Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Jordan's Islamists issue fatwa against journalists
Agence France-Presse Amman, January 22
Muslim scholars from Jordan's key opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF) party on Tuesday issued a fatwa branding as "atheists" journalists linked to an article deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohamed.
"Islamic sharia dictates that whoever undermines the Prophet or insults him, or slanders him and his messages is considered an atheist and should 'burn in hell'," an IAF said in a statement, quoting from the Koran.
It was referring to an article published last week by Al-Hilal weekly under the title "Aisha in the Prophet's Home" on the Prophet Mohamed's relationship with his wives, particularly Aisha who was said to be his favourite.
"The article spoke of the Prophet ... and described him in terms that do not fit him or his wives but that severely insult them," the IAF said, adding that its fatwa, or religious decree, was adopted by the party's ulema. The IAF also called on Jordan's top religious authorities to issue their own verdict on this "treacherous crime".
Jordan's state security court has ordered the arrest of Al-Hilal's editor, its director and the author of the article, and also suspended publication of the newspaper.
The three Jordanian journalists were accused of "lacking respect for the family of the Prophet and damaging the prestige of the state and the fundamental principles of Jordanian society by publishing heresies and false rumours."
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