london bombings statements ISLAMIC STATEMENTS AGAINST TERRORISM FATWAS FROM MUSLIM SCHOLARS Sheikh Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi "Those responsible for London attacks are criminals who do not represent Islam or even truly understand (its message)...This is illogical and cannot be the motive for killing innocent civilians." Statement from Sheikh Fawzy el "We received with great sadness the news of the terrorist attacks in London this morning. Islam and all other religions denounce such attacks on innocent civilians in any form. We give our full hearted condolences to the families of the victims. We also appeal to all Islamic and non Islamic organizations to cooperate with each other to stand firm against terrorism which is rejected by all religions."
Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani RESPONSES FROM MUSLIM AND ARAB PERSONALITIES AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM Sheikh Dr Zaki Badawi
Islamic Cultural Centre
Sir Iqbal Sacranie
"What I can say about the attacks is that they were evil and cowardly. It's not Muslim, it's not Christian or Hindu, it’s a criminal act. On behalf of the MA Al-Kharafi Centre and the Muslim community at large, we offer our condolences to the bereaved families...We disassociate the Muslim community from these so-called Islamic terrorists. Islam does not accept or advocate such atrocities, and I would not call them Muslims...I would call them very evil, sick-minded people who know no boundary or limit to their evilness." "We are shocked and distressed by these incidents which has hit our country's capital and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffered injuries and the families of those who have lost their lives. We continue to condemn in no uncertain terms all such cowardly acts of violence…We would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Muslim students to offer our support and assistance to the emergency services who have reacted swiftly and efficiently." "Incidents such as those that took place in London on 7 July are absolutely to be condemned by Islam and Muslims. They are in flagrant violation of the Shari’ah and all the Laws of God. They constitute banditry (qat’u-t tariq) under the laws against outrages (baghy), and are capital crimes. It is the duty of believers to help hunt down the perpetrators and have them suitably punished. We endorse and re-iterate the fatawa of the late Shaykh ‘Abdu-l ‘Aziz bin Baz (after the Riyadh Bombing) and Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi and other eminent scholars after September 11, 2001. The perpetrators of these acts cannot be Muslims, for in committing them they have exited Islam. Muslims, however, must resist any attempts to identify them with these outrages." "I am horrified at the nightmarish acts of carnage we have just seen inflicted on London and its people in what authorities are describing as coordinated terror attacks. What on earth these murderers think they can gain by blowing up innocent men, women and children is impossible to imagine. No doubt the fatalities will include people of all religions and races without discrimination. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who have suffered loss or injury." "We are deeply shocked that these are homegrown bombers, and the vast majority of the Muslim community condemn these barbaric attacks." Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham "The Muslim Community is devastated due to this terrible act of terrorism perpetrated by these evil people. Terrorist has no religion or nationality because in London they have killed Muslims, Hindus, Christians and all Londoners and we shall not be deterred to taking these people on and no one should give them any sanctuary. I want to say that the Muslim community needs to have patience and courage because we are passing through a very difficult time. Because of these atrocious attacks people will be suspicious and angry and there may be some reprisals. We must not suffer in silence and every case must be reported to the police." "Terrorists do not belong to any religious group. They are the number one enemy of their religion. Killing innocent people is an act of barbarians. I can never understand what they are trying to prove by taking the lives of innocent men, women and children. I wholeheartedly condemn this sort of terrorist activities. If they are Muslims, Islam does not allow taking the lives of innocent people even at the time of Holy war. That was a clear message from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism also do not allow taking the lives of innocent people." Syed Aziz Pasha "The British Muslims condemn the terrorist attacks in London which has resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to many innocent civilians. We convey our condolences to the families of the victims of this atrocity. We want to reiterate the fact that Islam is a religion of peace and justice which promotes human brotherhood worldwide. The British Muslims are peaceful and law-abiding citizens which are making a significant contribution to the moral and material prosperity of this country." Sheikh Abdul Qayyum "We are part of the rich diversity of British life, and we strive with other faiths for the betterment of our society. Allah has blessed us with good relationships with the rest of the British