Kuwaiti Shi’a Scholar:

Islamic motivations abused to create imaginary enemies

Rasa – Referring to the extremist Salafi movement in Kuwait, Hujjat al-Islam al-Ali said the legitimate Islamic motivations of the youths are being abused to create imaginary enemies where they view other tribes and religions as infidels and are encouraged to confront others.

News ID: 2244

Date: 17 March 2015 - 21:47

RNA – In an exclusive interview with Rasa News Agency, Hujjat al-Islam Ali al-Ali, a Kuwaiti Shi’a scholar, pointed to the indifference of Takfiri groups toward to the issue of Palestine, calling this issue the biggest reason for their lack of legitimacy. “Takfiris abuse Islamic concepts such as jihad, leading others to equate this term with terrorism,” he explained.

He explained that true jihad is only performed on the basis of protecting and defending Islam but said that unfortunately, we witness that the Western media only applies this sacred concept to the plots of the arrogant countries in the Middle East.

Hujjat al-Islam al-Ali emphasized that Takfiris act against Islamic law, saying: “While Takfiri groups claim to follow the message of the Prophet Muhammad (S), their actions are completely contrary to the moral characteristics and compassion of the Prophet (S).”

His Eminence, referring to the killing of large numbers of Sunnis in Iraq and Syria by DAESH (ISIL) said that while Takfiri groups try to introduce themselves as the representatives of the interests of Sunni Muslims, they have done nothing to benefit them. Various Sunni academic centres and religious institutions have nullified the claims that DAESH is supporting Sunnis.

The Kuwaiti scholar referred to statements issued by al-Azhar University in Egypt, al-Zaytuna University in Tunisia and some Saudi scholars who oppose the Takfiri phenomenon. He also noted that most Sunnis follow and revere moderate scholars. “The theory among Takfiris that Salafism is compatible with the four Sunni schools of thought is a crime,” he stressed, “Sunnis are innocent victims of the crimes of Takfiri groups and have no relation with them.”

Hujjat al-Islam al-Ali stressed that the Takfiri phenomenon does not have a future in the region, and explained: “While eliminating the region of the negative cultural and intellectual effects of the Takfiris will be time consuming, it should be noted that among the more than one billion Muslims in the world, the extent of the Takfiri ideology is very small.”

Referring to the extremist Salafi movement in Kuwait, Hujjat al-Islam al-Ali said the legitimate Islamic motivations of the youths are being abused to create imaginary enemies where they view other tribes and religions as infidels and are encouraged to confront others. “Unfortunately, Kuwait is home to many Takfiris, but with the vigilance of its people, Kuwait can overcome their danger,” he explained.

In conclusion, the Kuwaiti Shi’a scholar pointed out the close relation between Iran and Kuwait and their productive relationship based on mutual respect saying: "Kuwaiti officials have traveled to Iran and their meetings with Iranian authorities have had a great influence on further strengthening ties between the two countries."

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