Extracts from the Fatwa on Terrorism

SEVEN IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

The heartbreaking and ghastly scenes of terrorism will no doubt disturb the minds of all decent and common folk around the world, and will prompt some perplexing questions that demand satisfactory answers.

QUESTION ONE

Is it lawful for a group or organization to use force to promote and implement its own doctrine and beliefs in the name of reforming others, presuming itself to be on the right path? Does Islam in any way allow the killing of people because of doctrinal differences, and does it permit the usurpation of their wealth and properties and the destruction of mosques, religious sites and shrines?

ANSWER

Islam is a religion of peace and safety and champions love and harmony in society. According to Islamic teachings, a Muslim is one from whose hands the lives and properties of all Muslims and non-Muslims remain safe. The sanctity of human life and its protection occupies a fundamental place in Islamic law. Taking anyone’s life is an act that is forbidden and unlawful, and in some cases amounts to disbelief. These days, the terrorists who, in a futile attempt to impose their own ideas and beliefs, ruthlessly and indiscriminately, kill people in mosques, marketplaces, governmental offices and other public places, are in fact committing a clear act of disbelief. They are warned of a humiliating torment in this world and in the Hereafter.

Terrorism in its very essence symbolizes disbelief and is a rejection of what Islam stands for. When the forbidden element of suicide is added to it, its severity and gravity becomes even greater. Scores of Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions prove that terrorism is unlawful in Islam and that it is an act of disbelief. This has been the opinion of many Islamic scholars through the 1400 years of Islamic history, including the eminent Imams of Qur’anic exegesis and hadith and the authorities on logic and jurisprudence.

Islam has kept the door of negotiation and discussion open to convince others by reasoning, instead of taking up arms to denounce the viewpoints of others and to enforce one’s own opinion. Only the victims of ignorance, jealousy and malice take recourse to attacks against public. Islam declares them as rebels who will abide in Hell........