Islam is not

As we read in verse 2:190, Allah commands Muslims not to non-state terrorists – makes it spurious to view Islam as a more
go to extremes by saying, “Do not transgress the limits.” A inherently violent religion or civilisation.”
situation of war is no excuse to go beyond boundaries. Islam Rama Mani (Geneva Centre for Security Policy)
teaches the avoidance of blind retaliation.
a religion of
extremism
There are many other examples of both Jewish and Christian
“And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be terrorism, however, we must never generalise and call all
just: that is nearer to righteousness.” Qur’an 5:8 Christians and Jews terrorists. Similarly, we should not put all
Muslims on trial but only those that committed the crime should

terrorism
be judged.

in perspective Islam
The problem with putting terrorism into perspective is that denounces terrorism
there is no agreed-upon definition of what constitutes
“terrorism”. Also, terrorism takes many forms, as the following The act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenceless civilians,
examples illustrate. the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the
bombing and maiming of innocent men, women and children
Robert Fisk, from The Independent, writes: “Israel and Israel’s are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam
militia allies (on 16 September 1982) started their three-day and the Muslims. This is regardless of any type of terrorism,
orgy of rape, knifing and murder in the Palestinian refugee including western state-sponsored terrorism which has killed,
camps of Sabra and Shatila that cost 1,800 lives. It followed injured and displaced infinitely more people than all other types
an Israeli invasion of Lebanon designed to drive the PLO of terrorism.
(Palestine Liberation Organisation) out of the country and

“
given the green light [by the United States] which cost the If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this
lives of 17,500 Lebanese and Palestinians, almost all of them person would be guilty of violating the laws of the very religion
civilians.” they claim to follow - Islam. Would it be fair to condemn all
Muslims as a result, when the religion itself is against such
Allah says:
According to Professor Noam Chomsky, “It’s uncontroversial acts? Muslims follow a religion of submission to God, peace,
mercy, and forgiveness. The vast majority have nothing to
…Whosoever kills
that the United States is a leading terrorist state. In fact, it’s the
only state that was condemned for international terrorism by do with the violent events some – notably the media - have an innocent human
the highest bodies: the International Court of Justice in 1986.” associated with Muslims. Islam is not a religion of extremism. being, it shall be as if
he has killed all mankind,

”
Similarly, “The horrific massacre of 8,000 Muslims - some “Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and and whosoever saves the
unarmed - at Srebrenica in 1995 never led to a stream of dealing justly with those who have not fought you about life of one, it shall be as if he had
pieces about the violence and repressive tendencies of religion and have not driven you out of your homes. Allah saved the life of all mankind…
Christianity.” loves those who are just.” Qur’an 60:8
William Dalrymple, The Independent UK. Qur’an 5:32
“The carnage wrought by Western, ostensibly Christian,
leaders over the last six decades - including a world war and

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 Islam... how the Qur’an This example demonstrates that verses in the Qur’an should
be understood in their proper context since verses were
Introduction
an extreme religion? can be misunderstood revealed in stages in relation to particular situations, over a
period of 23 years. It is also important to note that the Qur’an
When reading through the Qur’an or the sayings of the was revealed in Arabic. Therefore, translations into different
“Islamic terrorists!” “Muslim fundamentalists!” “Extremists!” Prophet (peace be upon him), one must understand the languages may be misleading and/or inaccurate.
“Radical Islamists!” These are just some labels that have been context in which the wording applies.
wrongly applied to Muslims and certain Muslim groups in
recent years. The following verse of the Qur’an is a favourite amongst those
permissible
The media’s portrayal of Islam often misleads those whose
seeking to mislead people about Islam:
fighting/warfare
knowledge of the religion is limited, into making negative “And kill them wherever you find them, and expel them There can be no doubt that Muslims (like anybody else)
assumptions about this very peaceful and tolerant way of life. from where they expelled you, as persecuting people to have a legitimate right to fight against aggression or when
sway them from God’s Religion is worse than killing. But oppressed.
Peter Manning, a journalist of over 30 years, states in his do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight
book, “Us and Them”: you there. But if they do fight you, then slay them;This is the Islam teaches that warfare is permitted in order to preserve
recompense of the disbelievers.” Qur’an 2:191 the wellbeing of the community or to prevent oppression
“My experience tells me there’s a vast gulf between the from spreading - this may be in the context of defensive or
realities of the daily lives of Arab and Muslim Australians and On occasions, this verse has been dangerously trimmed offensive warfare depending on the particular situation. Islam,
how they are represented in our [Australian] media. down to the following: just like any ‘way of life’ that wants to ensure its survival, has
the right to defend itself when war is declared against it. In
In more than 60 percent of cases [from the coverage of 2 “And kill them wherever you find them…” Qur’an 2:191 the Qur’an (22:39) we read:
major newspapers], the words ‘violent’, ‘death’, ‘attack’, ‘kill’,
‘suicide’ or ‘gunmen’ were in close proximity to the words The obvious question is, “Kill who?”. To answer this question, “To those against whom war is made, permission is given
‘Arab’, ‘Palestinian’, ‘Muslim’ or ‘Islam’. ” one should read the verses before and after verse 2:191. to fight, because they are wronged.”

Is it then, any wonder that most people associate Islam with “And fight in the way of Allah those who fight with you, However, when the enemy ceases its hostility, Muslims are
terrorism? and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those commanded to cease fighting.
who exceed the limits.“ Qur’an 2:190
The problem of ignorance is highlighted by a survey which “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in
revealed that more than one in three Australians admit to The above verse mentions fighting as a means of self defence God; surely He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”
knowing nothing about Islam and its followers. (i.e. with those who fight you). The verse after 2:191 is: Qur’an 8:61

“Those with the least knowledge and personal contact with “But if they cease,Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him), Prophet
Muslims were the most likely to feel threatened by Islam,” said Qur’an 2:192 Mohammad’s closest friend and first successor, spoke of the
Dr Dunn, who was commissioned by the Australia-Indonesia Islamic approach to war by highlighting the following.
Institute to carry out the study. These verses were revealed at a time when the Muslims had
been expelled from their homes on account of their faith. They In the battlefield, one should not:
The prevalence of media bias and ignorance regarding Islam endured more than ten years of persecution and eventually
can be countered by understanding Islam through its proper had to flee to a safe land. • commit treachery
teachings. That means referring to the Qur’an (which Muslims • mutilate the dead
believe to be the word of God) and the authentic sayings of The above verses were referring to the Arab pagans of Mecca • deviate from the right path
the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Through the during the Prophet’s time, who oppressed the Muslims and • kill a woman, child or aged man
proper understanding of these teachings, one will discover planned to attack them where the Muslims sought refuge. • harm or burn trees, especially the fruitful
Islam to be completely against any form of extremism. Hence, the above verse can only be applied in such • slay the enemy’s flock, except for food
circumstances. • harm those who devote their life to worship