American Muslims Issue "Fatwa" Against Terrorism & Terrorists

Several days ago I expressed dismay that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had done little or nothing to take a stand against Islamic terrorism against civilians and to urge their contituency to do the same.

Well, thankfully, I cannot say that anymore.

Today the U.S. Muslim Religious Council held a press conference in Washington D.C. and announced the release of a Fatwa Against Terrorism.

The text of the "fatwa" (or religious edict) includes the following declarations:

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.”

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.

Read the full text here which also includes the names of those who sat on the Fiqh Council which issued the "fatwa" ( but also the names of all the many Muslim organizations, mosques and other leaders (including CAIR) that have so far endorsed it. The list is long and impressive.

Is it at last possible that the Muslim community in American will actually begin to deal with this matter internally? If so, this could prove to be a historic and major turning point in the GWT...at least as far as the safety of the United States is concerned.

P.S. Conspicuously absent among those signing the document is the infamous Bridgeview Mosque in Bridgeview, Illinois. I could find no evidence that any of that mosque's leaders signed the fatwah, either. Hmmmm......

HT: Power Line