Al-Azhar Sheikh denounces kidnappings in name of Islam

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi denounced yesterday hostage takings in the name of Islam in a number of countries.

During his Friday prayers sermon in Nasser Mosque in Banha City, on the occasion of Qalubiya Governorate National Day, Sheikh Tantawi said that Islam has nothing to do with such practices.

Those who stand behind such kidnappings are criminals, he added. Islam is a religion of commitment, justice and well treatment of others, he said. All revealed religions condemn such crimes.

Addressing those kidnappers, he said: "Your actions are disowned by Islam.

"Speaking of the latest hostage-taking operation, involving hundreds of children and adults in a school in the Russian republic of North Ossetia, the Grand Imam asked: "Why should innocent children bear the brunt of a dispute with another country?"

ÊÊÊ Some mediamen, merchants and poor laborers have travelled in search of livelihood, what sin have they committed to be subject to kidnapping or get killed? he exclaimed, again in reference to the abduction of two French journalists and the brutal killing of 12 Nepalese laborers in Iraq.