An anti-militancy fatwa signed by over 100,000 Islamic scholars from across the country has been issued in the in Bangladesh capital Dhaka today. The fatwa declares terrorism and suicide attacks as haram or forbidden under Islamic law.
The 30-volume document consisting of signatures from muftis and ulemas including over 9 thousand women ulemas is aimed at reducing radicalism and militancy and discourage patrons and sympathisers from violence.
Named as ‘anti-crime and anti-militancy peace fatwa for human well-being’ , the fatwa work was initiated last December by Farid Uddin Masud, Chairman of the Jamaatul Ulema and Imam of Bangladesh’s largest Eid congregation at Sholakia.
Some of the key signatories include Hefazat-e-Islam General Secretary, Darul Ulum Deoband General Secretary, Rampura National Women Madrasa, etc., The idea for the fatwa which is a scholars’ interpretation on Islamic law came up at a joint meeting of law enforcers and Islamic clerics last December in the face of a wave of violence by radical Islamist elements.
It was followed by a Ulema Conference in early January to garner support for the initiative. Sources said copies of the fatwa will be sent to the Prime Minister, President, Orgainsation of Islamic Co-operation and the United Nations.