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Saudi cleric urges Muslims to shun radicalism
Saudi Arabiaâs highest religious authority urged Muslims on Thursday to shun extremism and avoid waging unjustified jihad (holy struggle) as the kingdom cracks down on Islamist militants believed linked to Al Qaeda.
In a lengthy statement carried on the official Saudi Press Agency, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Aziz al-Sheikh told Saudis to listen to their religious authorities and ignore fanatic interpretations of Islam or risk âbanning Godâs bountyâ. âOne of the fall-outs from extremism in understanding Islam is that some people call for jihad for the sake of God without justification,â Sheikh Abdul-Aziz said. Saudi Arabiaâs powerful religious establishment has been accused in the West of breeding militancy and hatred towards Christians and Jews. Senior clerics have also taken to the media to preach moderation among Saudis. âThese people want to raise the banner of jihad to draw the youth into their ranks and not to fight for God,â Sheikh Abdul-Aziz said. âMuslim youth must try and better themselves and their country but not through violence as Islam is not a violent religion, it is a merciful religion.â
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-08-22 |
