Khalifatullah’s Book on ‘Jihad’

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new book, entitled ‘Jihad: Reflections on Islam in the Times of Terror’. The spiritual treatise, compiled and curated by Fazil Jamal, brings together a number of Friday sermons and other special discourses given by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius over the last decade on this vital subject. The discourses of Imam Azim (atba), originally made in response to contemporary international political developments- including terror attacks in the name of ‘Jihad’ perpetrated in numerous countries by radicalised Muslim youths-, throw searching light on the doctrine and practice of ‘Jihad’ in Islam, especially on the basis of relevant Qur’anic framework and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sa).  

In his discourse on ‘Jihad’, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) agrees that widespread misconceptions exist around this important Islamic obligation among both Muslim youths and the non-Muslims. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) insists that whoever looks at ‘Jihad’ as nothing but indiscriminate violence against ‘infidels’ do not fully comprehend the real teachings of Islam. He points out that the Qur’an does not promote ‘Jihad’ as the ideology of coercive religiosity, nor does it stand for senseless violence. Likewise, ‘Jihad’ is not a weapon of aggression against other peace-loving people. In Islam, ‘Jihad’ is a resistance tool against oppression when recourse to the use of force becomes inevitable against recalcitrant enemies who take up sword to destroy the whole community of believers. Except in such rare circumstances of self-preservation and existential threat, Islam rejects the instrumental role of violence. Ideas being propagated in the name of Islam contrary to the above by some Ulema, as well as others, including anti-Muslim propagandists, miss the real point about Islamic teachings on Jihad, points out Hadhrat Saheb(atba). 

'Jihad' and World Politics

One of the most misunderstood and much maligned concepts in the world of religion today is the doctrine of ‘Jihad’ in Islam. Unlike any other matter of devotional piety in any religion, ‘Jihad’ brings around it images of a deadly cocktail of religion, identity politics and armed violence involving wily politicians, extremists and terrorists; generating genuine anxiety, confusion and fear among the people. Indeed, ‘Jihad’ has come to mean different things to different people in our times. 

In our deeply troubled world, where powerful nations set the rules of the global game, non-State actors are also increasingly becoming vital players. In States where turbulent political conditions exist, ‘Jihad’ is almost invariably associated with the call to arms and violence by certain Muslim-groups ostensibly working to protect the collective interests of the Muslim communities concerned. For many governments with separatist movements or insurgent groups in their territorial domain; ‘Jihad’ is nothing but an ideology of unbridled violence and mayhem championed by non-State actors. In sharp contrast to this, the groups fighting States look upon ‘Jihad’ as the ideology of their political resistance against unjust regimes- the moral and ethical justification for their militant campaigns against governments that ‘oppress’ the people. Inspired by their own notions of injustice and agency; often seeking retribution for alleged past crimes of the State concerned or to induce change in State policies vis-a-vis certain matters; organized groups as well ‘lone wolfs’- including suicide bombers- perpetrate violent crimes, targeting symbols of State power. These attacks often indiscriminately impact civilians as well, leading to ‘collateral damage’- unnecessary suffering for common people caught up in such incidents.

For instance, the horrific 9/11 terror attacks in the United States of America at the beginning of this century- in the year 2001- directed at the symbols of American military and economic heft resulted also in the death of thousands of people going about their everyday lives. The terrorists who executed this most audacious attack claimed they were driven by the ideals of ‘Jihad’ in committing this mass murder. Those who waged this ‘war’ on America were seeking vengeance upon the country for its dreadful policies abroad- including military interventions that killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people, and even destroyed entire societies in the Muslim world. Despite the moral high-ground the parties in conflict- States and the terror groups- seek to assert for themselves, both State terrorism and non-State terrorism are problematic for their means and methods of warfare and also due to the profound consequences such violence has upon its innocent victims, common folks like us.

Sri Lanka: Easter Day Bombings

Sublime Islamic teachings prohibit wanton attacks against civilians; transgression on the rights of others and the destruction of their properties. If 'enemy' is to be engaged in a war by the Muslims, the Shariah rules of military necessity, proportionality, reduction of unjust suffering on those who do not participate in the hostilities- women; children; wounded soldiers; prisoners of war, humanitarian relief agencies, etc need to be respected and provided for. Hence, wanton killings of defenceless people going about their daily lives can never be allowed to be glorified as Islamic Jihad. Indeed, such terrorism cuts at the roots of all Islamic ethics and teachings on social solidarity with other communities and the need for respecting the sanctity of their essential rights under Islamic Law.   

