Another notable omission. Again, the plea to his listeners’ consciences does not target the destruction of innocent human life in general, but focuses on how the acts harm Muslims, and make Islam look bad.
“Saudi cleric issues warning over militants,” from Reuters:
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leading cleric said on Monday Saudis should not join jihad outside the kingdom, in a warning over Saudis going to fight US-led forces in Iraq.
Media reports have said a significant number of Saudis have fought with Sunni insurgents in Iraq. “Our youth have become a commodity bought and sold by Middle Eastern and Western agencies, they became tools carrying out heinous acts,” Grand Mufti said in a religious edict, or fatwa, published on the official SPA news agency.
“I advise those with money to be careful about where it’s spent so it does not damage Muslims and I urge scholars and preachers to explain the truth and take young people by the hand so that they see the reality,” he said. “Saudis go for Gihad [sic] because they are passionate about their religion but they are not wise enough to know right from wrong,” he said.
A strange remark. Indeed, many people look to their religious faith for guidance concerning what’s right and wrong. Again, the Grand Mufti overlooks the role Islamic texts play here, while those who are “passionate about their religion,” and whose consciences are shaped by the imperative to wage jihad will likely not care about what’s bad for business.