Al-Qaeda? Are you happy to meet God carrying this heavy burden on your shoulders?” Al-Oudah asked.
He also criticized the Al-Qaeda leader’s lust for power at the expense of thousands of Muslims, who have been killed in wars initiated by Al-Qaeda. “Who is responsible for promoting the culture of killing and violence that has led to the destruction of families and societies? Who is responsible for the youths sent to wars leaving their crying mothers and sons?” Al-Oudah said.
“The attacks of Sept. 11 resulted in the deaths of thousands of human beings. Unknown callers to Islam (missionaries) are by far better. They help tens of thousands become Muslims without shedding blood,” he said.
Al-Oudah further slammed Al-Qaeda’s violent philosophy and attributed a decrease in the work of Islamic charities to Al-Qaeda. “Who is responsible for pursuing every charitable project in the world?” he said, adding that Al-Qaeda is responsible for filling prisons with Muslim youth — a phenomenon that will lead only to more violent and extremist acts.
Al-Oudah expressed sorrow over the current negative image of Islam saying that it has been severely damaged because of Al-Qaeda’s violent acts. “The image of Islam is not the one it used to be. The world is talking of Muslims killing non-Muslims. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not kill hypocrites who were mentioned in the Qur’an for fear of people describing the Prophet as a man who kills his companions,” Al-Oudah reminded Bin Laden in his letter.
The urban legend that most Saudis love Osama and subscribe to the Kharaji creed is one of the biggest lies told by media and so-called terrorism experts who have never visited Saudi Arabia.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=101271&d=17&m=9&y=2007&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
Oudah Denounces Bin Laden’s Ideology
Khaled Al-Awadh, Arab News
BURAIDAH, 17 September 2007 — In a major blow to the ideology of Osama Bin Laden and his followers in the Kingdom, Sheikh Salman ibn Fahad Al-Oudah, a popular Saudi religious scholar, has criticized the way in which Bin Laden has ruined Islam’s global image. “We as scholars of Islam reject what Osama does,” Al-Oudah wrote in an open letter posted on his website www.islamtoday.com. Al-Oudah also questioned the validity of Al-Qaeda using violence. “What have we gained from the destruction of a whole country such as Iraq and Afghanistan?” Al-Oudah said, adding that these wars have led to civil wars in the region. “Who benefits from turning countries like Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Morocco into insecure places?” he asked.
Many experts considered the letter as a major setback to Al-Qaeda’s ideology, as it comes from an influential Saudi scholar, who is not part of the official religious establishment.
“Brother Osama. How many wars and how much bloodshed have occurred in the name of Al-Qaeda? How many innocents, old men, children are killed in the name of Al-Qaeda? Are you happy to meet God carrying this heavy burden on your shoulders?” Al-Oudah asked.
He also criticized the Al-Qaeda leader’s lust for power at the expense of thousands of Muslims, who have been killed in wars initiated by Al-Qaeda. “Who is responsible for promoting the culture of killing and violence that has led to the destruction of families and societies? Who is responsible for the youths sent to wars leaving their crying mothers and sons?” Al-Oudah said.
“The attacks of Sept. 11 resulted in the deaths of thousands of human beings. Unknown callers to Islam (missionaries) are by far better. They help tens of thousands become Muslims without shedding blood,” he said.
Al-Oudah further slammed Al-Qaeda’s violent philosophy and attributed a decrease in the work of Islamic charities to Al-Qaeda. “Who is responsible for pursuing every charitable project in the world?” he said, adding that Al-Qaeda is responsible for filling prisons with Muslim youth — a phenomenon that will lead only to more violent and extremist acts.
Al-Oudah expressed sorrow over the current negative image of Islam saying that it has been severely damaged because of Al-Qaeda’s violent acts. “The image of Islam is not the one it used to be. The world is talking of Muslims killing non-Muslims. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not kill hypocrites who were mentioned in the Qur’an for fear of people describing the Prophet as a man who kills his companions,” Al-Oudah reminded Bin Laden in his letter.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Message for Friday - Suicide bombing violates Islamic law
The following fatwa (religious verdict) was issued in July 2005 by the leading Islamic scholars and organizations in the United States of Islam's clear opposition to terrorism.
