By Muin Abdul Majid, NNN-Bernama,
Dubai : Muslims the world over should unite against all forms of terrorism and help put an end to this phenomenon which distorts the image of Islam as a religion of peace, compassion and tolerance.
Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary-general Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu also expressed regret that barbaric attacks were committed against innocent people, like the incidents in Islamabad and Sana’a.
These, he said, had caused extensive damage and violated the serenity of the holy month of Ramadan and sanctity of human life.
The sanctity of human life was strongly stressed in Islam, said Ihsanoglu, adding that any violation of this assertion should be vehemently condemned.
“Committing these atrocious sins, particularly during Ramadan, should make our rejection and condemnation even stronger and more determined,” he said on Saturday in a message to usher in the advent of Aidilfitri celebrations.
Recently, scores of people were killed in bomb blasts at the Marriott hotel in Islamabad and near the United States embassy in Sana’a.
Ihsanoglu reiterated the steady position of the OIC in condemning terrorism in all its manifestations, including hideous and misguided suicide attacks, irrespective of their motivations or justifications.
The incidents in the two capital cities, like previous terrorist attacks in various parts of the Muslim World, had been a source of tremendous amount of pain, grief, and distress, he said.
“OIC summits and ministerial conferences have condemned terrorism in the strongest possible terms. No effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators of these barbaric attacks to justice.
“We reaffirm our unyielding determination to combat this scourge by all means, in cooperation with the international community,” said Ihsanoglu.
He congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Aidilfitri, praying to God for a better future and a new era when all difficulties and conflicts would come to an end through dialogue and peaceful means.