According to Amer, ElBaradei’s calls for changing the constitution and his establishment of the National Assembly for Change to promote democratic reform incite Egyptians to rebel and disobey their ruler. These acts of civil disobedience, he argues, are against the principles of Islam which dictates the necessity of obeying the ruler.

Leaders of civil disobedience, Amer stated in his fatwa, should be treated like the “khawarij,” an Arabic term literally translated into “those who left” and was initially used in reference to Muslims who supported the fourth Caliph Ali ibn Abi Taleb then turned against him.

The term “khawarij” is now commonly used to refer to rebels who disobey a leader and who deserve to be executed. Therefore, Amer pointed out, it applies in the modern sense to anyone who decides to run in the elections against the president.

 This fatwa contradicts the society’s mission. We do not declare people apostates and we do not sanction the killing of anyone 

Ansar al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah Society statement

In its online statement, Ansar al-Sunnah al-Muhammadiyah Society stressed that it has since its establishment 90 years ago been an organization that aims at propagating the principles of Islam and upholding the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

“This fatwa contradicts the society’s mission. We do not declare people apostates and we do not sanction the killing of anyone,” said the statement.

The statement added that such sensitive issues should only be tackled by authorized bodies like al-Azhar, the world leading institution on Sunni Islam and Dar al-Iftaa, the body in charge of issuing religious edicts as well as the Azhar-affiliated Center for Islamic Research.

“Amer’s fatwa expresses his personal opinion and does not by any means represent the society. Only statements issued by the society’s general director, who is also the official spokesman, or any of his representatives should be attributed to the society.”

Mohammed ElBaradei calls for political reform in Egypt

The statement warned against the danger of such “perverted” and “misleading” fatwas that wreak havoc in the ranks of Muslims as well as tarnish the image of Islam. That is why the society declared that it will take the necessary measures against Amer.

“According to the law of non-governmental organizations and its executive regulations, the society has the right to take legal action against Amer and anyone who speaks on behalf of the society in a way that damages its reputation.”

Despite distancing itself from Amer’s fatwa, the society stressed in its statement that rebelling against the ruler is against the principles of Islam.

“The society, however, has to make it clear that Islam prohibits rebellion against rulers.”