Jeddah, 17th August 2003
In a statement on the recent bombings in the Kingdom, the Senior Ulema (religious scholars) Commission, presided over by Chairman Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, condemned the terrorist acts that aimed to sabotage the country, kill innocent people, and horrify the international community.
Following a week’s study, the 17-member Council said that it is the duty of senior Ulema to enlighten people on the pillars of their religion at this critical time, in order to avert ignorant following of deviant ideology, and breaches of the unity of the nation.
Referring to the large supplies of weapons and ammunition found at hideouts in different parts of the Kingdom, the statement warned of the danger of these attempts to launch a new wave of terrorist attacks, which put the interests of the nation at devastating risk.
The statement said that such acts of subversion, bombings, killing, and destruction of property, are serious criminal acts threatening people and damaging public and private property: crimes that justify capital punishment.
The council categorically denied, and denounced claims that such acts fall within the category of Jihad (striving for the faith), according to the Islamic definition of the word, and described anybody who commits these acts as seriously deviating from the path of the Muslim community.
The Senior Ulema Commission expressed full support for the steps taken by the Saudi authorities to root out terrorism, since it totally contravenes the Islamic religion of peace, tolerance and fraternity.
The statement called on all citizens to cooperate with the authorities to implement these steps, and warned them of the sinfulness of providing shelter or any kind of refuge for terrorists or their associates.
The statement also urged all Ulema to undertake their duty of guiding people, in order to distinguish between right and wrong. The Council of Senior Ulema denounced deviant Fatwas (legal opinion) that justify acts of terror and destabilizing the life of Muslims as part of Jihad. Whoever issues such Fatwas should be brought to justice and face punishment, the statement said. Such Fatwas contradict the clear instructions of the holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him.
The Senior Ulema Council also condemned statements in the foreign media linking the acts of sabotage in the country with religious institutions and religious educational curricula. It said that such endeavours to defame our religion target the pillars of Islam and the nation.
The statement stressed the importance of remaining united in the face of internal and external endeavours to undermine the country, citing deviant groups within the Kingdom, and the spurious claims of foreign campaigns. The Council said that attempting to dissuade people from allegiance to their leaders constitutes sedition, a most serious sin.
The Council stressed the necessity of initiating youth in the correct teachings of Islam, so as to avert wrongdoing and misguidance by deviant teachings. It urged dedication to Islam, the instructions of the Holy Quran, and the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him.
Source: SPA
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