Islamic Center of Irvine

Terror and Religion

QUESTION Though religions claim to promote peace there seems to have been a close association between religion and violence. Recent incidents of terror (Oklahoma bombing, World Trade Centre in New York) are clearly motivated by a religious imperative. Religious leaders often legitimize terror through religious texts. Where does Islam stand in relation to violence? ANSWER Despite the presence of violence and the use of terror in many parts of the world (Ireland, India, Pacific Basin, and Spain, Columbia?��Ǩ��) involving many different ideologies, Islam tends to be more associated with war and terror than any other. Though the very word Islam means ?��Ǩ?�peace?��Ǩ�� and not withstanding a well-documented history of contribution to world civilization, Islam (in most media) is portrayed as an aggressive religion and used most synonymously with terrorism. Religion and Terror It is true that religion has often been used, rather abused, to justify terror. Colonialism, American slave trade, crusade, ethnic cleansing, holocaust; have been carried out due to ?��Ǩ?�religious?��Ǩ�� prejudice. Many words in the English language such as ?��Ǩ?�zealot?��Ǩ�� (Jewish sect who waged a ruthless campaign against the Romans in around 70AD), ?��Ǩ?�assassin?��Ǩ�� (a deviant Muslim sect who took opium or hashish before murdering crusaders in the 12th century) and ?��Ǩ?�thug?��Ǩ�� (a mid-nineteenth century Hindu sect who murdered travelers as an offering to their goddess Kali) clearly indicates how some words related to murder and violence originate from a religious setting. Hijacking the Faith It must be understood that though Islam is indeed a religion of peace, it demands the condition of justice. A Muslim may never forego justice, and peace without justice is considered a compromise on principle. This does not in any way imply that we are at war with everyone, though some Muslims do reinforce the stereotype of Muslims being hostile to everybody else. The problem lies in the hijacking of our faith and declaring ?��Ǩ?�jihad?��Ǩ�� on whosoever differs with us. This feature has unfortunately become the trademark of some Muslim organizations who have the audacity to perpetrate unjustified acts of terror accompanying these by weak but vociferous claims of moral and religious justification. Danger of ?��Ǩ?�Holy?��Ǩ�� Terror When people claim that they are acting out ?��Ǩ?�religious duty?��Ǩ�� and have leaders who motivate them with backing from scripture, then they consider their acts of terror a sacramental obligation and a religious duty executed in direct response to God?��Ǩ�Ѣs command. Religion is then considered (by them) a legitimizing force for their behavior. Their actions may be diabolical but they convince themselves that their acts are an expression of their commitment to God?��Ǩ�Ѣs cause, whatever they consider that cause to be. Though many scholars of a particular faith may condemn the acts of unwarranted violence carried out by deviant members of their faith, the aggressive perpetrators of violence resort to denigrating whoever opposes them. Scholars and respected leaders of the highest caliber, who have been principled all their lives, often become the prime target of such thugs because it does not serve their purpose. A case in point is the example of Malcolm X. When Malcolm X realize the true Islam and the inclusive and universal nature of real Islam in relation to the exclusivist and concocted racist ideology presented by Elijah and his followers, he became the prime target of their hostility. Malcolm?��Ǩ�Ѣs house was torched, he was ostracized, false allegations were made against him to undermine his integrity and he was eventually killed. It is unfortunate that though these thugs are not the true representatives of their faith, they make the headlines and others identify their religion and its adherents through these reports. An Unbiased non- Muslim Speaks Regarding ?��Ǩ?�Islam, violence and war?��Ǩ�� suffice it for me to quote a renowned contemporary historian and author, Karen Armstrong: ?��Ǩ?�What does the Koran say about violence? The word Islam, which means surrender, is related to the Arabic salaam, ?��Ǩ��peace?��Ǩ�Ѣ. When the Prophet Muhammad brought the revealed scripture called the Koran in the early 7th century, one of his main purposes was precisely to stop the kind of indiscriminate killing we saw on September 11. The only war condoned by the Koran is a war of self-defense. Warfare is an awesome evil (Q 2:127), but sometimes it is necessary to fight in order to bring the kind of persecution suffered by the Muslims to an end (2: 217) or to preserve decent values (22: 40). Muslims may never initiate hostilities and aggression is forbidden (2: 190). While the fighting continues, Muslims must dedicate themselves wholly to war in order to bring things back to normal as quickly as possible, but if the enemy sues for peace then hostilities must cease (2: 192).?��Ǩ�� [Karen Armstrong- Is Islam Violent?] Desire Peace, Preserve Justice and Resist Oppression History has taught us that it is far more effective to be a catalyst for peace when you are strong enough to guard yourself. A voice of peace echoes far better when you are able to challenge oppressors, eliminate injustice and resist pressure. Remember too that far more important than fighting for justice is to be just. The message of Islam could be summed up as; submit to Allah, be a model of excellence, promote peace and don?��Ǩ�Ѣt compromise on justice.