ABU DHABI — The UAE Fatwa Council has proclaimed that its stances against terror groups and organizations stem from the UAE leadership's principled vision toward all instigators of violence regardless of their names and messages.

This came during a regular meeting of the council held on Monday via video conferencing and led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council.

The meeting reviewed the statement of the Council of Senior Scholars of Saudi Arabia, which affirms that Shariah promotes unity and warns against division and rogue groups.

The UAE Fatwa Council declared its full support for the Council of Senior Scholars' statement, which echoes the previous proclamations of the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia that consider the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, due to its support for violent extremist groups, disputes with leaderships, and disobedience.

It also urged all Muslims to denounce divisions and avoid supporting, sympathizing with and joining organizations that aim to instigate divisions, trigger conflicts and shed blood.

Citing verses from the Holy Qur'an and sayings and practices (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the council affirmed that it is not permissible to pledge allegiance to anyone other than the ruler, nor is it permissible to pledge allegiance to a clandestine 'emir'. In sum, the legal evidence and the principal doctrine of the Sunnis and the Jamaa denotes loyalty to the rulers with respect and commitment in terms of discipline and order.

The meeting discussed a number of proposals and initiatives of interest for the next year. — WAM