Amman, Oct. 23 (Petra)-- Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Khalaileh on Friday condemned the terrorist attack targeting a church in Karak Governorate, describing it as a bloody criminal act that is unequivocally rejected on religious and humanitarian grounds and runs counter to the teachings of Islam and all other religions.

Al-Khalaileh said Jordan stands as a model of national cohesion and unity, with its people bound by brotherhood, love and coexistence. He stressed that terrorism does not distinguish between Muslims and Christians, adding that such criminal acts do not represent Jordan or its values of peace and tolerance.

He noted that Jordan has presented the world with an exemplary model of religious coexistence, embodied in the Amman Message and the World Interfaith Harmony Week initiative. Targeting places of worship and innocent people, he added, contradicts the message of Islam, which is founded on compassion, humanity and respect for others.

Al-Khalaileh stressed that the perpetrators of such crimes do not represent genuine Islamic scholarship, emphasizing that sound religious knowledge does not condone attacks on innocent people or places of worship. He added that confronting extremist ideology requires intellectual and ideological efforts alongside security measures to pursue those involved.

He extended his sincere condolences to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack, praying that God grant the deceased His mercy, comfort their families and loved ones, and grant the injured a speedy recovery.

//Petra// MF