Associating Islam with Terrorism Is Unfair Because They Are Poles Apart

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 27 August 2022 In Islamic Sources, If Combat Is Mentioned, It Is Always in the Context of Putting an End to Oppression; So No way to link Islam with terrorism Main Points: 1. Islam, a religion that upheld human rights, fostered peace and security, defined the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide, and even acknowledged the rights of animals, is now associated with terrorism. 2. The media primarily emphasises the acts of terrorism committed by the so-called Muslims, rather than stressing the peaceful teachings of Islam presented by Muslims worldwide. 3. We cannot exclude the potential that some Muslims may be persuaded to engage in terrorism as a result of departing from the correct Islamic teachings. 4. Our Ulama should carefully direct the attention of their religious services toward this subject in order to stop terrorism that is carried out in the name of Islam. 5. Islam and terrorism are fundamentally opposed; so, linking them would be unfair. 6. If there is a fundamental conflict between Islam and terrorism, you might be questioning why it is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah to engage in combat with non-believers and polytheists. 7. Just bear in mind that any time fighting is referred to in the Quran or the Sunnah, it is always in the context of ending oppression and cruelty. ------- I was still in primary school when the World Trade Centre attack, commonly known as the 9/11 attack; suddenly became a hot topic in news outlets and magazines. I turned to glance around when I heard some strange noises. Everybody was using the word "terrorism." I kept thinking about terrorism and asking myself, "What is this terrorism?" What objectives do terrorists have? They, who? Since then, it has become common knowledge that terrorism carried out under the banner of Islamic words is referred to as “Islamic terrorism”. It is undisputed that even if a non-Muslim commits acts of terrorism 1,000 times, they will not be regarded as terrorist activities. But regrettably, even if a terrorist is a nominal Muslim, when he acts terrorism and, in your and our views, does so in contravention of Islamic teachings, others still regard it as Islamic terrorism. It's possible that some of those other people don't have the same level of intelligence as you and our great scholars to clearly distinguish right from wrong. However, how can those who harbour animosity, venom, jealousy, enmity, and hypocrisy toward Islam miss out on such opportunities? Therefore, they do not even wait to admit that they need to rid themselves of these negative characteristics before asserting that Islamic terrorism is at play. Not to speak of others, even self-described Muslims have started referring to terrorism as “Islamic”. Among them are certain educated people who appear to maintain Islam and terrorism on separate fronts, as if two sizable armies were preparing for a direct confrontation, while simultaneously calling terrorism Islamic and doing so without any hesitation. Their current level of anxiety appears to be out of control, which has disrupted the balance of their fair and serious nature. If you are an Islamic scholar, you can deliver addresses, write articles, and issue fatwas for guiding the people. You should keep attempting to persuade people through these methods that what is being misrepresented as terrorism committed in the name of Islam is actually against Islamic teachings. There will inevitably be a very small percentage of people who listen to and take you at your word. But don't stress over it. Even while you are aware that those who harbour enmity, wrath, jealousy, and hypocrisy will not be able to hear, see, or grasp the truth or give it a place in their hearts and minds unless they rid themselves of these negative characteristics, you should nonetheless carry out your obligation. If you persist, you will surely succeed in persuading people that there is a deep hatred between Islam and terrorism. But now that I have extensively studied Islamic history, the Quran and Sunnah, I have come to understand from the arguments that Islam promotes peace and harmony and that its true adherents have both historically and currently set good examples of this. Is it not odd that Islam, which established human rights, promoted peace and security, defined the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims around the world, and even recognized the rights of animals, is now linked to terrorism? How did it all happen? If you look at the truth through the lens of history, you will discover that people who are attempting to connect Islam with terrorism today have a long history of committing black crimes while dressed in white. Particularly, those who accuse Islam of supporting terrorism on a regular basis have waged more than 25000 battles throughout the course of their 400-year history, yet they continue to label Islam as a terrorist religion. This really shocks me! People from all walks of life are now familiar with the word "terrorism." This word instantly conjures up a dreadful image in our thoughts. This concept does not stand for a serene and happy valley, nor does it stand for any party or court; rather, it stands for the savagery of human dignity and the sanctity of life, as well as the blood on the streets, bomb blasts, oppression and unjustified violation of the rights of innocent children and women and the most extreme acts of brutality committed in Iraq, Burma, Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine. Furthermore, the world witnessed such heart-breaking acts of brutality and compulsion