Indian seminary issues fatwa against terrorism

New Delhi: Religious leaders voiced support on Sunday for an Indian Muslim seminary's stand on terrorism when it issued a fatwa or edict against violence.

The Darool Ulooom Deoband vowed on Saturday to erase terrorism. Thousands of clerics and students were present when the edict was read out.

"Islam rejects all kinds of unjust violence, breach of peace, bloodshed, murder and plunder and does not allow it in any form," said Habibur Rehman, a senior rector.

"The religion of Islam has come to wipe out all kinds of terrorism and to spread the message of global peace," Rehman said.

Analysts described the meet as a significant step towards addressing terrorism and bringing relief to India's 140 million Muslims, who feel the acts of some individuals were tarnishing the image of the community as a whole.

Indian Muslims have been implicated in bomb attacks in India in 2006 and a failed attack in Britain last year.