Learn About Islam, Mufti Tells Benedict
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News
JEDDAH, 18 September 2006 — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh yesterday urged Pope Benedict XVI to learn more about Islam and its Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from authentic sources such as the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“Those who read the Qur’an and Sunnah can understand the facts,” he said while commenting on the pontiff’s derogatory remarks. People can now easily understand the Qur’an as it has been translated into many world languages.
The Shoura Council also condemned the pope’s statement, saying it would create hatred and enmity between nations. “The pope’s statement went against the moderate stances of the Vatican on just causes and its call for constructive dialogue between religions,” the Shoura said.
In his statement, the mufti reminded the pope that Jesus Christ gave glad tidings about Muhammad years before he was named prophet. “The prophets who came to the Israelites also gave good news about him,” he pointed out.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz said Islam allowed Muslims to defend themselves and fight against those who fight them. “This is a right allowed by God and is quite reasonable, and God will not hate it,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said Muhammad had never chosen war as his first option. “He gave three options: Either accept Islam or surrender or pay tax and they will be allowed to remain in their land, observing their religion under the protection of Muslims,” he explained.
He said it was not the Prophet Muhammad who alone launched wars. There were other prophets such as Moses and David who had fought with enemies. “Islam has instructed its followers to invite others to the religion in a wise and judicious manner.”
In a similar statement, Muslim World League Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Turki said the pope had offended the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims by his irresponsible statement.
“Muslims and Islamic organizations all over the world were disappointed to hear such an offensive statement from a high-ranking personality such as the pope,” Al-Turki said.
He said the Prophet Muhammad had instructed his followers to deal with non-Muslims with mercy and do them justice. He cautioned against the danger of repeating statements made in the Dark Ages. Such statements will promote hatred among peoples.
On behalf of Islamic organizations, the MWL chief urged the Vatican not to give an opportunity for the proponents of clash of civilizations to create sedition. “Instead, it should work for reducing tension and reinforcing peace and stability.”
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