Grand Imam Tantawi said Palestinian resistance suicide persons are 'martyrs'
Egypt-Palestine, Religion, 3/21/2002

Grand Imam of AL-Azhar Mohamed Sayed Tantawi said President Hosni Mubarak's attitudes towards Jerusalem and AL-Aqsa mosques crystallize the aspirations of one billion Muslims.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Wednesday said that bombers who blow themselves up to avenge aggression are martyrs as along as they do not plan to kill the weak. "Or if they confine their operations to places where there are aggressors from Jews."

He was answering a question on whether Palestinian bombers are suicides or martyrs.

"Those who blow themselves up among aggressors, who demolish houses, kill men, women and innocent people and assault honour and property of Palestinians, are martyrs," he said.

He said "Chivalry, gallantry and honor in Islamic Sharia prohibit one from blowing himself up among children. But suppose that he (the bomber) enters a settlement and this Jewish settlement includes proven aggressors and blows himself up inside that settlement killing men, women and children, he is still a martyr because he could not make a distinction among them."

Palestinian has been the target of a brutal Israeli crackdown for nearly 18 months.

The Israeli troops have recently stepped up its attacks against the Palestinians in a desperate bid to quell their Intifada against occupation.

Previous Stories:
  Azhar grand sheikh, Pope of Alexandria affirm support to the Palestinian cause   (3/13/2002)
  Defending Jerusalem is all Muslims' responsibility   (8/4/2001)

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