Minerva’s Grace

To those who defend the man and woman of Bangladeshi nationality: They committed the act of adultery—neither of them being married—inside the Sacred House of God (the Grand Mosque/Masjid al-Haram), a place visited daily by more than a million Muslims from all corners of the globe. In the purest of places, and within one of the most significant Islamic sanctities, they chose to commit the abomination of adultery! Could such an act ever be considered acceptable by any Muslim, in any country whatsoever? These two individuals demonstrated a complete lack of respect for Islam; they showed no regard for the sacred status this site holds for Muslims, nor did they respect the laws of the land. Through this heinous act, they violated the sanctity of the holiest site in the Islamic world. The sanctity of the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) and its exalted status among Muslims worldwide are matters that brook no compromise or debate. In accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia and the regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, preserving holy sites and protecting their sanctity is a duty of paramount importance; any violation of the sanctity of the holiest place on Earth is a condemned act, rejected categorically. It is inconceivable that any Muslim would accept the violation of the sanctity of the Sacred Mosque—a place designated by God for veneration, worship, and purity. Honoring the rites and sanctities of God is a firmly established principle in Islam, and respecting the holiness of sacred sites is a responsibility that cannot be neglected. Nevertheless, determining the specific Sharia ruling and the prescribed penalty in any given case remains contingent upon establishing the facts and fulfilling all necessary legal and Sharia requirements.

Indians commit the most heinous crimes against Indian Muslims: they demolish mosques, rape women, forcibly remove their hijabs, and kill Muslims. Yet, when it comes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they do not hesitate to spread thousands of rumors and sow discord among Muslims. They are even more malicious than the Jews

Indians commit the most heinous crimes against Indian Muslims: they demolish mosques, rape women, forcibly remove their hijabs, and kill Muslims. Yet, when it comes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they do not hesitate to spread thousands of rumors and sow discord among Muslims. They are even more malicious than the Jews

The United States is fully engaged with assisting Nepal during this very difficult time.

My heart goes our to all those affected by the devastating flash floods. Europe is allocating €2 million in immediate humanitarian aid for Nepal. To deliver life-saving assistance to families and communities hit hardest. Europe stands with you.