community which, despite the world events of recent years, continue to improve. By working hard together, consulting one another and extending the hand of friendship, Britain is becoming a great example of a multicultural society for the rest of the world…The evil people who planned and carried out these indiscriminate acts of terror…are criminals. No religion can accept what they have done. Their actions are crime and terror, which all should condemn….Killing innocent people is not allowed at all in Islam, rather it is one of the major sins, as it is totally against the principles of justice. Those people who committed the atrocities in London…, when many innocent people were killed and injured, have abandoned justice and resorted to a heinous crime. If they had any proper understanding of the teachings of Islam, they would never have committed such evil deeds. Islam came to save human life, not to destroy it." Dilowar Hussain Khan "Whoever it is cannot have done so in the name of Islam. This kind of action is never justified by any religion...These are criminal acts...It is very important we show this is not a Muslim issue. It is an issue of right and wrong." "The bloody explosions which shook London last Thursday morning did not just kill and maim, they also created a strong barrier in the relations between the children of Islam and the West, and put the Muslim religion in the position of being the first accused. Then, ‘the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades’ - a group with ties to al-Qaeda claimed responsibility. Islamic scholars are saddened by the bloody explosions and have condemned them. They have declared the innocence of the Islamic religion from the bombings, considering the Islamic religion to be a window to the word of God, and human nature, whereas what this group has done has met with no understanding among Muslims and they are, in fact, enemies [of the religion]." Shaykh Faraz Rabbani "There is no Islamic justification possible for crimes against humanity, such as the recent London bombings. The killing of innocents is against basic humanity, and has absolutely no place in the Shariah. The Shariah came to preserve five fundamental interests (maqasid): religion, life, intellect, honor, and property. Things that harm any of these are contrary to the very foundations of Divine Law. God tells us in the Noble Qur’an (5:32): The Islamic Foundation "The Islamic Foundation is shocked and horrified at the bomb attacks in London today. We join everyone in condemning such acts of wanton and senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic moment. The Director General, Dr Manazir Ahsan said: “We deplore these barbaric acts and hope that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice quickly. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the victims and their families.” This is an attack on all of us, and all communities of faith, and of none, need to stand together in calm and resolute purpose against terrorism, hatred and extremism." "In our Law, the ends can never justify the means except when the means are in themselves permissible…as is made clear in the following famous legal statement: The means to a reward is itself a reward and the means to a sin is itself a sin…To put it plainly, there is no legal precedent in the history of Sunni Islam for the tactic of attacking civilians and overtly non-military targets. Yet the awful reality is that a minority of Sunni Muslims…have perpetuated such acts in the name of Jihad and on behalf of the Umma….There can be no legal justification, nor can there be a legitimate Shar‘i excuse, for circumventing the convention of war by targeting non-combatants whatsoever, and the [Divine Law] of killing them is not only that it [is] Forbidden but also a Major Sin and contravenes one of the principle commandments of our way of life…." Muslim Welfare House, London "MWH has been shocked and deeply disturbed by the seemingly orchestrated acts of terror across London this morning. We reiterate our position as wholly and utterly opposed to all acts of terrorism and hold that the perpetrators of this barbaric crime should be sought and brought to justice. The harrowing images of innocent commuters caught up in this tragedy serves to reinforce our will to continue to work against the destructive and dogged determination of terrorist elements. In these efforts we reach out to others in society, including friends from other faith communities, strengthened by a common religious opposition to terrorism and a common desire for peace and calm." AhlulBait Islamic Mission "The AhlulBayt Islamic Mission hereby joins the masses in condemning these barbaric acts of terrorism and shares the grief and sorrow of the nation…We call on British Muslims and non-Muslims to stand united in opposition to terrorism and to help safeguarding our society from people who are acting outside of religious values and the law…We also call on Muslim clerics in Britain to speak out of their opposition to terrorism and preach for state unity at this difficult time. We would like to reiterate that Islam is a religion of peace, justice and freedom and we disassociate ourselves with any organisation – claiming to be Muslim or otherwise; which carries out acts which are contradictory to the teachings of Islam. Verily we are from God and to Him we shall