Islam against violence - Muslim Peace Group

Islam against violence - Muslim Peace Group Share on Facebook
Islam is thoroughly against terrorism. It strongly prohibits killing innocent people and severely condemns those who indulge in such acts.

by Hindustan Times - Wednesday, 14 November 2007

The Holy Quran has clearly stated: "Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." (Qur'an, 5:32).

At another place it calls upon the believers: 'Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do.'" (Quran 4:135).

Prophet Muhammad, the Apostle of Peace, said: "Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil." (Al-Tirmidhi).The Holy Quran describes Prophet Muhammad, UWBP, as "a mercy for the worlds". The Prophet said: "All creations are the family of Allah, and the person most beloved by Allah (is the one) who is kind and caring towards His family." He exhorted: "By God, he is not a true believer, from whose mischief his neighbors do not feel secure. (Bukhari, Muslim)

In the light of the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah it can be clearly and strongly stated that:

* All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam.
* It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
* It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

The root word of Islam in Arabic is ‘slim' which means peace. The teachings of Islam are based directly or indirectly, on the principle of peace. The message of Islam to man is to build a world of peace on earth so that he may be granted a world of peace in the eternal life hereafter. In order to preserve the peace established by nature from disruption, Islam has laid down two important injunctions. One, at the individual level, stresses the exercise of patience; and, the other, at the social level, forbids taking offensive. While all Islamic objectives may be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere, there are no Islamic objectives which may be achieved in a violent atmosphere.

The Quran is undoubtedly a book of peace. It says,” Do not go to excess in your religion” ( 4:171) Therefore, the way of extremism, which generally culminates in war and violence, is wrong, whatever the circumstances, for it goes against the spirit of religion. In Islam, moderation, which is the opposite of extremism is a necessary virtue of a believer to follow as a way of life.

On the subject of jihad, the Quran addresses the believers thus: “ Do great jihad with the help of Quran”( 25:52). Jihad literally means to strive, to struggle, that is to exert oneself to the utmost to achieve one's goal. Therefore, jihad by means of Quran can only mean peacefully conveying the ideology of the Quran to people. The Quran calls the policy of reconciliation as the best policy ( 4: 128). The Quran further states: “ Each time they kindle the fire of war, God extinguishes it.”( 5: 64) This verse of Quran shows the creation plan of the Creator.

Those who accept the Quran as the book of God will be regarded as true believers only when they follow its admonitions completely and become peace loving.

Under no circumstances, can a believer launch himself on a violent course of action. One who abandons the teachings of Islam runs the risk of not being a believer. ( Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, in INNER VOICE, The Hindustan Times)