Saudi Sheikh: Those Who Associate Islam with Terrorism Do So to "Deceive, or Out of Ignorance"

"War is deceit," said Muhammad, and nowhere is that more evident than in the words that come out of Saudi Sheikhs. Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan here condemns suicide bombings as being "in the path of Satan," and condemns terrorist groups, but then still says that those in the West who associate Islam with terrorism do so "to deceive, or out of ignorance." Also if you read his statements carefully you see his real motive for condemning terrorism: "Jihad comes by authoritative decree, which cannot be given except by the responsible authority." In other words, there's nothing wrong with jihad terrorism per se, but the Saudis should be the ones declaring it, not al-Qa'ida or other terrorist groups. (Link to original Arabic here.)

A Member of the Saudi Senior Ulema Council: Those Who Carry Out Suicide Operations Are Mujahideen in the Path of Satan

al-Sharq al-Awsat, 7 Jan 2011
Riyadh - Turki al-Sahil

A member of the Senior Ulema Council in Saudi Arabia directed an unprecedented attack on suicide operations, considering their perpetrators as mujahideen in the path of Satan.

Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan, one of the most important members of the Saudi Senior Ulema Council, ruled that killing oneself through suicide operations is not permissible...

In his comments regarding the Alexandria church bombing, he said: "This is treachery. If it was done by Egyptian Muslims, then it was treachery, for these Christians have a dhimma pact with the Egyptians, for they are their neighbors and reside with them. Therefore treachery is not permissible with them. If (the perpetrators) were from outside of Egypt, then this would not be counted against Egypt."

Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan expressed his dismay over the connection of terrorism with Islam, saying: "As you know, the word 'terrorist' and the word 'Islam' have now become connected. If you say 'Muslim,' they say, "This is a terrorist, for their Islam is terrorist," whether intending to deceive, or out of ignorance of Islam."

The member of the Senior Ulema Council stressed that, "Jihad comes by authoritative decree, which cannot be given except by the responsible authority. The terrorist acts carried out now are not jihad but sabotage." [...]