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Muslim Leaders Reject Bin Laden’s Threats to Europe | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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London, Asharq Al-Awsat- Several prominent Muslim leaders in Europe have rejected the threats of Al-Qaeda organization leader Osama Bin Laden in which he threatened the EU countries with attacks because of the cartoons insulting the Prophet of Islam.

They agreed that the “use of bombs, threats, incitement, and letter bombs are not the practical response to the insults but the legal and peaceful ways, such as resorting to the judiciary and writing to the press and Western parliaments, which are the same means used by those insulting the Noble Prophet.”

Islamic activist Sheikh Dr. Kamal al-Halabawi, the adviser to the International Civilizations Studies Center in London, told Asharq Al-Awsat, “The threats are coming from a man who is besieged who does not seethe situations in Europe in which are living.” He added that “the issue of relations between east and west need a profound examination and study and an understanding of the reality on the ground.”

Islamic activist Abdal-Rauf al-Wazzan, chairman of the Coalition Organization for Justice and Dignity in Brussels, said Bin Laden’s threats do not benefit or serve Islam and Muslims. He called on him to present his ideas to the scholars “and he should not think that he is the only scholar who understands religion.”

Dr. Ghiyath Siddiqi, head of the Muslim Parliament of Britain, said “Islam is the religion of peace and not the religion of violence.” He added, “We know our situations better and are more capable of responding to the insults to our beloved Prophet.” He said that Bin Laden “came to pour oil over the fire.”