Muslim Congress strongly denounces and condemns the statement issued on Friday, Moharram 15, 1431 by sheikh al-Ureifi against the ithna asheris and followers of Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s.) and against Ayatullah il-Uzma Ali Seestani, may Allah protect him. We also condemn the caricature subsequently published in al-Watan newspaper.

Ithna Asheri Muslims are the followers of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, have been and are the pioneers of unity among the Muslim ummah. The inappropriate statement made by sheikh al-Ureifi is actually unacceptable to all rational-minded humans. Ayatullah ul-Uzma Seestani, may Allah protect him, is a highly regarded, world-renowned scholar and has been a symbol of knowledge and piety.

Issuing such a sentiment against him is tantamount to disrespecting the entire Muslim ummah.

We require from the Saudi government to take immediate action against sheikh al-Ureifi and demand an unconditional open apology from him and also from al-Watan newspaper, for publishing the caricature.