return." Muslim Safety Forum "The members of the MSF, watched with dismay, shock and deep sadness the events that unfolded today in London. As Londoners, our first thoughts are with those who have been injured or lost their lives and with their families…the MSF would like to express its total condemnation of such terrible acts and gross violations of the law of humanity. The MSF would like to re-iterate that the true message of Islam is one of Peace, Justice and the love of humanity. Islam holds the sanctity of human life in the highest possible regard and shedding the blood of an innocent person is seen as a most heinous and repulsive crime." Dr. Ghayasuddin Siddiqui "[The attacks are] inhuman, mindless and unwarranted… Our heart goes out to those who have lost or got injured their loved ones in the carnage." Dr. Munir Ahmed "The ISB extends its deep-felt sympathy to the families of those killed and to all those who have been hurt or wounded in the explosions. The ISB stands in solidarity with the nation, It is absolutely imperative that we all, Muslim or not, as citizens wishing to live together in a secure, civilised society, stand up and fight these acts. This is a time for us all to pull together and heal each other’s wounds. It’s a time to draw close in tenderness, but also in outrage. We hope the perpetrators are brought to justice for the utter horror of their attacks at such a critical stage." "…The Muslim Association of Britain expresses its disgust with the contempt in which the perpetrators appear to hold human life. Islam holds the sanctity of human life in the highest possible regard and shedding the blood of an innocent person is seen as a crime most heinous and repulsive. The Muslim Association of Britain calls on Muslims everywhere to be clear and strong in declaring the fundamentals of Islam which emphasise the principles of peace, justice and humanity…." "The Islamic Human Rights Commission condemns in no uncertain terms the attacks perpetrated in London this morning." Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK "London’s Muslims are shocked as our city has been the victim of what appears to be a coordinated terrorist attack….MPACUK expresses deepest sympathy with all the families of those affected and commends the emergency services for their fast response to the attacks…." Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK "Everyone was shocked at yesterday’s events and felt sympathy for those who were injured or lost their lives to this tragedy. Muslims need to engage with the wider public on issues relating to this and we need to let it be known that British Muslims DO NOT condone such acts of violence against the innocent anywhere in the world. Today’s Khutbas [prayer sermons] should reflect this and should focus on activating Muslims into portraying to the wider world what real Islam teaches. We should not sit back and allow these acts of terrorism to cause a divide based on religion between citizens of this country…." Joint statement by Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders, Aldgate Station "Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of these atrocities, their families, friends and colleagues. The faith communities are united in condemning the outrageous acts of terror, and we stand together in mutual support at this difficult time. We are proud that relations between our communities in London are strong and vibrant, and we are determined that far from causing division, these tragic events will bring us loser together through our shared values in a spirit of genuine peace and harmony. Joint statement from the Muslim Council of Britain and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland "The scriptures and the traditions of both Muslim and Christian communities repudiate the use of such violence. Religious precepts cannot be used to justify such crimes, which are completely contrary to our teaching and practice. These attacks strengthen our determination to live together in peace, and to grow together in mutual understanding." Abu Basir al-Tarsusi "…a disgraceful and shameful act, with no manhood, bravery or morality." RESPONSES FROM MUSLIM AND ARAB INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Fiqh Council of North America Signatories: Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Dr. Abdul Hakim Jackson, Dr. Ahmad Shleibak, Dr. Akbar Muhammad, Dr. Deina Abdulkadir, Shaikh Hassan Qazwini, Dr. Ihsan Bagby, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Dr. Muhammad Adam Sheikh, Shaikh Muhammad Al- Hanooti, Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdallah, Dr. Salah Soltan, Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani, Shaikh Yahya Hindi, Shaikhah Zainab Alwani, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Dr. Mukhtar Maghraoui, Dr. Nazih Hammad, Imam Rabbil Ramjohn and the following Islamic mosques and organizations: Afghan Cultural Center, Al Nur Islamic Center, Rashid Ahmed, Director, All Dulles Area Muslim Society, Mohamed Magid, Imam, Al-Mu'minun Islamic Center, Samuel Ansari, American Islamic Academy, Shaykh Al-Tayyab, American Moslem Society, Mahdi Ali, Imam, American Muslim Voice, Assadiq Islamic Educational Foundation, Sayed Mohammad Jawad Qazwini, Imam, Auburn Islamic Center, Mark Hamza Dougherty, President Bay County Islamic Society Inc, Hashem Mubrak, Belleville