We previously noted that a petition against the Bashar al-Assad regime’s repressive action has been circulating Syria, signed by a leading group of sheikhs. We’ve obtained the full text and translated, and are here publishing the petition:
Damascus 1st Day of Ramadan 1432 AH/1st August 2011 CE
Given the desire of all who are protective of the stability, security, and unity of the nation, we – Islamic scholars of the Levant – condemn and deplore the use of excessive violence in Hama and other Syrian provinces, which resulted in the blood shed of hundreds of Syrians, as we prepare to celebrate the coming of Ramadan, the holy month of sympathy, compassion and forgiveness.
Aware of their importance, we pray to God for mercy for the victims of every killing, for which we hold the Syrian leadership fully responsible, and we consider this act of evil to be the cause of the spread of chaos in parts of the country.
We stress the need for application of all decrees, laws, and decisions, especially regarding the release of all prisoners of conscience without delay. And may God help you!
Signatories
Sheikh Karim Rajeh
Sheikh Hisham Borhani
Sheikh Usama Al-Rifa’i
Sheikh Adnan Al-Sakka
Sheikh Walid Rifa’i
Sheikh Jawdat Saeed
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Koki
Shaikh Maaz Ahmad Khatib
Sheikh Ziad Aljazairi
Sheikh Muhammad Rashid
Sheikh Saeed Dloan
Sheikh Nazir Maktoubi
Sheikh Muhyiddin Hamada
Sheikh Khalid Tafor
Sheikh Muhammad Fayez Muhammad Awad
Sheikh Mahmoud Abdulaziz
Sheikh Fahd Kaki
Sheikh Bashir Al-Rayes
Sheikh Muhammad Khair Seryul
Sheikh Faiz-Ajlouni
