Islam rejects murder of innocents, mutilation of bodies
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, Sunday said that Islam shuns those who mutilate bodies and kill innocent people, pointing out that the Islamic faith preaches justice and mercy even with enemies.
Addressing the opening session of an Islamic conference in Sanaa, Tantawi called upon Muslims to abide by the principles of war as prescribed in their holy book and the tradition (Hadith) of Prophet Mohamed and defend their rights and religion in a way that clearly indicates a sound understanding of the Islamic Sharia (law).
He said that religious discourse should be sublime in its objective and based on the verses of the Quran and the Hadith which clearly highlights the values and principles which if complied with lead to happiness.
Tantawi added that discourse should also be characterized by moderation as prescribed by the Sharia which calls for extending a hand of peace to those who stretch theirs.
The Grand Imam said that differences between various creeds do not mean they cannot interact as no one can impose a certain religion by force.
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, on his part, criticized religious extremism, saying it only appeared in the backward times of Islamic history.
It is this backward thinking that has given the enemies of Islam and Muslims the pretext to attack them just because a few backward individuals are incapable of differentiating between Jihad and terrorism, Saleh said in his address to the conference that was read out by his Prime Minister Abdel Kader Bajamal.
Sudanese Minister of Awqaf Essam Al-Bashir lashed out at the present state of the Islamic world.
The one-polar system is dictating to the Islamic world how to educate its people and how to live, totally disregarding its cultural identity, he said.
The campaign now being waged on the Islamic world, Sharia and beliefs was prompted by a few who have strayed away from the objectives of Islam, it is an organized westernization and subordination course that seeks to void the religious message from its content, he said.
He called for the drafting of a moderate message that would incorporate the tenets of religion and the changes of today.
Yemeni Minister of Awqaf Hamoud Abbad said Muslim youths had to be given due attention and should not be left to be submerged by the culture of death propagated by the rejectionist front.
Anti-Islamic propaganda, whether from within or without, needs to be met by a united front that is well-aware of the realities calling for change, he added.
He stressed that the message of the Islamic da'wa, or call, had to rest on sound judgment to mould a rational and sound citizen.
Over 250 Islamic figures are taking part in the four-day conference. Ministers, intellectuals and researchers from Arab and Islamic countries will discuss five main topics dealing what Islamic guidance, the current global challenges, moderation and legislation.