Invasion of sacred cities is illegal in all religions: OIC chief

By: Abdulali

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Secretary-General of the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has called for safeguarding the sanctity of the holy places in Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, home to the holy shrines, graves and mosques.

Dr. Abdul Wahed Belkeziz expressed deep concern over the escalating critical situation in both the holy cities and urged for ending the conflict there where the people are living in dangerous conditions.

The 57-member OIC Secretary-General mentioned that invasion of the sacred cities and their exposure to destruction is a matter that is illegal in all of the religions, as well as against the international conventions and human values that assign to them glorification, respect and immunity in all circumstances and situations.

He said affecting the sacred places in Iraq, kindling the feelings and complicating the situation hinder the efforts aiming to the finding of a fair and accepted solution for this crisis.

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Imam Ali (p) shrine suffers harm; Ayat Sistani’s life in danger

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF/ KUWAIT CITY: The golden dome of the most sacred sites - the holy Shrine of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be on him) - was slightly damaged by four gunshots in fighting Friday between US soldiers and Muqtada As-Sadr’s militiamen, and the chief US military spokesman in Iraq said the militiamen were using religious sites “much like human shields.”

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Ayaat offices attacked; Hawzah demands probe on shrine harm; protest in Karbala

HOLY CITIES OF NAJAF AND KARBALA, Iraq: Unknown gunmen attacked offices of two Ayaat in the center of holy city of Najaf, reports said late Sunday, and separately Hawzah Ilmiyah Najaf said occupation forces and loyals to Moqtada As-Sadr were responsible for blood shed in the holy cities, and Karbala witnessed grand anti-US demo.

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