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 Secretariat General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy has followed up on the press reports about the republication of the cartoons that offend the Messenger of Allah – PBUH – in some Danish newspapers, the same cartoons were first published by a Danish newspaper about two years ago. The Secretariat General strongly and forcefully denounces such a despicable act and a heinous crime. It considers these caricatures to be a deliberate provocation of the sensibilities of Muslims all over the world, and that they emanate from a deep-seated hatred against the Muslim creed and their Prophet – PBUH -. While denouncing this crime, the Academy reiterates its previous appeals to the international community for decisions that prohibit offending religions and their symbols, and that outlaws the reproduction of such offences.

To this end, it is time, indeed urgent, that such a decision be made. The Academy appeals to the West in general, and to western governments in particular, to end these crimes, which represent the height of desecration of religions and their creeds. It also calls for a review of the doctrine of freedom of speech to refine and regulate it so that it does not harm others and their sacred values. The Academy also calls upon faith leaders and believers from the Western countries to vigorously denounce such a crime and its likes, to explain to their followers that this crime is an offense to the God that they worship.

And may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy.