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ISNA Denounces Al-Awlaki's Extremist Message of Calling on Muslims to Kill Civilians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESource:
ISNA(Plainfield, IN - May 25, 2010) - The
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) vigorously condemns Anwar
Al-Awlaki's latest video message of violence that reportedly urges
attacks on America.
Such calls to perpetrate violent acts find
no ground in Islamic teachings. Renowned Muslim American scholars have
rejected Al-Awlaki's extremist views which are based on lack of proper
traditional Islamic training and discipline, a prerequisite for issuing
Islamic opinions.
In 2005, ISNA sponsored a Fatwa, or Islamic
religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism issued by the Fiqh
Council of North America. The Fatwa 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 civilian life and property through suicide
bombings or any other method is haram - or forbidden - and those who
commit such 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."
ISNA
reiterates its condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism in the
strongest terms and calls upon Muslim parents, teachers, leaders and
Imams to take time to educate young people and their communities about
the danger presented by the deviant teachings of self proclaimed
scholars like Al-Awlaki.
Click
here to view American Muslims Position Against Terrorism and Religious Extremism
Click
here to watch videos on American Muslim Scholars Speak Out Against Terrorism and Extremism
Click
here to read the Fiqh Council of North America Fatwa against Terrorism
Founded
in 1963, ISNA is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in the United
States and Canada, and its mission is to provide a common platform for
presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing
educational, social and outreach programs, and fostering good relations
with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.
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