IUMS condemns assault on mosques, holds regime responsible for the death of Syrian scholar Al-Bouti
The International Union of Muslim Scholars has been horrified by the incidents at the Al-Iman Mosque in Damascus as an explosion inside the mosque lead to the death of more than 40 persons among them sheikh Mohamed Sa`id Ramadan Al-Bouti, a scholar known for his vast knowledge and for support to the regime, while giving his weekly sermon at the mosque. The incident is a serious development being the first explosion to be carried out inside a mosque and lead to such a huge number of victims albeit that the oppressive Assad regime has destroyed hundreds of mosques without observing the sanctity neither of mosques, nor scholars, nor the living or dead.
In light of this serious development, the IUMS views and asserts the following:
First: the union condemns the death of landmark scholar sheikh Al-Bouti and the death of any scholar whatever their thought or opinion and regardless of any disagreement with them since this is prohibited in religion even against non-Muslim men of religion.
Second: the union strongly condemns the assault on mosques and killing of innocent people inside them by any side as numerous religious texts prove that killing leaves a Muslim in no space of their religion and that it is the greatest sin after idolatry based on God’s words {If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.} [Quran 4:93]. The destruction of mosques is also among the Kaba`ir or major sins as Allah said {And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.} [Quran 2:114].
Third: the union holds the oppressive Assad regime responsible for the death of the luminary scholar Al-Bouti and those with him – may Allah bless their souls – since this regime is responsible for their security and as evidence refers to them after the Syrian militant and civilian opposition declared themselves clear of this act.
Fourth: the union demands the United Nations to commission a neutral committee to investigate this crime and reveal the true criminals behind it.
Fifth: the union reemphasizes its former calls to all opposition factions to adhere to the Islamic ethics of warfare.
{And Allah has all power and control over His affairs but most among mankind know it not}
[Quran 12: 21]
Doha : 10 Jumada Al-Awwal 1434 H
Dated : 22 March 2013
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President