Shia Cleric Calls on Sunni Scholars to Renounce Al-Qaeda

Iraqi Shia cleric and head of Sadr current urged Sunni scholars to renounce the Al-Qaeda terrorist group.

Muqtada Al-Sadr hoped that Sunni scholars would disavow the dividing calls of the Al-Qaeda and issue a Fatwa against the spilling of Shias’ blood, Al-Sumariya news website reported.

He said the move was necessary in order to prevent the bloodshed in Iraq and to do away with sectarianism and spitefulness in the country.

Al-Sadr added that Sunni scholars may have stayed away from taking a stance against AL-Qaeda due to fear of extremists.

“But we emphatically expect them to take a stance against Al-Qaeda so that moderation will spread everywhere,” he added.

Sectarian violence provoked by Al-Qaeda affiliated groups has surged across Iraq in recent months, reaching its highest level since 2008.

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