A little glance at the recent history shows that hardly a day passes in which an Islamic event does not make headlines. Very unfortunately, in the world today, Islam is portrayed as a religion sanctioning violence, bloodshed, extremism, fundamentalism, fanaticism and terrorism.

But, in reality, there is no connection between Islam and terrorism at all; Islam is as closely related to terrorism as light is to darkness or life is to death or peace is to war. Islam very strongly condemns terrorism and encourages establishing peace and order in the land; and any act related to violence or disrupting the peace is to incite the wrath of God the Almighty.

However, one cannot deny that on many occasions some Muslims are found involved in terrorist activities either individually, on behalf of a group or on behalf of a country with a predominately Muslim population.

But, let it be very clear that we do not justify terrorism of any kind whatsoever, whatever the colour, religion, sentiment or objective the terrorist may claim to represent. Islam does not approve of disorder in any form. Islam is far from teaching terrorism. It teaches rule of law, obedience to the authorities and does not let anyone to take the law in his own hands. The Holy Quran clearly states:

“Those who create disorder in the earth, they are the real losers”; “and commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder”; “and Allah loves not disorder”. 

The Holy Quran in fact champions the sanctity of human life and states:

“…whosoever killed a person — unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.” (5:33)

 As far as suicide bombing is concerned, the Holy Quran clearly sets out its prohibition.

“And kill not yourselves. Surely, Allah is Merciful to you. And whosoever does that by way of transgression and injustice, We shall cast him into Fire; and that is easy with Allah.” (Ch.4: V.30-31)

Suicide is therefore unconditionally forbidden. When it is used as a mechanism to murder others then it becomes an even greater sin. As a protest against intentional suicide the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) has forbidden observing funeral prayer for a person who commits suicide, [unless the person was mentally ill].

After this clear teaching such terrorist actions and suicide bombing of some Muslim individuals or groups has no cover or justification at all, and they must be condemned widely.

The Fourth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (ra), has explained Islam’s view on terrorism in the clearest terms. He said:

“As far as Islam is concerned, it categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism. It does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence, be it committed by an individual, group or government… I most strongly condemn all acts and form of terrorism because it is my deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God.

God is love, God is peace!
Love can never beget hatred,
and peace can never lead to war.” (Murder in the name of Allah)

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community in Islam, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be with him, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi – the Rightly-Guided by God, beautifully sums up the teachings of Islam. He said:

“Be the true well-wishers of every one. There should be nothing inside you except truth and there should be nothing outside you except truth and sympathy for mankind. If you desire that God should be pleased with you in Heaven, become to each other like real brothers. 

It is our principle to have sympathy for the whole of mankind. If a person sees that fire has broken out in the house of a Hindu neighbour and he does not get up to help in putting it out, I tell you truly he is not of me. If one of my followers sees a Christian being killed and he does not go to his assistance to rescue him, then I tell you quite truly that he is not of us.” (Malfoozat, viii pp 26-27)

(By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Malta)