A total of 176 ministers, Islamic scholars, muftis, and heads of Islamic associations, universities, and institutions from more than 70 countries strongly condemned attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia.
They highlighted the threat these attacks pose to the security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of their visitors and condemned the targeting of airports and other civilian and vital infrastructure across the Kingdom.
In statements and cables sent to Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, they expressed full support for Saudi Arabia's measures to protect its territory, safeguard its security and stability, and defend Islam's holy sites.
They described the attacks as a flagrant violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites, an infringement upon humanitarian and moral values and principles, and a disregard for the sanctity of human life, which Islamic Sharia seeks to preserve and protect.
They stressed that the Houthis' actions reflect a disregard for human and moral values and underscore the danger their practices pose to regional security and stability. They called for a firm international response to end these attacks and hold those responsible accountable under international laws and regulations.
They strongly condemned the deliberate targeting of Saudi airports and civilian and vital facilities, warning that such attacks directly threaten the safety of travelers and other civilians, disrupt air traffic, and cause hardship for passengers. Those affected include Umrah performers and visitors arriving from around the world to perform their religious rituals and visit the Two Holy Mosques, they added.
Deliberately endangering innocent lives, terrorizing people, and obstructing the journeys of pilgrims to their destinations show the Houthis' disregard for human life and their lack of Islamic principles and human, moral, and ethical values, they warned. They described these acts as serious violations of international laws and norms, requiring serious international action to protect civilian facilities and ensure travelers' safety.
They emphasized that standing with Saudi Arabia in confronting these attacks is an urgent duty and a religious, moral, and humanitarian responsibility.
The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of their visitors, they said, are not solely Saudi Arabia's concern, but an issue of importance to Muslims around the world. They highlighted the special place Makkah and Madinah hold in Muslims' hearts and the enduring sanctity and significance of Islamic holy sites, stressing that any threat to Saudi Arabia's security or to Muslim holy sites represents an affront to the sentiments of the entire Muslim world.
They affirmed Saudi Arabia's legitimate right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, ensure the security of its citizens and residents, and counter any threat to its security, Islamic holy sites, or civilian facilities.
They praised Saudi Arabia's historic and leading role in serving Islam and Muslims under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
They highlighted Saudi Arabia's care for the Two Holy Mosques and its commitment to mobilizing its resources and capabilities to serve pilgrims and make it possible for them to perform their rituals safely and peacefully. They said these efforts are a source of pride and appreciation for Muslims worldwide and stressed that attacks on Saudi Arabia could not be separated from its standing in the Islamic world and its major responsibilities in caring for the holy sites and serving those who visit them.
They urged the international community and relevant organizations and bodies to fulfill their legal, humanitarian, and moral responsibilities in confronting these attacks. They called for firm positions and decisive measures to deter those responsible, hold them accountable, prevent further attacks, and protect civilians, religious sites, airports, and vital facilities from threats or targeting.
They warned that leniency toward such practices would encourage their continuation, endanger innocent lives, and undermine efforts to achieve regional security and stability.
They underlined their unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people against any threat to its security, stability, or Muslim holy sites. They prayed for the protection of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, continued security, strength, and stability for Saudi Arabia, and the safety of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, praying that the aggressors' plots would be thwarted.
