No Christian churches in Muslim lands, says Islamic scholar (moral, Kingdom)

[Scott1]

Qatar, Jun. 6, 2008 (CWNews.com) - An influential Muslim leader has declared that no more Christian churches should be built in Muslim countries.
Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi, an important Islamic scholar in Qatar, has issued a fatwa against the construction of Christian houses of worship. His religious decree follows the consecration of the first Catholic church in Qatar in March of this year. While al-Qaradawi said that Arab Christians have a right to practice their own religion, he said that the construction of Christian churches in Muslim lands is an offense against Islam. Sheik al-Qaradawi, long a leading figure in Islamic circles in the Middle East, gained broader international notoriety in 2004 when he released a fatwa saying that all Muslims have an obligation to boycott American and Israeli products. He has also defended the morality of suicide bombing. In February of this year al-Qaradawi was denied a visa by the United Kingdom.

Catholic World News : No Christian churches in Muslim lands, says Islamic scholar

[Dunemeister]

What's ironic is that for a long time in the middle ages (after the Muslim wars of religion to 'convert' the heathen and before the crusades) the Islamic world was a model of international tolerance. Christians and Jews could worship and discuss religion freely, including build churches and synagogues. This is in stark contrast to Christianized Europe, where persecution of "Mohammedans" and "Christ-killers" was common. This and other fatwas designed to restrict the religious liberty of alternative religions represents a serious regression from the good old days of Islamic enlightenment.

[9-10ths_Penguin]

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Thanks!

[ayani]

there is in fact a verse in the Quran which justifies defensive fighting to *save* churches and Christian (and Jewish, too) holy places.

why no more churches? i really do think that many of these scholars are afraid to let Muslims hear the true message of Christianity for themselves. and many Muslims who are able to listen to Christians talk about their faith and decide to follow Christ and be baptized, are mercilessly hounded, thrown out of homes and communities, bullied, jailed, fined, threatened with death, or killed. i know that's not Quranic, at all. i know the vast majority of Muslims would agree with me in condemning all of that. but still... one should be free to also apostate, even if it upsets people.

also, claiming that a Christian is free to worship, yet can not have an actual church to worship in is ridiculous.

[ayani]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

What's ironic is that for a long time in the middle ages (after the Muslim wars of religion to 'convert' the heathen and before the crusades) the Islamic world was a model of international tolerance. Christians and Jews could worship and discuss religion freely, including build churches and synagogues. This is in stark contrast to Christianized Europe, where persecution of "Mohammedans" and "Christ-killers" was common. This and other fatwas designed to restrict the religious liberty of alternative religions represents a serious regression from the good old days of Islamic enlightenment.

agreed, and noted.

[not4me]

Nice lies and fabrications!!

Prominent scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi approves building churches for Christian citizens of or residents in Muslim countries to meet their needs just as Muslims are being allowed to build mosques in the West. "There is nothing wrong in building churches for Christian citizens if there is such a need because their numbers have multiplied or because they lack a place to worship as long as it is authorized by the ruler," Qaradawi said.
"This also applies to non-Muslims who came to a Muslim country for work or residence and have grown in numbers and need a church to worship."

The fatwa came in response to a question regarding the building of the first-ever church in the Gulf emirate of Qatar.
The land was given by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

"It is completely permissible that they should be allowed to have churches."

Sheikh Qaradawi, the IUMS president, also approved for Muslims to participate in building churches.
"If we allow them (Christians) to build churches in Muslim countries, then participation in the construction is also approved though many scholars would not like Muslims to do that."

"Just like they allow Muslims in their countries to build mosques for prayers."

Extracted from: Building Churches Allowed: Qaradawi - IslamOnline.net - News

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by not4me

Nice lies and fabrications!!

Uh oh... you may be right!

Check the link... it now reads: "This story has been removed from public access."

Maybe they checked on the story and found out it was a fraud! We shall see!

Thanks for the post not4me.

[ayani]

not4me, thank you very much. God bless you- one does have to be careful what one reads, and i think you for bringing that to light.

any new news? is the original article a fake?

[TashaN]

No comment!