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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2008/11/09/stories/2008110959951100.htm)
Front Page
  
 
Ulema, Muftis ratify fatwa against terrorism
 
 

 
Special Correspondent
 
 

 
“No relation whatsoever between Islam and terrorism. They are poles apart” 
 
 

 

 
 
Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
 

 
Clear message: Rajya Sabha MP Maulana Syed Mahmood Madni (third from left) reading out the fatwa against terrorism issued by Darul Uloom, Deoband. To his left is Moulana Marghub Ur Rahman, Rector, Darul Uloom, who signed the fatwa. — 
 
 
Hyderabad: In a significant move, about 6,000 ulema and Muftis from different parts of India on Saturday ratified the fatwa against terrorism issued by the Darul Uloom Deoband, the renowned seminary and Islamic academic centre. 
“There is no relation whatsoever between Islam and terrorism. The two are poles apart.” That is the message the ulema sent out at the two-day, 29th national session of the Jamaiat-Ulama-i-Hind, which began here on Saturday. Jamiat leaders heading different State branches affixed their signatures endorsing the fatwa issued by grand mufti Habibur Rehman. 
“Islam rejects all kinds of unjust violence, breach of peace, bloodshed, murder and plunder and does not allow it in any form. Cooperation should be done for the cause of good but not for committing sin or oppression,” the fatwa declared. 
The Jamiat is expected to adopt resolutions against terrorism, communal riots, the U.S. aggression in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, and Qadiyani and Christian activities, and on national integration, reservation for Muslims, the Sachar Committee report on the condition of Muslims, Islamic identity and social reform at a public meeting on the Nizam College grounds here on Sunday.
A large number of ulema, including Jamiat president Maulana Qari Mohammad Usman Mansoorpuri, and Maulana Marghoob-ur-Rehman, Rector, Darul Uloom, arrived here by a special train “Shaikhul Hind Express”from Deoband.
In his presidential remarks, Maulana Mansoorpuri said terrorism was the most serious problem facing the country. The most unfortunate thing was that, on the one hand, the acts of a few misguided elements were being linked to Islam and, on the other, a distorted picture of Islam and its Prophet was being presented. Both the print and electronic media were being used to spread misunderstanding and falsehood about Islam. He urged the media to distinguish between a suspect and an accused and not to brand anyone terrorist before the court verdict was out.
“We have no love for offenders whichever religion they might belong to. Our concern is that innocents should not be targeted and the career of educated youth not ruined. The government should ensure transparency in investigation.” 
Quoting Koranic verses, Maulana Mansoorpuri explained how Islam preached universal love and brotherhood and stressed cordial interpersonal relationship with fellow countrymen. Islam attached the utmost respect for human life and termed unjust killings a great sin. “Whatever faith one professes, the Koran calls for honouring and safeguarding every human being,” Maulana Mansoorpuri said.
The teacher of Hadith at Deoband said terrorism was not the problem of one community but of the country, and everyone should join hands to tackle it. Maulana Mansoorpuri urged Muslims to follow the Shariat in letter and in spirit lest they become a tool for harming the religion more than others.
 
“Threat to society”
 
 

Rajya Sabha member and Jamiat leader Maulana Mehmood Madni said it was wrong to link terrorism with religion. Whoever indulged in acts of terrorism were ‘mad and lunatics’. Those who instigated violence in the name of religion and region posed a threat to the social fabric of society and should be dealt with with an iron hand. “The government should not have a dual policy when it comes to dealing with terrorists.” 
Earlier, Hakimuddin Qasmi presented the secretary report.
 
 

 
 
 

 

 


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