Staff Writer
KUWAIT: The newest attempt to demolish a mosque located on stateÜowned property gave raise to several concerns from the populace.
Prominent Shiite cleric in Kuwait Mohammed Baqir AlÜMahri stated that praying on land not owned by the mosque is legally invalid.
He also condemned demands for the prosecution of the Chairman of the State Property Violation Committee, Mohammed AlÜBader, who, he said, "must be honored for honoring the law and meeting the request of the Ministry of Awqaf for the removal of all mosques in violation."
He went on to state that all the turmoil surrounding the removal of the mosque was "a ploy to gain votes," in case of the dissolution of the council.
Member of the Municipal Council and the Chairman of the Development and Reform Commission Khalifa AlÜKhorafi agreed with AlÜMahri''s views and stated that Kuwait is suffering from a major crisis that reeks of a general lack of confidence and faith in most matters that concern the state.
He warned against hasty decisions and explained that the mosque was not a heritage monument and that it was mainly used as a storage space.
He pointed out that before the demolition of the mosque the council had ensured the availability of another mosque in the same area and that the permission of many preachers and scholars was taken long before the attempt to demolish the holy structure. He went on to state that all had agreed that it was illegal to pray in the mosque, a fact agreed to by Dr. Ajil AlÜNashmi.
Meanwhile, lawyer Nawaf Sari praised the act of MPs against the demolition of the mosque and referred to it as a "glorious stand." He said that there was no justification for the elimination of the mosque and that people should protect Islamic and religious beliefs whenever possible. He also demanded the persecution of Mohammed AlÜBader and blamed him for the deterioration of the political system in the country.
Last updated on Tuesday 10/3/2009
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