Resolution No.(164)(2/2011) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on Demonstrations"

Date: 5/4/1432 AH, corresponding to 10/3/2011.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

During its fifth session held on the above given date, the Board stressed that it is incumbent upon every Muslim to adhere to the Law of Allah, invite others to fight corruption, resort to dialogue, and seek comprehensive reform as indicated in the following verse: " I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from God. In Him I trust, and unto Him I look." {Hud/88}. This is in addition to inviting people to the way of Allah with wisdom and beautiful preaching.

In response to a number of inquiries regarding the ruling of Sharia on demonstrations and sit-ins, taking into consideration their diversity,  multiple slogans, aims, banners and  repercussions, the Board has drawn up a set of governing rules that emanate from the objectives of Islamic Law (Sharia):

First: There is no other method of expressing one`s point of view, such as constructive dialogue and exchange of advice between influential members of society and decision makers.

Second: They don`t lead to blood-shed, killing , or harm.

Third: The damage resulting from them isn`t bigger than their expected benefit.

Fourth: They don`t involve or lead to acts that damage the interests of the country and its people.

Fifth: They shouldn`t involve any acts of transgression against public or private institutions.

Sixth: They aren`t exploited by foreign parties to work havoc upon society.

Seventh: They don`t lead to planting the seeds of trial amongst the members of the same society, undermine the country`s security, incite violence and sectarianism, or division.

Eighth: They don`t violate the provisions of Islamic Sharia, such as the unlawful mixing between the two sexes.

Ninth: They don`t lead to intimidating peaceful citizens by inflicting damage on their different properties, the spread of theft or violation of the sanctity of houses and families.

On its part, the Board recommends that scholars undertake their role through providing guidance and reform, and  giving precedence to the higher interests of our nation and country. We pray that Allah keeps this country safe and peaceful, spares it all sorts of trials, along with the rest of the Muslim countries. Indeed, He Is The Best to protect and The Best to help.

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, The Mufti General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Grace Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh.

Vice Head of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Helayel

Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh/ Member

His Eminence, Sheikh Sa`ied Hijjawi/ Member

Judge Sari Attieh/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa/ Member

Prof. Abduln`nassir Abu Al Bass`al/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Oklah Al-Ib`brahim

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Gharaibeh/ Member

Dr.Abdulrahmann Ibbdah/ Member

Executive Secretary of the Iftaa` Board, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Hunaiti