IUMS condemns assault on Al-Warraq church in Egypt, holds coup authorities responsible for violations
The International Union of Muslim Scholars followed with extreme concern the news of the assault on the Al-Warraq church during the Sunday mass on 20 October, 2013 and the resulting deaths and injuries. The IUMS condemns the attack, highlighting the following points:
1-The prohibition of assault on souls, sanctities, the violation of the sanctity of places of worship, or the infringement of the freedom of worship guaranteed by Islam to non-Muslims throughout history.
2-The union holds the authorities of the coup d’état completely responsible for the continuing violations against places of worship since the coup, the assaults against the visitors of these holy places, and the recurrent attempts to cause sectarian strife among Muslims and Christians in Egypt.
3-The union urges the noble Egyptian people to show solidarity to protect the country’s national unity, defend its civilizational identity, remain constantly alert to the attempts aimed at undermining its national unity, peaceful coexistence, and the acceptance of cultural and religious diversity that prevailed in Egypt along centuries.
4-The union calls all countries, agencies, rights organizations, religious scholars, opinion leaders, intellects, and media professionals to cooperate in protecting sanctities, respecting beliefs, guarding places of worship, and guaranteeing the practice of religious rites in peace and tranquility without discrimination or bias against people or religions.
5-The union asserts that the only true solution in Egypt is the return to the legitimacy, legitimate institutions, democracy and disciplined freedom.
(And Allah has full power over His affairs, but most among mankind know it not)
Dr. Ali Mohyi Al-Deen Al-Qaradaghi Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
IUMS Secretary General IUMS President