Is Islam spreading terrorism

Answer 1

Islam is an Arabic word that means submission to God. The root of the word Islam is 'Salem' that means peace. Accordingly, Islam is submission to God and hence fulfilling peace within yourself and within yourself and the universe.

The claim that Islam spreads terrorism is a false claim propagated for political purposes and to fulfill the objectives of Westerners in getting control of Islamic countries and of their resources.

In the Quran, Holy book of Islam, God has says (meaning English translation):

" God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers."(Quran, chapter 60/ verse 8)

Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) used, in any military conflict, to prohibit soldiers from killing women, children, old people, or any civilian. He would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.} And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}

Prophet Muhammad teaching is that murder considered as the second of the major sins (the first major sin is denying the oneness of God), and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.}

Muslims are encouraged to be kind and peaceful even to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) said: {A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.}

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, "Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?" He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.}

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

There may be some confusion between Jihad (or struggle) which is licit in Islam under certain conditions and terrorism. Jihad means literally to struggle. One may struggle in many different ways: pay the bill, study for a test, raise a family, fight a war, etc.

Jihad can be either self (or major) Jihad or military(or minor) jihad.

Self Jihad means self struggle to obey the Creator and avoid sins as well as acts yourself, your community, your religion, your family, your neighbors, etc.

Military jihad is licit only if you fulfill the following conditions:

o - Fight only in self defense or against oppression

o - Never Kill Innocent People

o - Never Injure Prisoners of War

o - Never Kill Animals

o - Never Destroy Crops or Infrastructures

o - Never Mutilate Bodies of Enemies dead or alive

o - All Prisoners Should be Given Fair Treatment

o - Women & Children Should be Protected From Harm

o - Always Bury the Dead With Respect

If these conditions are met, military jihad is justified.

To sum up; Islam calls for peace love and living in harmony with all people regardless their cultures, faiths, gender, or color.