(Thumbnail Image: Minhaj-ul-Quran)

A prominent Islamic scholar issued a religious ruling forbidding Muslim extremists from committing acts of terrorism. 

Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri issued the ruling, known as a fatwa, saying those who commit acts of terrorism, like suicide bombings, will be destined for "hellfire."

A CBC correspondent says this fatwa is a little more unorthodox than previous ones.

"Islamic scholars have condemned terrorism in the past, but experts say this ruling goes further. Saying that terrorists are unbelievers is unusual, apparently. Ul-Qadri says that he hopes the edict will have a real impact because it's based on accepted, classical teachings."

But British Palestinian academic disagrees, telling the BBC some young Muslims see terrorism as the only viable means to protect their region and their culture.

"When I've engaged young people, and have tried to express to them that 'Look, these are the fatwas and these are the rulings of Islam in regards to this,' they turn around and say, 'Okay, enough of your fatwa flashing! You tell us what can Muslims who are really angered do about what is happening to fellow Muslims in Palestine, in Afghanistan, in Iraq and places like that, what can they do to draw attention to their cause, to support their cause, or even to prevent the massacre of Muslims in those parts of the world?'"

While an Islamic theologian tells Radio Netherlands Worldwide the fatwa won't have an effect on current terrorists, he says it may keep moderate Muslims away from violence. 

"I don't think the fatwa will make such a difference for the terrorists, but it can make a difference for the public. ... The main aim of the fatwa is to move the silent majority of Muslims into a specific side, which is not the side of the terrorists."

But a writer for The Gaurdian notes Qadri's fatwa could actually be a powerful deterrent for extremists, because of the general mindset of Muslim culture. 

“Where there is doubt, in Islamic religious behaviour, there is avoidance. Suicide bombers currently kill because they have certainty of being rewarded in the next life. Shaikh Tahir ul Qadri's fatwa removes this key intellectual ingredient from the minds of killers.”

Fatwa issuers in the past have faced violence and even death.

Writer: Brandon Twichell

Producer: Newsy Staff