Islamic Workplace : Muslim scholar’s fatwa condemns terrorism

London, England (CNN) — A Muslim [Sufi] scholar has issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, that says suicide bombers are destined for hell.

Tahir ul-Qadri condemned terrorism and criticized Islamic extremists who cite their religion to justify violence.

Ul-Qadri’s 600-page fatwa is “arguably the most comprehensive theological refutation of Islamist terrorism to date,” according to the Quilliam Foundation, a London organization that describes itself as a counterterrorism think tank.

“Terrorism is terrorism,” ul-Qadri said at a news conference hosted by the foundation. “Violence is violence. It has no place in Islamic teaching, and no justification can be provided to it …”

Ul-Qadri is the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran, an organization with hundreds of thousands of followers in South Asia and the United Kingdom, according to the Quilliam Foundation.

The foundation refers to ul-Qadri as a mainstream Muslim scholar who is a “widely recognized and respected authority on Islamic jurisprudence.”

Launching of Fatwa Against Terrorism

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri, whose official scholar title is Shayk-ul-Islam, is a professor and contemporary thinker and the figurehead of the international organisation, Minhaj-ul-Quran. He said in his Fatwa book:

“A negligible minority amongst ….[Muslims] seems to give terrorism tacit approval. Instead of openlyopposing and condemning terrorism, these people confuse the entire subject by resorting to misleadingand perplexing discussions.” [p.24]

“The killing of Muslims and the perpetration of terrorism are not only unlawful and forbidden in Islam but also represent the rejection of faith.” [p.28]

By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the signs, beliefs and ideologies of the Khawarij thrmugh the Qur’alic verses, Prophetic traditions and jurisprudential opinions of jurists, we have established that the terrorists are the Khawarij of contemporary times. [p.30]

“It can in no way be permissible to keep foreign delegates under unlawful custody and murder them and other peaceful non-Muslim citizens in retaliation for the interference, unjust activities and aggressive advances of their countries. The one who does has no relation to Islam.” [p.37]

“Terrorism, carnage and mass destruction can never be justified in the name of any intention of enforcing Islamic commands and its judicial system. Nor can these reprehensible activities be any exception to the rule, or be overlooked, or forgiven.” [p.49]

Source : http://makkah.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/muslim-scholars-fatwa-condemns-terrorism/