Islam a religion of Terror? pdf download

Islam a religion of Terror? – Book Sample

Contents – Islam a religion of Terror

• Introduction
• The Importance of Human Life
• Jihad
• Islam Forbids the Killing of Civilians
• Suicide Bombings
• Tolerance in Islam
• Extremism
• The Media
• The Universality of Islam
• Position of Islamic Scholars on Terrorism
• Mercy for Mankind
• Conclusion
• Index of Proper Names
• Brief Glossary
• Bibliography

Islam a religion of Terror

We live in turbulent times in which the dignity and humanity of human beings is no longer considered sacred, to the extent that the taking of innocent lives has become commonplace. Ordinary people are held at ransom through no fault of their own, by perpetrators to achieve certain political motives and objectives.

With each passing year new groups emerge. Just when we think one problem has been resolved a new one appears, bringing with it fresh challenges that affect us all in some form or fashion.

Hence ‘terrorism’ is rightfully considered one of the greatest threats to world peace and security. Regrettably violence of this nature has threatened the harmony of communities that have co-existed peacefully for hundreds of years, and in some cases uprooted entire societies.

The word terrorism has only been used extensively very recently, in the age of mass media and the internet. This word has often been linked with Islam and Muslims, often unjustly. Hence it has become synonymous and acceptable in some parts of the world that each time an act of violence occurs, for it to be attributed to Islam.

Before the advent of such terrorism, other communities faced similar stigmatisation for a variety of reasons: the colour of their skin, their faith, their land of origin, or their ancestry.

Similarly, Muslims have also become victims of hate crime and Islamophobic attacks. Often the religion of Islam is held responsible for the criminal acts of a handful of Muslims, and at times even for the acts of non-Muslims!

Sadly, the definition of terrorism has been limited only to acts of violence perpetuated by individuals or groups. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in many different forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who place no value on the sanctity of human life can play disparate roles within society to achieve their political goals and aims.

The narrow definition of terrorism driven by the media that implicates only individuals and groups, has intertwined the Islamic faith and Muslim communities with terrorism and extremism.

It is well recognised that Islam played a pivotal role in kick-starting the Renaissance in Europe, signalling the end of the Dark Ages. In its rich 1400 year history, Islam has made hudge spiritual, intellectual and cultural contributions for the betterment of human civilisation. The Arabic word “Islam” mean “peace and voluntary submission to the One Gop.” Islam has over 1.2 billion followers around the globe.

In the light of these facts is it credible that this very same faith could promote indiscriminate terror and destruction in the modern era?

In this short booklet we will discuss terrorism from an · Islamic perspective, using the sacred texts of Islam, as well as statements from respected scholars and academics.

I ask the respected reader, to read the following pages with an open heart and mind, without any prejudice. Only then can we explore what is beneath the surface, to establish what the truth is and understand the teachings of Islam and its traditions.

The sanctity of human life is inviolable in Islam. Protecting this precious gift is sanctioned by Divine text, as well as by many Prophetic traditions. Human life in particular is accorded a special status in Islam.

The first and foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live in peace and dignity, without fear, irrespective of one’s creed, colour, social stature or the land they live in. God the Most High says in the Qur’an about the one who kills an innocent person:

” … It is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone saves another person’s life, it is as if he had given life to all of mankind”

Such is the value of a single human life. God in the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. This is how seriously this deplorable crime is considered in the Islamic faith. Both the Qur’an and the prophetic tradition prohibit murder in the clearest and strongest terms.

Islam requires Muslims to submit to God, to have piety, benevolence, forgiveness, perseverance, self-sacrifice,· empathy and show respect for others of faith and of no faith. A Muslim practices all this in their daily life.

JIHAD

Islam in general has been misunderstood in the world to­ day, especially in communities where there is little or no representation of Islam. In particular no word evokes such strong reaction as the word ‘Jihad’.

The term ‘Jihad’ has been abused extensively, conjuring up disturbing images in the public consciousness of violent Muslims spreading their religion by the sword and in recent times through terrorising people. This misunderstanding has been the key to mistrust between non-Muslim and Muslim communities.

The -word Jihad comes from the Arabic root verb, which means to struggle, strive or endeavour in the way of God. Hence jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said that jihad is to struggle with the base desires of one’s own soul.

Thus jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle that each individual faces on a daily basis, doing good and refraining from all bad and submitting to God completely with sincerity. Every act should be done to please God.

To be wholesome it must be in accordance with God’s commands and the teachings of · the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) while being cognisant of God at all times.

However, when it becomes absolutely necessary to physically fight evil, jihad takes on a martial dimension. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers, past and present, like many Israelite Prophets before them, fought wars in self defence and in order to abolish

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