See Arabic version here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/1999882586bf93/
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:
145 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams have endorsed the preceding fatwa as of July 28, 2005 (see below). More signatory organizations are to be added in the following days. To add your American Muslim organization to the list, please use the this form.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Muslim American Society (MAS)
Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada (MSA)
Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin
American Muslim Alliance
Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America
Islamic Networks Group & Affiliates
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada
USA Halal Chamber of Commerce, Inc & The Islamic Center for Halal Certification
Islamic Center of America
Islamic Sharia Advisory Institute of North America
Islamic Resource Group
Islamic Schools League of America
Kashmiri American Council
Minaret of Freedom Institute
Project Islamic HOPE
United Muslims of America
Muslim Ummah of North America
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
Islamic Center of Northeast Florida
Islamic Center of South Florida
Islamic Foundation of South Florida
Islamic Movement of Florida
Islamic Society of Central Florida
Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
Islamic Center of New England
Islamic Center of Maryland
Islamic Society of Washington Area
Muslim Federation of New Jersey
Islamic Council of Ohio
Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio
Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee
Islamic Association of West Virginia
Islamic Center of Little Rock
Greenway Islamic Center
Afghan Cultural Center
Al Nur Islamic Center
American Muslim Voice
Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center
Dar As-Salaam, Islamic Society of San Francisco
Elmhurst Islamic Center
Hidaya Foundation
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities
Islamic Center Of Fremont
Islamic Center of Pleasanton/Dublin
Islamic Center Of Reseda
Islamic Education Center
Islamic Learning and Practicing
Islamic Society of Orange County
Long Beach Islamic Center
Masjid Al- Rasul
Masjid Al- Taqwa
Muslim Community Association of the Peninsula
Muslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area
Muslim Community Center of San Francisco
Muslim Community Services, Inc.
South Bay Islamic Association
South Valley Islamic Center
Yaseen Foundation and the Muslim Community Center
Masjid Al- Kauthar
Assadiq Islamic Educational Foundation
Bay County Islamic Society Inc
Islamic Center of Boca Raton
Islamic Center of Tampa
Islamic Jaffaria Association
Islamic Society of Pinellas County
Masjid Al- Ansar
Masjid Al- Faizal
Masjid Al- Hijrah
Masjid Al- Ihsan
Masjid Al- Nahl
Masjid An- Noor
Masjid Jama Al Mumineen
Masjid Miami
Masjid Muttaqeen
Masjid Sahmsuddin
Miami Gardens Masjid
Muslim Community of Palm Beach County
Nur Ul Islam
Palm Beach Mosque
Dalton Islamic Center
Islamic Center of Marietta
Masjid Al Muminun
Islamic Center of Des Moines
Masjid Dar- ul-Argum
Belleville Mosque and Islamic Education Center
Masjid Centralia
The Mosque Foundation
The Muslim Community Center
Islamic Society of Michiana
Islamic Center of Somerset
Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport
Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddique
Islamic Society of Boston
Howard County Muslim Council
Islamic Society of Annapolis
Islamic Society of Baltimore
