Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi:

Insulting the Prophet Muhammad is an announcement of war against all Muslims

Rasa – During of his Ba’th al-Kharij (advanced class) at Qom’s Masjid al-A’dham (Grand Mosque), Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France.

News ID: 2016

Date: 14 January 2015 - 18:02

RNA – In response to the recent terrorist attacks in France, Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi stated that Islam condemns all terrorist attacks against all people, both friends and foes.

In regard to the reaction of Europeans to this incident, he stated that their first reaction was to hold a rally which was attended by the leaders of forty countries. But in reality, their march was meant to frighten Europeans and will only have a temporary effect.

His Eminence explained that another reaction in the West against the terrorist attacks in France is to attack Muslims, especially the Shi’ah. “Unfortunately, the actions of ISIL are generalized as being [supported by all] Muslims, when [many] Muslim scholars have confirmed that ISIL is not following Islam,” he explained.

He emphasized that multiple conferences have been held throughout the Muslim world which have condemned Takfirism, noting those held in Qom, Egypt and Syria. “These conferences have shown that ISIL is not following Islam. So why have these Europeans generalized ISIL as being representative of all Muslims and have provoked Muslims against them? Is it wise to generalize all Muslims? If you must condemn terrorists then why are you troubling them?”

Regarding the offensive cartoons of Islam’s beloved Prophet Muhammad published in the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi stated that Charlie Hebdo has announced that due to the terrorist attack against them, they will publish more copies of their magazine. His Eminence wondered if this was a wise move.

“Insulting the Noble Prophet Muhammad is an announcement of war against all Muslims. You were attacked by ISIL. Is seeking revenge against all Muslims a wise move? You should think about it!” the revered Shi’ite source of emulation said, addressing Europeans.

Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi blasted European governments for their support of ISIL in Iraq and also emphasised that their actions create terrorism, and the roots of terrorism need to be eliminated. “These events should be a lesson for the European leaders. Hasty decisions and holding marches will not solve this problem,” he explained.

The renowned scholar stated that insulting the holy personalities of other religions is a disgusting action and those who engage in these types of actions think that they are supporting Muslims, but in fact, they are turning Muslims against them.

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