Ulema Council Condemns Houthi Attack on Medina, Calls for Urgent Action

Islamabad: Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and secretary general of the International Taazim-e-Harmain Sharifain Council, has strongly condemned the Houthi attack on Medina. He said attacks on Makkah, Medina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable under any circumstances. He issued a statement expressing a strong reaction against the attack.

In his statement, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi described Thursday evening as especially significant, a time when Muslims arrive in large numbers to visit the Rawza-e-Athar and the Prophet’s Mosque. He said an attack carried out at such a time shows that the real aim of the Houthi terrorists is Makkah, Medina, and the visitors to the Masjid al-Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque.

Makkah and Medina are the holiest cities for Muslims worldwide, so any attack on them is regarded as an attack on the sentiments of the Muslim ummah.

Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the United Nations and other international bodies to take immediate action on the matter. He said further silence would be a crime.

The statement did not provide any further details about the attack, the damage caused, or responsibility for it.

He added that on Friday, sermons (khutbas) would be delivered across Pakistan and around the world condemning the attacks. Solidarity with the people and leadership of Makkah, Medina, Yemen and Saudi Arabia will also be expressed during the sermons.

The Ulema Council’s position comes at a time when global attention is focused on the situation in the region. According to the statement, its aim is to raise a united voice for unity among Muslims and the protection of the Haramain Sharifain.