first-hand in this toxic environment of terrorism that even people with hearts as hard as stones sobbed. Those whose hearts beat for compassion and love of humanity can of course hear the tears of humanity through the ears of feeling. The human mind can observe the destruction of homes and property of people in the terrorist attacks as they are sacrificed on a stage of death in a naked dance of brutality, as well as the corpses withering in the blood and dust. At that point, the horrifying picture of what actually occurred starts to emerge in people's minds: the arrest of numerous Muslims, especially educated and pious teenagers from Muslim and non-Muslim countries, the imprisonment in notorious prisons, and their physical, sexual, mental, and intellectual torture. The execution of such heinous acts and the invention of such methods of torture and humiliation during these incidents made the globe scream for human rights and utterly destroyed the human conscience. In a similar vein, armed riots by so-called Muslim terrorists, the murder of unarmed civilians, suicide bombings of mosques, shrines, educational institutions, markets, governmental structures, trade centres, defence training facilities, embassies, vehicles, and other heinous, inhumane acts like bombings in public places have all become common. By associating Islam with the indiscriminate killing of hundreds of thousands of people and other forms of human harm, these folks continue to misinterpret the entirety of the Islamic concept of peace and safety. Since the perpetrators of these acts call themselves Muslims and quote Islamic narratives, participate in Islamic rites and worship, and have an outwardly Islamic look, they confound many simple-minded Muslims in general and the younger generation in particular. Additionally, rather than emphasizing the actual peaceful teachings of Islam, or its compassionate philosophy and behaviour, the media predominantly focuses on the acts and episodes of terrorism and extremism perpetrated by the so-called Muslims. The hate, condemnation, and hostility of Islam and Muslims for terrorism are not even mentioned. As a result, Islam, extremism, and terrorism have been adversely associated with one another. Consequently, whenever people hear the word ‘Islam’, an image of terrorism immediately comes to mind. Due to this, the youth of the entire Islamic world is being rocked and mentally disturbed in terms of belief, thought, and practice, in addition to the young Muslim generation who are highly concerned, reluctant, and apprehensive in the non-Muslim majority countries. The majority of Muslims today are moving away from religious education. Therefore, it is possible that they could become attracted to terrorism or learn to hate Islam as a result of terrorist crimes committed in its name. Therefore, I believe that our competent Ulama should carefully direct the attention of their religious services toward this subject and persuade as many people as they can, using compelling arguments in order to stop terrorism done in the name of Islam. In addition to ending violence, it is possible to dispel the doubts of young Muslims who are disenchanted with Islam. The fact that I do not think all terrorists are Muslims should be mentioned here. Anyone who has killed humanity by their activities is a terrorist in my eyes. That killer is a terrorist whether he is a Muslim or a non-Muslim, regardless of whether people take a discriminatory attitude toward Muslims and non-Muslims when it comes to naming those terrorists. However, I object to connecting terrorism with any particular religion because no religion promotes it. It is also a reality that non-Muslim terrorists do not use their faith as an excuse for their crimes. However, the tragedy of a small number of Muslims using the cover of Islam to conduct terrorism cannot be expressed in anything except hidden pain. By doing this, they become fierce enemies of Islam in addition to enemies of humanity. For a Muslim, especially one who is aware of the reality of the situation, it is difficult to communicate this anguish. But without realising this, everyone from a few non-Muslims to some Muslims who consider themselves to be progressive has done their best to link Islam to terrorism. Allah has made it abundantly clear in the Holy Qur'an that Satan is the one who instigates interpersonal conflict between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Satan occasionally causes Muslim rivalries to break out. On occasion, Satan stirs up sibling rivalry. Every now and then, Satan will provoke a brawl between two non-Muslims. Satan will occasionally incite a non-Muslim to engage in combat with a Muslim. Sometimes a country will get into a war with another. Satan fulfils his objective by inciting conflicts between human beings over land, property or religion. This occurs when people disobey the illuminating teachings of their God and fail to remember that Satan is their open enemy. When you attempt to explain Surah Israa verse 53, do you not understand all of these things? Allah Almighty says in this verse: “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” (Surah Isra, 17:53) You might be wondering why it is stated in the Quran and Sunnah to battle the unbelievers and polytheists if there is a fundamental clash between Islam and terrorism. I have frequently provided the answer in my earlier writings, links to which I will provide below. Just keep in mind that whenever fighting is mentioned in the Quran or the Sunnah, it is always in the context of putting an end to oppression and cruelty. In these publications, I've argued in-depth and provided evidence that warfare was only required to stop persecution