It is instructive to note that in a recent series of Friday Sermons, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius spoke profoundly on issues of terrorism in society, especially as it contrasts with the ideals of Islam and the murky realities of our times wherein terrorism is also being practiced by groups operating in the name of the Muslims. One of the themes that Hadhrat Saheb (atba) took up for clinical examination in this context was the role of the "zealous idiots"- people who claim to profess Islam; yet know nothing about its roots and branches and who bring disrepute to the religion (Islam) through self-serving interpretations and thereby inflict much harm on society through their deviant practices. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) exemplified this point with reference to the practice of 'Jihad' as 'holy war' by sections of Muslim youths (fighting their secular 'battles'  in their societies), with no regard for either text or context, nor even the subtext of ethical Islamic teachings. 

In multicultural democracies where different faiths bloom in full freedom and liberty, the rupturing of the social fabric through horrific violence can have profoundly negative consequences for all- especially the (Muslim) minorities in the land. Indeed, brainwashed and radicalized Muslim youths displaying sectarian bigotry or communal prejudice and indulging in killing of innocents need to be opposed and resisted by devout Muslims themselves. After all, standing up for justice and enjoining good and forbidding evil is a duty we owe to God and our fellow beings- Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  

In his Friday Sermon of 26 April 2019~ 19 Shabaan 1440 AH Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) spoke about the dire state of the world. The excesses of the humans are putting a question mark over the very survival of our earth as a unique living space in our universe. On so many different levels, the signs around us are such that it is as though the world has turned upside down. The rising tide of mindless violence and terror across nations is such a sign as well. Speaking also against the backdrop of the recent, horrendous terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka that killed hundreds of people on Easter Sunday, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) wholeheartedly condemned the mindless killings. 

Empathy in the Time of Racist Terror

In a world riven by bigotry and hatred, the people of New Zealand shows what solidarity and love can accomplish even in a moment of national tragedy like the recent Christchurch mosque attacks. Muslims constitute just over one percent of the country's population, yet Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led the nation in reaching out to the stricken victims with spontaneous compassion. Religious leaders of different faiths- Christian, Jewish, Sikh, etc- came out in iridescent solidarity with the Muslim community, and attended joint prayers in mosques. Stu Cameron, Minister of New-life Church on the Gold Coast, said: "Good neighbours always weep when the other is weeping, and stand together in solidarity when the other feels threatened".  Attending a  prayer meeting at a mosque with her head covered with a black dupatta, New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern quoted Prophet Muhammad (sa). "According to Prophet Muhammad...the believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain" she said. "New Zealand mourns with you; we are one". Earlier too, when Ms. Ardern visited the mourning families to comfort them, she covered her head to show respect to the people's traditions. As she embraced them, her face mirrored their pain, making plain to those who had lost their dear ones in the shootings that she shared their suffering. 

The Christchurch Mosque Attacks

Calamities abound in our small world, and not a day goes by, without the media  chronicling the many disasters striking around: cyclonic storms, devastating floods; forest fires, landslides, earthquakes, Tsunamis, etc.  Even more despairing is the case of the many man-made disasters afflicting humanity: religious extremism; political fanaticism; racism; intolerance and oppression of minority groups; national chauvinism and xenophobia; political repression and terrorism; genocidal violence; civic strife and internal wars, etc. Indeed, all the Signs of our times testify to the many troubles engulfing our planet. In his Friday Sermon of 22 March 2019~14 Rajab 1440 AH Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) continues the reflective series on Islam and international terrorism today. 

Speaking against the backdrop of the recent massacre at Christchurch/New Zealand where a white terrorist went on a rampage with semi-automatic weapons in two mosques, killing 50 Muslim devotees attending Jumu'ah prayers, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) underscores the importance of prayer, peace, love and dialogue to restore the world on an even keel. 

Pulwama: Beyond Terror and Vengeance

On the Pulwama Tragedy

The suicide attack on Thursday, 14 February 2019 against an Indian military convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir revived tensions between India and Pakistan. This attack claimed the lives of at least 41 Indian soldiers. Delhi is multiplying diplomatic initiatives to isolate its Pakistani neighbour, while preparing a military response. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently referred to what has become a national tragedy in the country. He declared on Sunday, 18 February 2019: “The fire that embraces your heart also embraces mine.” This statement was made to a crowd gathered for a political meeting, shortly after asserting that “the blood of India was boiling.” 

