Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA’S HIGHEST RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY
WARNS AGAINST THE DANGERS OF EXTREMISM

Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Council of
Senior Ulema [religious scholars], issued a statement today warning Muslims that extremism
and fanaticism lead only to violence and the death of innocent people. Shaikh Al-Ashaikh
emphasized that Muslims must understand that the path of reform never comes through
violence. Islam is not a religion of violence. It is a religion of mercy for everyone."

Shaikh Al-Ashaikh stated: One of the fall-outs from extremism in understanding Islam is that
some people call for jihad for the sake of God without justification These people, who call for
jihad, want to raise the banner of jihad to draw the youth into their ranks, and not to fight for
the Almighty God.

Saudi Arabia s religious leaders have repeatedly and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all
its forms. Following the Riyadh bombings on May 12, Shaikh Al-Ashaikh stated: Terrorism
has nothing to do with Islam Islam should not be blamed for the acts of other people. People
should be held responsible individually for their own acts.