Continuing today’s theme of Islamists justifying the targeted and brutal murder of children, an Iranian cleric close to the Iranian president says it’s okay to murder Israeli children. In fact, he says murdering Israeli children is a responsibility of every true Muslim.

Evil words in Islamic Republic: A senior Iranian cleric, who is known as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s spiritual mentor, urged followers to continue suicide attacks against Israelis, including children.

Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah, considered one of the Islamic Republic’s most radical clerics, issued a religious edict on his website whereby suicide attacks are not only legitimate but are a must for every Muslim.

The senior cleric was responding to a question from a follower regarding the difference between “martyr’s death” and “suicide.” The man, who wrote anonymously, noted that “some people say that martyrdom acts are considered suicide and are forbidden as they contradict Islam.”

In response, Mesbah expressed his regret that his follower has fallen victim to “propaganda by Islam’s enemies.” He added that the follower was wasting his time instead of focusing on “uprooting the Zionist regime.”

“When defending Islam and the nation of Muslim believers via martyrdom acts, this (suicide attacks) is not only permitted, it’s a duty,” Mesbah wrote.

The follower presented another question regarding Islam’s position on harming Israelis, wondering whether “Hamas and Jihad actions against civilians are forbidden. He also asked: “What about children killed in these attacks?”

His answer? It’s open season on Israeli civilians until they repudiate their government for defending their country. So that’s lovely.

Take special note of the cleric’s response to whether or not suicide attacks contradict the tenants of Islam. No, he says, that’s just propaganda from the enemies of Islam. Killing innocent people is the responsibility of all Muslims, he says.