Mecca Learning Center
Muslim Community Center
Islamic House of Wisdom
Kalamazoo Islamic Center
Al- Mu'minun Islamic Center
Daar-ul-Islam Masjid
Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau
Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City
Masjid Al Heyder
Masjid Mohammed
Islamic Association of Cary
Islamic Association of Raleigh
Islamic Center of Raleigh
American Islamic Academy
Islamic Center Passaic County
Islamic Center Old Bridge
Islamic Educational Center North Hudson
Islamic Society Essex County
Muslim Center of Middlesex County
Siddiquia Jamia Masjid
Umar Mosque
Islamic Center of New Mexico
First Cleveland Mosque
Islamic Center of Cleveland
Islamic Society of Greater Columbus
Masjid Saad Foundation
Uqbah Mosque Foundation
Islamic Center of Portland , Masjid As-Saber
Foundation for Islamic Education
Muslim Community of Knoxville
Muslim Community of North East Tennessee
Masjid Al- Noor
Islamic Society of Greater Houston
Muslim Children Education & Civic Center
Islamic Society of Salt Lake City
All Dulles Area Muslim Society ( ADAMS )
Darassalam
Islamic Center of Virginia
Masjid Darul Huda
Muslim Association of Virginia
Mustafa Center
Islamic Center of Blacksburg VA
Rashid Lamptey
Rizwan Jaka
Islam Mossaad
Didmar Faja
Rashid Ahmed
Souleiman Ghani
Riaz Ahmad
Mubashir Ahmed
Ali Shakoor
Ahmad Sakr
Misbah Eldereiny
Muzammil Siddiqi
Shakeel Syed
Ismail Majoo
Tarek Mohamed
Mujahid Abdul-Karim
Abdul Karim Salih
M. Rezar Rahman
Tahir Anwar
Ilyas Anwar
Ziyad Dahbour
Rudolph Ali
Sayed Mohammad Jawad Qazwini
Hashem Mubrak
Jalal Khan
Zaid Malik
Hassan Sabri
Ziad Taha
Rashid Ahmad
Mohamed Banglori
Moneer Khan
Ziah Sheikh
Mohammed al Masri
Haitham Barazangi
Muhammad Sultan
Nasir Ahmed
Roshan Ali
Kamruz Hosein
Tarik Chebbi
Rashad Mujahid
Mohamed Zakaria Badat
Khalil Hussain
Hamid Samra
Usman Rahaman
Foad Farahi
Abdul Hamid Samra
Murtaza Kakli
Roshan Ali
Osman Chowdhury
Hammad El- Ameen
Amjad Taufique
Furqan Muhammad
Ibrahim Dremali
Abdul W. Kazi
Zahir Ansari
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Kifah Mustapha
Elkheir Elkheir
Mohammed Sirajuddin
Husein Turki
Sayed Jumaa Salam
Abdur Rahman Bashir
Talal Eid
Shaykh Besyouni
Anwer Hasan
Amin Ezzeddine
Mohammad Arrafa
Abid Husain
Faizul Khan
Azad Ejaz
Habib Diab Ghanim
Hasan Al- Qazwini
Mohammad Ali Elahi
Tariq Jameel
Samuel Ansari
Muhammad Nur Abdallah
Shafiq Malik
Shahir Safi
Hafiz Inayadullah
Said Mohammed
Maha El- Genaidi
Salam Al- Marayti
Mohamed Sheibani
Shakil Ahmed
Mohammed Bainonie
Shaykh Al- Tayyab
Mohammad Qatanani
Alvi Fakhruddin
Mohamed Alhayek
Ismail Elshikh
Abubakr Nadwi
Saif Ul-Nabi
Tariq Khawaja
Nimer Judeh
Isam Rajab
Abu Nuruzzaman
Abbas Ahmad
Zahid Siddiqi
Fawaz Damra
Sohail Khan
Siraj Haji
M. N. Tarazi
Ziad Abu Hummos
Ramez Islambouli
Samir Horani
Sheikh Mustafa Ahmad
Mohammad Islam
Taneem Aziz
Danish Siddiqui
Abdul Wahid
Ali Mohammed
Mohamed Magid
Mohammed M. Safa
Shaheed Coovadia
Abdul Hameed
Rafi Uddin Ahmed
Mohammad Zia
Mohamad Jamal Daoudi
Syed Samee
Agha Saeed
Sayed Moustafa Al- Qazwini
Anwar N Haddam
Zafar Siddiqui
Karen Keyworth
Ghulam Nabi Fai
Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad
Najee Ali
Zain Ali
Islamic Society of East Bay
Basit Qari
As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh
Imam Olivar Mohammed
Mohamed Elsanousi
Abdullah Akbar
(EACH) Education for Afghan Children
Zubair Alam
Hazem Galal
Muhammad Quadir
Discover Islam
Dr. Adel Elsaie
Basym Hasan
Muhammad 'Abdur-Razzaq Miller
Dr. Abdu Moheet
Mr. Mikal Akhtab
Al Islam In Focus Productions, Inc.
