Fatwa condemns suicide bombings

I have argued forever that practicing Muslims need to get involved in condemning things like suicide bombings in hospitals. Finally a Muslim cleric in Britain, Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, has done just that.

His fatwa, or religious ruling, says suicide bombing is against the teachings of Islam and nothing but hellfire awaits those who kill others in this way. He takes 600 pages and cites the Koran to prove his point. He hopes word will spread and act as an opposing viewpoint to extremists trying to recruit with the “virgins in paradise” promise for redemption.

“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 …”

Amen. And thank you.

(P.S. This was a great book.)