In an official statement Saturday, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt held the Iraqi government responsible for ongoing violence, and called on all parties in Iraq to seek dialogue and reconciliation, unity and construction.
Translation of the Muslim Brotherhood statement on the current situation in Iraq
As is well-known, the Muslim Brotherhood has always supported the rights and freedoms of the Iraqi people, demanded respect for the will and sovereignty of the people, and condemned dictatorship and corruption.
The Brotherhood also stood against the occupation and aggression, warned against sectarianism, hatred and strife between partners of the homeland, and contacted scholars and religious and political leaders and pleaded with them to stop sedition right from the outset, to prevent bloodshed, and to stand firm against detention, torture and sabotage in a country that was for centuries the capital of the Islamic Caliphate, and which we considered an essential pillar in building the Arab world.
Today, the Brotherhood calls on all the spectra of the Iraqi people to cooperate and put an end to the deteriorating security, social, scientific and economic situation, and abandon all prejudices that trigger sectarian strife.
The government bears the greatest responsibility now for listening to the voice of the opposition, engaging in a balanced national dialogue, meeting the people’s reasonable and legitimate demands, and preserving the unity of the country.
While we call for dialogue, reconciliation, unity and rebuilding, we deeply regret and strongly condemn the government’s use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and protestors, killing and injuring dozens of innocent citizens.
This oppressive approach is clearly rejected by Islam and humanity at large. Murder is a major crime and sin: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath of God is upon him, and prepared for him is a great punishment (Quran, 4:93)”.
This is no way to rule over people. It cannot achieve neither security nor reform: “And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good (Quran, 7:56)”.