Fury has seized social networks and several TV channels close to the government call for revenge. For the Indian Prime Minister, the moment is critical: never has an attack raised so much emotion in the country since the terrorist attack of Bombay (Mumbai) which had made 174 dead in November 2008. The moment is also crucial for its political future just weeks away from the scheduled elections in April and May. 

Terrorism: The Politics of Hate

On "Islamic” Terrorism

Today, the so-called “Islamic” terrorism is on everyone’s lips. Some want nothing more than to satiate their visceral hatred of everything related to Islam. In Western countries nowadays, it is recurrent for them through their written and spoken media/ press to perpetually talk/ discuss on the subject of “Islamic” terrorism that is currently overtaking the world. There is not a day which passes by that this act (“Islamic” Terrorism) does not make the front page of the media and therefore raises debates within the Islamic community and elsewhere on the merits of this religious terrorism. By publishing it urbi et orbi, there is no doubt that some people want nothing more than to appease their visceral hatred of everything related to Islam and to discredit this faith in the eyes of those who do not profess it.

So far, a lot of conferences, debates and meetings have been organized worldwide so that common sense prevails between the protagonists. But in these dialogues of the deaf not a single glimmer of hope of peace, love and tolerance appeared on the horizon - those who vilify Islam continue to inject hatred and dream of a last crusade to end forever with the modern-day Saracens, i.e. the Muslims. On the other hand, the rebellious (among the Muslims – the extremists) do not give in - they organize themselves and make armaments speak. In all this folly, it is quite legitimate for one to know what the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam thinks about this so-called “Islamic” terrorism which is being projected from morning till night.

I really wonder what they mean by “Islamic” terrorism! Islam is to terrorism as light is to darkness, life to death or peace to war. Naturally they intersect each other but in diametrically opposed directions. We see them cling to each other but they never make the road happily together, hand in hand. However, it cannot be denied that on many occasions Muslims are involved in terrorist activities on behalf of a predominantly Muslim group or country. 

But aren’t there also other groups involved in terrorism and subversion around the world? Suppose that by using the same principle that gave rise to the term “Islamic terrorism”, would it be appropriate to label all other forms of terrorism as follows: Sikh terrorism, Hindu terrorism, Christian terrorism, Jewish terrorism, Atheist terrorism, Buddhist terrorism, Animistic terrorism and Pagan terrorism?

It is not easy to turn a blind eye to the various forms of terrorism that are unfortunately growing in every corner of the world; it is impossible in fact for an observer to be unaware of the persecution, bloodshed and murders perpetrated in the name of a so-called ideal or noble cause. Terrorism is a global problem that requires careful consideration in its broadest aspects.

Reclaim Islam from 'Jihadi' Terrorists

On Monday, 22 May 2017, the city of Manchester (United Kingdom) witnessed a deadly terror attack, claiming the lives of 22 people, including many children and young people; moments after US singer Miss Ariana Grande finished performing, at around 10:30 pm. Investigators have identified the suicide bomber as Salman Abedi, a 22 year-old youth, Manchester-born British national of Libyan-Arab-Muslim-refugee-descent. 

Global political fault-lines, especially its searing manifestations in the Arab-Islamic world in recent decades, have created the cult of violence called "Jihadism". Accentuated by revolting political realities such as the prolonged Zionist military occupation of Muslim lands; the strategic and economic subjugation of the Persian Gulf nations by the US-led western powers; the suppression of political and personal liberty in the Arab world by the hedonistic oligarchs working in alliance with their western masters; internecine conflicts forcing widespread displacement of people, rendering millions into refugees and stateless persons- the simmering political conditions in many parts of the world are conducive for the flourishing of extremist ideologies and the radicalization of youth. 

Likewise, the apparently remote and self-contained western world's 'racist democracies' also face humongous challenges of multicultural integration: their policies are currently designed to discriminate, oppress and ghettoize the non-European peoples among them, especially of the North-African Arab descent. 'The wrenching process of remaking life and society in all their aspects (social, economic, existential) frequently collapses in violence'. Hence, the completely-alienated youths in many of these countries are increasingly drawn to entities such as the "Islamic State" in their quest for seeking 'resistance' and 'vengeance' against the perceived, oppressor "infidels" through all means possible, including 'martyrdom' (Shahada) operations/suicidal attacks. While devout Muslims find the horrific terror attacks completely at odds with the teachings of their religion, the 'material' (and as we shall see below, even the religious and spiritual) explanation for these attacks cannot avoid the role of extremist preachers who 'condition' the mindset of would-be assassins/potential suicide bombers by offering them the deadly cocktail of 'radical' theology as political praxis. Mindless violence needs to be condemned, more so in an age of widening rift in inter-community relations. This is regardless of who perpetrated it, or in the name of which group identity- races, tribes, religions, languages, nations, peoples- it was executed. 

