Terrorism contradicts Islamic principles

According to the three basic and foundational principles of Islam, it is the religion of peace, love, mercy, tolerance, and morality. The word Islam means peace and Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammad (S) is the promoter of morality and “a mercy for the worlds”. [1] Therefore, his religion (Islam) is the manifestation of God's eternal mercy and compassion in the world. He is sent to the mankind to offer them a life replete with love, peace, morality and modesty. Based on these Islamic teachings the Muslims have to observe ethical rules and live according to the moral teachings of Islam, otherwise they will be punished on the Day of Judgment or the Day of Reckoning which, according to Muslims, is the third Islamic fundamental principle.

Terrorism has been defined as the use of violence or the threat of violence, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political goals. [2] The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives". [4] From these definitions of terrorism, it can be concluded that terrorism is a kind of systematic use of unlawful violence or threat against innocent civilians for achieving illicit objectives.

It is, indeed, clear that Islam opposes terrorism categorically, because Islam is a religion of morality, whereas, terrorism is completely against moral values. The Holy Quran commanded Muslims to live peacefully by entering absolutely into peace (Islam) and avoiding evil. [5] That is to say that, immorality, aggressiveness, murder and bloodshed are forbidden in Islam, thereby, Islam condemns terror and terroristic attacks against civilians as well as murdering innocent people especially old men and women or children. “And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. God does not love mischief makers”. [6] One of the greatest sin according to the Holy Quran is to kill a human being who is guilty of no crime; it is as if one murders all mankind. [7] Of course, if a person commits such a crime against humanity, he will receive a severe punishment. [8] 

Beside all aforementioned points, Quran commands Muslims to be compassionate and merciful toward mankind. “… To be one of those who believe and urge each other to steadfastness and urge each other to compassion. Those are the Companions of the Right”. [9] As it is seen in this verse of the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah (J) orders His servants to "urge each other to compassion". In another verse of the holy Quran it is said that “a good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend”. [10]

As we can conclude from the foregoing verses, those who mistakenly ascribe terroristic activities and threats to Muslims or their religion, they must once refer to the Islamic Holy source to understand that Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance, as, throughout the history, the non-Muslims have lived a peaceful life in the Islamic societies. Based on these Islamic percept of moral teachings, Muslims established the large and widespread Outmanned Empire which sustained for many centuries. Historically talking, when Ottoman kings and Caliphs were ruling, under their rule, all ethnic groups within this multi-national community were freely practicing their religions.

Finally it should be mentioned that terrorism in its current form began in 2001, after the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq by the western forces. Actually wherever the western forces and intelligence services interfered in domestic affairs of the Muslim nations and countries, the terrorist groups would emerge and play their roles to pave the ground for the presence of the westerners in the Islamic areas. Prior to these two imposed wars on Afghanistan and Iraq, no one had seen any terroristic attacks and suicide bombings in Islamic countries. Whereas afghan Muslim mujahidin (fighters) fought against Soviet Union invasion for more than a decade they did never launch any kinds of terroristic attacks and suicide bombing during this lengthy war. But since 2001, hundreds and thousands of innocent civilians have been the victims of the foreign terrorist groups backed up by western powers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Notes:
[1] Chapter: The Prophets - Verse: 107.
[2] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
[4] 28 C.F.R. Section 0.85.
[5] Surat al-Baqara verse 208.
[6] Surat al-Qasas: verse 77.
[7] Surat al-Ma'ida: verse 32.
[8] Surat al-Furqan: verse 68.
[9] Surat al-Balad: verse 17-18.
[10] Surat al-Fussilat: verse 34.