Mosque and Islamic Education Center, Dr. Abdul W. Kazi, Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center, Allaedin Ezzedin, Imam Campus Mosque of Scranton, Imam, Cincinnati Islamic Center, Ilyas Nashid, Imam, Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland (CMGC), Council of Masajid, Cleveland, Daar-ul-Islam Masjid, Muhammad Nur Abdallah, Dalton Islamic Center, Hammad El-Ameen, President, Darassalam, Mohammed M. Safa, Discover Islam Foundation, Muhammad Quadir, Ershad Institute, Elmhurst Islamic Center, Riaz Ahmad, Mufti First Cleveland Mosque, Abbas Ahmad, Imam, Fox Valley Islamic Society, Delwar Mian, Secretary, Foundation for Islamic Education, Sheikh Mustafa Ahmad, Greenway Islamic Center, Didmar Faja, Hidaya Foundation, Howard County Muslim Council, Anwer Hasan, President, Indian Muslim Relief & Charities, IntraCity Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Ohio, Islamic Association of Cary, Shakil Ahmed, Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport, Sayed Jumaa Salam, Islamic Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Riaz Hussain, Treasurer, Islamic Association of West Virginia, Mohamad Jamal Daoudi, Imam, Islamic Center of America, Sayed Hassan Al-Qazwini, Imam, Islamic Center of Blacksburg, Islamic Center of Boca Raton, Jalal Khan, Imam, Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, Shafiq Malik, Imam, Islamic Center of Carbondale, Muhammad Kamran, President, Islamic Center of Cleveland, Fawaz Damra, Imam, Islamic Center of Contra Costa, Abdul Quddus Saleh, Imam, Islamic Center of Des Moines, Ibrahim Dremali, Imam, Islamic Center of Fremont, Mubashir Ahmed, President, Islamic Center of Little Rock, Islam Mossaad, Imam, Islamic Center of Marietta, Amjad Taufique, President, Islamic Center of Maryland, Amin Ezzeddine, Imam, Islamic Center of New England, Talal Eid, Imam, Islamic Center of New Mexico, Isam Rajab, Imam, Islamic Center of Northeast Florida, Zaid Malik, Imam, Islamic Center of Oakland, Islamic Center of Old Bridge, Alvi Fakhruddin, Imam, Islamic Center of Omaha, Dr. Ahmad Az-Zaare, Imam, Islamic Center of Passaic County, Mohammad Qatanani, Imam, Islamic Center of Pleasanton/Dublin, Islamic Center of Portland, Samir Horani, Board Member, Islamic Center of Raleigh, Mohammed Bainonie, Imam, Islamic Center Of Reseda, Ali Shakoor, Imam, Islamic Center of Somerset, Husein Turki, Islamic Center of South Florida, Hassan Sabri, Imam, Islamic Center of Southern California, Jamil Momand, Chairman, Islamic Center of Tampa, Ziad Taha, Director, Islamic Center of Virginia, Shaheed Coovadia, Imam, Islamic Council of Ohio, Sohail Khan, Secretary, Islamic Education Center, Dr. Ahmad Sakr, Director, Islamic Educational Center of North Hudson, Mohamed Alhayek, Imam Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, Siraj Haji, Islamic Foundation of South Florida, Rashid Ahmad, Imam, Islamic House of Wisdom, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, Islamic Jaffaria Association, Mohamed Banglori, Imam, Islamic Learning and Practicing, Dr. Misbah Eldereiny, Islamic Movement of Florida, Moneer Khan, Imam, Islamic Mosque of Cleveland (Masjid al-Islam), Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Shakeel Syed, Executive Director, Islamic Society of Annapolis, Mohammad Arrafa, Imam, Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, Islamic Society of Baltimore, Abid Husain, General Secretary, Islamic Society of Boston, Shaykh Besyouni Nehela, Islamic Society of Central Florida, Mohammed al Masri, Imam, Islamic Society of East Bay, Dr. Mohamed Rajabally, Islamic Society of Essex County, Ismail Elshikh, Imam, Islamic Society of Greater Columbus, Dr. M. N. Tarazi, President, Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Rodwan M. Saleh, President, Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City, Shahir Safi, President, Islamic Society of Michiana, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Imam, Islamic Society of Orange County, Ismail Majoo, President, Islamic Society of Pinellas County, Haitham Barazangi, Imam, Islamic Society of Salt Lake City, Ali Mohammed, Imam, Islamic Society of San Fransisco, Souleiman Ghali, President, Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area, Muhammad Sultan, Imam, Islamic Society of Washington Area, Faizul Khan, Imam, Kalamazoo Islamic Center, Tariq Jameel, President, Long Beach Islamic Center, Tarek Mohamed, Masjid AbuBakr AlSiddique, Abdur Rahman Bashir, Imam, Masjid Al Heyder, Hafiz Inayadullah, Masjid Al Muminun, Furqan Muhammad, Imam, Masjid Al-Ansar, Nasir Ahmad, Imam, Masjid Al-Faizal, Roshan Ali, Imam, Masjid Al-Hijrah, Kamruz Hosein, Masjid Al-Ihsan, Tarik Chebbi, Imam, Masjid Al-Kauthar, Rudolph Ali, Imam, Masjid Al-Nahl , Rashad Mujahid, Imam, Masjid Al-Noor, Danish Siddiqui, President, Masjid Al-Rasul, Mujahid Abdul-Karim, Imam, Masjid Al-Taqwa, Abdul Karim Salih, Imam, Masjid An-Noor, Mohamed Zakaria Badat, Imam. 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.” 