The following Fatwa was issued by the Fiqh Council of North America, Islam’s highest religious authority in North America and endorsed by over 500 key Muslim leaders and organizations:

In the spirit of this Season of Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday, the Fiqh Council of North America states its unequivocal and unqualified condemnation of the destruction and violence committed against innocent men and women.

This condemnation of violence is deeply rooted in true Islamic values based on the Qur’anic instructions which consider the unjust killing of a single person equivalent to the killing of al humanity (Qur’an 5:32).   There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.

Targeting civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is prohibited in Islam ― haram ― and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not “martyrs.”

In giving thanks for America and for American people and in the light of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, we, the Fiqh Council of North America, clearly, without hesitation, strongly issue this Fatwa:

1. All acts of terrorism are forbidden in Islam.

1. It is forbidden for a Muslim to cooperate or associate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.

1. It is the duty of Muslims to report to enforcement authorities any threat which is designed to place a human being in harm’s way, bringing them before a competent court of law and in accordance with due process.

We pray for the defeat of extremism, terrorism and injustice. We pray for the safety and security of our country United States and its people. We pray for the safety and security of all inhabitants of this globe. We pray that interfaith harmony and cooperation prevail both in United States and every where in the world.

On behalf of the Fiqh Council of North America.
Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Chairman

Read the Thanksgiving Proclamation in support of the Fatwa today. 

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