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Islam and Terrorism (Mansoor Alam, Toledo Ohio)

By admin | November 23, 2009

That some Muslims are engaged in acts of terrorism is beyond question. But these acts are not confined to Muslims alone. Terrorists come from every religion. However, when it comes to Muslims, the popular media often likes to use the term Islamic terrorists or Islamic terrorism implying that terrorism is associated with Islam.

It is our duty as Muslims to present the true picture of Islam; that it does not teach terrorism under any circumstances. It forbids killing of innocent civilians. The holy Book of Islam, the Quran, says: “If anyone murders an innocent person… it will be as if he had murdered the whole of humanity.”

So, who are these Muslims who commit such heinous acts in the name of Islam? It is obvious from the above injunction of the Quran that they do not follow true Islam. Therefore, they must be driven not by Islam but by some other motive (such as hate or revenge).

Muslims all over the world, no matter what their mother tongue, greet (or are supposed to greet) each other (and others) using the Arabic words, Assalamu ‘Alaikum which mean: “Peace be unto you”. There is no doubt that some Muslims, while using such a benevolent greeting, carry malevolent intentions in their hearts. The holy Book of Islam, the Quran, condemns such people by saying: “Why do you say that which you do not practice?” Such Muslims, therefore, do not represent Islam. Islam has nothing to do with those who commit acts of terrorism.

Therefore, it is wise to differentiate between Muslims and Islam. Just as acts of terrorism committed by Christians cannot be attributed to Christianity, so acts of terrorism committed by Muslims must not be attributed to Islam or its teachings.

There is a popular feeling in the West, and justifiably so, that Islam is a very oppressive and retrogressive religion. But this is based on a misperception of Islam, unfortunately, due to the practice of Islam by some Islamic countries, notably Saudi Arabia, Iran, and lately Afghanistan.

Do these countries practice Islam as they profess? The Quran, (unequivocally and unconditionally) says: “There is no compulsion in religion.” However, we see all kinds of compulsion in these countries. (The Taliban’s brand of Islam, for example, compels men to grow beards and women to cover themselves from head-to-toe; it forbids preaching other faiths, etc.)  People in these countries are deprived of most of their basic human rights. They are afraid to express their opinions against the government’s practice of Islam in public for fear of persecution.

How can these countries claim to be practicing Islam when they violate its basic principle of compassion and tolerance? They practice Rajm (i.e., stoning to death) for adultery although there is no such punishment in the Quran. Their rulers invoke God’s compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.  They themselves show very little or none at all.

So, what is true Islam?

Islam is an Arabic word whose root is silm, meaning peace and protection from danger.

 

==== WebEditor’s Note ====

A comprehensive essay on this subject written by late G. A. Parwez appeared in Monthly Tolu-e-Islam, issue of November 2009. The remaining part of the essay will appear in next issue.

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