Jumaana Amatullah
Br. Waseem Abdul Baari
Sr. Jumaana Salma Amatullah
Br. Waa'il Abdul Salaam
Hamid Ahmed
Batavia Islamic Center
Muneeb Nasir
Olive Tree Foundation
Shahid Hashmi
Nur Azlina Abdul Aziz
Dr. Fauzia Khan
Ahmed Nezar
Islamic Center of the Capital District
Mohammed Joz
Salaam Muhammad
Mr. Abdul Wahab
Imam Ahmed Elkhaldy
Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Mr. Masum Azizi
Waqar Qureshi
Adam Abu Bakar
Roxie France-Nuriddin
Ayah Nuriddin
Mr. Sulman Yousuf
Br. Amjad Taufique
Islamic Center of Marietta/Masjid Al-Hedaya
The Ummah Project
Cherine Abdalla - Smith
Sr. Rafia Syeed
Bridging the Gap, INC
Afeefa Syeed
Al-Fatih Academy
Dr. Firoj Khan
Council of Pakistan American Affairs
Khalid Rashied
Imam Rabbil Ramjohn
Al-Huda Islamic Center
Rasidah Zan
Muslim Womens Education and Advocacy Network
Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Abdul Rahman and Ra'ufa Clark
Heart of the Rose (Tariqa Shadhuliyyah)
See Arabic version here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/1999882586bf93/
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:
145 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams have endorsed the preceding fatwa as of July 28, 2005 (see below). More signatory organizations are to be added in the following days. To add your American Muslim organization to the list, please use the this form.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Muslim American Society (MAS)
Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada (MSA)
Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin
American Muslim Alliance
Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America
Islamic Networks Group & Affiliates
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada
USA Halal Chamber of Commerce, Inc & The Islamic Center for Halal Certification
Islamic Center of America
Islamic Sharia Advisory Institute of North America
Islamic Resource Group
Islamic Schools League of America
Kashmiri American Council
Minaret of Freedom Institute
Project Islamic HOPE
United Muslims of America
Muslim Ummah of North America
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
Islamic Center of Northeast Florida
Islamic Center of South Florida
Islamic Foundation of South Florida
Islamic Movement of Florida
Islamic Society of Central Florida
Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
Islamic Center of New England
Islamic Center of Maryland
Islamic Society of Washington Area
Muslim Federation of New Jersey
Islamic Council of Ohio
Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio
Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee
Islamic Association of West Virginia
Islamic Center of Little Rock
Greenway Islamic Center
Afghan Cultural Center
Al Nur Islamic Center
American Muslim Voice
Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center
Dar As-Salaam, Islamic Society of San Francisco
Elmhurst Islamic Center
Hidaya Foundation
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities
Islamic Center Of Fremont
Islamic Center of Pleasanton/Dublin
Islamic Center Of Reseda
Islamic Education Center
Islamic Learning and Practicing
Islamic Society of Orange County
Long Beach Islamic Center
Masjid Al- Rasul
Masjid Al- Taqwa
Muslim Community Association of the Peninsula
Muslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area
Muslim Community Center of San Francisco
Muslim Community Services, Inc.
South Bay Islamic Association
South Valley Islamic Center
Yaseen Foundation and the Muslim Community Center
Masjid Al- Kauthar
Assadiq Islamic Educational Foundation
Bay County Islamic Society Inc
Islamic Center of Boca Raton
Islamic Center of Tampa
Islamic Jaffaria Association
Islamic Society of Pinellas County
Masjid Al- Ansar
Masjid Al- Faizal
Masjid Al- Hijrah
Masjid Al- Ihsan
Masjid Al- Nahl
Masjid An- Noor
Masjid Jama Al Mumineen
Masjid Miami
Masjid Muttaqeen
Masjid Sahmsuddin
Miami Gardens Masjid
Muslim Community of Palm Beach County
Nur Ul Islam
Palm Beach Mosque
Dalton Islamic Center
