Iraq Facing A Plot Hatched by Extremist Groups, Certain Regional Countries
Speaking to IQNA, Abdel Amir Kazem Zahid, dean of Kufa College of Islamic sciences, said those behind this conspiracy seek to exploit the diversity of sects and the social context of Iraq to provoke sectarian tensions.
He referred to the recent attacks by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)- an extremist Takfiri group- on several Iraqi cities and said the terrorist group is attempting to turn Iraq into a base for attacking other countries of the region.
Zahid described Takfir as a serious disease Muslim world is suffering from and said Takfiris have trampled upon Islamic and human values.
He underlined the need for mobilization against ISIL and to strive for removing the "cancerous tumor of Takfir" from the Muslim world.
The Iraqi academic added that Muslim scholars, both Shia and Sunni, ought to raise people's awareness about ISIL and other Takfiri groups and inform people that these extremist groups are by no means representative of the true Islam.
He said the Ulama (scholars) should urge people to stand up against ISIL and support the Iraqi army's courageous operations against the terrorist group.
Zahid praised prominent cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's move to issue a Fatwa against ISIL and described the cleric as an experienced and judicious leader.
Ayatollah Sistani on Friday issued a Fatwa (religious decree) calling on Iraqis to fight the Takfiri terrorists in the country.
The Fatwa came as Iraqi army and security forces continue their battle against ISIL terrorists.
The ISIL is an Al-Qaeda offshoot that is also active across the border in neighboring Syria.
The terrorist group has attacked several cities in north of Iraq and threatened to take their acts of violence to other Iraqi cities, including the capital, Baghdad.
Ayatollah Sistani in his Fatwa called on people to take up arms and defend their country against the ISIL militants.
Iraqi men from all walks of life have been flocking to recruitment centers to join the army in its fight against the ISIL extremists.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Abdel Amir Kazem Zahid described the reaction by international and Islamic bodies to the ISIL terrorist attacks as insufficient and said these organizations are expected to take practical steps to help Iraq in its battle against the terrorist group.
http://www.iqna.ir/fa/News/1418091