In a message issued on 23 May 2017, the Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah of this era, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius calls our attention to the profoundly negative implications and potentially enormous consequences of such extreme brutalities, being perpetrated in the name of the religion and community of the Muslims, for everyone: the victims; the perpetrators; for wider inter-community relations and social peace; public perceptions on Islam and the Muslims in everyday life settings; and even on international relations. 

Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba) addresses all humanity, especially Muslims, on the complex challenges that we face today- in an era of deep sectarian divisions among the Muslims, the hardening of denominational identities leads to much injustice and strife within. The bloodshed and killings are regrettably becoming routinized in many societies- Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Pakistan. Among the innumerable sects within the Muslims, interpretational differences over even basic spiritual doctrines abound and the very definition of being 'Muslim' is under intense disputation, with profound implications for the basic human rights and political entitlements of 'legally excluded' Muslim sects and denominational groups, such as the Ahmadis in Pakistan and elsewhere. To establish peace and reconciliation across our multiple divides in society, Muslims need to be role models for others.  In reclaiming the heart of our faith and our own spiritual identity as devout Muslims in this difficult era, Hazrat Saheb (atba) exhorts us to be people who stand in awe of God, and who display the spiritual humility of non-judgmental affection and residual goodwill for all of His creatures-fellow Muslims (of different sects) and the non-Muslims alike. 

Read the Special Statement on the Terror Attack in Manchester Below:  

First of all, in my own name as the Khalifatullah and reformer of this era - for humanity as a whole and particularly for all Muslims - and on behalf of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, I present our sincere condolences and sympathy for what transpired - a really painful event- in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a very deplorable situation that those who take themselves as great defenders of Islam are in fact doing much harm to the perfect religion which Islam is. They have taken themselves as great defenders of Islam but they have stooped very low in their acts. They have harmed the very religion that Allah has perfected and named: ISLAM.

Islam means a complete submission to the will of Allah, and it means peace and submission. Peace should come first, then submission (to the will of Allah). Islam has never taught/ preached acts of barbarism such as the atrocious acts they have perpetrated (in Manchester, UK). As the Khalifatullah (Caliph of Allah) and the Mujaddid (Reformer) of this era, for me personally, and for my Jamaat (Community) also, and also I am sure for the other Muslims from the other Jamaats, we sincerely and strongly condemn these acts (of terrorism). What happened (in Manchester, UK) is really heartbreaking.

Hijab: Affirming Women's Dignity

In many Western nations with Muslim minorities these days, prejudice and suspicion against the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the Muslims are openly out on display. The 'Hijab' (-a form of dress covering the head and the entire body worn by Muslim women, in its various manifestations in diverse cultural traditions- burqa, niqab, chador, abaya, etc.) – has been made into a volatile political issue, with many in host societies dubbing the veil to represent Muslim women in stereotypical terms.

Islamic teachings on social etiquette and dressing promote decency and propriety, recognizing the need for modesty, privacy and dignity of individuals, especially women. The Islamic rules on lowering of gaze by both men and women, concealing nakedness and not sexualizing one’s appearance, etc. seek to achieve modesty and public chastity. The Qur’anic guidance on ‘Hijab’ can thus be seen as a significant part of a profound framework on ‘garment of piety/raiment of righteousness’ for all believers, men and women (7:27).  

The teachings on ‘Hijab’ seek to liberate women from the male gaze while allowing them to remain socially engaged as active participants with integrity, agency and God consciousness. In our unfortunate era where male weakness and proclivity for sexual lasciviousness is actively promoted through commodification of culture and the consequent objectification of women’s bodies, ‘Hijab’ stands for the anti-thesis of the consumer capitalism and atheistic materialism on offer, pointing to the stark contrast between competing visions of ‘freedom’ in Islam and the 'post-truth' societies. 

