Make a law against those inciting religious hatred: Mecca imam

September 22, 2012 02:59

The imam of Mecca today urged that laws be passed to prevent incitement of religious hatred as he reacted to a film and publication of cartoons deemed offensive to Islam.

"We call on the world to enact a code of honour and binding law to prohibit and criminalise any violation of monotheistic religions and prophets," Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed al-Taleb said in his weekly sermon at the Grand Mosque.

"Let the politicians and policy makers know that the people express uncontrolled reactions when sacred symbols are humiliated," he said, urging "the wise" in the West to "prevent those who ignite fires."

"We advocate dialogue, understanding and tolerance, but it will be in vain if we continue to perpetuate hatred against Islam, the Prophet and the Muslims."

Sheikh Saleh also criticised violent protests by Muslims against the low-budget anti-Islam film produced in the United States, "Innocence of Muslims".

"Muslims must show their kindness in their reactions; it is not kindness to kill innocent people and destroy property," he said, advising them to "raise awareness of the Prophet using social networks" on the Internet.

"Muslims must realise that they do not need fresh incidents to hinder the progress of Islam."

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