Saudi Shaykh: Those Who Associate Islam with Terrorism Do So to "Deceive, or Out of Ignorance"

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Translated from the original Arabic by Al Mutarjim


Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan directs an "unprecedented" attack on suicide bombings, condemning them as being "in the path of Satan." He also condemns terrorist groups, saying those who associate Islam with terrorism do so "to deceive, or out of ignorance," but then goes on to says that "Jihad comes by authoritative decree, which cannot be given except by the responsible authority." In other words, there is nothing wrong with jihad terrorism per se, but the Saudis should be the ones declaring it, not al-Qa'ida or other terrorist groups.

A member of the Senior Ulema Council in Saudi Arabia directed an unprecedented attack on suicide operations, considering their perpetrators as mujahideen in the path of Satan.

Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan, one of the most important members of the Saudi Senior Ulema Council, ruled that killing oneself through suicide operations is not permissible...

In his comments regarding the Alexandria church bombing, he said: "This is treachery. If it was done by Egyptian Muslims, then it was treachery, for these Christians have a dhimma pact with the Egyptians, for they are their neighbors and reside with them. Therefore treachery is not permissible with them. If (the perpetrators) were from outside of Egypt, then this would not be counted against Egypt."

Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan expressed his dismay over the connection of terrorism with Islam, saying: "As you know, the word 'terrorist' and the word 'Islam' have now become connected. If you say 'Muslim,' they say, "This is a terrorist, for their Islam is terrorist," whether intending to deceive, or out of ignorance of Islam."

The member of the Senior Ulema Council stressed that, "Jihad comes by authoritative decree, which cannot be given except by the responsible authority. The terrorist acts carried out now are not jihad but sabotage." [...]