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Council of Muftis of Russia condemns Nairobi hostage situation

Terrorists use Islam as cover for their crimes, statement says

Photo EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU

Photo EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU

MOSCOW, September 23 (Itar-Tass) – Council of Muftis of Russia has condemned terrorist taking hostages in Nairobi mall. September 21 a group of Islamist gunmen stormed the upscale shopping mall Westgate in Nairobi, Kenya and opened fire at the shoppers, taking several people hostage. This terrorist act has left 60 people dead and hundreds injured. The Council is “hurt and outraged”, according to the official statement received by Itar-Tass.

“Council of Muftis denounces actions of terrorists and criminals, who use Islam as their cover. Islam condemns terror: the Holy Quran states that murder of one innocent is equal to murdering the whole of humanity. A terrorist and a criminal cannot by a Muslim; a Muslim cannot be a terrorist,” the statement emphasizes.

The council believes that “criminals who are responsible for these terrorist acts, face dire retribution.” According to the Quran, “he who willingly murders, will end up in the fires of hell,” the Council notes.

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