Islamic Center of Marietta
Masjid Al Muminun
Islamic Center of Des Moines
Masjid Dar- ul-Argum
Belleville Mosque and Islamic Education Center
Masjid Centralia
The Mosque Foundation
The Muslim Community Center
Islamic Society of Michiana
Islamic Center of Somerset
Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport
Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddique
Islamic Society of Boston
Howard County Muslim Council
Islamic Society of Annapolis
Islamic Society of Baltimore
Mecca Learning Center
Muslim Community Center
Islamic House of Wisdom
Kalamazoo Islamic Center
Al- Mu'minun Islamic Center
Daar-ul-Islam Masjid
Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau
Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City
Masjid Al Heyder
Masjid Mohammed
Islamic Association of Cary
Islamic Association of Raleigh
Islamic Center of Raleigh
American Islamic Academy
Islamic Center Passaic County
Islamic Center Old Bridge
Islamic Educational Center North Hudson
Islamic Society Essex County
Muslim Center of Middlesex County
Siddiquia Jamia Masjid
Umar Mosque
Islamic Center of New Mexico
First Cleveland Mosque
Islamic Center of Cleveland
Islamic Society of Greater Columbus
Masjid Saad Foundation
Uqbah Mosque Foundation
Islamic Center of Portland , Masjid As-Saber
Foundation for Islamic Education
Muslim Community of Knoxville
Muslim Community of North East Tennessee
Masjid Al- Noor
Islamic Society of Greater Houston
Muslim Children Education & Civic Center
Islamic Society of Salt Lake City
All Dulles Area Muslim Society ( ADAMS )
Darassalam
Islamic Center of Virginia
Masjid Darul Huda
Muslim Association of Virginia
Mustafa Center
Islamic Center of Blacksburg VA
Rashid Lamptey
Rizwan Jaka
Islam Mossaad
Didmar Faja
Rashid Ahmed
Souleiman Ghani
Riaz Ahmad
Mubashir Ahmed
Ali Shakoor
Ahmad Sakr
Misbah Eldereiny
Muzammil Siddiqi
Shakeel Syed
Ismail Majoo
Tarek Mohamed
Mujahid Abdul-Karim
Abdul Karim Salih
M. Rezar Rahman
Tahir Anwar
Ilyas Anwar
Ziyad Dahbour
Rudolph Ali
Sayed Mohammad Jawad Qazwini
Hashem Mubrak
Jalal Khan
Zaid Malik
Hassan Sabri
Ziad Taha
Rashid Ahmad
Mohamed Banglori
Moneer Khan
Ziah Sheikh
Mohammed al Masri
Haitham Barazangi
Muhammad Sultan
Nasir Ahmed
Roshan Ali
Kamruz Hosein
Tarik Chebbi
Rashad Mujahid
Mohamed Zakaria Badat
Khalil Hussain
Hamid Samra
Usman Rahaman
Foad Farahi
Abdul Hamid Samra
Murtaza Kakli
Roshan Ali
Osman Chowdhury
Hammad El- Ameen
Amjad Taufique
Furqan Muhammad
Ibrahim Dremali
Abdul W. Kazi
Zahir Ansari
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Kifah Mustapha
Elkheir Elkheir
Mohammed Sirajuddin
Husein Turki
Sayed Jumaa Salam
Abdur Rahman Bashir
Talal Eid
Shaykh Besyouni
Anwer Hasan
Amin Ezzeddine
Mohammad Arrafa
Abid Husain
Faizul Khan
Azad Ejaz
Habib Diab Ghanim
Hasan Al- Qazwini
Mohammad Ali Elahi
Tariq Jameel
Samuel Ansari
Muhammad Nur Abdallah
Shafiq Malik
Shahir Safi
Hafiz Inayadullah
Said Mohammed
Maha El- Genaidi
Salam Al- Marayti
Mohamed Sheibani
Shakil Ahmed
Mohammed Bainonie
Shaykh Al- Tayyab
Mohammad Qatanani
Alvi Fakhruddin
Mohamed Alhayek
Ismail Elshikh
Abubakr Nadwi
Saif Ul-Nabi
Tariq Khawaja
Nimer Judeh
Isam Rajab
Abu Nuruzzaman
Abbas Ahmad
Zahid Siddiqi
Fawaz Damra
Sohail Khan
Siraj Haji
M. N. Tarazi
Ziad Abu Hummos
Ramez Islambouli
Samir Horani
Sheikh Mustafa Ahmad
Mohammad Islam
Taneem Aziz
Danish Siddiqui
Abdul Wahid
Ali Mohammed
Mohamed Magid
Mohammed M. Safa
Shaheed Coovadia
Abdul Hameed
Rafi Uddin Ahmed
Mohammad Zia
Mohamad Jamal Daoudi
Syed Samee
Agha Saeed
Sayed Moustafa Al- Qazwini
Anwar N Haddam
Zafar Siddiqui
Karen Keyworth
Ghulam Nabi Fai
Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad
Najee Ali
Zain Ali
Islamic Society of East Bay
Basit Qari
As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh
Imam Olivar Mohammed
Mohamed Elsanousi
Abdullah Akbar
(EACH) Education for Afghan Children
Zubair Alam
Hazem Galal
Muhammad Quadir
Discover Islam
Dr. Adel Elsaie
Basym Hasan
Muhammad 'Abdur-Razzaq Miller
Dr. Abdu Moheet
Mr. Mikal Akhtab
Al Islam In Focus Productions, Inc.
