Thursday, July 28 2005 21:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Muslim scholars in the US and Canada today (July 28, 2005) issued a 'fatwa' or edict against terrorism, saying Islam condemns terror, religious extremism and any violence against civilians, including suicide bombings, in an unprecedented move in response to the wave of recent bombings in Britain and Egypt.

"All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are 'haram' (forbidden) in Islam," the 'fatwa' made by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), a group of scholars, which interprets Islamic law. The order was endorsed by major US Muslim groups in Washington.

The edict, signed by 18 Islamic scholars who serve on the FCNA, is endorsed by over 100 Muslim organizations, mosques and leaders.

"It is 'haram' for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence," it said, adding, "It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians."

The scholars said the 'fatwa' is a response to the bombings this month in London and Egypt, and that they wanted the message to reach both non-Muslims who believe that Islam supports terrorism, as well as Muslims in North America and elsewhere, especially youths who could be susceptible to Islamic extremism.

"Young people might not have had the opportunity to understand the teaching of Islam in depth," Jamal Badawi, chairman of the Islamic Information Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a member of the council issuing the 'fatwa' was quoted as saying ahead of its issuance.