One of the world's most prominent Muslim theologians has condemned suicide bombings as being incompatible with religion, an Italian newspaper reported.
"Islam forbids suicide and considers human life as a precious gift," Sheikh Mohammed Tantawi, Grand Imam of Cairo's 972-year old Al Alzhar University, told the Roman daily, Avvenire.
"How can anyone think that Allah, our Creator, would wish us to renounce life?" asked Tantawi. He added, "Islam strongly condemns hurting the innocent deliberately."
Tantawi equally condemned terrorists pursing "atrocious objectives" and exploiting religious feelings for political purposes.
He did not mention al-Qaida by name.