Religious Terrorism
Nawaz
Acts of terrorism are not confined to Muslims alone. Terrorists come
from every religion. But the media often uses the term Islamic
terrorists or Islamic terrorism, implying terrorism is associated with
Islam. It is our duty as American Muslims to present the true picture
of Islam, which is that Islam does not teach terrorism under any
circumstances. It forbids killing of innocent civilians. The holy Book
of Islam, the Quran, says: "If anyone murders an innocent person ...
it will be as if he had murdered the whole of humanity."
So, who are the Muslims who commit such heinous acts in the name of
Islam? It is obvious from the above injunction of the Quran that they
do not followtrue Islam. Therefore, they must be driven not by Islam
but some other desire (such as hate or revenge) to commit acts of
terrorism. Muslims around the world greet (or are supposed to greet)
each other, and others, using the Arabic words, "Assalamu ‘Alaikum"
which means: "peace beunto you." There is no doubt that some Muslims,
while using such a benevolent greeting, carry malevolent intentions in
their hearts. The holy Book of Islam,the Quran, condemns such people
by saying: "Why do you say that which you do not practice?" Such
Muslims, therefore, do not represent Islam. Islam hasnothing to do
with those who commit acts of terrorism. Therefore, it is wise to
differentiate Muslims and Islam. Just as acts of terrorism committed
by Christians cannot be attributed to Christianity, acts of terrorism
committed by Muslims must not be attributed to Islam or its teachings.
There is a popular feeling in the West, and justifiably so, that Islam
is a very oppressive and retrogressive religion. But this is based on
a wrong perception of Islam, unfortunately, due to the practice of
Islam by some countries. Do these countries practice Islam as they
profess they do? The Quran, (unequivocallyand unconditionally) says:
"There is no compulsion in religion." However, we see all kinds of
compulsion in these countries. People in these countries are deprived
of most of their basic human rights. They are afraid to express
opinions in public against the government's practice of Islam for fear
of persecution. How can these countries claim to be practicing Islam
when they violate its basic principle of compassion and tolerance?
They practice "Rajm" (stoning to death) for adultery, although there
is no such thing in the Quran. Their rulers invoke God's compassion,
mercy and forgiveness. But theyshow very little or none at all
themselves.
Thanks
Nawaz
Religion Islam
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