Laiq Ahmed Atif, president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta' Xbiex
Islam condemns all forms of terrorism
Today the world is facing great threats of terrorism. Thousands of innocent people have been killed and still there seems to be no end to this cruelty. Some blame Islam as a religion of grave terror and bloodshed. But, in reality, there is no connection between Islam and terrorism at all; Islam is as closely related to terrorism as light is to darkness or life is to death or peace is to war. Islam very strongly condemns terrorism and encourages establishing peace and order in the land.
However, one cannot deny that on many occasions some Muslims are found involved in terrorist activities either individually, on behalf of a group or on behalf of a country with a predominately Muslim population.
And very recently, a similar attempt of bombing was planned in Times Square, New York. But, still, there are plenty of others who are also involved in such barbaric actions, who are not Muslims.
But let it be very clear that we do not justify terrorism of any kind whatsoever, whatever the colour, religion, sentiment or objective the terrorist may claim to represent. Islam does not approve of disorder in any form. Islam does far from teach terrorism. It teaches rule of law, obedience to the authorities and does not let anyone take the law into his own hands. The Holy Quran states:
"O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you.' (Ch.4: V.60)
The word "obey", which has been repeated before the words "Allah" and "Messenger" has been omitted before the words, those who are in authority, in order to point out that obedience to the authority properly constituted by law is in reality obedience to God and His Messenger.
The words, those in authority, in their wider significance include even such non-Muslims as may happen to be in authority over Muslims.
The practice of the Holy Prophet as well as his sayings make it clear that in secular matters Muslims should obey even such of their rulers as are not Muslims. And if some people say that it is not necessary for a Muslim to follow any non-Islamic government, this is utterly false and against Islamic teachings as mentioned above.
The Holy Quran further states that "those who create disorder in the earth, they are the real losers"; "and commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder"; "and Allah loves not disorder". Such words and phrases are found in the Holy Quran repeatedly.
After this clear teaching such terrorist actions of some Muslim individuals or groups have no cover or justification at all, and they must be condemned widely. And those who are involved must be brought in front of justice.
As far as Islam is concerned, it categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism. It does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence, be it committed by an individual, a group or a government.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is a peace loving and law abiding community, strongly condemns the attempted bombing in New York City and all acts of terrorism anywhere in the world. The Ahmadiyya Community very boldly and loudly, without any fear, speaks against terrorism. We also call on all Muslims in the world to join us in condemning all actions of violence and terror caused or carried out by anyone whoever he or she may be. We call on all of them to boldly claim and express with their tongue and action that they are loyal and law-abiding and obedient citizens, and join us in spreading a message of peace, love, harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.
We reject and condemn all acts and forms of violence and terrorism unreservedly and totally, because it is our deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and the bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God.
God is love, God is peace!
Love can never beget hatred, and peace can never lead to war.
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Joe Xuereb
May 25th 2010, 16:48
Mr. Atif is using the word terrorism rather selectively to suit his agenda.
Terrorism is also when a steady surge of Muslims move into Europe and MULTIPLY. This at a time when in Europe, the old religious institutions are very much on the wane. Many of these Muslims claim refugee status but from where I stand, fcomparatively few of them have reason to flee their country of origin. In any case, as devout, practising Muslims, I would have thought that Europe is not the ideal location for the practise of their faith. Especially with five kids in tow and another one on the way. For very, VERY obvious reasons. Which begs the comment. If they really are 'unhappy' at home, why is it that they don't seek asylum (emigrate to) to vast and wealthy countries where they can feel at home if nothing else because they can practise their faith to their hearts' content? Just think, no quibbling over burqas, etc. If I were a Muslim, this is advice I would give myself. Because I do not have a drop's worth of territorial terrorism in me. That is the reason.
g. scerri
May 24th 2010, 20:11
Dear John Ebejer look up Riley-Smith and you will find that the idea that the Crusades were what you are saying, which is what we were all taught they were, is very wrong. Modern scholarship had debunked all that nonsence.
Pule' Carmel
May 24th 2010, 19:56
After the terrorism and other war infested Iraq, a European reporter observed that one clever wife was still walking 5 metres behind her husband even the new liberation permitted wives to walk beside their husbands, When asked why she felt like keeping to the old rituals, the answer of the very clever wife who had lived for so long in a terrorised country, hesitated and simply said, " the reason is very simple, LANDMINES"
N.Lawrence
May 24th 2010, 19:15
Islam condemns all forms of terrorism--- Yet look into Iraq. Isn't it Muslims terrorising Muslims. Yet look into Iran. The Muslim secret police are terrorising the Muslim population. Yet look into Afghanistan. Muslim terrorists don't care how many fellow Muslims are caught up in explosions against the occupying forces. Yet look into Pakistan. Muslims are joyfully killing there own kind with gay abandon. Ditto Indonesia. It's only the Muslims that glorify suicide bombers. Yet the Quran categorically states that "A Muslim who takes his own life shall not see the face of Allah". How DO they manage to get round that one?
Martin Cassar
May 24th 2010, 18:10
@ John Ebejer Thank you for your half answer, imma my point was the crusaders terrorists too? A simple yes or no will do!
Martin Cassar
May 24th 2010, 17:16
Far from defending Islam or Muslims (or any other religion for this matter) I wish anybody to enlighten me how to define terrorism and self defense?
