Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of the Islamic Conference which represents all the recognized Islamic schools in the Muslim world, expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the despicable bombing of the graves of the two venerable Imams ‘Ali al-Hadi and al-Hassen al-‘Askari – may Allah have mercy on them – in the city of Samurah last Wednesday, 23 Muharam 1427, corresponding to 22 February 2006.

These two venerable Imams occupy an important place among the Muslims who appreciate them deeply. They are the grandsons of the Messenger of Allah – PBUH – from the lineage of his daughter Fatima – may Allah be pleased with her. These acts are considered a crime against all Muslims, whether Sunni or not. Whoever commits such an act is deprived of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet’s love – PBUH -. These attacks are an act of terrorism that stirs up sectarian divisions among the children of the Iraqi people who have had strong bonds of brotherhood and kinship for centuries.

The Academy strongly condemns and disapproves of the vindictive reactions that have targeted mosques with [arson] fires, demolitions using missiles, assaults and insults against their imams, while burning and tearing copies of the Holy Book. All Islamic schools are unanimous in prohibiting attacks against Muslims, mosques, religious sites, and cemeteries. Religious texts relating to this are comprehensive and fluid.

It is worthy of praise that the religious authorities have called for composure, for suppressing anger and for prioritizing general interest (over private interest); they have warned against falling into the trap of clashes, the heavy price of which will be paid by the Iraqi people themselves.

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy, through this statement, urges everyone to reject violence and fanaticism, to stand in a united front to make the enemies of this country lose their chance and to avoid the discord led by those who want to tear this country and its people apart by spreading destruction, death, poverty and ignorance, prepared in an unmasked plot. We hope there will be a global investigation to get to know the threads of this heinous crime and punish its perpetrators.

We implore Allah the Almighty to protect the Iraqi people, unite its citizens’ ranks against all evils, and restore peace and security in Iraq.

Dr. Mohamed Habibi Belkhoja

The SG of the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.