(MENAFN- Arab Times) Several clerics and preachers of the Salafist Movement on Monday issued a 'fatwa' (edict) to prohibit seminars, demonstrations, protests and rallies for political demands on grounds that the disadvantages of such actions outweigh the advantages, in addition to dividing the country.
In a press statement, Salafist Movement clerics - Dr Nathem Al-Mesbah, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Senin, Dr Mohammad Al-Hamoud, Adnan Abdul-Qader and Nasser Shamsdin- highlighted the position of Islam on seminars, rallies, demonstrations and protests.
However, Sheikh Al-Senin admitted he has reservations on prohibiting seminars because it is wrong and unreasonable - in terms of religion - to outrightly condemn the act.
For purposes of clarifying the parameters of the 'fatwa', the clerics also defined demonstrations as peaceful gatherings of many people in a certain place, major road or other locations to express their opinions or present their demands.
They said the demonstrators normally carry placards, raise slogans and chant their demands. They added these activities are regarded as a march whenever certain actions are taken, while demonstrations or protests are done in a calm manner.
The clerics stressed the need to prohibit the abovementioned activities because the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages, considering the destructive nature of such acts that serve as a prelude to revolutions and division of the country.
They believe these actions override the roles of experts, rulers and scholars; encourage civil disobedience amongst the youths; allow intermingling between sexes; lead to destruction of public and private properties; hinder people's movement; and pave the way for clashes between participants and security officers due to difficulties in controlling the emotions of demonstrators.
The clerics clarified seminars, public lectures, conferences and election campaigns are permissible within the scope of religion, but these activities become illegal once they contravene the law or the regulations specified by the government. They went on to say that demonstrations and rallies are prohibited due to the dire consequences, especially since there are other ways to present demands.
They pointed out protest actions are allowed only in certain cases, such as when an employer breaches the work contract and if attempts to settle the issue amicably proved futile.
They added protests are prohibited when demanding for special rights, exclusive demands or just for fun. They said the action is totally unacceptable if the intention is to present political demands, asserting that it is wrong to hold demonstrations to demand for the enactment of laws on usury, commercial insurance and music.
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