Islamic preachers: Churches should not be built in Islamic countries

KUWAIT CITY, July 26 (Arab Times): A group of Islamic preachers claimed that churches should not be built in Islamic countries particularly in the Arabian Peninsula following the issuance of an approval for constructing a church in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily.

Undersecretary of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mutlaq Al-Qarawi stressed that the ministry is not responsible for issuing licenses for building churches, and only receives the applications for licenses, which they refer immediately to the Municipality for review.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Nazem Al-Misbah pointed out that the Fatwa and Legislation Department should be questioned for such issues, stressing that based on his knowledge about Islam, it is forbidden to build churches in the Arabian Peninsula.

Adding to the Sheikh Nazem’s comment, Sheikh Mohammad Humoud Al-Najdi said building churches in Kuwait should be prohibited, as Kuwait is a part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Furthermore, Sheikh Sayed A-Rifae Al-Husseini expressed displeasure towards Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and the Municipality for approving the construction of a new church in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, stressing that it is not permissible as per the Sharia.

He added that giving excuses such as it is a matter of human rights and international norms to build it, is not acceptable, as Islam comes first, and people should respect religion first before serving humanity or anything else.

H/t: 7th Rangers