![Ali Al-Qaradaghi [Getty]](https://www.newarab.com/sites/default/files/media/images/424E1FBB-923E-4743-8DB3-6A4BFE724101.jpg "Ali Al-Qaradaghi [Getty]")
Leading Muslim scholar calls for release of prisoners of conscience in Ramadan message
Leading Muslim scholar calls for release of prisoners of conscience in Ramadan message
Ali Al-Qaradaghi has appealed to Islamic governments to free prisoners of conscience.
2 min read
Ali Al-Qaradaghi also called for fighting to end in Afghanistan [Getty]
The Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars on Monday called on the leaders of Islamic governments to "release the prisoners of opinion and thought".
Ali Al-Qaradaghi in a statement called for the month of Ramadan to be used for reconciliation and a cessation of violence and disputes.
"Consider the first day of Ramadan as a day of comprehensive reconciliation between all components of the Islamic nation and the day of initiatives to serve the vulnerable," said Al-Qaradaghi.
He appealed to governments "to release scholars and release prisoners of opinion and thought" explaining that Ramadan is "the month of connection and communication, the month of forgiveness, mercy and charity".
His statement was directed at the "entire Islamic nation, governments, peoples, parties, and media professionals of all ethnic, sectarian, intellectual and political components to make the month of Ramadan a month of comprehensive reconciliation for the Islamic nation".
Al-Qaradaghi concluded his statement by saying "unity and reconciliation is a legitimate obligation and a mental and innate necessity".
In a separate statement, he singled out Afghanistan and called on all sides to cease fighting and allow the people to observe the holy month of Ramadan in peace.
"God pleads with them to stop the fighting, especially during Ramadan, the month of fasting… so that Afghan Muslims can perform their rituals in safety and security," the statement read.
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