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. "We join Americans of all faiths, and all people of conscience worldwide, in condemning these barbaric crimes that can never be justified or excused. American Muslims offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured in today's attacks and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators." The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) "The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is horrified by the series of bombings that rocked London’s public transportation earlier today. Information as to who is responsible for these latest bombings in London has yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the identity of the perpetrators of this terrible crime, ADC condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. ADC urges the public and the media to proceed with caution. ADC believes that the best plan of action to such an appalling attack is for all Americans to come together and offer support to the English people." American Muslim Alliance (AMA) "We join all people of goodwill in condemning these utterly immoral and heinous crimes. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the British people…We're shocked and horrified by what has happened in London and condemn this wanton massacre of innocent civilians in the strongest possible terms…While we call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators, we also join the Muslim Council of Britain in urging Muslims to help in the recovery effort." American Muslim Voice (AMV) "The American Muslim Voice vehemently condemns the barbaric bombings in London causing death and injuring to score of innocent people. We reaffirm our principled position towards acts of terror, regarding them as cowardly acts of violence irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators or their motives. Islam holds the sanctity of human life as Qur'an clearly states: "If anyone slays a human being, it shall be as though he had slain all mankind" (5:32). Those who commit these heinous crimes are not following any religion or acting as human beings. Our heart goes out to the families and friends of those who were the innocent victims of today's terrorist attacks. We truly need to walk away from violence and start moving towards a different path by creating a culture of peace, understanding, acceptance, mutual respect and harmony. We should do everything in our power to break down all barriers and form lifelong friendships. We all desire world peace, and we can achieve it only if all of us start feeling the pain of others. John Wooden says it best: Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights. Let us use this tragedy to stand united and say no to the terrorists irrespective of their identity." Abdul Malik Mujahid "We condemn this brutality in the strongest terms. These attacks are an affront to Islam and to Muslims all over the world including Muslim in America. They are in no way a reflection of Islamic teachings, which order Muslims to preserve and protect life…This is why I would like to request all mosques in North America, England and the world to pray for the victims of this tragedy during Friday prayers tomorrow. We would also like to request that Imams offer Friday sermons about the sanctity of life in Islam and the heinousness of terrorism." Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) "The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is shocked and horrified at the several attacks on the people of London during the rush hour mass transit. We join everyone in condemning such acts of terror and senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic moment. We trust that the authorities will determine those responsible for these barbaric acts and bring them to justice quickly. "The Islamic Society of North America expresses its strongest condemnation of the horrific bombings in London today. We abhor these acts of mindless violence that violate all Islamic principles regarding the sanctity of life and the safety and security of innocent civilians. ISNA urges the swift apprehension of those responsible and offers condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Irrespective of the sociopolitical implications, this act violates the Islamic principles of the sanctity of life and the safety and security of innocent civilians. Attacking civilians who are going about their daily business is a criminal act that violates Islamic principles, and must be condemned by all Muslims. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families." Muslim American Society (MAS) "The Muslim American Society utterly condemns the heinous acts of terror that rocked the London transit system and killed and injured scores of innocent people. Our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies are extended to the bombing victims and their families. We reiterate our consistent and principled position towards acts of terror, regarding them as cowardly acts of violence irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators or their motives. Islam holds the sanctity of human life in the highest possible regard, and the shedding of blood of any innocent person is considered a repulsive crime. MAS believes that relationships between people and nations should be governed by universal brotherhood, compassion, tolerance, fairness and mutual interests." Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) "Islam considers the use of terrorism to be unacceptable for any purpose. Any individual or group that claims that these heinous actions serve as a redress for legitimate grievances is dreadfully mistaken. MPAC condemns the exploitation of people and issues, regardless of the perpetrators and their justifications. This assault is unmistakably an act of terrorism, an attack against humanity. “We at the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the British people. As Americans, we are familiar with the imminent and the long-term repercussions of terrorism. Here at home, we stand in solidarity with law enforcement to maintain security, and we have every reason to believe that similar cooperation will take place in London." RESPONSES FROM MUSLIM AND ARAB LEADERS King Abdullah II "In a statement issued by the Royal Hashemite Court, His Majesty stressed Jordan's solidarity with the British people and his condemnation of such criminal acts that left several fatalities and injuries. The King underlined the need for all to join efforts to fight all forms of terrorism and the forces that support and stand behind it. His Majesty said that our true Islamic religion condemns the killing of innocents and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism, stressing that Islamic values promote tolerance and justice and renounce violence. The King extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the wounded a speedy recovery." King Abdullah II "[A]ll of us have been shocked and devastated by this really terrible tragedy that has unfolded in Britain. And I'd like to take this opportunity really to extend our sympathies to the victims and their families for this terrible, terrible crime that has happened in England. And for Britain to know that they are not alone. We will stand with them in their hour of need. We are doing all that we can as part of many countries to work with the British authorities to identify who are behind this horrible crime, and bring them to justice as quickly as possible and to make sure that they are defeated at the end of the day." Bashar Al-Assad "On behalf of the Syrian people and myself, we denounce these awful actions that we condemn and strongly refuse." “This is an attack not against a city, this is an attack not against a nation, this was an attack against the whole of mankind. "[I]t was with deep sorrow that I learnt about the blasts in central London, that wrought havoc and killing innocent people." "[Demonstrated the] cowardice and vile nature of their perpetrators," and strongly denounced this dreadful crime" which targeted innocent people." Abdulmohsen Al-Akkas "It is a heinous act. I don’t know who did it. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms and I offer my sympathies to the families." "We have expressed to Britain our readiness for any cooperation, and if any information becomes available, we will provide it to them." "These terrorist attacks which target innocent lives are against all human norms and values." And expressed "Kuwait's sympathy and support to friendly Britain and to all actions it will take to eradicate vicious terror in order to preserve security and stability. "[The United Arab Emirates] condemns in the strongest possible terms these horrific crimes and declares full solidarity with the British government." "It is a shameful terrorist act that doesn't have any relation to religions and human morals. While I am expressing my deep sorrow to you and through you to the British people and families of victims, I confirm to you our deep will to rid the evil of terrorism in any country as it appears." "We condemn with the strongest possible terms these explosions, and convey our sincere condolences to the British people and government." "Targeting civilians in their transport means and lives is denounced and rejected." Nabil Benabdallah "These heinous attacks underline the need for the international community to...unite its efforts to fight these acts and abort their objectives." Hamid Reza Asefi "Iran [has] sympathy with the families of the victims of these terrorist acts [and denounces] the use of violence to achieve objectives." Sheikh Rashid “We condemn the attacks in London this morning. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to those who suffered due to such acts." Yuri Thamrin "We are shocked by these barbaric attacks that claimed the lives of so many innocent civilians...We condemn them entirely. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi "We do not know who committed this deadly and terrible act but we must make sure that their side does not win. All countries must work together against terrorism." Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu "[The attacks were] bitter and inhumane…evil acts. [I hope] that one day mankind can uproot terrorism in all its forms and lead the world towards peace, justice and friendship among all nations." RESPONSES FROM MUSLIM PERSONALITIES AND INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD Prof. Ibrahim Chabbouh "Islam honors human life as being sacred, the Holy Quran says: «whoever killed a soul other than by way of retaliation for having killed another soul or for corruption in the land, it will be as if he has killed all mankind»[Al-Ma'ida, 5:32]. It does not condone all these acts of aggression perpetrated against innocent people anywhere in the world. We denounce the bombings that took place in the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, as being terrorist criminal acts that all Muslims condemn, and express our solidarity and deepest compassion with the families of the victims and human society at large."