Jumaana Amatullah
Br. Waseem Abdul Baari
Sr. Jumaana Salma Amatullah
Br. Waa'il Abdul Salaam
Hamid Ahmed
Batavia Islamic Center
Muneeb Nasir
Olive Tree Foundation
Shahid Hashmi
Nur Azlina Abdul Aziz
Dr. Fauzia Khan
Ahmed Nezar
Islamic Center of the Capital District
Mohammed Joz
Salaam Muhammad
Mr. Abdul Wahab
Imam Ahmed Elkhaldy
Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Mr. Masum Azizi
Waqar Qureshi
Adam Abu Bakar
Roxie France-Nuriddin
Ayah Nuriddin
Mr. Sulman Yousuf
Br. Amjad Taufique
Islamic Center of Marietta/Masjid Al-Hedaya
The Ummah Project
Cherine Abdalla - Smith
Sr. Rafia Syeed
Bridging the Gap, INC
Afeefa Syeed
Al-Fatih Academy
Dr. Firoj Khan
Council of Pakistan American Affairs
Khalid Rashied
Imam Rabbil Ramjohn
Al-Huda Islamic Center
Rasidah Zan
Muslim Womens Education and Advocacy Network
Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Abdul Rahman and Ra'ufa Clark
Heart of the Rose (Tariqa Shadhuliyyah)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Mufti of Egypt states that Muslim women should abandon face veils in Non-Muslim lands
The Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Ali Jumu`ah, recently stated that Muslim women should not wear niqaab (face veils) in Non-Muslim lands for the following reasons:1) She could cause undue strain and harrassment upon herself due to the face veil being outside of the social norms and customs of Non-Muslim societies.
2) Wearing the face veil can cause undue hardships and trouble for the broader Muslim community, the majority of which do not believe that the face veil is a religious obligation.
This statement, however, is not binding upon Muslim women outside of Muslim lands like any other fatwa from a mufti. This is his opinion out of other opinions within the Muslim world. However, Al-Azhar University, which he is a part of is the premier and oldest Islamic University in the world.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Walid speaks at MSU regarding Islam's position against terrorism
Last night's presentation at Michigan State University can be heard by cutting and pasting the following link:
http://media.putfile.com/Islam-is-against-terror-74
Notes from last night's discussion can be found here:
http://dawudwalid.blogspot.com/2006/09/message-for-friday-islam-clearly.html
http://media.putfile.com/Islam-is-against-terror-74
Notes from last night's discussion can be found here:
http://dawudwalid.blogspot.com/2006/09/message-for-friday-islam-clearly.html
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Female circumcision is against Islam
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Religion&loid=8.0.366442020&par=0
EGYPT: FEMALE CIRCUMCISION HAS NO PLACE IN ISLAM, SAYS AL-AZHAR CLERIC
Cairo, 6 Dec. (AKI) - The head of Cairo's Al Azhar university, the highest authority in Sunni Islam, has spoken out firmly against the practice of infibulation, still widely practised on young women in Egypt. "The practice of female genital mutilation ruins a woman's reproductive organs and is a practice which has nothing to do with Islam" said Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed al-Tantawi. His comments follow similar statements by the Grand Mufti of Egypt, vigorously rejecting the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) as un-Islamic.
Tantawi praised the publication of a pamphlet, "On the problems of reproduction caused by the practice of infibulation", which was presented in Cairo on Tuesday and reiterated the need to eliminate a practice "which as well as causing permanent damage to sexual organs, creates psychological illness and social problems which impact on married life."
Tantawi recalled that infibulation is not prescribed in the Koran and that the Prophet Mohammed did not have his daughters 'circumcised.'
Adressing an international conference on FGM in Cairo last month both the mufti Ali Gomaa and Tantawi reiterated that infibulation did not have religious roots but dates back to tribal traditions of the pre-Islamic area.
