Fiqh Council of North America Issues a FATWA AGAINST TERROR

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/28/05) - The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) today released a fatwa or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism. The fatwa was sponsored by CAIR and Islamic Society of North America and endorsed by more than 120 U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institutions.  (The term "fiqh" refers to Islamic jurisprudence.)

The fatwa, released during a news conference this morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., states in part:

"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'. In the light of the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state: 

• All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam.
• It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
• 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."

The Press Conference was addressed by Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Fiqh Council and a member of ISNA Board and a former President of ISNA. The current president of ISNA, Sheikh Muhammad Nur Abdullah, also addressed the press conference.

For more details, please call:
Mohamed Elsanousi
Director of Communications and Community Outreach
Islamic Society of North America
(202) 544-6767
Email: melsanousi@isna.net