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, kidnapping 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 few decades ago. One of the unfortunate results of this new technology 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. If is this narrow definition of terrorism the 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 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 total “submission to the will 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 anyone 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 it any one saves a life it would be as if he saves 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 of 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 of law can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings.
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. 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 is generally misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the world “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 world 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 defence, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation and oppression.
The Glorious Quran says:
“And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who being weak, are ill-fated (and oppressed)? Men; Women, and children, whose cry is “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and the raise for us from thee one who will help!” (Al Ouran 4:75)
Thus, Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when he sees injustice and oppression around him.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said:
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appealing silence of the good people.” Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However regardless how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Ouran never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teaching of Islam.
HISTORY OF TOLERANCE:
Even western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O’Leary wrote:
“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam’ at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated. Muslims have ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until date they were forced out, the non-Muslim there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, the Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish population. This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of views.
The Glorious Ouran Says: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And God. hearth and knoweth all things. (Al Ouran 2:256)
ISLAM THE GREAT UNIFIER:
Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Ouran Repeatedly reminds us of our common origin:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other)). Verily the most honored of you in sight of God is (who he is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things.”(Al Ouran 49:13)
Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts, deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is beacon of light that offers hope for the future.
We beseech Allah Ta’ala to pardon us all our faults and shortcomings through His unlimited bounty and mercifulness and accept whatever defective services that we are able to render to the cause of God and
advancement of mankind. For further correspondences and supply of Other free Books and tracts, please contact:
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