Islamische Glaubensgemeinschaft in Österreich
Bernardgasse 5, 1070 Wien
Mag. iur. Ümit Vural
President
To His Excellency
Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Alissa
Sent by email to info@themwl.net
Vienna, 18th of September 2026
Your Excellency, dear Secretary General Dr. Alissa, As-Salamu alaikum!
It is with profound shock and dismay that we have learned of the foiled drone attack on Mecca.
According to the media reports, the aerial vehicle launched by the Houthi militia was destroyed by air defence forces before it entered the city's airspace. We thank the Almighty that, to the best of our knowledge, the pilgrims, the residents and the holiest site in Islam remain unharmed.
The Islamic Religions Authority in Austria condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms. Mecca is the direction of prayer for more than one billion Muslims. An attack on this city therefore strikes the entire Islamic community to its very core, and it equally offends the sentiments of all people who hold the protection of sacred places dear.
The Qur'an reminds us that the killing of one human being is as grave as if one had killed the whole of humanity (Surah 5, Verse 32). Whoever makes holy sites and civilians a military target places himself outside this ethic, regardless of the political aims by which he seeks to justify his actions.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have feared for the safety of Mecca and who continue to stand up for it. We ask God to grant peace and protection to Mecca, Madina and the entire region, and we hope that prudence and dialogue will prevail over violence and escalation.
With sincere fraternal greetings and abundant dua,
Ümit Vural
President