Extracted below is a Speech delivered by Hazrat Ummul Mu’mineen Fazli Amena Varsally (International Sadr Saheba-Siraj Makin) on the value of Hijab, delivered at the Siraj Makin Conference in Mauritius in August 2016. Referring to the ongoing, manufactured controversy over the right of Muslim women to wear what they want, Hazrat Saheba points out that the Islamic dressing norms are rooted in modesty and chastity, and that the ethical framework is shared by all religions of the past. The irony of Christian nations ignoring and insulting the dressing choice of Virgin Mary is highlighted. Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen calls our attention to a latent challenge that lies hidden behind the controversies surrounding the right to wear Hijab in our times: the very identity of Muslim women is under threat of being reconfigured in the western conceptions of freedom and women’s rights. She argues that it is ultimately for Muslim women themselves to assert their human right to fundamental freedoms of choice in dressing up in Hijab so as to profess and practice and propagate the beliefs and convictions they deeply care for.  

Read the Speech below:

'Hijab' in a milieu of anti-Muslim prejudices

Today, we see that the Hijab (veil) of the Muslim woman has become a menace for people who view Islam as a religion of terrorism. 

'Muslims, Stand Up for Refugees'

THE THREAT TO ISLAM

Islam does not accept the idea, widespread amidst the West (mainly the non-Muslims), of a boundary between the inner life of man and his public actions. This belief (i.e. the Islamic belief that there is no boundary between the inner life of man and his public actions) may become a sure force that will convince non-Muslims to rediscover the link between daily life and a moral order. But in doing so it goes against the current conventional Western wisdom. For some time already, the very notion of Islam makes the non-Muslims tremble. They think that the Muslim world is heading towards a confrontation with the other parts of the world who do not share its beliefs. This thus makes the European and even the US (Americans) very nervous. A quick analysis of the current situation where Islam is seen as a blood-thirsty religion only reinforces this fear. But they forget the many wrongs, the murders of poor and defenceless Muslims which they committed in order to conquer lands and properties, but primarily to eradicate Islam from these places.

In Europe, more than twenty years ago, Bosnian Muslims were, for a long brutally mistreated by the Serbians who theoretically are Christians. On the border between Europe and Asia, Armenians Christians annihilated Azerbaijanis (Azeri) Muslims, and Jews and Muslims to this day continue to kill each other in Palestine. Further to the East, there is the brutality of the Indian army in Kashmir, and the destruction in 1992 of the Ayodhya mosque by the Hindus. Such bitter experiences suggest to the Muslims that the world is against them. If this is the case, so they are against the world. This explains the xenophobia that foreigners are murdered by terrorists who brandish Quranic verses in Iraq and Syria and in other Islamic states.

'Terror' is Not 'Jihad'

THE TRUE JIHAD

In this modern day and age, when the world has become considerably smaller because of the technological advancement of the various forms of media, a word has arisen clouded with doubt, distortion and mysticism from the East to the West, before finally gaining international attention. This word is “Jihad”, or as it is better known in the West, ‘Holy War’. 

The actual root of the Arabic word ‘Jihad’ is ‘Jahd’ which signifies endurance or rigorous conditions. Thus, in essence Jihad means to strive to the utmost for the achievement of a purpose and to leave nothing undone in its pursuance. Its Islamic conception is first introduced in the following verse of the Quran.

“Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them.” (22: 40).

This verse throws a flood of light on what the Islamic concept of Jihad actually purports and it clearly shows that Jihad is fighting in defence of Truth. But whereas Islam, like I have told you before, allows no aggressive war, it regards the waging of it to defend one’s honour, country or faith as an act of the highest virtue. According to Islam, man is God’s noblest handiwork. He is the cause of His creation, its aim and end. Therefore, it is only natural that the religion which has raised man to such a high pedestal should also have attached very great importance and sanctity to honour life. Of all things, man’s life, according to the Quran is most sacred and inviolable. It is a sacrilege to take it except under rare circumstances which the Quran has specifically mentioned in the following verses:

'Terrorism' Knows No Religion

Islam means submission and peace, and it altogether signifies the religion and the way of life of man. Someone who sincerely says that he belongs to Islam will make it a must to make his life an embodiment of peace. He will strive to obey all the commandments of Allah, the Overpowering Lord, the Unique God. He will find himself surrounded by noble teachings, and as a responsible human being filled with the innate willpower to spread goodwill everywhere, he strives to establish securely the bond between man and Allah, between man and man, and between man and the rest of Allah’s creation.

Islam reflects the true nature of the soul of man. When he is born in this temporal world, he is Muslim. He has no religion, no creed whatsoever except being intrinsically and extrinsically devoted to Allah. While the magnet of the earth pulls him to connect with the material, yet his soul is ever thirsty of the spiritual, of the great divine love which has enable for him this journey to earth. Thus his soul strives to soar high above everything material and flimsy, i.e., all mundane connections to connect with the True Reality, i.e. Allah.

