In the aftermath of recent acts of terror in London and Sharm el-Sheikh, today in Hamburg Ayatollah Ghaemmaghami, Imam of the Hamburg Islamic Center, issued the following legal pronouncement: In the name of God, the graceful, the merciful one
I hereby announce clearly and unmistakably, that according to the religious law of Islam (sharia), all forms of terrorism and killing of innocent people is forbidden. Without any doubt, these deeds are crimes. Those perpetrating the crimes stand before God as sinners, regardless of their ethnic background or nationality. The Holy Qur´an also makes this clear — if these acts of terror were carried out as suicide attacks, one cannot speak of martyrdom in this regard. On the contrary, the ones committing these deeds can expect to receive Allah’s most severe punishment and be banished to Hell. According to Islam, life and the preservation of life are to be valued most highly. This applies regardless of one’s faith or confession.
Whoever plots to endanger the lives of innocent people no matter by what means, whether directly or indirectly, whether in planning, preparing or in acquiring the means; whoever wrongfully instigates crimes of this type while justifying such acts in religious terms, undoubtedly acts in opposition to the commandments of the Qur´an and the instructions of the Islamic Prophet (Peace be with him.). From a religious standpoint, all Moslems are obliged to vigorously uphold order and safety in the society where they live.
The involvement of Muslims in maintaining order and safety and respecting the laws of the country where they live, also in Europe and America, is an important religious duty, which – if not observed – is the same as committing a sin and violating their faith.
