Islam, a religion of mercy,
does not permit terrorism. In the Quran,
God has said:
“God does not forbid you from
showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about
religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers.” (Quran 60:8)
The Prophet Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon him, used to prohibit soldiers from killing
women and children,[1] and he would
advise them: “...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn
child.”[2] And he also said: “Whoever
has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the
fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty
years.”[3]
Also, the Prophet Muhammad has
forbidden punishment with fire.[4]
He once listed murder as the
second of the major sins,[5] and he even
warned that on the Day of Judgment, “The first cases to be adjudicated between
people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.[6]”[7]
Muslims are even encouraged to
be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: “A woman was
punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell.
While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she
free it to eat the insects of the earth.”[8]
He also said that a man gave a
very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of
God be upon him, was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness
towards animals?” He said: “There is a
reward for kindness to every living animal or human.”[9]
Additionally, while taking the
life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that
causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: “When you
slaughter an animal, do so in the best way.
One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.”[10]
In light of these and other
Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless
civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing
and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and
detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy,
and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent
events some have associated with Muslims.
If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person
would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
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