Evil words in Islamic Republic

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A senior Iranian cleric, who is known as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor, urged followers to continue suicide attacks against Israelis, including children.

Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah, considered one of the Islamic Republic's most radical clerics, issued a religious edict on his website whereby suicide attacks are not only legitimate but are a must for every Muslim.

The senior cleric was responding to a question from a follower regarding the difference between "martyr's death" and "suicide." The man, who wrote anonymously, noted that "some people say that martyrdom acts are considered suicide and are forbidden as they contradict Islam."

Notably, for the followers of Mesbah, his words are considered as a binding religious edict. On several occasions in the past, Iranian President Ahmadinejad also spoke in favor of "martyrdom acts."

In response, Mesbah expressed his regret that his follower has fallen victim to "propaganda by Islam's enemies." He added that the follower was wasting his time instead of focusing on "uprooting the Zionist regime."

"When defending Islam and the nation of Muslim believers via martyrdom acts, this (suicide attacks) is not only permitted, it's a duty," Mesbah wrote.

The follower presented another question regarding Islam's position on harming Israelis, wondering whether "Hamas and Jihad actions against civilians are forbidden. He also asked: "What about children killed in these attacks?"

The Iranian Ayatollah did not see fit to forbid the killing of children, only noting that Israelis can be harmed unless they openly express their objection to their government's position. He added that even in such cases, harming civilians is permissible "if they constitute a human shield or when the war against the oppressors hinges on attacking these civilians."

Beyond these insights, the cleric did not offer further instructions and failed to censure the killing of children.

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Original piece is http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4076176,00.html

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Evil words in Islamic Republic