| Islam, a religion of mercy, does not
permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said: "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)
The Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit
soldiers from killing women and children, and 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.."
Also, the Prophet Muhammad has
forbidden punishment with fire.
He once listed murder as the second of
the major sins, 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 even encouraged to be kind
to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad
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 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. |
