Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti makes shocking statement against Hamas: "What we saw today is a disgrace"

In a recent declaration, he emphasized that the violence and terror witnessed in Gaza are entirely contrary to the teachings of Islam, stating, "What we saw today in Gaza is a disgrace to Islam, an act of blasphemy against Allah, and a sin that does not represent the followers of the Prophet, peace be upon him, or the honorable religion of Islam."

Al-Sheikh continued by asserting that Islam promotes respect for all life, even for non-Muslims, and the actions of Hamas completely contradict this fundamental value. He further declared that Hamas has deviated from the path of Islam, turning its back on the principles that define the faith.

This isn't the first time that the Grand Mufti has taken a strong stance against violence and terrorism in the name of Islam. In 2017, Al-Sheikh issued a fatwa (religious ruling) condemning the fighting against Jews as forbidden and explicitly named Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. This stance echoed his previous fatwa in 2013, in which he labelled suicide bombers as "criminals who rush themselves to hell by their actions," further distancing Islamic teachings from extremist violence.

It is significant to see such a prominent religious leader in the Arab world speaking out against terrorism and denouncing the horiffic actions of extremist terror groups like Hamas, who falsely claim to represent Islam. In times of widespread violence and division, acts of solidarity from influential figures like Al-Sheikh serve as a reminder that terrorism is not a reflection of true faith.

This strong message from Saudi Arabia is an important step in the global fight against extremism and terrorism, showcasing the willingness of some Arab leaders to break away from terrorist ideologies and advocate for peace and coexistence.