IUMS condemns extremists’ spread of terror, taking and killing hostages
All praise be to Allah and peace be upon Muhammad, God’s messenger, his family, companions and followers;
The International Union of Muslim Scholars has followed the news of the abduction of hostages by some extremists that took place in the Ain Amnas area in southern Algeria and ended in a tragedy witnessed by the whole world where many hostages as well as extremists were killed. Facing these acts carried out by some extremists and regrettably ascribed to Islam and Muslims, the IUMS views and asserts the following:
First: condemns terrorizing secure citizens and withholding hostages whatever their religion as such acts are prohibitions derived from the texts of Quran and Sunnah that considered security to be a blessing granted by Allah to His servants: { Who has provided them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).} [Quran 106:4].Such acts do not follow the method of the noble Prophet peace and blessings be upon him who said that "It is not permissible for a Muslim to terrorize another Muslim” or even a non-Muslim as he also said that "a believer is one in whom people trust in regard to their life and wealth.”[At-Tirmidhi 33]. They also part with the path of the good salaf ancestors who spread the call to Islam through mercy, wisdom and good advice without killing except those who attempted to kill them in a battlefield. It was never mentioned in their biographies that they abducted people who have taken a pledge of security from any Muslim as the prophet’s saying stipulates that "Muslims are equal in respect of blood. The lowest of them is entitled to give protection on behalf of them,” [Sunan Abu Dawud 2745].
Second: strongly condemns the killing of these hostages whatever their religion as the Quran together with all revealed books stated that {if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people} [Quran 5:32].
Third: demands all brothers who carry a banner of Islam to adhere to its rulings and the ethics of Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him – in war and peace and to remember that he was sent as a mercy to the worlds. Allah Almighty has said that {We sent you not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.} [Quran 21:107] and the prophet said that "I am but a gifted mercy”.
Fourth: reaffirms that the declaration of war and violence inside the Muslim society will only lead to more killing and tragedy and will not bring about any good for Islam or Muslims throughout history. Peaceful protest and peaceful methods have proved to change dictators that violent means were not able to change. So let these brothers be watchful of Allah regarding the Muslims nation and themselves as they are questionable before Allah over many incidents taking over our nation of foreign intervention and other moves. Allah has said {O you who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.} [Quran 2:208].
And our last call is that all praise be to Allah, the lord of the worlds!
Doha: 12 Rabea Al-Awwal 1434 H
Dated: 23 January 2013
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President