All praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon God’s messenger Muhammad, his family, companions and followers,
The International Union for Muslim Scholars has observed the Doha meetings of the Syrian opposition that gathered all Syrian constituents and witnessed the selection of the Syrian National Coalition and the expansion of its scope, the election of a new head and to the formation of the new coalition where Sheikh Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib was elected as its chairperson in addition to two deputies and the secretary general. Sheikh Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib is the former speaker of the Umayyad Mosque and member of the IUMS who was imprisoned by the Syrian regime more than once.
On such a great occasion, the IUMS asserts the following:
First: The IUMS congratulates Sheikh Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib for such blessed trust and unanimity over his election which leaves him with a greater responsibility before all sides of the civil and armed opposition inside and outside Syria. The Union also congratulates his two deputies and the secretary general for such great trust placed in them.
We are certain that Sheikh Al-Khatib together with his deputies and the secretary general will not spare an effort to fulfill this great duty in these critical times for Syria as the oppressive, criminal regime and its aides inside and outside of Syria carry out their killings, destruction, and group massacres with extreme cruelty that surpasses that of the Zionists, and as scheme are being plotted for Syria, while sectarian and racial strife threatens the unity of its opposition.
All of these conditions mandate that the newly elected officials, on top of them Sheikh Al-Khatib, exert their utmost effort, demonstrate patience, and use wisdom, justice and equality toward all the constituents of the Syrian society of Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites, Muslims and Christians and others.
Second: The IUMS demands the new coalition to place as its foremost priority the unification of civil and armed opposition inside and outside of Syria under one, comprehensive, all-inclusive leadership to reach a government that represents everyone and to be able topple the criminal regime. Unity is a religious obligation and national stipulation and whoever abandons it or stands in its way is sinful within view of God’s words "And obey Allah and His Messenger. and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart; ” {Quran 8: 46} and the verse that commands us to "And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; ” {Quran 3: 103}.
Third: The IUMS urges the new coalition and the Syrian National Council to take immediate and speedy steps to eliminate the roots of strife being spurred between Arabs and Kurds in some regions like Al-Hasakah and other areas. At the same time, the IUMS expresses complete willingness to contribute to achieving reconciliation.
Fourth: The IUMS demands the Arab, Muslim and entire world to recognize this new entity as a substitute to the oppressive regime that lost its legitimacy after killing and eradicating its own people.
Fifth: The IUMS calls all honorable people left in the lines of Syrian government troops and others to join this coalition and do what is required to save the Syrian people from the tyranny of this oppressive regime which – should it stay – would destroy what remains of the people and institutions. Let them be mindful of God and prevent the bloodshed, and the assault on people’s sanctities, and let them know that whoever remains by the oppressor even if they do not take part in the harm are part of the injustice and crime and are among the oppressors. Allah Almighty says, "And incline not to those who do wrong, or the Fire will seize you; and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor shall you be helped.” {Quran 11: 113).
Sixth: The IUMS values the role of Qatar; its leader, government, and people, for such sponsorship of the opposition congress that bore the fruits of unity under the Syrian coalition. The Union can only express gratitude and appreciation for these Qatari efforts of sponsorship and care, and for embracing Syrian opposition to save the Syrian people from tyranny of the regime and help them regain their freedom under a government that represents all Syrian constituents. In addition, the IUMS thanks Qatar for the continued support for opposition until the desired objective is achieved, for nurturing the just Arab revolutions since their emergence, and for ceaselessly supporting the Arab spring by all available means.
And from Allah we seek assistance!
Doha: 27 Dhul Hijja, year 1433 of Hijra
12 November, 2012
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President