Mufti of the Kingdom issues statement

Riyadh, July 04, SPA -- Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammad Al
Al-Sheikh, Mufti of the Kingdom and Head of the Senior Scholars
Commission, Religious Research Department and Ifta, asserted that the
criminal acts being committed by the deviant group are definitely not
the work of true Muslims who believe in God, the Day of Resurrection
and the sanctity of innocent souls and the properties of others.

This came in a statement issued by the Kingdom's Mufti, commenting on
a statement issued by the Interior Ministry about the arrest and
sending into custody of a group of persons materially and/or
intellectually involved in the activities of the deviant group.

Following are excerpts of the Mufti's statement:

"With deep grief and sadness, we have learnt of the aggressive
measures aiming at destroying the faith and security of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia by the deviant group who also plotted to undermine
its the people, stability and capabilities, turning themselves as
obedient tools in the hands of the enemies of religion and the
homeland, according to a statement issued by an official source at
the Interior Ministry.

"Speaking in all honesty, taking part in giving advice to the members
of the nation, thereby acquitting myself of withholding the knowledge
I have, and being worried that some enthusiastic sons of the Muslim
nation might become tools of corruption and subversion in the hands
of those who call for sedition, division and deviancy, I confirm the
following points:

"First: What is done by the deviant group is surely not the work of
true Muslims who are supposed to be believers in God , the day of
resurrection and the sanctity of the souls and properties of others
according to a number of Quranic verses and sayings of Prophet
Mohammed (peace be upon him). Whoever dares to commit such crimes is
only a person completely overwhelmed by evil and aggression against
others similar to fierce animals and predatory beasts.

"Second: The danger revealed by the statement of Ministry of
Interior; namely, the mass of weapons and dangerous explosives
designed for subversive acts, destruction of economic facilities and
vital interests of the nation, and the spread of terror in Islam's
castle and home of its two holy mosques, necessitate the solidarity
of citizens, expatriates and other Muslims to work together to expose
the scheme of the deviant group without any leniency or tolerance.

"Third: As we all know that before being united by its founder late
King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud several decades ago, the
country was living a state of anarchy, chaos, division, poverty and
poor security. Following the historic unification of the country by
the founder, Saudi Arabia became the example of stability, progress
and development, a grace benefiting all who live on its soil and
necessitating the keenness of all of us on upholding this grace by
enlisting ourselves as security men for this country and nor should
we hesitate in reporting any suspects or acts of the deviant group.
Mufti of the Kingdom issues statement 3 Riyadh

"Fourth: As Islam is the religion of moderation and its followers are
those who reject deviation or extremism, we have to kill whoever uses
violence and thought of extremism against the state or individuals.
Several verses from the holy Quran and sayings of the prophet can be
cited in this regard.

"Fifth: The occurrence of such incidents confirms the necessity for
Muslims to take one stand against the deviants and to obey the ruler
to avoid fracture, destruction and destabilization of the nation.

"Sixth: The acts and plots of terror designed by the deviant group
confirm once more their ill-will and refute their claims that they
were working in support and interest of Islam. Instead, it has become
obvious that they do not want any glory or victory for Islam. They
want the destabilization of the security of the country, the
terrifying of its people, destruction of its public and private
facilities, and the aiding of the enemies to control the Muslim
nations as is the case in some countries.
I warn my brothers the citizens and expatriates in this country not
to provide cover ups for the members of the deviant group.

Seventh: It is the duty of Ulema, religious students, parents,
teachers, instructors, callers, guides, intellectuals and thinkers to
illuminate the youth against the danger of the deviant group and show
them the correct path of the of the Prophet and his followers.

Eighth: The current attack by the powers of aggression against
Islamic countries, including the occupation of some of them and
violation of their sanctities, will not serve as an excuse by the
enthusiastic youth to execute explosions and accuse others of being
infidels and to show disloyalty for their rulers. Also traveling of
some youth to foreign countries without permission of their rulers is
contradictory to Islamic law.Mufti of the Kingdom makes statement 5 Riyadh

Ninth: I advise Muslims to give Zakat (alms), handouts and donations
and abide by paying them in their proper channels according to
relevant regulations so that we could be reassured that this money
did not end up in the hands of such criminals.

Finally, I thank God for his great graces on this country and I
extend my thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector
General, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior, Prince
Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for
Security Affairs and all security commanders and officers for their
sincere efforts that led to the arrest of the deviant group members
and the success of the pre-emptive attacks against them.

I also send my appreciation of the brave security men for their well
done and strenuous job of pursuing the members of the deviant group".