A Fine Fatwa
Over the past two weeks, about 150 muslim organizations have endorsed a fatwa against all acts of terrorism and religious extremism, calling such acts "un-Islamic."
"Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives," says the religious edict, issued by a group of Muslim scholars. "Targeting civilians' life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram -- or forbidden -- and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not 'martyrs.'"
This is a positive step that should be applauded by President Bush and his administration. Such a public statement on the part of the government would send the message that Muslims in America are Americans, not some disassociated group that represents the international face of terrorism. It would also acknowledge that American Muslims are not as segregated as European Muslims. Rather, they are part of the multicultural fabric of our society -- one that holds together despite its many small rips.
