MORE SUPPORT FOR GRAND MUFTI'S FATWA DISCOURAGING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 002080

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR GGRAY, NEA/ARP FOR RJACHIM/SRAMESH AND NEA/PPD FOR
WDOUGLAS.
DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NSC NRAMCHAND

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/09/2027
TAGS: PGOV PTER KISL KPAO SA
SUBJECT: MORE SUPPORT FOR GRAND MUFTI'S FATWA DISCOURAGING
SAUDI YOUTH FROM JOINING FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN IRAQ

REF: 2007 RIYADH 2049

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission David Rundell for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) SUMMARY: Commentary from the Saudi press on the
October 1 sermon of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Muhammed
Al-Asheikh, the most senior Wahhabi cleric and the Grand
Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to be
strongly positive. Saudi Islamic scholars and officials are
voicing full support for the sermon, which is now referred to
as an official fatwa. In addition to Saudi Islamic scholars,
Dr. Saleh bin-Humaid, imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and
Chairman of the Majlis Al Shoura, reiterated the Mufti,s
statement during the Juma prayer on October 5. Also in an
effort to end freelance fatwas, the Presidency for Scientific
Research and Religious Edicts, the Riyadh-based organization
comprising prominent Islamic scholars that issues fatwas, has
set up a website for its religious rulings. END SUMMARY.

2. (U) The English language daily "Arab News" reported on
October 3 that Saudi Islamic scholars and officials are
voicing full support for the October 1 sermon of Sheikh Abdul
Aziz Bin Muhammed Al-Asheikh, the most influential Saudi
Wahhabist cleric (reftel). According to press reports,
Al-Asheikh criticized Saudis for joining the war in Iraq. In
an official translation of his statement, Al-Asheikh admitted
he felt "obligated to advise imams and the general Muslim
public." The statement marked a break with the Kingdom,s
low-key approach regarding the large number of Saudi
jihadists who have signed up for militant Islamist struggles
in recent years. (NOTE: The October 1 Sermon is considered an
official fatwa. The Mufti,s precise characterization of his
statement, however, was as "a word, which I wrote to my
Muslim brothers as an advice." END NOTE.)


3. (U) Dr. Saleh Bin-Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in
Mecca and Chairman of the Majlis Al Shoura, echoed the
Mufti's recent call to Saudi youth. According to "Arab
News," he added that foreign groups were instigating Muslim
youths, including Saudis, to fulfill their vested interests
and create chaos. "They have exploited their (the youth)
passion and made them time bombs and they (foreign groups)
make political gains by using these youths as scapegoats," he
said. Humaid,s statement is significant because he made it
at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on a Friday during Ramadan. The
press described the Mosque as overflowing with worshippers as
"thousands" stood in the streets leading to the mosques to
join in prayer.


4. (U) Press commentary indicated that on October 3, Ahmed
ibn Qassim al-Ghamdi, Director of the Commission for the
Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice office in Mecca,
emphasized the importance of jihad in Islam. However, he
added that the current calls for jihad are made by groups
having vested interests and have resulted in Muslims killing
each other. Dr. Khaled Bajahzer, a professor in Islamic
studies, encouraged the young to make use of their time and
energy in a constructive manner. He also hopes Saudis will
follow the Mufti,s advice.


5. (U) The Arabic daily, "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat," stated that
Al-Asheikh deserves credit for speaking the truth at a time
when "the Arab public only heard what it wanted to hear, or
what the inciters among the sheikhs had to say." Editorials
indicate the true value of this fatwa lies in the fact that
it proves traditional sheikhs do not issue fatwas that cause
discord or divisions among the society. Another important
value, according to an editorial from "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat," is
that although not everyone agrees with what traditional
sheikhs say, no one can call them instigators or accuse them
of inciting discrimination. Finally, other comments refer to
the statement as a courageous step to control the flow of
terrorists into Iraq and Lebanon.


6. (U) Subsequent media reports indicate that on October 7,
the Presidency for Scientific Research and Religious Edicts,
the Riyadh-based organization consisting of prominent Islamic
scholars who issue fatwas, set up a website for its religious
rulings. According to press reports, the website is in
response to calls for authenticating religious edicts in
Saudi Arabia. The site provides quick access to fatwas
issued by Dar al-Ifta, which is affiliated with the Council
of Senior Islamic Scholars headed by Al-Asheikh. Also, the
website,s goal is reportedly to give Muslims a place to
review authentic and widely accepted fatwas issued by the

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Kingdom's "Islamic authority."


7. (C) COMMENT: The Grand Mufti,s fatwa and its reiteration
by the Imam of the Grand Mosque is another positive step
towards fighting the war against terrorism in the Kingdom.
Since it is unlikely the Mufti issued the statement without
the consulting the Royal Family, this fatwa is also an
important statement for the SAG. The Grand Mufti and the
Imam are key influencers and credible voices; their
statements will reach other imams and the public as a whole.
The support expressed by key members of the religious
community for this statement -- including that of the
politically and religiously influential Humaid at the Grand
Mosque -- is clear evidence of the weight the Grand Mufti's
words carry. END COMMENT.
FRAKER