Fatal Fatwa

From Jerusalem last week the New York Times Correspondent Joseph M. Levy cabled the text of the fatwa by which Iraq Moslem leaders last fortnight decreed a jihad (Holy War) against Britons and Jews in Palestine (TIME, Aug. 22):

"In the name of Allah, the Merciful!

"Allah said in His holy Koran, 'Let those emerge as a nation who evoke goodness and refrain from evil!' Allah also said, 'Harken unto Allah, ye faithful, and to His messenger when he calls upon you!' "Know ye, all ye Moslems, that a jihad is your sacred duty for the glory of the word of Allah and the salvation of others.

Hear ye, the Mosque el Aksa and its surroundings in Palestine have been suffering at the hands of imperialism expressed in terms of atrocities, destruction, robbery and ruin, all of which have been denounced by the entire world.

"Protests were submitted against the atrocities--atrocities unheard of in any civilized or even uncivilized government--but all the protests voiced by Moslem countries and all the Moslem world remain unheeded. Indeed, they are. disregarded in such a manner as to constitute an insult to all Moslems. A Moslem cannot let himself be insulted or disgraced. Consequently a jihad has become imperative, the duty falling on every Moslem to sacrifice either himself or money. The jihad is intended to save holy Moslem Palestine from people who are playing with its destiny.

"Remember, ye Moslems. Allah said in His Holy Koran, I will lead you to an occupation that is profitable.' The jihad will save you from purgatory and its tortures."

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