There are accusations that Islam teaches terrorism. To address this claim, we need to refer directly to Islamic teachings through the Qur’an, hadith, and scholars’ explanations. Here is a detailed discussion with complete and properly sequenced evidence.
The Meaning of Jihad
Jihad is often misunderstood as merely warfare. In Islam, jihad has a broad meaning, which is to strive earnestly in carrying out Allah’s commands. The evidence regarding jihad includes:
- Jihad against desires: “And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with those who do good.” (QS. Al-Ankabut: 69). Striving against one’s desires is considered a fundamental form of jihad.
- Jihad in warfare: Under specific conditions, Islam permits warfare as a form of self-defense. Allah says: “Permission (to fight) has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.” (QS. Al-Hajj: 39). “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 190).
Prohibition of Unjust Violence
Islam firmly prohibits acts of violence or murder without legitimate reasons. The evidence includes:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption (done) in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” (QS. Al-Maidah: 32).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized:
“The disappearance of the world is less significant to Allah than the killing of a Muslim without a just cause.” (HR. An-Nasa’i).
The Context of Verses on Warfare
Some verses often misinterpreted as calls for violence have specific contexts. For instance:
“And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them…” (QS. At-Taubah: 5).
This verse was revealed in the context of war against the polytheists of Mecca who violated peace treaties. The broader context is clarified in the following verse:
“Except those polytheists with whom you made a treaty and they have not broken it nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty until its term. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous.” (QS. At-Taubah: 4).
Islam and Peace
Islam is a religion that prioritizes peace. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
“May Allah have mercy on a person who is tolerant in buying, selling, and demanding rights.” (HR. Bukhari).
Scholars’ Explanations
Islamic scholars explain that jihad and warfare in Islam are always governed by strict rules. Imam Nawawi stated that in warfare:
“It is forbidden to kill women, children, the elderly, and non-combatants. It is also prohibited to destroy crops and livestock without a valid reason.”
This demonstrates that Islam approaches warfare with caution, contrary to what some may claim.
Islam is a religion of mercy that teaches peace, justice, and tolerance. The accusation that Islam teaches terrorism contradicts the teachings of the Qur’an, hadith, and scholars. It is essential for every Muslim to understand their religion comprehensively to avoid being influenced by false narratives.
By studying Islam holistically, we can see that Islam truly is rahmatan lil ‘alamin (a mercy to all worlds).
