AN English friend of mine asked me about the relation between Islam and terrorism. He could not understand why as a Muslim I was not a terrorist. In his opinion, as he told me later, I either was not a true Muslim or there was something wrong about the perception he was brought up with regarding Islam and Muslims. His notions were strengthened after the 9/11 attacks. These attacks were carried out by terrorists who unfortunately happened to be Muslim. So the only plausible explanation my friend found for my being tolerant was that I was not a true Muslim. “Fahad can I ask you a question?” he said in a soft voice, once while having dinner. “Sure,” I replied. “I do not understand how you are Muslim and yet denounce terrorism, while other Muslims commit acts of terrorism?” I replied saying that good and bad people are found in every community. Adherents of every religion have both radicals and moderates among them. In the Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah there is no place for radicalism or terrorism. Hence, Muslims who follow Islam correctly see terrorism as a crime against humanity. Islam is a peaceful religion. The word Islam itself comes from the word “peace.” God commands believers to bring peace and security in the world, not the opposite. We consider Islamic teachings as the cure for terrorism, and not the source of it. The source of terrorism is radicalism that has little to do with Islam. Radicalism is not the approach God has legislated. We are demanded by the Qur'an to be loving and soft-spoken people, who shun conflicts and arguments. Not only this, we are also asked to approach hostile people with warmth and friendship. The story of Moses and Aaron in reference to the Pharaoh of Egypt is a good example. In spite of the enmity between the two parties, God ordered the two prophets as follows: “Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds). And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah.” (Qur'an, 20:43-44) Despite Pharaoh's cruelties towards the Children of Israel and his denial of God, God commanded his prophets to speak to him gently. There are many such examples of how prophets behaved with others and Muslims have been commanded to follow them. The Qur'an holds all prophets with high regard. Let's look at the description of Abraham in the Qur'an: “Verily Ibrahim was tender-hearted and forbearing.” (Qur'an, 9:114) The Qur'an also says about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah's) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). “ (Qur'an, 3: 159 ) There is another verse that emphasizes this fact: “And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad, peace be upon him) then compel mankind, until they become believers.” (Qur'an, 10:99) Accordingly, moderate Muslims, who are the majority, do not have hatred for other peoples. They believe there is no coercion in faith or to become Muslims. No one can force people to worship God. The only thing we do is tendering advice. For all that has been said, Muslims must stand against terrorism and terrorist groups. Because Islam is the religion of life and terrorism is the doctrine of death. My English friend was impressed. He said, “It is the first time I have come to know about Islam that is so different from what the Taleban and Al-Qaeda have been preaching.” – SG The writer can be reached at [email protected] __
