The Yemeni Scholars Authority calls on Al-Azhar Sheikh for a clearer stance on the Houthi coup, affirming peace cannot compromise legitimacy.

Yemeni Scholars Urge Al-Azhar Sheikh for Clearer Stance on Houthi Coup

The Yemeni Scholars Authority has sent an open letter to the esteemed Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. In this letter, they expressed their appreciation for Al-Azhar’s statement calling for calm and the formation of an Arab and Islamic mediation committee to halt wars in the region. They regard this call as a blessed initiative from a prestigious institution that represents a beacon of moderation and a voice for the nation.

Concerns Over Yemen’s Situation

The authority emphasized that the statement did not clearly address the situation in Yemen. They warned that this omission might be interpreted as equating the victim with the aggressor. The ongoing crisis in Yemen stems from a coup executed by the Houthi militia against the state and its institutions, supported by the Iranian regime.

Violations by Houthi Militias

The letter detailed numerous violations committed by the Houthi militia against the Yemeni people. These violations include murder, displacement, arbitrary detention, torture, landmine planting, and attacks on places of worship. Additionally, the militia has engaged in child recruitment, propagated hate speech and sectarianism, and transformed Yemen into a platform for threatening regional security and targeting civilians and vital facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Islamic Law and Justice

The authority asserted that Islamic law does not equate the oppressor with the oppressed. They cited the Quranic verse: “If one of them oppresses the other, fight the one that oppresses until it returns to the command of Allah.” They stressed that any efforts for reform and peace must begin with ending the aggression and restoring rights to their rightful owners.

Call for Just Peace

The Yemeni Scholars Authority highlighted that the Yemeni people aspire to a just peace that preserves the country’s unity and sovereignty while ending the coup. They rejected any attempts to use calls for calm as a cover for maintaining the militia’s control and continuing its violations.

Request for Clarification on Armed Rebellion

The authority called on Sheikh Al-Azhar and the scholars of the nation to clarify the legal ruling regarding armed rebellion against the state. They urged that the Yemeni issue remains present in Islamic and Arab efforts aimed at supporting the restoration of state institutions and alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Appreciation for Egypt’s Support

In conclusion, the authority praised the position of the Arab Republic of Egypt in supporting Yemen and its legitimate leadership. They affirmed the deep fraternal ties between the two peoples and prayed for the protection of Yemen, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and all Muslim countries.

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