http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article19612.ece
Al-Asheikh calls for fighting terrorism By ARAB NEWS Published: Feb 20, 2010 12:35 AM Updated: Feb 20, 2010 1:29 AM RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's top religious authority on Friday denounced terrorism as un-Islamic and condemned the killing of civilians, saying such attacks have nothing to do with Islam. "Terrorism is criminal and spills the blood of innocents," said Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh, chairman of the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars. "It attacks security, spreads terror among people and creates problems for society ... Such acts are forbidden by Islamic law," he said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. "It is necessary to fight the attempts of some to attach terrorism to Islam and Muslims with the goal of distorting the religion and assailing its leadership role in the world," he added. Al-Asheikh's statement came on the eve of a workshop on combating terrorism and its financing. The workshop, to be held in Riyadh, has been organized by the Commission for Investigation and Public Prosecution in association with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in the Middle East and North Africa. Eleven international experts are to take part in the program. "Saudi Arabia has been fighting terrorism for many years. It has a wealth of experience in successfully combating terrorism and terror financing," said Al-Asheikh emphasizing the need to make use of Saudi Arabia's expertise in the field. He said Islam has prohibited killing innocent people. "If anyone kills a person, and this killing is not in retaliation for a murder or is done to spread mischief in the land, then it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind. And if anyone saves a life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind," the mufti said quoting a verse from the Holy Qur'an. Al-Asheikh called for international cooperation to fight terrorism, something that threatens not only Muslims but the whole of mankind. "We should dry the sources of terror funding and their sources of weapons," he said. The three-day workshop in Riyadh will include 16 sessions, which will focus on expanding international cooperation and developing judicial systems and regulations to confront terrorism and exchanging information among countries and international organizations. Topics such as the Kingdom's experience in combating terrorism, the UAE's anti-terror legislation and the efforts of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in fighting terrorism are also to be discussed at the workshop. +++ Comments Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Riyadh Feb 20, 2010 12:42 PM Report abuse Religion of Peace and Justice Terrorism is alien to Islam. Islam believes in Peace and Justice. In Islam killing an innocent human being irrespective whether he is a Muslim or non-Muslim is not allowed. It gives emphasis to saving the lives of fellow beings. Islam motives its followers by saying that killing an innocent human being is like killing the entire Mankind and saving a human being is equivalent to saving the entire Mankind. Unfortunately vested elements with ulterior motives have over the years linked terrorism with Islam. However due to availability of information and awareness this should change. The root causes of terrorism should be explored and addressed properly to end the menace of Terrorism. More awareness programs should be launched to correct the mis-understanding among all. amer Feb 21, 2010 12:45 AM Report abuse Its about time such public prouncements are made. More and more religious auhorities and scholars should make such statements publicly and privately, not just for media purposes but also believe and preach that Islam is a religion of peace, justice and promotes caring and decent treatment of the poor and vulnerable. alan garfield Feb 21, 2010 12:55 AM Report abuse Where have you been Grand Mufti. I have always believed Islam is a religeon of peace. How have you and others allowed it to be hijacked by criminals and let loose on an ignorant world. BARKAT ALI CHHIPA Feb 21, 2010 1:11 AM Report abuse This is very timely address from the Grand Mufti.It truly represents the Islamic teachings.It is the clear message to all who has ill concept in the mind that they are serving the Islam by doing this barbarism.May Allah SWT navigate them at the right path.Aameen Debasish Sarkar Feb 21, 2010 1:21 AM Report abuse I have worked in Saudi Arabia, my experience was fantastic,I must say it is a fantastic country. But if you say about terrorism, saudi nationals are biggest donnors to the various terrorist organization even today. The authority should check that. The young Saudi national should be brought to the main stream,the majority of the Saudi youth are disorganized,unfocussed and not educated enough to distinguish the good and evil,they should receive quality education,offcourse Islam should be the main subject but it should be from the main stream organization. A broader approach is required to streamline this process. The youth are the main driving force of any country. To give a effective direction and bring them to the main stream soceity should be the prime task of the goverment and the honourable King. Regards, [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