According to international organisations, female genital mutilation or infibulation is practised principally in sub Saharan Africa, in Egypt, Yemen, Sudan and Oman.
It is a practice that does not have religious roots even if some imams apparently consider it "positive for the psychological development" of young women. It is a widely held opinion in these countries that cutting the clitoris reduces sexual desire, helping young women to preserve their virginity.
According to the World Health Organisation, thousands of girls around the world each day undergo this practice with severe - sometimes fatal - consequences for their general health, capacity to bear children and their mental wellbeing. The WHO estimates that some 150 million women have undergone the process.
In 1995, an estimated 97 percent of young women in Egypt were 'circumcised'.
In 1996, the Egyptian health ministry issued a decree banning the practice, but leaving doctors discretionary powers to carry out circumcision if they felt it was neccessary.
In Egypt today there are only a handful of villages which are declared "mutilation-free" following information campaigns and monitoring by international agencies and NGOs. According to rights group Amnesty International, some 75 percent of girls in the country still undergo genital mutilation.
EGYPT: FEMALE CIRCUMCISION HAS NO PLACE IN ISLAM, SAYS AL-AZHAR CLERIC
Cairo, 6 Dec. (AKI) - The head of Cairo's Al Azhar university, the highest authority in Sunni Islam, has spoken out firmly against the practice of infibulation, still widely practised on young women in Egypt. "The practice of female genital mutilation ruins a woman's reproductive organs and is a practice which has nothing to do with Islam" said Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed al-Tantawi. His comments follow similar statements by the Grand Mufti of Egypt, vigorously rejecting the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) as un-Islamic.
Tantawi praised the publication of a pamphlet, "On the problems of reproduction caused by the practice of infibulation", which was presented in Cairo on Tuesday and reiterated the need to eliminate a practice "which as well as causing permanent damage to sexual organs, creates psychological illness and social problems which impact on married life."
Tantawi recalled that infibulation is not prescribed in the Koran and that the Prophet Mohammed did not have his daughters 'circumcised.'
Adressing an international conference on FGM in Cairo last month both the mufti Ali Gomaa and Tantawi reiterated that infibulation did not have religious roots but dates back to tribal traditions of the pre-Islamic area.
According to international organisations, female genital mutilation or infibulation is practised principally in sub Saharan Africa, in Egypt, Yemen, Sudan and Oman.
It is a practice that does not have religious roots even if some imams apparently consider it "positive for the psychological development" of young women. It is a widely held opinion in these countries that cutting the clitoris reduces sexual desire, helping young women to preserve their virginity.
According to the World Health Organisation, thousands of girls around the world each day undergo this practice with severe - sometimes fatal - consequences for their general health, capacity to bear children and their mental wellbeing. The WHO estimates that some 150 million women have undergone the process.
In 1995, an estimated 97 percent of young women in Egypt were 'circumcised'.
In 1996, the Egyptian health ministry issued a decree banning the practice, but leaving doctors discretionary powers to carry out circumcision if they felt it was neccessary.
In Egypt today there are only a handful of villages which are declared "mutilation-free" following information campaigns and monitoring by international agencies and NGOs. According to rights group Amnesty International, some 75 percent of girls in the country still undergo genital mutilation.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Islamic Scholars respond to the Pope's speech
Open Letter to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI by 38 Leading Muslim Scholars and Leaders
In an unprecedented move, an open letter signed by 38 leading Muslim religious scholars and leaders around the world was sent to Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 12, 2006. The letter, which is the outcome of a joint effort, was signed by top religious authorities such as Shaykh Ali Jumu'ah (the Grand Mufti of Egypt), Shakyh Abdullah bin Bayyah (former Vice President of Mauritania, and leading religious scholar), and Shaykh Sa'id Ramadan Al-Buti (from Syria), in addition to the Grand Muftis of Russia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Istanbul, Uzbekistan, and Oman, as well as leading figures from the Shi'a community such as Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Taskhiri of Iran. The letter was also signed by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan and by Muslim scholars in the West such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf from California, Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Professor Tim Winter of the University of Cambridge.
All the eight schools of thought and jurisprudence in Islam are represented by the signatories, including a woman scholar. In this respect the letter is unique in the history of interfaith relations.