inflicted upon Muslims. Muslims in Arab were subjected to religious persecution just because they had accepted Islam. Since the oppressors and persecutors had given in to Satan's temptation and gone beyond all limits of oppression and persecution, it was challenging for Muslims to live peacefully on earth. Therefore, Muslims in the Arab world were forced to defend themselves against the polytheists and disbelievers who served as the oppressors and persecutors. So, in order to halt religious persecution without transgressing the limits, the Muslims were urged to battle against these oppressors. Allah Almighty says in the Quran, “And fight (in defence) in the cause of Allah against those who impose war on you. (Yes,) but do not exceed limits. Surely, Allah does not like those who exceed limits.” (2:190) There should be no reason to question the fact that the goal of this combat lesson was presented to eradicate persecution and bring about justice and peace. After persecution ended and Makkah was taken over, the Prophet (peace be upon him) set a precedent unlike any other in human history by making peace with all of his enemies. He did this after reaching several peace accords with non-Muslims in Medina. After reading this succinct summary and the articles to which the links are provided below, it is impossible for a fair reader to dispute that Islam and terrorism are poles apart and that someone who truly practises Islam will never commit acts of terrorism. Links to the articles that are recommended for readers: 1. 'Kill Them Wherever You Find Them (2:191)': What Quran Actually Means By This Command? 2. Did War-related Madani Verses Abrogate Makki Verses in the Sense of Not Allowing Peaceful Coexistence between Muslims and Non-Muslims? 3. Rights of Non-Muslims Living In Minority – Part 1 – Freedom of Religion 4. Rights of Non-Muslims Living In Minority – Part 2 – Protection of Their Lives 5. Refuting the Claim of ISIS ‘Islam Was Never for A day the Religion of Peace’ 6. Refutation of ISIS That Justifies Terrorism in 21st Century: Did the ‘Sword Verse’ 9:5 Really Abrogate Verses of Peace and Forbearance? Part -5 7. The Concept of God’s Sovereignty (Hakimiyyah): Extremist Islamists Vs Mainstream Muslims 8. ISIS/Takfiris Are Friends of Satan, the Enemies of Allah and His Messenger, Foremost In Shirk, Hypocrisy and Apostasy and No Muslim Must Support Them in Any Form or Fashion 9. Investigating and Refuting the Black Flag and Khorasan Narrative Propagated by IS and Al-Qaeda Jihadists 10. Refuting ISIS Concept of Caliph and Caliphate [Khalifa and Khilafah] – Part 1 11. Debunking Jihad of ISIS and Its False Theory That ‘Non-Jihadists Can’t Issue Fatwas on Jihad and Mujahid’ - Part 2 12. Debunking ISIS Concept That Their Fatwas and Commands Are Issued By a Recognised Legal Body – Part 3 13. The Jihadists' Suicide Attacks or Martyrdom Operations Strictly Forbidden in Islam 14. Understanding the 26 Controversial Verses of Quran and Their Context: Why Wasim Rizvi's PIL Should Be Rejected 15. What Is The Meaning of The Quranic Verse 2:191 ‘Fitna Is Worse Than Killing’? 16. With Growing Threat of ISIS to India, What Can We Muslims Do To Protect Our Youth from ISIS Radicalisation and Thus Strengthen National Security? 17. The Misunderstood Hadith - 'I Have Been Commanded To Fight the People Until They Say There Is No God but Allah’ - misused by terrorist ideologues and Islamophobes 18. Refutation of Extremist Ideology Inimical to Patriotism (Hubbul Watani) is urgently Required 19. Terror Attacks in a Nuclear Age – Jihad or Transgression? Global Muslim Community Should Introspect 20. What Is The Islamic Ruling About Those Who Cooperate With ISIS And Other Terror Outfits Committing Sins and Transgression? 21. Does Islam Allow Destruction Of Churches, Temples Or Any Other Houses Of Worship Belonging To Non-Muslims? 22. Does Islam Justify Rebellion Perpetrated by Modern Terrorist Groups? 23. Islamic Teachings of Mercy, Kindness and Compassion towards All Creations of Allah 24. Has the Ayat La Ikraha fid Deen (There is No Compulsion in Religion) been Abrogated? 25. Refuting ISIS’ Magazine ‘Rumiyah’ That Ignores the Context of Quran's Verses To Forcefully Justify its Atrocities 26. The Terrorist Acts of ISIS Are Categorically Forbidden—Evidences from the Quran and Hadith 27. Had The Hadith Already Asked Muslims 1400 Years Ago Not To Join ISIS? 28. ISIS, Taliban, Al-Qaeda and Other Islamist Terrorists are Kharijites? An Analysis of 40 Major Characteristics of Kharijites 29. ISIS: The Knife That Slaughters Islam And Muslims 30. Unmasking Ideological Origins of ISIS; Refutation of Its Deviant Theology Alone Can Defeat This Evil 31. ISIL Militants Killing Muslims in Iraq will Taste the Hellfire 32. Jihadist Magazine Azaan’s Call for Western Muslims to Attack Their Own Homelands in Europe and America Violates All Tenets of Islam - Part -1 33. Jihadist Magazine ‘Azaan’ Calls For Western Muslims To Attack Their Own Homelands In Europe And America. Doesn’t This Violate All The Tenets Of Islam? Part II 34. 'Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil’ or Amr Bil Maaroof, Nahi Anil Munkir: Qur'an Exegetes and Hadith Interpreters Dispel Notions of Aggression and Violence That Wahhabis Associate with This Doctrine 35. Refuting Talibani Fatwa on Islam And Democracy: Are They Incompatible With Each Other? 36. Suicide Attacks By ISIS or Any Other Muslim Militants Are Brazenly Un-Islamic and Categorically Forbidden [Haram] Under All Circumstances: Evidence from the Quran and Hadith ------- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a Sufi background and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. 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