The United Arab Emirates' top Muslim preacher on Friday denounced as "infidels" Muslims who carry out attacks that kill innocent people as in last week's London blasts. The official Friday sermon, aired on state television, said Islam did not sanctify killing in the name of jihad (holy war). "Islam forbids the unjust killing and terrorising of people ... Only infidels can carry out such acts."
"Whoever sheds the blood and kill innocents is not a Muslim and Islam is innocent of him ... We're astonished at those who justify these acts as jihad (holy war) in the name of God and declare themselves an authority for Muslims," the preacher said.
He said the bombers who carried out last Thursday's suicide attacks on London's transport system were harming Islam.
"Don't these people see the consequences of their actions? They have turned people against us and tied Islam's name with terrorism... What victory is it for Islam to kill innocents?," he asked.