The Council of Senior Scholars (also known as the Senior Council of Ulema) is Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body.

Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body has condemned the twin church attacks in Egypt claimed by ISIS, saying the bombings represented a “criminal act considered forbidden by Islamic consensus”.

The Council of Senior Scholars released their statement on Twitter on Sunday after ISIS attack two churches in Tanta and Alexandria that left at least 44 people dead and 100 others injured.

“These bombings have violated several tenants of Islam; from treachery to sin and aggression,” the body said.

“Every Muslim who believes in God and the Last Day judgment is innocent (of these attacks) except those who will carry their sin from deviating in their thought and belief,” the body added.

The Council of Senior Scholars (also known as the Senior Council of Ulema) is Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, and advises the king on religious matters.