What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

[Proud to be Pakistani]

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?​

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:

“God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers.” (Quran 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,[1] and he would advise them: “...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.”[2] And he also said: “Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.”[3]

Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.[4]

He once listed murder as the second of the major sins,[5] and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, “The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.[6]”[7]

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: “A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.”[8]

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet, may God praise him, was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: “There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.”[9]

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: “When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.”[10]

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.


Footnotes:
[1] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015.

[2] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408.

[3] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686.

[4] Narrated in Abu-Dawood, #2675.

[5] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88.

[6] This means killing and injuring.

[7] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533.

[8] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365.

[9] This saying of Muhammad has been mentioned in more detail on this page. Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2466.

[10] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409.

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

Jihad: Just Struggle or Unjust Violence ​

Shaikh Zaid Shakir

Jihad means to struggle. Many of our jurists such as Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawzia divide this struggle into three types. First, The struggle against the self (ego). Secondly, the struggle against Satan and his dupes. Thirdly, the struggle against those forces amongst human beings who manifest amenity and antagonism towards Islam and/or its people(the Muslims). This latter struggle is governed by an elaborate and highly developed set of principles which defy a simplistic categorization into offensive and defensive actions.

Jihad was an imperialistic enterprise, even if we assume for the sake of argument that was the case during the initial phase of Islamic expansion, that phase has long since past. Virtually all of the gains made by Islam during the past four hundred years have been the result of organized and in many instances unorganized missionary activity. The greatest proof of this has been the spread of Islam here in the USA. We don't read nor have we heard of any invading Muslim armies coming to these shores to force Islam upon the American people. The millions of converts have all freely chosen Islam usually after a process of intense study and reflection.

We respond to them by the very Quran and Sunnah which they misquote and manipulate for their evil agendas. For example, they claim that Islam advances a theory of perpetual warfare. This idea has no basis in Islam. Proof of that, Allah(swt) mentions in Surat Al Anfal verse 61 in the context of a conflagration between Muslims and non-muslim forces: "If they (the enemy) incline towards peace then you so incline and place your trust in Allah". This verse emphasizes as explained by Fakhru EDin Al-Razi in his commentary don't let your suspicion that the enemy has some ulterior motive for seeking peace discourage you from perusing a peaceful reconciliation of the conflict. This teaching surely is not one conducive to the idea of perpetual warfare. Similarly, we may reference a prophetic tradition which states: "do not desire to meet the enemy[in a conflagration. Ask Allah for good health security and well being" This Hadith related by both Al-Bukhari and Muslim emphasizes that Muslims should do everything within their power to avoid a conflict. Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani in his great exegetical work Fatih Al-Bari mentions that the reason for this position is that the origin in human society is peace and security. War is an aberration. We know the benefits of peace, where as war brings uncertainty. A basic principle in Islam is that we do not leave that which is sure for that which is doubtful. I might add that peace, well being, and good health are blessings as any muslim will acknowledge. It is forbidden in Islam to desire the eradication of a blessing. Allah (swt) mentions in this regard that if you reject[ the blessings I have bestowed upon you] My punishment is severe.(Surat Ibrahim verse 7).

Again, this is a teaching, which is antithetical to the idea of permanent war. Another misconception they wish to popularize concerning Islam is that it advances the idea of indiscriminate warfare against all of infidels. However we read in the Quran in Surat Al-Mumtahinah Verse 8 " Allah does not forbid you concerning those(non-Muslims) who have not fought you nor driven you from your homes that you treat them righteously and behave justly with them. Surely Allah loves those who are just". This verse flies in the face of the contention that Islam advocates indiscriminate warfare against all non-believers.

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

If that be so, then why is it flourishing?

And they claim that they are the true Moslems!

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

If that be so, then why is it flourishing?

And they claim that they are the true Moslems!

What you mean!

 

[mujahideen]

Islam forbids terrorism in all its form. The rules of Jihad are very clear which we as Muslims and the Western world have to understand. The rules of Jihad are
-You are not allowed to burn any trees, houses or any other place which is necessary for that area, and without it the people wont survive.
-You are not allowed to kill the elderly, women, or children.
-You must treat a prisoner of war with respect and dignity.
-Combat must cease, in all its forms once the area is conquered or the people of the area declare that they have lost.
-Before waging jihad you first have to hold some sort of peace talks.
-Before engaging in combat you first have to inform the opposing side that you have declared war on them.
Now these are just some of the rules. I cant give all the rules, I just gave the ons which are most obvious. Their have been books written on Jihad, but the rules revolve around the rules I have stated above.

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

What you mean!

Written in English and easily understandable.

