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| Kuwaiti parliament member Nabil Al-Fadl |
(Scroll down for video) Two conservative Kuwaiti parliament members ruled recently that it is permitted to have ties with Israel, according to video uploaded to the internet by MEMRI TV.
The parliament members gave the interviews to the Al-Adala television station in Kuwait.
In the first interview, parliament member Nabil Al-Fadl insisted that Israel is a legitimate trading partner, a position that is widely opposed in the Arab world. He said: "If the security of Kuwait requires the purchase of equipment from Israel, I will do it and I will love the Israelis for it."
In the second interview, parliament member Hammad Al-Dosari was even more supportive of the position, making the for relations with Israel based on Islamic law. He said: "Sharia allows us to deal with the children of Israel."
Following is a transcript translation of the interviews.
MP Nabil Al-Fadhl: If the security of Kuwait requires the purchase of Israeli equipment, I will do so, and I will love the Israelis for it. It is permitted to deal with anyone for the sake of Kuwait’s security.
Interviewer: Even with Israelis?
MP Nabil Al-Fadhl: I will buy it from whoever is selling.
Interviewer: But these are the Zionists.
MP Nabil Al-Fadhl: So what? We’re talking about my country’s security. How exactly did the Muslims benefit us, when our Arab neighbor Iraq invaded our country? I am willing to buy equipment from Israel to protect my country from its Arab and Muslim neighbors.
Hammad Al-Dosari: The sharia permits us to have dealings with the Israelites. We follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad, who died while his shield was mortgaged with a Jew.
Interviewer: Some people have criticized you for saying this.
Hammad Al-Dosari: Because they are ignorant about the sharia. I tell you that the Prophet Muhammad had dealings with the Jews. You criticize me?! Go criticize the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim does not talk like that. He obeys the instructions of the Prophet Muhammad.Mobile video not loading? Click here to view