Islam reinvigorates the individual, giving him the necessary baggage to last a lifetime on earth whilst being only a temporary traveller. Islam is the true religion of all mankind; it is their true identity and it is that belongingness which ultimately connects him to His Maker, Allah (swt). It is only with the touch of this material world, that man temporary loses his true sense of direction. Some progress further into Islam, while some get beguiled by the attractions of this world and lose the aura of their purpose of being born on earth. As such, man devises several gods of their own making to fill the gap of their lost touch with the true Maker, unable to recall their promises made to Him before their advent on earth.

To guide peoples or nations aright, Allah sent thousands of prophets and messengers among them to re-establish that lost bond which they once had with their Creator. While the accursed one (i.e. Satan) and his army strive to “honour” his word to misguide man and remove him from the righteous path, the purpose of every Adam, in the capacity of Representative (Caliph) of Allah is to preach the word of Allah to the people, to wake up their consciousness and revive the essence of their Islam which has been concealed deep within by layers of worldliness.

From Adam to Muhammad (pbuh), Allah perfected the identity of man by defining once and for all the true name for his creed, faith and religion. Allah consolidated His word, His promise to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), by making him the Seal of all Prophets and by revealing to him his true status of Muslim, and for all his true followers and giving him the perfect book, the Quran so that he, and the rest of Muslim believers till the Day of Judgement abide by it in a true way. But Allah knows that man is weak and falls prey from time to time to the attractions of the satans. That is why, He already revealed that whenever religion will be in danger, he shall send His elect, a truthful guide to lead the people out of the darkness of the world into the divine light. If Islam is the first and foremost religion and identity of man, yet man is beguiled from time to time by his abased desires/ passions which make him cut connection with Allah. Sometimes again, he interprets the Holy verses of God, without the support of a man of God and acts upon them according to his own thoughts and thus ruins the real commandments of Allah. Such is the case concerning Terrorism.

Terrorism in itself knows no religion. It is not specific to any religion. Anybody, whatever his creed and faith may fall prey to terrorism. Terror, the act of terror belongs to the field of the malicious Satan. Islam, being peace cannot refer to the domain of terror. Peace and terror – except of course the FEAR OF ALLAH – cannot cohabit, then how and why did Islam earn the title of ‘Religion of Terror’?

Terrorists, Islamophobes and Our Faith

CURBING VIOLENCE & RETURNING TO ISLAM

No one can deny the fact that terrorism, barbarism and violence are among the “malaise” from which the Islamic world is suffering in today’s fast growing global world. The rush and invested energy to seek and work for material progress has on the other hand brought about the moral and spiritual decline of human beings, including Muslims. They find their spiritual foundations shaken and to further complicate the situation, it is not a secret to anyone that a few Muslim countries have become the greatest producers of drugs and other intoxicants which are exported to African and Asian countries where there exist a majority of Muslim countries, and this despite the fact that Islam condemns the consumption and sales of intoxicants.

Modern psychologists and specialist doctors in the field had discovered that an excess of drugs and other intoxicants lead to terrorism and violence in the various forms they exist. Under these circumstances, the American and European mass-media have caught the golden chance to present the Muslims as a band of terrorists in the late 20^th Century for the simple reason of frightening the non-Muslim world and to tarnish the image of Islam. And, during the 1990s, the mass media embarked on an aggressive campaign to accuse the Muslims as barbaric people who are still living in the pre-Islamic age and given to debaucheries by frequently using the connotation “Jihad” in their own distorted comprehension. This campaign of theirs have gained all the more weight at the turn of this new era (the 21^st Century) when a so-called or well-planned venture to depict Muslims as terrorists was put into execution with the terrorist attacks of 9/11 (the World Trade Centre and Pentagon Attacks).

Islam's Legacy: Non-violence

The greatest Muslim and non-Muslim historians can bear testimony to the fact that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has never, on any single occasion during his prophetic mission in Mecca or Medina used violence to counteract his enemies’ persecutions, but it can be safely said, without exaggeration, that he was the first leader to have taught “non-violence”. However, today “non-violence” is associated with Gandhi, Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela when people at large tend to forget the teachings of Islam which are universal. It is equally true to mention that with the present situation, almost all religions in this modern age are in a state of crisis; but Islam being a complete code of life does not lack solutions to the problems of violence affecting society. 

'No' to Aggression; Only self-Defence'