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 been following up on the media reports of the attacks in front of the Saints Church on the night of the Orthodox Christians’ celebration of the New Year in Alexandria, Egypt.

In the name of all scholars of the Ummah, the Secretariat General wishes to express its deep indignation and denounce these heinous criminal attacks, which have caused several victims among Egyptians (both Muslims and Christians).

The Secretariat General draws the attention of the public opinion, whatever the tendency, nationality or belief, to an apparent reality guaranteed by Sharia, that the victims are natives and associates of the Muslims, all the People of the Book among the citizens of Muslim communities, with whom they share the same duties and the same rights. Their lives are protected there, their property is preserved there, and their places of worship are guarded there by both governments and people. Thus, it is strictly forbidden to harm them, especially since freedom of worship is guaranteed.

History and facts testify to the strength and solidity of the bonds between Muslims and Christians, according to the word of Allah The Almighty: « You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah »Al-Ma’ida -82

Similarly, the Secretariat General of the Academy emphasizes that these criminal acts do not reflect the existence of any animosity between Christians and their fellow Muslims, and it is incumbent upon them never to indulge in doubt or accusations because of these ties.

Furthermore, the Secretariat General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy urges the Egyptians (Muslims and Christians) to support and help each other wisely, in order to face such incidents that seek to harm their relationship and urges them to know their various enemy better and never let disputes enter it so as not to allow their enemy to carry out his plan. Differences create calamity, which their enemy can exploit to achieve his goal.

The Secretariat General of the Academy also recommends them not to let extremists, troublemakers and crisis merchants lead them to wrong ends. This is because the impact of a calamity will afflict everyone. Allah The Almighty says: « And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively and know that Allah is severe in penalty. » Al-Anfal -25

The Secretariat General of the Academy would like to present to the Presidency, the Government and the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt its sincere condolences for the victims of the painful attacks against Christians and Muslims and invokes Allah to grant the injured a speedy recovery, and to preserve Egypt from all evils, to keep it safe and stable and to protect it from the hatred and plots of the envious, for Allah is Omnipotent, and may the blessings and peace be upon our Master Muhammad and his family and companions.

IIFA Secretary General