Praise be to Almighty Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his Companions, and all those who follow his guidance.
The International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) is closely observing with great concern the recent developments and violence taking place in Afghanistan, which resulted from the burning of some copies of the noble Qur’an by some American soldiers who do not care for the sanctity of Muslims in their lands. It is unfortunate that this is not the first time for Americans soldiers to commit this sacrilege; they previously burnt copies of the noble Qur’an in Afghanistan and America.
Considering this latest development and the irresponsible and immoral attitudes demonstrated by some American soldiers in Afghanistan, IUMS is hereby announcing the following:
First, IUMS expresses its deep displeasure and strong condemnation for the action of the American soldiers who burnt the Qur’an at their base in Afghanistan, which is a great insult and disregard for Muslims in Afghanistan and all over the world.
Second, IUMS regards this action as an incitement to violence, hatred, and discrimination, and it leads also to more blood-shedding of innocent Afghanis.
Third, though IUMS welcomes the apology of the U.S government, it calls for an immediate investigation so as to punish the perpetrators of this criminal act.
Fourth, IUMS calls Muslims all over the world to always observe and practice Islamic ethics in dealing with such practices. As the Qur’an says, {no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another}, there should be no generalization or punishment for innocent people.
Allah is our Helper and on Him we rely.
Doha: Rabi` Thani 14th , 1433 AH – Feb. 26th, 2012 AC.

Prof. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi - President
Prof. `Ali Al-Qara Daghi - Secretary General
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