Statement from Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah on the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls

WAM ABU DHABI, 13th May, 2014 (WAM): Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, has issued a statement on the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls. Following is the full text of the statement: "In the Name of Allah the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful May peace and blessings be upon our Master the Messenger of Allah an upon his family and companions It is with great regret that we have learned about the recent events and violence between different extremist groups in the African country of Nigeria. The most recent event has been the tragic kidnapping of hundreds of young girls by the "Boko Haram" group. We absolutely condemn this act and assert that it has no religious or logical justification. We implore this group to return these innocent girls to their homes and families, and to desist from these vile acts that all revealed religions unite in prohibiting, especially Islam, whose image has been vilified and its sanctity violated at the hands of individuals who do not comprehend its reality nor consult its learned religious leaders. We therefore call on all Islamic religious scholars in Nigeria and West Africa, as well as Christian religious leaders in this region to cooperate and support each other in saving these girls and ending the wanton violence and indiscriminate killing that both sides have witnessed. It is their collective responsibility to stop this killing and fighting, which will not end except in destruction, chaos, and anarchy. Leaders from both groups must also support the efforts for peace not only in Nigeria alone, but also in Central Africa, which has witnessed - and continues to witness - many terrible events. We are absolutely certain that the benefits and opportunities that peace can provide for benevolent co-existence and development far out-weigh and perceived benefits for continued war and violence. Acts of revenge and short term victories over enemies will not yield any sustainable benefits in the long term. Our sincere invitation for everyone is to reclaim the spirit of brotherhood and atmosphere of peace, so that the region becomes an abode of love and harmony. We, the international Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, are ready to provide the intellectual and educational support needed to build an enduring peace within the psyches of the involved groups. We extend our hands to all those who are serious in the endeavor, irrespective of their religious affiliation, so that peace would manifest and violence would stop, in accordance with our Lord's command in the Noble Quran, "O believers, enter wholly into peace for all." (2:208) We ask Him, the Glorified and Exalted, to grant success to everyone." Abdullah Bin Bayyah President, Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies (Abu Dhabi). – Emirates News Agency, WAM