Shia Ulama Condemn Blasphemous Cartoons

Committee of Shia Ulama in the United Kingdom strongly condemns the blasphemous cartoons which were published in Danish and other European publications. Publishing such blasphemous cartoons will harm the harmony in the societies, and cause great outrage among over one and half billion of Muslims all over the world.

It can not be justified by the excuse of freedom of expression as that freedom should not harm the feelings of others; otherwise it will turn to indiscipline which can endanger the harmony and co-existence. Danish and other European governments need to have a legislation preventing such violations.

We are sorry to see the response of few Muslim youngsters in attacking and burning, which fails to fit the Islamic standards, and urge all Muslim leaders to try to control over Muslim masses' emotions and keep them within the Islamic principles. Nevertheless, European governments should avoid allowing any act which can instigate public feelings and lead to unwanted situation.

We call for a clear definition of freedom of expression, which must keep it away from attacking or harming the religious feelings.

Sayyed Mohammad Musawi ; World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL)

Shaykh Abdul Hussain Moezzi ; Islamic Centre England.

Shaykh Ali mayAalemi ; Universal Islamic Association.

Shaikh Zafar abbas ; Shia Majlis Ulama

Sayyed Saeed Khalkhali ; Imam Ali Foundation

London 10 of March 2008