What does Islam say about Terrorism ?

One of the distinct 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 market place, or the hijacking of an aircraft where innocent people are held for ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age where manipulation of ethnic groups (sects) and loss of innocent lives has become common place.

Such is the pervasive nature of violence that knows no boundaries.  That "terrorism" is considered as one of the prime barriers 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 those perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism in fact, is a global concern and manifests itself in a various forms. Its perpetrators don't fit any stereotype. Those who believe human lives to be cheap and have the power to hold human lives expendable appear in different levels in our societies.

It may be the frustrated employee who kills his colleagues in cold-blood or the oppressed citizen of an occupied land who vents his anger by blowing up a school bus full of innocent children. They are the terrorists who provoke our anger and revulsion. Ironic are the politicians who use age-old ethnic animosities between peoples to secure their positions. The head of state who orders "carpet bombing" of entire cities and the exalted councils that choke millions of civilians to death by wielding the unlawful weapon of sanctions, are rarely punished for their crimes against humanity.

It is this narrow definition of terrorism has caused Muslims to be associated with acts of destruction and terror. As a result they become victims of hate violence and terror themselves. Sometimes the religion of Islam is held responsible for the acts of non-Muslims! Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark ages in Europe, is now responsible for the age of terror?? Could a faith that has over one billion followers world-wide and over 7 million in America, actually advocate for the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for "peace" and the "submission of God", encourage its adherents to work for death and destruction? Is it possible?

The sanctity of human life :

The Glorious Quran says :

"…take not life, which god hath made sacred, except by of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom."[Al Quran 6:151]

Islam considers all life forms are sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human right of a human being is the right to live.

The Glorious Quran says :

"…if any one slew a person-unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land- it would be as if he slew the whole world people: and if any one saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole inhabitants."[Al Quran 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life that the Quran equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all the humanity. Thus, the Quran prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of criminal's life by the state order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and a competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other humans.

The ethics of war :

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battle field. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatants population is concerned such as women, children, the old and infirm, etc.

The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children [1] and he would advise them: "...Do not mutilate, do not betray, do not be excessive, and do not kill a newborn child." [2]. Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire. [3]

Thus, non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

Jihad :

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 on Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means struggle. Therefore, jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said that the greatest 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.

Secondarily, jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression.

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