Date Published: 09/04/10

Islam and Terrorism

One of the unfortunate characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of violence in our societies. Whether it is a bomb going off in a tube station, or the hijacking of an aircraft where innocent people are held at ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age, where the loss of innocent lives has become commonplace. Such is the nature of indiscriminate violence, that “terrorism” is considered as one of the greatest threats to peace and security in our societies.

The word terrorism came into wide usage only a few decades ago. One of the unfortunate results of this new terminology is that it limits the definition of terrorism to that perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who hold human lives cheap, and have the power to expend human lives, appear at different levels in our societies. An individual who blows himself up on a civilian bus has committed an act of terrorism. Likewise, “carpet bombing” of entire cities, and using the weapon of sanctions that starve tens of thousands of children to death, is also an act of terrorism.

Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Qur’an says about the one who kills an innocent person: “….it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind.” [Al-Qur’an 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life; the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. Thus, the Qur’an prohibits murder in clear terms.  

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman", "Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship". Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

  While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word ‘jihad’. The term ‘jihad’ has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust between Christians and Muslims. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that jihad is to struggle with the insidious suggestions of one’s own soul.  Thus jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue, and submission to God in all aspects of life.

   Secondly, jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like other religions, allows for self-defense. The Qur’an says: “And why should you not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from You one who will help!" [Al-Qur’an 4: 75].

         Suicide bombings are contrary to Islam. The famous scholar, Sheikh Uthaymin was asked: “What is the ruling regarding acts by means of suicide, such as attaching explosives to a car and storming the enemy, whereby he knows without a doubt that he shall die as a result of this action?”  Response: Indeed, my opinion is that he is regarded as one who has killed himself, and as a result he shall be punished in Hell, for it is authenticated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Indeed, whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the Fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever ”.

  Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive in purifying themselves, as well as establishing peace & justice in the society. Regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Qur’an never condones killing innocent people. Terrorizing defenceless civilians, and the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all detestable acts according to Islam and Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent acts that have been attributed to Muslims.

             In conclusion and far from being a intolerant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin:    

“O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [Al-Qur’an 49:13]

  Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism, perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.

Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark Ages in Europe, now propound the advent of an age of terror? Could a faith that has over 1.2 billion followers the world over, actually advocate the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for “peace” and “submission to God”, encourage its adherents to work for destruction?

 From what I learnt from Al-azhar true muslims and christians need to co-operate to provide Support for the spread of "True Islam", which is a religion of love, friendship, peace and brotherhood, and for its true understanding by Islamic societies. The solution for radical factions in Islamic countries should not be "forced secularisation". On the contrary, such a policy will incite more reaction from the masses and feed radicalism. The solution is the dissemination of true Islam and the appearance of a Muslim role-model who embraces Qur'anic values such as human rights, democracy, freedom, good morals, science and aesthetics, and who offers happiness and bliss to humanity.

Muhammed Mansur Musa

 Al-Azhar University

Faculty of Languages&Translation

 English Literature Dept.

(Secretary General Nigerian Students Union,Egypt)