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Uzbek Muslims call for bombing halt
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Oct. 29 (UPI) — Leaders of Uzbekistan's Islamic community say the United States must halt its bombing campaign in Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Nov. 16.
"It is a month to pray for all Muslims across the world. There can be no war during this period," said Sharfuddin Mir Mahmood, Advisor of the Muslim Religious Board of Uzbekistan.
He explained that although the Islamic community of Uzbekistan is siding with the United States in its war against terrorism there should be no attacks on Afghanistan during Ramadan since it would prohibit Afghani Muslims from peacefully praying during the holy month.
“Islam is against war of any kind but definitely there can be no bombing or killings during Ramadan,” Mahmood told United Press International. “No doubt America is not fighting a war against Afghanistan or Islam but against terrorism, but a war is a war. It sheds blood.”
Mahmood said that if the United States continued bombing during Ramadan, it would lose the support of a large section of the world’s Muslim population.
“United States should not play with the sentiments of Muslims during the holy month just to get one man (Osama bin Laden),” he said.
He said similar sentiments are being expressed by leaders of Islam from other countries, which are supporting the U.S.-led attack on the Taliban regime.
He also ridiculed the Taliban for bringing a bad name to the religion by calling terrorism a jihad.
“Jihad is a holy war … it is fought to protect one’s nation or religion and not to give refuge to terrorists,” said Mahmood. “It is sad and painful to know the damage (the) Taliban has done to the Islam religion.”
