Destroy all churches in Gulf, says Saudi Grand Mufti

By Elizabeth Broomhall
  • Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:20 AM
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Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah made the comment in view of an age-old rule that only Islam can be practiced in the region. (AFP/Getty Images)

Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah made the comment in view of an age-old rule that only Islam can be practiced in the region. (AFP/Getty Images)

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has said it is “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region,” following Kuwait’s moves to ban their construction.

Speaking to a delegation in Kuwait, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, stressed that since the tiny Gulf state was a part of the Arabian Peninsula, it was necessary to destroy all of the churches in the country, Arabic media have reported.

Saudi Arabia’s top cleric made the comment in view of an age-old rule that only Islam can be practiced in the region.

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia is the highest official of religious law in the Sunni Muslim kingdom. He is also the head of the Supreme Council of Ulema (Islamic scholars) and of the Standing Committee for Scientific Research and Issuing of Fatwas.

A Kuwaiti parliamentarian said last month he wanted to ban the construction of churches and non-Islamic places of worship in the Gulf state.

MP Osama Al-Munawer announced on Twitter he planned to submit a draft law calling for the removal of all churches in the country. He later clarified that existing churches should remain but the construction of new non-Islamic places of worship should be banned.

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Join the Discussion
Posted by: Wadi Monday, 19 March 2012 2:25 PM[UAE] - Oman

Unbelievable!

Posted by: Michelle Kim Monday, 19 March 2012 2:12 PM[UAE] - Singapore

I respect Islam and expect same respect in return, I admire Christians for their kindness as well. We Buddhist might be outnumbered and we are not counting on numbers here but on how you practice your belief for the sake of world peace.

Kudos to all Leaders Islam countries that embraces other denomination outside Islam, their heart were touched by Gods.

In this real world, no man represents for anyone...everything around us is from God.

Posted by: V.S. Kumar Monday, 19 March 2012 1:19 PM[UAE] - India

Creation and destruction vests in God's hand not in us. We are universe and universe are us. This is the only reason we exist. If you destruct, in other part of the world it will be resurrected. Faith is one's own belief and it should not be insulted nor suppressed it should be respected with mutual interest and trust. If your actions and words hurts a single person, it could be tolerated by the god, because it has remedy. If your actions and words hurts a large mass who respects and value the faith, responsibility goes to you and not any faith/religion.

Posted by: ahmet Kianin Monday, 19 March 2012 11:20 AM[UAE] - Dubai, UAE

What will the Grand Mufti say, if it was said to Destroy all The Mosques not in Europe ??

I am sure that Europe will be full of Riots and demonstrations, so why than are all these same people who would demonstrate against closre of Mosques silent NOW ????

Grand Mufti or not he for sure does not speak for me, and I doubt if any Muslim with Allah in his heart and Soul would accept his words either..

Posted by: BintAlAbla Monday, 19 March 2012 7:49 AM[UAE] - United Arab Emirates

Confuscan, you've made a very good point, which seems to have been largely ignored by the readership. If the Grand Mufti is not the most representative, influential and important spokesperson for Islam, who is?

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