BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders

Subject: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 09:16 AM

This is the full text of the fatwa, which in Islam has the force of law.

Text of the Fatwa

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 [unjustly]…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.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: freda underhill
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 09:27 AM

8 July 2005

AUSTRALIAN MUSLIMS CONDEMN LONDON BOMBINGS

"Muslims of Australia condemn the barbaric and indiscriminate attacks in London last night that caused the deaths of some 38 innocent persons and seriously injured many hundreds," said Dr Ameer Ali, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils from his home in Perth this morning. He added that there can be no justification whatsoever for such acts that target innocent masses. Dr Ali stressed that the religion of Islam does not preach such acts of terrorism and rightly condemns those who do so even if they are Muslims.

He joined other religious and community leaders in expressing condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of those who have been injured.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Shakey
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 09:35 AM

Well said Freda.

From what I've seen here in the UK, the majority, moderate muslims are at last finding their voice. It's these people that will ultimately defeat AQ. It's our job to support them. Far too often it's the radicals that get all the attention (the insatiable thirst of the press for a "story") while the silent majority and their more vocal leaders are ignored. There was a typhoon (or hurricane, I never can remember which is which) in Birmingham (UK) yesterday, when was the last time the headlines told us about a sunny day, yes it happens but not often.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: CarolC
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 10:37 AM

That's a good fatwa.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 11:18 AM

that's a good start. Continued pressure from moderate men is necessary to have any hope of slowing this situation. I do not understand exactly how the Muslim hierarchy works, but voices of reason can only help.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 11:45 AM

Excellent. The fatwa is entirely in accord with views expressed by various Muslims I know here in Canada. Islam, like other religions, is based on high ideals. This should not be forgotten because of the activities of a few violent fanatics.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: GUEST,Not that guest, and not that one, either
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 12:39 PM

I can only echo what has already been said. Oh, and when moderate Christians finally issue their own fatwah to remind their own fundamentalists of Christ's true message, the world will be on a better path to a much better place.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 12:43 PM

You're Guest # 152, right? Well said, 152.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 02:20 PM

Excellent fatwa. What worries me is that we all agree. Where is GUEST, Hallam, to spout his venom?

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: John Hardly
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 02:48 PM

Sounds good.

....and guest 12:39,

When the fundamentalists of Christianity -- like the Amish, for instance -- start strapping on explosives and taking out innocent people, the moderates will speak up. They already speak up in condemnation when a loose cannon here and there blasts off. And doesn't that make all the difference in the world to you?

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 03:03 PM

not to be devisive or take away from the declaration but

If only the US Miltaristic Christian administration made a declaration against terror weapons including laser guided bombs, nuclear missles, torture and the like

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: robomatic
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 05:06 PM

I'd like to put together a Good Grammar Fatwa. And I'd like the Brits and Yanks to put together a spelling Fatwa. And I'd like the National Academy of Sciences to put together a Darwinian Fatwa. And I'd like to get together a reconsideration of King Canute's Tidal Fatwa.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: GUEST,NH Dave - new browser
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 04:43 PM

Donuel, what do you find more terroristic about laser or GPS guided bombs? By and large they go where they were sent, like a bloodhound, rather than scattering and killing indescriminently like CBUs, Napalm, chemical or biological agents, and nuclear weapons.   

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: jpk
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 04:58 PM

not worth noting

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: Shakey
Date: 30 Jul 05 - 08:04 PM

Guest dave, stick around but learn to "the US is evil" or get a hard hat, I buy them wholesale, saves me a bit of money.

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 31 Jul 05 - 12:29 PM

We all need scapegoats

Subject: RE: BS: Fatwa from No. American Islamic Leaders
From: robomatic
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 03:00 AM

Maybe we should return to the practise of actually using GOATS as our scapegoats.

It's a sad observation, but it would be a step up on the morality scale.