First of all, it is to be stressed that Islam abhors violence and terrorism in all their forms. Being a universal message, Islam calls for peace, cooperation and maintaining justice, and provides for the happiness and welfare of humanity as a whole. This fact is declared in the Qur'an when Allah says: "Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition." (An-Nahl 90)

Hence, Muslims are commanded to support and cooperate with others in establishing peace and justice and fighting against oppression, irrespective of where or against whom it is done. In a world where there are many instances of injustice and oppression against the weak and helpless masses who are the target of merciless weapons that are merely to be tested on them, Muslims should have a role and mission. It is their Divinely entrusted obligation to stand by the oppressed regardless of their race, color, religion or affiliation and say NO to the oppressor and ask him to respond to the voice of reason and justice by all possible and legitimate means.

Regarding the US preparations for attacking Iraq, The European Council for Fatwa and Research made the following declaration:

"Due to its continuous refusal of all sorts of violence and terrorism against secure people, whoever the perpetrators may be, and its keenness to preserve human dignity and rights against any humiliation or disgrace, the European Council for Fatwa and Research – which has previously condemned all sorts of violence – is anxiously following up the American military preparations for attacking Iraq. In spite of the increasing protest demonstrations all over the world against this aggressive war that aims at maintaining US domination over petroleum resources and its control over the whole world, the strongly worded threats are being raised instead of resorting to dialogue, peace and coexistence.

In its 10th ordinary session (23-26, January, 2003) that was held in the Irish capital, Dublin, the Council views that the outbreak of a destructive, widespread war will have tremendous dangers on both Iraq and the whole region. It will lead to destruction, killing, injuring, disabling, and terrifying thousands of innocents, children and women, while forcing others to emigrate. Moreover, it will have negative impacts on relations among countries, civilizations, religions and communities, inciting hatred and racism among nations.

In view of all these impacts, the Council states the following:

First, launching a war against Iraq and destroying its infrastructure and the resulting human catastrophes and disasters is an illegitimate war which is not only directed to Iraq but extends to the whole Muslim world in particular and generally endangers world peace and security as well. Moreover, it is an unjustified war that has no ethical or legal ground nor is practically warranted.

Second, any participation in this war is not permissible from a Shari`ah point of view, as it is a form of assisting transgression. Almighty Allah says, "… but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression …" (Al-Ma'idah 2)

Based on its religious, ethical and humanitarian principles, the Council condemns this war and calls for maintaining peace and security for all. It shares the pains of the Iraqi people as well as their hopes for getting rid of oppression, leading an honorable, secure life through the efforts of its own people, and preserving its right to choose its own leadership.