In June, an Islamic leader issued a fatwa against liberal Muslims. Sheik Saleh al-Fozan said, “Calling oneself a liberal Muslim is a contradiction in terms … one should repent before God for such ideas in order to be a real Muslim.” (Reuters) The edict has caused liberal Muslims to fear attacks from Islamic militants.
A fatwa is a religious edict issued by an Islamic cleric. Typically, a fatwa is used to express disapproval against someone whose actions contradict the issuing cleric’s interpretation of Sharia law. Sometimes violence follows the issuing of a fatwa. This happens when militant followers enforce the fatwa by killing the target of the edict. For example, in 1989 a fatwa was issued against Salman Rushdie. Although, he has survived the fatwa by going underground for many years, some of his book Satanic Verses translators were killed, as well as his Norwegian publisher. Also, 37 people died while his Turkish translator was targeted.
For this reason the Liberal Muslims are fearful that violence will ensue from this fatwa. “Even if his (Fozan) intention is not calling for violence, the implication is violence,” replied Turki al-Hamad. (Reuters) Hamad is a novelist targeted by Saudi Islamists because of his desire to expand the freedom of the individual.
Saudi conservative Muslims are conflicting with liberal Muslims on whether the influence of the clerics should be limited. The liberals also desire to limit the Saudi royal family’s power through implementing parliamentary elections. The discord between the factions of Islam could cause violence amongst the factions. If this happens it is likely that the Saudi government would have to intercede and the Royal Family would seize the opportunity to cement its power. If the discord does not lead to open violence, it could create the necessary tension to limit the influence of radical militant clerics.
Reuters. Saudi fatwa against liberals raise fears of violence. 8 July 2007.
Fars News Agency. Enemies seek to Sow Religious Discord among Muslims. 7 July 2007.
CNN. Iran dissacociates itself from Rushdie death sentence. 24 September 1998.