 

[ejaz007]

Salim,
Unfortunately Jihad has been portrayed in west as something associated with merciless killings, hatred towards west and terrorism. This has been publicized in the west through media for the last twenty to twenty-five years and is now engraved in their minds. This needs to be presented in its true form and west needs to be informed that not all things associated with Jihad are correct. It will take time before west comes to understand jihad. One cannot simply change the way people think in short time. Lot of time was spent in creating this jihad phobia and lot of time shall be required to correct it.
Now coming to why it is flourishing. Actually it is flourishing in three areas only. First in Iraq. In Iraq an elected government was overthrown on the pretext it was dangerous and building weapons of mass destruction. USA has not been able to prove this. What is going on in Iraq is not entirely the result of Alqaeda or terrorism there are also indigenous groups fighting Americans just because they feel their country has been occupied by foreign force. One example is the Faluja in Iraq where sunnis fought not necessarily because they were members of Alqaeda but because they were and are opposed to foreign occupation. Perhaps you don’t know but according to some reports even women of that area fought bravely. Even Americans call it the triangle of death. Alqaeda is definitely the sponsor of terrorism but those groups fighting for their freedom or independence should not be mixed with Alqaeda or terrorism. Fighting for freedom or independence is not terrorism.
Second in Afghanistan. Well you know Afghans. History tells us that they have fought and succeeded against all foreign forces that entered their land. Whether it be British, Soviets or now the Americans. It is in their blood and tradition to fight and they will. Every time they found an umbrella to organize their fight. Against British it was the government, against soviets it was the holy jihad under different commanders and now it is Taliban. So Afghanistan quite frankly is a different ball game. Since this time its Taliban versus American therefore it is terrorism. I hope you get it.
Third is the Pakistan. Unfortunately Pakistan had to pay the price of American victory in Afghanistan. There is no anti state war or Islamic forces fighting against state forces. These are the same forces that were brought from all over the world funded and trained by CIA during the Afghan War and than abandoned in Pakistan. These are responsible for the terrorism going on in Pakistan. These forces are not in any way associated with Pakistani religious parties or groups. For quite some time these moved freely and un checked and created their own areas of influence. Now that government wants to clear these areas and bring them under its control they are fighting back. This problem shall persist for some time but ultimately shall be managed by the government. The only mistake made by Pakistan was to let them loose for that long time. Had these been sent back to their respective countries this problem would not have escalated to such an extent?
Hope this clarifies.

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

Ejaz,

I am aware of the meaning of Jihad and its two connotations.

However, what is observed by all is the violence in the name of jihad. And it sticks. It does not require the western media to tell anyone. Seeing is believing.

Self cleansing, the real aspect, is not seen by all in deed either!

Take Ramzan/ Ramadan.

If one is to observe all the rules during Ramzan, it would not be feasible for the average man to do it in total purity and I am not talking about sex or fasting.

One should also not do Backbiting, slander, lie or deceive, use abusive language, not have iftar, taste a food without swallowing it, gargling water due to thirsts or hot weather, wrapping oneself with wet clothes, throwing up intentionally, weakening the body (e.g. strenuous sport), gathering saliva and swallowing, etc

It is difficult and 100% of the population cannot claim that they have not violated!

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

However, what is observed by all is the violence in the name of jihad. And it sticks. It does not require the western media to tell anyone. Seeing is believing.

Not in the name of Jihad, the violence is being done for many reasons and mostly being done by the people who are being suppressed so much in the name of religion that they are going to fight back. All the extremist actions by Muslim Militancy is being Portaried by the West and the People like you as Jihad. Its not Jihad and the Muslim Scholars have condemned it 1000 times but its your evil designs which keep portraying muslims and Islam as a religion of brutality.

The Topic opened was not about vertues of Muslims and their ability to abide by the rules of Allah but was about , What Islam Say about Terrorism.

Majority of all the Muslims know this and always follow the rules of Islam !

 

[Karma]

Why there is no fatwa against the terrorists, while there are lots of fatwas on unnecessary and unrelated issues?

Why there is no call from religious leaders during after prayer sermon for not to support terrorists?

Why there is a no strong voice against terrorists? Why there is no protest against terror incidents, when there are vilolent protests for silly reasons?

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

Saudi religious body issues Fatwa against terrorism and urging public to report suspects ​

2004 Press Release
06/07/2004

[Washington, DC] -- Saudi Arabia's senior religious scholars have issued a fatwa condemning acts of terrorism and calling upon citizens and residents to provide authorities with any information they may have regarding those who plan or prepare to carry out terrorist acts.

The Permanent Committee of Religious Research and Ifta (religious edict), under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia's leading religious authority, the Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh, issued the fatwa which ruled that such acts are religiously forbidden and considered to be severe forms of injustice. The fatwa stated that these acts disrupt the security of the country, shed innocent blood, terrorize peaceful people and destroy property. The fatwa concluded that it is the duty of everyone to report to the authorities if they have information about the individuals who plan or prepare to carry out terrorist acts.

Saudi Arabia's leaders have explained that the religious establishment in Saudi Arabia is a critical asset in the nation's war against Al-Qaeda. According to Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar bin Sultan: "It is our own religious establishment that is the authority most qualified to debunk and disprove Al-Qaeda's false claims."

