Islam and terrorism
A number of people today view Islam (total submission to the will of Allah) as a hostile and aggressive religion. This stereotype has been sadly reinforced by the acts of terrorists and fanatics, who in no way, represent what the religion truly stands for. They have hijacked the religion of Islam for their own selfish […]
A number of people today view Islam (total submission to the will of Allah) as a hostile and aggressive religion. This stereotype has been sadly reinforced by the acts of terrorists and fanatics, who in no way, represent what the religion truly stands for. They have hijacked the religion of Islam for their own selfish and evil goals, following the media attention given to their activities. Hence, the world opinion tends towards viewing Islam as a violent religion. People associate Islam with ISIS/Daesh, suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, and September 11th. Very few see it as a religion that forbids any kind of aggression and permits fighting only in self-defense (Quran 2:190). Yet, this is what the truth is. The religion of Islam, described by God in the Quran, stands for peace and tolerance. It does not condone or encourage terrorism.
This article addresses some of the common misconceptions about the Islamic and Quranic perspectives on war and peace. These misconceptions are fueled by some people who quote parts of a few Quranic verses out of context. It is unfortunate that rational open-minded folk accepts these misquotations without examining the context of the passage they are written in. As with most other books, the Quran must be read as a whole. Taking a single verse-or a part of a verse-out of context, can naturally lead to incorrect conclusions. No religion of God is evil, rather the people who abuse the religion are.
Aggression is forbidden
Fighting is permitted only in self-defense. The Quranic verses on this are very clear. God repeats, “do not aggress”, multiple times. One is permitted to fight back if attacked. If the other party refrains from aggression and offers one peace, we are told to stop fighting.
Rules of war
The Quran also reminds the submitters (Muslims in Arabic) that they should not be provoked by past animosity into committing acts of aggression (5:2).
Additionally, God insists that submitters (Muslims) must be absolutely sure before striking in the cause of God (4:94). Anyone who offers one peace cannot be attacked.
“O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully cognizant of everything you do.” [4:94]
Life is sacred
The killing of innocent civilians by suicide bombers and terrorists is strongly condemned in the Quran. Taking any life-except in the course of justice, is forbidden. Thus, those, who commit these horrible acts, are clearly not Muslims. They are rather evil people who try to justify their hatred and actions using God’s name (7:28).
The major commandments
Say, “Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty – we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. You shall not kill – GOD has made life sacred – except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you that you may understand.” [6:151]
“You shall not kill any person – for GOD has made life sacred – except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder; he will be helped.” [17:33]
No compulsion in religion
Does Islam recommend or justify killing of disbelievers or those who decide to leave the religion? The answer is an emphatic “No”. God makes it very clear in the Quran that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256). Free will is one of God’s precious gifts to humanity, and human beings cannot take away what God gave man. If someone does not wish to believe, they are to be left alone and not forced in any manner. A submitter’s (Muslim) job is simply to invite people to God’s religion with kind enlightenment (16:125).
“There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.” [2:256]
Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely surround them. When they scream for help, they will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny!” [18:29]
There are a number of people who will quote parts of verses out of context, either out of ignorance, or deliberately, to promote a false view of the religion. Out of the 6,346 verses in the Quran, a very small percentage talks about “war”.
Islam being a practical religion does cover the legitimacy of fighting when it is unjustified. The believers in the time of Muhammad had to face hostile opposition because of their religious views, and were, in many cases, forced to fight to save their lives. However, the bulk of the Quran, as the religion of Islam in general, focuses on worshipping God, leading a righteous life and attaining salvation in the Hereafter. I invite you to read the Quran for yourself to verify this.
Akinlusi wrote this piece from Crescent School, Victoria Island, Lagos