The Egyptian Islamic body which rules on Islamic law on Friday condemned the Takfiri group, ISIL’s destruction of Iraqi artefacts

The Egyptian Islamic body which rules on Islamic law on Friday condemned the Takfiri group, ISIL’s destruction of Iraqi artefacts, saying the Prophet Mohammad's own companions had never demolished ancient heritage.

The Dar al-Ifta, whose rulings are sought by Muslims from around the world, said the Takfiris' videotaped smashing of ancient statues at the Mosul museum in northern Iraq showed their ignorance of the teachings of the faith.

"Such antiquities are to be found in all of the countries conquered by Muslims, but the prophet's companions did not order their destruction or even authorize anything approaching it," the body ruled.

"Some of the prophet's companions even came to Egypt... and discovered the Pyramids, the Sphinx and other remains but they did not issue fatwas (religious edicts) against these antiquities, which have immense historical value."