Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism (eBook)

Chapter 1: The Islamic Viewpoint

Modern-day Muslims and, by extension, Islam has come under much scrutiny and criticism. Unfortunately to some, the terms “Islam” and “Extremism” have become synonymous. The truth, however, is that Islam was sent to eliminate extremism.1 Islam is the “middle way” as taught by its Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and its divine text, the Holy Quran, which was revealed to him (Allah bless him and grant him peace). The fact of the matter is that extremist tendency in the realm of action is considered an anomaly by Islam and one that is censured and severely warned against. The true devotees or servants of Allah spread goodness and prevent evil so that Allah’s earth is purified from turmoil.2 Allah Almighty exhorts against creating turmoil, dissension and mischief as revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the Holy Quran:

“…Do not cause turmoil in the earth …”3

“Those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it - and sever what Allah has ordered to join, and who cause turmoil (evil / religious chaos) in the earth; it is they who are the losers.”4

“And when he turns away, he creates turmoil in the earth and destroys crops and lives; and Allah is not pleased with turmoil.”5

“… and Allah does not love the mischievous.”6

“And do not spread turmoil in the earth after its reform, and pray to Him with fear and hope; indeed, Allah’s mercy is close to the virtuous.”7

“… do not spread turmoil in the earth after it is organized; this is for your good, if you believe.”8

“And seek the abode of the Hereafter with the wealth that Allah has given you, and do not forget your part in this world, and do favors [to others] the way Allah has favored you, and do not seek to cause turmoil in the earth; indeed, Allah does not like the mischievous.”9

Those viewing Islam from the outside see extremism as part of the religion. They tend to split Islam into two categories: normative Islam and radical Islam, suggesting that the roots of violence committed in the name of Islam lie within the religion itself. The term “radical Islam” is an oxymoron, as Islam does not advocate sudden change. The purpose of Islam is to bring about societal changes for the better presented in a gradual manner. Case in point is the series of verses of the Holy Quran that were revealed in the context of alcohol prohibition. The goal was to prohibit alcohol consumption due to its detrimental effects on an individual and society; however, the command was not sudden. Instead, several verses were revealed in a step-by-step manner with increasing restrictions until it reached the point of prohibition (see verses of the Holy Quran 2:219, 4:43, 5:90). This is a deep philosophy that reflects a complete and total understanding of human nature – true and lasting change only occurs gradually. Sudden change is a pathology that is attractive to the self and the means it employs are completely antithetical to Islamic principles.

Those who commit heinous acts in the name of religion may erroneously believe that they are serving the cause of the religion, however, in Islam the ends don’t justify means – one cannot employ criminal methods to achieve laudable goals. The truth is there is no justification in Islam for the loss of innocent lives. There is no room in Islam for “collateral damage”. On the sanctity of life, the Holy Quran says:

“Say, ‘Come - so that I may recite to you what your Lord has forbidden for you that: Do not ascribe any partner to Him and be good to parents; and do not kill your children because of poverty; We shall provide sustenance for all - you and them; and do not approach lewd things, the open among them or concealed; and do not unjustly kill any life which Allah has made sacred; this is the command to you, so that you may have sense.’”10

The Holy Quran further says:

“And do not wrongfully kill any living being which Allah has forbidden; …”11

There is also no room in Islam for taking one’s own life, despite what perpetrators of suicide bombing may believe. The Holy Quran says:

“… and do not kill yourselves; indeed, Allah is Most Merciful upon you.”12

For those who have been and continue to be the victims of oppression might find this truth bitter to swallow. To them, is the reminder from Allah, the Most Exalted is He in the Holy Quran:

“… do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy; …”13

Islam’s response to hardship is not one of retaliation, but of patience. Two wrongs don’t make a right. The Islamic spiritual tradition teaches that hardships come for two reasons: to cleanse us of our sins, and / or to raise us in spiritual ranks. For the believer, both these are good states to be in. It is also imperative to remember that Allah Almighty does not place on us a burden more than we can bear, despite how difficult this might seem at the time one is undergoing a hardship.

The Holy Quran comforts us:

“…We do not burden any soul except within its capacity; …”14

There is a further promise from Allah Almighty for reward to those who patiently bear trials and tribulations and don’t retaliate:

“… for I do not waste the efforts of any (righteous) worker, male or female; you are all one among yourselves; so those who migrated and were driven out from their homes and were harassed in My cause, and fought, and were slain - I will certainly wipe out all their sins and will certainly admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah; and only with Allah is the best reward.” 15

For a Muslim his or her role model is the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace). An analysis of his life and those who withstood the opposition to Islam in its early years should be a fine example of how modern-day Muslims must respond in the face of difficulty – with patience. More on patience, later.

Desperate acts that end one’s own life and / or that of others are completely outside the pail of Islam. There is no doubt that the Muslim Ummah has come under much hardship, oppression, and trials, however, the Islamic response to this is not to lash out at the oppressors, but to turn inward and question what caused these hardships to come our way in the first place. Allah Almighty has promised victory (against evil) to the believers in the Holy Quran. So, if we are not successful, then the lack is in our belief (iman), because Allah Almighty never reneges on His promises.

Taking up arms to fight oppression militarily is not forbidden in Islam. This is because oppression is worse than slaughter as indicated in the following verse:

“… and to prevent from the way of Allah, and not to believe in Him and to prevent (people) from the Sacred Mosque and to expel its residents - these are greater sins before Allah’; and the turmoil they cause is worse than killing …”16

Turmoil (fasad) gives birth to societal evils and Islam was sent to eliminate the evils of society. Therefore, turmoil and Islam cannot be together or coincide.17

Regarding military fighting in a self-declared manner, under the whims of one’s desires and not under the strict rules as laid down in Islamic Law (Shari’ah) is strictly forbidden. Following are some of the rules of combat in Islamic Law:

• No plant or animal life can be hurt
• No women, children or the elderly can be hurt
• No innocent life can be taken
• It is forbidden to take up arms in certain months as indicated in the following verses:

“Indeed, the number of months before Allah is twelve - in the Book of Allah - since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred; this the straight religion; so, do not wrong yourselves in those months; and constantly fight against the polytheists as they constantly fight against you; and know well that Allah is with the pious.” 18

Also,

“They ask you the decree regarding fighting in the sacred month; say [O Dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him], ‘Fighting in it is a great sin; …”19

These simple rules alone would delegitimize any form of modern warfare whether practiced by those who claim to adhere to the Islamic faith or those who do not. When the Muslims lost the Caliphate in the early part of the 20th century, by Shari’ah the ability to wage military jihad was also lost. Jihad is an Arabic word whose triliteral root letters are J-H-D. In its simplest verb form derived from the root, jahada means to struggle and strive to achieve good, whether one is engaged in the greater struggle against the self or the lesser struggle in the battlefield. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) prophesized that there will come at time for the Muslim Ummah that they will see a split between the Sultan and the Quran and that the Ummah was advised to go with the Quran. Additionally, there can be no military jihad without a Khalifa. The Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) 1400 years ago had also advised that the military jihad is the “lesser jihad” and the “greater jihad” is that against the evil inclinations of the self.

“And fight them until no mischief remains …”20

Jihad...