Please let me explain myself, when the USA dropped nuclear bombs that killed hundreds of thousands of innocents Japanese civilians, was the USA committing an act of self defense or an act of terrorism?
Who can justify conquering lands and murdering civilians when it was done in the name of Jesus during the crusades? What’s the difference between the Jihadists and crusaders?
Insatiability and injustice are the conditions of what’s called terrorism. We should thank our lucky star we do not have oil. If, and only if one day oil discovered underneath the Vatican’s soil, the Pope will be accused of terrorism mind you!
John Ebejer
May 24th 2010, 17:53
What's the difference? Let me tell you: the crusades are over, because the authors realised in which century we're living in; while jihadists are still time-warped! That's the difference.
Robert Callus
May 24th 2010, 17:09
I always like Mr Laiq's letters. They conform in what many scholars I admire consider as the main solution to terrorism - Empower and teach the Muslims to isolate the Jihadists.
Though he focuses on the US not Europe, Reza Azlan (a Muslim himself) is probably the person that understands most the issue of terrorism from Muslims and holds the best solutions (which do not involve bombing countries - THAT increases terrorism, as post 9/11 events have shown)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGchUbggXZY&feature=related
Graham Holme
May 24th 2010, 14:18
A cartoon of the Prophet is published,a Woman teacher,calls a Teddy Bear Mohammed,and the Muslim population, World wide are out in force protesting
When the so called Moderate Muslims,take to the streets,condemning Radical Islam,then I for one will take notice,until then,by their silence,they are condoning it
Islam,the biggest threat,the modern Western World,has ever faced,every Country in Europe,the enemy within
A. Zahra
May 24th 2010, 14:17
Nice words, but unfortunately actions by devout Muslims indicate otherwise.
W Spencer
Dec 4th 2010, 12:32
Islam DOES promote , in fact DEMANDS terrorism !!
Death to ALL infidels and non - believers ????? Not very peaceful instruction is it !! ??
J. Debono
May 24th 2010, 13:54
I agree perfectly with the author, as he is perfectly right in saying that Islam condemns all forms of terrorism.
However, there are some people who interpret and apply the Jihad as they see best fit, and as there is no governing body, no one can oppose them.
And it is this absence of a ruling body, that makes the Islamic religion seen as a religion of fanatics and terrorism.
Frans Sammut
May 24th 2010, 13:21
More of Mr Atif's statements are needed both locally and in the rest of Europe. It is indeed a shame and a pity that Islam should be regularly associated to terrorism. A normal Muslim does not feel naturally inclined to relate to this modern "version" of Islam. For many centuries in past history Islam was, correctly and justifiably, considered as the most tolerant type of governance. Take Al-Andalus (modern Spain and Portugal), Arab Sicily and Malta itself as glaring examples.
By the way, in this connection, I would like to ask the Mdina Local Council why Triq l-Gharreqin (Greeks' Road) leading to Greeks Gate has unexpectedly and in an unannounced fashion been changed to something else? Was this Council perhaps uninformed as to the historical significance of this road's name? I expect an answer, failing which I will be directing this query to other (I suppose) higher authorities. In the meantime I will be corresponding with the National History Society in order to find out whether they are still unaware of this unheralded change in the national patrimony.
A. Slater
May 24th 2010, 12:47
"The Holy Quran states:
"O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you.' (Ch.4: V.60)"
....but it also states: -
“Whosoever followeth any religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him in this life, and in the next life he shall be of those who perish” (3.85)
“I will cast a dread into the hearts of the unbelievers” (8.12)
“Therefore cut off their heads, and strike off all the ends of the fingers. This shall they suffer because they have opposed Allah and His Prophet, and whosoever shall oppose Allah and His Prophet, verily Allah will be severe in punishing them” (8.13)
Ramon Casha
May 24th 2010, 12:31
Is there any single individual with the authority to speak for all Muslims and whose pronouncements are accepted by all Muslims? Without such a person, who can say that your interpretation of Islam is more authentic than that of the radical clerics who openly try to justify violence in the name of Allah?
It is not Islam that condemns violence, but perhaps your particular branch of it. Other branches of Islam have called for death to "infidels", even going so far as to call for death to more moderate Muslims.
I have no doubt that the majority of Muslims do not and would not resort to violence, but it appears that most of the active terrorist groups in the world today are groups who call themselves Muslim.
Even here in Malta, many people were shocked to hear Imam El Sadi state that he agreed with the barbaric practice of cutting off hands. Elsewhere, we hear about the practice of stoning to death women who were raped, and the "honour killings" of girls or young women by their family.
These things leave a more lasting impression than any amount of words.
Chris Reiff
May 24th 2010, 12:19
Terrorists use the Qu'ran to justify their acts. It's like you're saying that the Crusades aren't related to Christianty.
Also, what is the punishment for apostacy in Islamic cultures? How about the Sharia Law? isn't that terrorism in its own way?
Roderick Mamo
May 24th 2010, 12:19
Honestly, when we actually see Islam acting against Religious-based Terrorism, then maybe what you wrote may sound more credible.
But a letter on a NewsPaper is far off from what needed to not encourage such Terrorism. Terrorism been around for ages for many reasons.. but when is comes to Religious fates, Islam is far off from showing any maturity.
Joe Camilleri
May 24th 2010, 11:30
No Comments !!!!!!!!
Give me some water to help me sip it down