Saddam Hussein’s transgressions were never condoned by religion

Saddam Hussein is responsible for the killing and the mutilation of

millions of innocent people in Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and other

countries.

Therefore, the Islamic verdict on his case is that he should face

the trial of a court established by the Iraqi governing council and,

after exposing his criminal record to the world, he should face the

death penalty.

In retribution, there is security and stability for the society.

IMAM MOSTAFA AL-QAZWINI

The Islamic Educational

Center of Orange County

in Costa Mesa

God set a fundamental principle for society, when he said to Noah,

“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis

9:6).

Saddam Hussein has spilled blood ruthlessly.

The Bible does not give this authority to individuals to act

impulsively and on their own. In the Ten Commandments, we read “You

shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). The word for “kill” is the Hebrew

word ratsach.

This word normally is translated “murder” in the other places

where it is used. It is not a word for capital punishment, nor a word

for military action, but it describes a personal hostility expressed

in killing.

In the New Testament, we find the Genesis principle spells out the

responsibility for government. The one who governs is described as

God’s minister. “But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he

bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a

revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil” (Romans 13:3).

Government has the responsibility to protect innocent people and to

deal decisively with evil men.

CARL WESTERLUND

Assistant pastor at Calvary

Chapel of Costa Mesa