ISLAM stands for peace and is the religion of mercy. The Creator, Allah the Most High, detests injustice and oppression and sent messengers and prophets in succession to warn about the evil consequences of oppression in this life and the Hereafter. The following verse exemplifies the need for justice even in times of war.
"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, 60:8)
So by far, Islam is not a religion of terror and is far from inciting oppression and injustice in any society.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children and he would advise them saying: "Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child." (Muslim)
Dear readers, for a moment, compare these humanitarian teachings with the actions of today's leaders. They incite hatred amongst communities by oppression and war and create insecurity amongst the people. And what do you think about the insecurity and oppression spread by bombers on innocent bystanders, women, children and newborns?
The holy Prophet listed murder as one of the major sins and warned: "The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Muslims are encouraged to be kind to even animals and are forbidden to hurt them. The Prophet once 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." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The kind Prophet said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, "O Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?" He said: "There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human." (Bukhari and Muslim)
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 said: "When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal." (Muslim)
In these times, images and terminology from the media influence public opinion and a bitter taste is left when Islam is reported in the daily headlines. The term "Islamic fundamentalism", has been repeated numerous times in relation to violent incidents. To make things worse, the actions of some misguided members of the global Muslim community have sent negative images about Islam.
In light of these and other Islamic texts, the unleashing of terror on defenceless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden acts, according to Islam.
Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority has 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.
At the same time, every just person knows that the actions of an individual or a small group do not represent the beliefs of a particular religion, nor is that religion responsible for such actions. Therefore, the media's labelling of those who are allegedly responsible for these actions as "Islamic terrorists" and the linking of such actions to Islam or the Quran, is incorrect and unacceptable.
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