December 9, 2001
The mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Akrameh Sabri, says that suicide bombings are
justified and should be encouraged, according to a report published on Friday in
the international Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat.
During a visit to Abu Dhabi, Sabri criticized the Muslim religious leaders in
Egypt and Saudi Arabia who issued an Islamic ruling (fatwa) against suicide
attacks. Last week, Muhammad Sayed Tantawi, the sheikh of Al-Azhar
University and Mosque in Cairo, ruled that Islamic law does not condone suicide
attacks against innocent victims. A leading mufti in Saudi Arabia issued a
similar opinion.
According to Sabri, “these rulings came as a result of international pressure.”
He added that “those who do not have the courage to speak the truth
should remain quiet and not say things that create confusion.”
Sabri, who was appointed by PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, added:
“Resistance is legitimate and those who give up their lives do not require
permission from anyone.”
According to Sabri, “We must not stand in the way of the intifada and jihad
. Rather, we must stand at their side and encourage them.”
