The following is a translation of the text of an edict issued by an Afghan grand Shura, or council, of Islamic clerics in Kabul on Thursday.
“This meeting of ulema [scholars] expresses its anguish and sorrow over the attacks in the United States and hopes that America will not launch any attack against Afghanistan, and carry out full investigations.
“The meeting demands that America and the OIC [Organisation of Islamic Conference] should probe the incident freely to bring out the truth so that innocent people are saved.
“The present crisis should be defused and steps should be taken to prevent a repeat of such misunderstandings in the future.
“This Shura of Islamic scholars demands from the Islamic Emirate [Afghanistan’s Taliban regime] that Osama bin Laden should voluntarily leave Afghanistan for a place of his choice at an appropriate time.
“The United Nations and the OIC should take notice of the statement of President [George] Bush describing the contemplated military action as a crusade. This has hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world and created a dangerous situation for the world.
“If America does not show restraint even after the above decisions, a jihad will become incumbent in accordance with the principles of Shariat [Islamic law] and the entire Muslim community should support this.”