The Sunday Mail
Holy Qur’aan Speaks
UNFORTUNATELY, more and more Islam has been associated with terrorism and violence due to the actions of a few extreme individuals who have taken it upon themselves to do the most heinous crimes in the name of Islam.
Tragic events such as the attack on the twin towers in New York and the bombings in Bali, Madrid, London and Paris are assumed to be justified by Islam in some people’s minds.
This idea has been fuelled further by media channels that defame Islam by portraying these bombers as “Islamists” or “Jihadists”, as though they were sanctioned by Islam, or had any legitimate spokemenship on behalf of Muslims.
The actions of a few fanatical individuals who happen to have Muslim names or ascribe themselves to the Muslim faith should not be a yardstick by which Islam is judged; for the same reason that one would not do justice to Christianity if it were perceived as sanctioning the genocide of indigenous Americans and Aborigines, the atrocities of World War II or the bombings of the IRA just because the perpetrators bore Christian names and claimed Christian identity.
What about the recent shootings at the various University campuses in Western countries, in shopping malls and neighbourhoods?
The taxi driver of Christian faith who went on a shooting spree in the UK? The former police officer (Christian by name) who hijacked tourists in Phillipines? The Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda?
Even in cases when an individual or group carry out atrocities in the name of their religion, no right-minded person jumps to the conclusion that it is their faith or religion that preaches such violent and cruel behaviour.
In fact, the world media will immediately find words and means to show that the said person or group are socially displaced, somewhat depressed or mentally disturbed.
Why then when incidents involving individuals or groups who may be Muslim or abuse the name of Islam do the media immediately go on the offensive against Islam as a religion? Why the double standards?
Surely the world media has a responsibility to humanity.
Or does that responsibility fall away to boost sales, readership and so forth by making reports as sensational as possible, at any cost?
To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, one must refer to its original sources, the Holy Qur’aan and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which are explicit in their prohibition of any form of injustice, including wanton violence which seeks to instil fear, injury or death on civilians.
The Holy Qur’aan turns our attention to the high value of human life, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, and absolutely forbids taking an innocent life.
The gravity of such a crime is equated, in the Holy Qur’aan, with the killing of all humanity.
“On that account, We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole of humanity, and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of humanity.
Then although there came to them Our Messengers with clear signs, yet even after that many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 5:32)
Not only is human life sacred in Islam but the property, wealth, family and dignity of all individuals in society are to be respected and protected.
The Shariah system is truly meant to ensure the protection of these fundamental aspects of individual and societal life. Those who transgress these rights and sow corruption as the Holy Qur’aan describes it, incur the wrath of Allah. “. . .and seek not corruption in the earth; Indeed Allah loves not the corrupters.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 28:77)
Likewise in another verse, “The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 42:42)
Islam goes further than just prohibiting oppression and safeguarding rights, it commands its faithful to deal kindly and compassionately with all who seek to live in peace and harmony.
“Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: For Allah loves those who are just.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 60:8)
In times of war and conflict, where enmity can obstruct an individual’s moral judgement, Islam commands that justice be upheld even towards enemies.
“Oh you who Believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety, and fear Allah, for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 5:8)
Centuries before the Geneva Convention was drawn up, Muslims were bound by a code of conduct which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set.
He forbade killing of women, children and the elderly in war situations.
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) warned that he who kills anyone who has a covenant of peace with the Muslims will not smell the scent of Paradise; and taught that justice is not only to humans but must be shown to animals and all living things too. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) made mention of how a lady was sent to hell because of a cat she had locked up until it starved and died. If such is the sanctity which Islam places on the soul of an animal, how much graver is the killing of innocent humans?
The message of the Holy Qur’aan is clear as we have seen that the sanctity of any life is to be respected – more importantly human life and any violation in that regard is the worst of all crimes. Definitely, mercy is at the heart of the Islamic call: “We only sent thee (O Muhammad) as a mercy for the peoples.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 21:107)
Unfortunately, the world media portrays a totally different message by playing with words and names, hence committing a gross injustice to humanity.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected].
