MUSLIM WORLD SHOULD TAKE THE SERMON (FATWA) SERIOUSLY ALTAF HUSSAIN

London-21 May 2005 ...Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) in his statement said that the Muslims of the world should take serious notice and pay attention to the sermon (Fatwa) delivered by the eminent religious scholars concerning the suicidal attacks and acts of terrorism . He further added, now that the sermon of the religious scholars are before us declaring the suicidal attacks and related act of terrorism involving death of the innocent people is religiously improper act and it is therefore, the Muslim world should manifest peaceful means to express their sentiments.  

Mr Altaf Hussain stressed that MQM is a democratic political party and is against all forms of terrorism. He added that MQM believes in sectarian harmony and religious tolerance even it believes and advocates equality, equal treatment for religious minorities and non-Muslims including total protection to their lives, possessions and places of their worship. He said that Islam considers murder of a Muslim or non-Muslim without justification as murder of humanity. He said that Islam is a peaceful religion. However, this fact is deplorable that certain so-called religious clerics interpret Islam contrary to its spirit and essence to misguide innocent people for their vested interests and these clerics should ensure that they do not taint the image of Islam by distorting its jurisprudence to serve their vested interests.

Concluding his statement, Mr Altaf Hussain appealed to the leaders of all the countries particularly of the powerful countries to win over the hearts and minds of the people through dialogue, understanding and harmony instead of exercising oppression and brutality and also refrain from such act which takes innocent lives.