A Review of Shaykh ul-Islam Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri’s Recent Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings: The Contemporary Importance and Relevance of the Fatwa for Pakistan

Abstract

Kemal Argon[1]

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this article is to provide a short review of the recent fatwa (religious decree or opinion) by Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on terrorism and suicide bombings, to describe some of its context, and to assess its importance and relevance for Muslims. The fatwa will not be critiqued in a detailed way with respect to content, reasoning, and rationale. Rather, it is the context of the fatwa and the need for such that is described, showing its importance and relevance, especially in Pakistan.

Qadri’s fatwa on terrorism and suicide bombings was issued and released in 2010 and received some minor coverage in the Western media.[2] But the contemporary context of concern over terrorism and for better relations amongst communities makes this fatwa timely and relevant. Its potential as an important resource for Muslims in encountering others and establishing better relations amongst individuals and amongst communities within the Muslim fold and beyond is probably yet to be realized. Yet the content presents a major authoritative reference work and resource for Muslims that should be considered.

[1]    Ph.D. (Arab and Islamic Studies: Exeter University, UK).

[2]    Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings (London: Minhaj ul-Qur’an International, 2010). A digital version was available at www.minhaj.org at the time of this writing.