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.”
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states:
"Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all
mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all
mankind." (Qur’an, 5:32)
Prophet Muhammad said there is no excuse for
committing unjust acts: "Do not be people without minds of your own,
saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they
do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if
people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil." (Al-Tirmidhi)
God mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects
of life when He states in the Qur’an: “We made you to be a community of the
middle way, so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear witness to
the truth before all mankind.” (Qur’an, 2:143)
In another verse, God explains our duties as human
beings when he says: “Let there arise from among you a band of people who
invite to righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil.” (Qur’an, 3:104)
Islam teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of
God's creation. The Prophet Muhammad, who is described in the Qur’an as “a
mercy to the worlds” said: “All creation is the family of God, and the person
most beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His
family."
In the light of the teachings of the Qur’an and
Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:
1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are
haram (forbidden) in Islam.
2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any
individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
3. 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. 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.
FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA
Members
1. Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi
2. Dr. Abdul Hakim Jackson
3. Dr. Ahmad Shleibak
4. Dr. Akbar Muhammad
5. Dr. Deina Abdulkadir
6. Shaikh Hassan Qazwini
7. Dr. Ihsan Bagby
8. Dr. Jamal Badawi
9. Dr. Muhammad Adam Sheikh
10. Shaikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti
11. Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdallah
12. Dr. Salah Soltan
13. Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani
14. Shaikh Yahya Hindi
15. Shaikhah Zainab Alwani
16. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah
17. Dr. Mukhtar Maghraoui
18. Dr. Nazih Hammad