"The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization –ISESCO- has, in the strongest terms, condemned the bombings that targeted London, on Thursday morning.
"On behalf of the Muslims and the Islamic organizations represented at the MWL, the MWL would like to condemn this criminal act which led to the killing of innocent civilians." Mohammed Mehdi Akef "[attacks were] a terrible crime, contrary to the teachings of Islam." Prince Turki al-Faisal and Lord Carey "Good people of all faiths, or of none, are united in seeing the London bombings as a terrible act against humanity….There is no faith that condones the taking of innocent life and that celebrates suicide. The killing of innocent people is prohibited by all faiths. "Thou shalt not kill" is one of the 10 commandments passed down to us all from the Prophet Moses in the Holy Bible. "Whoever kills a person has killed the whole of humanity," says one of the best known Koranic verses….There are those among our human family who are committing these deeds of horror and devastation and who do not see how evil and terrible they are. They claim to be faithful to Islam and faithful to God but they are not. This is not Islam and these acts are absolutely not the will of God. Their twisted vision is alien to the healthy body of the faith that holds the world's Muslim community together. It is a wicked perversion of the common values of faith. Imams and teachers who have used Islam to bolster and preach their political beliefs have done so by perverting traditional Islamic texts.
"On Wednesday Londoners were united in joy. Now we face the risk that fear will build walls of doubt and misunderstanding between them. All could come to feel that they are potential victims: of Muslim extremists on the one hand; of rejection and racism on the other. The proponents of the "clash of civilisations" theory will have won if we allow ourselves to become suspicious towards people of other faiths and cultures.
"This heinous attack, which shook the world, runs in the face of all religious, ethical, and human values and must be condemned in no uncertain terms…Muslims in Britain as well as across Europe stand shoulder to shoulder with their respective country-folk in order to achieve the best interests of European societies and safeguard their respective safety, security and prosperity,…Islam rejects entirely the shedding of innocent people’s blood and considers this a heinous crime, as clearly stated in the Noble Qur'an and all Islamic scripts." "The bombings were barbaric acts of terrorism perpetrated to serve certain political goals…Those who incite terrorism and violence against innocent civilians cannot be called Muslims." Dalil Boubakeur "On behalf of French Muslims and the French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM), I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attacks that rocked London." Dr Waleed Kadous "Such attacks are barbaric and totally inconsistent with any kind of civil tradition, whether it be secular or religious…Such disrespect for life is a symbol of barbarity…Regardless of who committed these acts, we unequivocally and unambiguously condemn these attacks…We would like to express our condolences to the people of London, and let them know that we stand with them, and that we will support them in the pursuit of those involved in these criminal acts and their punishment under the law." Ali Sadr Al-Din Al-Bayanouni "These are terror operations that harm innocent civilians and constitute a crime against humanity, and we condemn them. Islam completely forbids harm to a life, and sees it as harm to all humanity. The Muslim Brotherhood movement in Syria strongly condemns these bombings, and their perpetrators, whoever they may be, and demands that their identity be exposed and that they be given the most deterring of punishments. Ayatollah Emami Kashan "Islam is the religion of kindness, justice and humanity and totally against killings of innocent men, women and children." Ayatollah Makkarem-Shirazi "Islam is the religion of kindness and affection, and does not permit the harming of any innocent individual. Those who commit such inhumane acts are not Muslims, even if they call themselves Muslims. They are only defaming Islam and Muslims by what they do and are blemishing the beautiful image of Islam." International Islamic Relief Organisation "[We condemn] this atrocity on one of the most multicultural cities in the world."
"This heinous crime violates the teachings of the Shariah, which calls for the protection of life, religion, honour, mind and wealth and health of a person. It was a barbaric and I inhuman attack on innocent people." |