The letter was sent, in a spirit of goodwill, to respond to some of the remarks made by the Pope during his lecture at the University of Regensburg on Sept. 12, 2006. The letter tackles the main substantive issues raised in his treatment of a debate between the medieval Emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian, including reason and faith; forced conversion; jihad vs. holy war; and the relationship between Christianity and Islam. They engage the Pope on an intellectual level concerning these crucial topics, which go well beyond the controversial quotation of the emperor pointing out what they see as mistakes and oversimplifications in the Pope's own remarks about Islamic belief and practice.
The Muslim signatories appreciate the Pope's personal expression of sorrow at the Muslim reaction and his assurance that the words of the Byzantine emperor he quoted did not reflect his personal opinion. By following the Quranic precept of debating in the fairest way, they hope to reach out so as to increase mutual understanding, reestablish trust, calm the situation for the sake of peace, and preserve Muslim dignity.
Christianity and Islam make up more than half of humankind in an increasingly interconnected world, the letter states, and it is imperative that both sides share responsibility for peace and move the debate towards a frank and sincere dialogue of hearts and minds which furthers mutual understanding and respect between the two religious traditions. Indeed, the scholars point out, both religions teach what Christianity calls the two greatest commandments. The commandment that the Lord our God is one Lord and that we shall love Him with all we are is enshrined in the first testimony of faith in Islam, There is god but God. The second commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself is also found in the words of the Prophet, None of you believes until he desires for his neighbor (in another version, his brother) what he desires for himself. The signatories also point out the positive contacts the Vatican has had with the Islamic world in the past, with a hope that they will continue and even grow in the future. [end]
The official and full English version of the text along with the complete list of signatories is available now on the Islamica Magazine website (www.IslamicaMagazine.com).
In an unprecedented move, an open letter signed by 38 leading Muslim religious scholars and leaders around the world was sent to Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 12, 2006. The letter, which is the outcome of a joint effort, was signed by top religious authorities such as Shaykh Ali Jumu'ah (the Grand Mufti of Egypt), Shakyh Abdullah bin Bayyah (former Vice President of Mauritania, and leading religious scholar), and Shaykh Sa'id Ramadan Al-Buti (from Syria), in addition to the Grand Muftis of Russia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Istanbul, Uzbekistan, and Oman, as well as leading figures from the Shi'a community such as Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Taskhiri of Iran. The letter was also signed by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan and by Muslim scholars in the West such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf from California, Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Professor Tim Winter of the University of Cambridge.
All the eight schools of thought and jurisprudence in Islam are represented by the signatories, including a woman scholar. In this respect the letter is unique in the history of interfaith relations.
The letter was sent, in a spirit of goodwill, to respond to some of the remarks made by the Pope during his lecture at the University of Regensburg on Sept. 12, 2006. The letter tackles the main substantive issues raised in his treatment of a debate between the medieval Emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian, including reason and faith; forced conversion; jihad vs. holy war; and the relationship between Christianity and Islam. They engage the Pope on an intellectual level concerning these crucial topics, which go well beyond the controversial quotation of the emperor pointing out what they see as mistakes and oversimplifications in the Pope's own remarks about Islamic belief and practice.
The Muslim signatories appreciate the Pope's personal expression of sorrow at the Muslim reaction and his assurance that the words of the Byzantine emperor he quoted did not reflect his personal opinion. By following the Quranic precept of debating in the fairest way, they hope to reach out so as to increase mutual understanding, reestablish trust, calm the situation for the sake of peace, and preserve Muslim dignity.
Christianity and Islam make up more than half of humankind in an increasingly interconnected world, the letter states, and it is imperative that both sides share responsibility for peace and move the debate towards a frank and sincere dialogue of hearts and minds which furthers mutual understanding and respect between the two religious traditions. Indeed, the scholars point out, both religions teach what Christianity calls the two greatest commandments. The commandment that the Lord our God is one Lord and that we shall love Him with all we are is enshrined in the first testimony of faith in Islam, There is god but God. The second commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself is also found in the words of the Prophet, None of you believes until he desires for his neighbor (in another version, his brother) what he desires for himself. The signatories also point out the positive contacts the Vatican has had with the Islamic world in the past, with a hope that they will continue and even grow in the future. [end]
The official and full English version of the text along with the complete list of signatories is available now on the Islamica Magazine website (www.IslamicaMagazine.com).
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