On April 22, the day after a bombing in Riyadh, Shaikh Abdulaziz Al- Ashaikh, who is also Chairman of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars, issued a statement calling the incident a "forbidden and sinful act." The statement continued: "It is also forbidden to justify the acts of these criminals." Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh also stated: "You have to be vigilant and have strong will in defending the religion and the Muslim country against these people."

Fatwa against terrorism and urging public to report suspects

Only one of the Fatwas........... For your information please!

Ironical that the terroism is being promoted by the west and we should protest!

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

Not in the name of Jihad, the violence is being done for many reasons and mostly being done by the people who are being suppressed so much in the name of religion that they are going to fight back. All the extremist actions by Muslim Militancy is being Portaried by the West and the People like you as Jihad. Its not Jihad and the Muslim Scholars have condemned it 1000 times but its your evil designs which keep portraying muslims and Islam as a religion of brutality.

The Topic opened was not about vertues of Muslims and their ability to abide by the rules of Allah but was about , What Islam Say about Terrorism.

Majority of all the Muslims know this and always follow the rules of Islam !

No one is question the virtues of Moslems as such. Highlighted is the fact that there are Moslems who selective undertake issue to suit the convenience and claim to be pure, like the terrorists.

What are the Terrorists saying? They are carrying out their terror acts because they are professional killers? Are they not justifying that they are doing so in the name of Islam and that they are undergoing jihad? Let us see reality. These terrorist are doing Islam no good and instead are giving it a bad name. To support or encourage them is disastrous to even the Moslems themselves. The chaos, consternation, damage to property, loss of innocent lives as is seen in Pakistan these days is but caused by support from within. What have ordinary, peace loving Pakistanis done to deserve this that is being encouraged by support within by those charged with the scripture but not ready to see reality and the damage being done?

One may claim that there is support from outside to these terrorists. For arguments sake, let us accept that. But can a terrorist movement be sustained without support from inside? The Lal Mazjid issue and the stuff that is going on in FATA and SWAT, Balochistan, Northern Areas, all indicate that there is enough support within Pakistan to keep these terror acts fully oiled and growing!!

You claim that clerics condemn these terrorists? Maybe some indeed do. But the large majority extol these terrorists and extenuate their evil deed. To imagine Abu Hamza living in the UK declared in his sermons repeatedly to fight the very people who were allowing him their hospitality!!

What has Osama done? He has divide the world into two - Islamic and Non Islamic!! And what for? Because of injustices to Moslems especially in Palestine. My question is - has the perceived and imagined injustices vanished or even diminished? Has Palestine being liberated? NO.

What has Osama really achieved. He has achieved bringing in more misery to the ordinary, peace loving, law abiding Moslem. Today, a Moslem is a suspect in many countries. There is racial profiling. An Asiatic face with a beard is an immediate suspect and seen with suspicion. We have to be practically nude to pass through Immigration. We are frisked as if we are common thieves! Is this what is Justice? Is this how one gets self respect?

The 9/11 has actually divide the Islamic people and their govts. While the govts want stability, the terrorists are hell bent in destroying peace. And who suffers? The terrorists, the govt? No. It is the common law abiding, peace loving citizen! Is this what some Moslems want to support and cheer? This state of abject fear and consequent quasi slavery in the name of Fightng for Islamic people?

I could go on but I know it is to no avail. The Indoctrinated people, who blindly cheer the terrorists and think the are mujahideens etc will continue to bring sorrow to the Moslem people.

It is time that one smells the coffee and liberate the Moslem world from the evil terrorist.

Non Moslems cannot to it. The Moslems must. They alone can do it!

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

Saudis double standards.

Janus,

Say something and do something else - finance the terrorists and the most fundamentalist madrassas in Pakistan and the world and give Pakistan the bad name, while they come out smelling of roses!

 

[Proud to be Pakistani]

Saudis double standards.

Janus,

Say something and do something else - finance the terrorists and the most fundamentalist madrassas in Pakistan and the world and give Pakistan the bad name, while they come out smelling of roses!

Your thinking is Wrong!

If its so then US should stop it froming happening ... No?

Financing comes from Rich fudamentalist all around the World.

 

[Tiki Tam Tam]

Sorry old chap.

As far as the US giving the Saudis the Nelson's Eye, even the blind can see why - OIL.

Without OIL, the US is non existent!

Financing by Saudis:

PBS - frontline: saudi time bomb?: analyses: madrassas

The Saudis have self interest to spread their form of Islam - the Wahabbi or Salafi!

The Salafis think that they are the only true Islam and they actually follow the Koran to the word and with no or very little deviation! That is why their form of Islam appears uncompromising and fundamentalist!

I learn that they do not recognise the Hadiths since they claim it is the interpretation of Man!