RIYADH, 5 September 2004 — The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) has condemned kidnapping, detention and killing of innocent civilians in Iraq and said such inhuman treatment of foreigners was a complete negation of the teachings of Islam.
In a statement issued here, Dr. Saleh S. Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of WAMY, said: “The Holy Qur’an has prohibited kidnapping and hostage-taking which have become the order of the day.”
He quoted the relevant verses from the Qur’an, according to which “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.” (60:8) And also: “And do not do mischief on the earth after it has been set in order.”
Dr. Wohaibi called upon the kidnappers to return to the path of righteousness and heed the voice of scholars who have been urging them to desist from their misguided path. He said that by resorting to such evil methods they were only strengthening the hands of the enemies of Islam and Iraq.
The WAMY secretary-general appealed to Islamic scholars of Iraq to use their influence in expediting the release of the hostages. He said these evil methods in trying to resist the coalition forces have been counterproductive, since it was antagonizing countries whose nationals have been held captive. Moreover, their actions could provoke strong reactions against Muslims elsewhere, he observed.
The slaying of 12 Nepalese workers by an Iraqi group triggered a wave of indignation in Nepal, where a mosque was ransacked, copies of the Qur’an were burned, and offices of Arab airlines, including Saudia, attacked. Several Muslim-owned shops were set ablaze.
While condemning the anti-Islamic conduct of the kidnappers, Dr. Al-Wohaibi said that at the same time, the international community cannot ignore the rights of the Iraqis to freedom and complete independence. He underlined the need for the coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq.
The WAMY chief also appealed to Western governments and institutions to review their stand toward the Islamic world and open the doors for a dialogue. In this context, he underlined the rights of the Palestinians and Iraqis to complete and unfettered freedom, adding that such measures could go a long way in easing regional tension.
