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True Islam Does Not Foster Terrorism
By Kati Russell
Introductory Quote:
• “The word ‘Islamic’ itself has acquired the bristling status of a frightening, irrational monster. Every article
published about Hamas or Islamic fundamentalism or Iran…describes a historical world of pure despotism, pure
rage, and pure violence.”1
Thesis: True Islam does not foster terrorism as jihad does not demand a “holy war,” Islam is a religion of peace,
and Islamic extremists do not accurately reflect the religion.
Counter Argument #1: Many people believe that the Islamic doctrine of jihad causes violence and that its true
meaning is “holy war”.
Evidence:
• “Jihad is a religious war with those who are unbelievers in the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (the
Prophet). It is an incumbent religious duty, established in the Qur’an and in the traditions as a divine institution,
and enjoined specially for the purpose of advancing Islam and repelling evil from Muslims…” 2
Anaylsis: Although the Qur’an stresses the importance of fighting only in self-defence, jihad is still used as a
key for unlocking religious hatred. The definition of jihad remains unclear to many people and is often
misinterpreted.
Supporting Argument #1: A major misconception of the Islamic doctrine is that jihad advocates violence.
Evidence:
• “In reality jihad is a duty of Muslims to commit themselves to a struggle on all fronts—moral, spiritual and
political—to create a just and decent society.” 3 It is not a ‘holy war’ against the non-believers as is commonly
believed. “The phrase ‘holy war’ was coined by the West in its struggle against the Muslims during the time of the
Crusades (a war instigated by the Church for religious gain).” If the intention of jihad was to declare war, other
Arabic words would have been used which are more appropriate in a war situation. Examples of words such as
these are harb (war) and ma’araka (battle).4
• “Making time in a busy schedule to study the Qur’an…discussing Islam with both Muslims and non-Muslims
and helping them to understand it better…are all examples of Jihad in a daily life. Jihad is the effort made, not
just against internal and external evils, but also to live at peace with oneself and one’s community (Muslim and
non-Muslim). Simply explaining the meaning of Jihad to those who do not know, is Jihad in itself.”5
Anaylsis: Unfortunately, some Muslims have chosen to commit acts of terrorism, which are against the true
doctrine of the Qur’an. Muslims who strive for Allah through violence should not be praised for their obedience
and devotion, but condemned for their misuse and disrespect of jihad. Jihad is not a command to die for Allah,
but a command to live for Him.
Counter Argument #2: A negative connotation has also been given to the word “Islam” as many people believe
that its scriptures promote violence.
Evidence:
• “To most Americans at the end of the second millennium, the word ‘Islam’ evokes a range of negative images,
from turbaned terrorists to stern-faced mullahs exhorting the faithful to shun the temptations of Western
civilization. News reports from Jerusalem and Gronzy hint that the Muslims there are somehow different from
‘us.’ The constant barrage of inflammatory news reports, designed to make news even when there isn’t any, has
colored Western perceptions of a faith followed by over a billion people, approximately one fifth of the earth’s
population.”6
1
Edward W. Said, “The Problem of Islamic Terrorism is Overstated,” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, 2005 ed.
2
Ibn Warraq, “Islam Encourages Terrorism.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, 2005 ed.
3
Mohammed Abdul Malek, “The Islamic Doctrine of Jihad Does Not Advocate Violence.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource
Center, 2005 ed.
Mohammed Abdul Malek, “The Islamic Doctrine of Jihad Does Not Advocate Violence.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource
Center, 2005 ed.
4
5
Mohammed Abdul Malek, “The Islamic Doctrine of Jihad Does Not Advocate Violence.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource
Center, 2005 ed.
6
Jonathan Bloom, and Sheila Blair, Islam: A Thousand Years of Faith and Power, (New York: Gardner Films, 2000) 11.
• “Whether unarmed or well-equipped, march on and fight for the cause of Allah, with your wealth and your
persons. This is best for you, if you but knew it.” 7
Anaylsis: Although many people feel that violence and terrorism are advocated by the Qur’an, the truth is
that the writings themselves do not promote violence.
Supporting Argument #2: Islam is often associated with violence instead of peace.
Evidence:
• “…take not life, which Allah has made sacred”8
• “The Qur’an never says to fight and kill people who are not believers, although one of its verses, which is often
quoted out of context, does say ‘to fight the unbelievers wherever you find them.’ However, this command was
revealed when a state of war existed between the first Muslim community and their stronger opponents, the idolworshippers of Mecca. The command was directing the Muslims not to run away from a fight with oppressors
but instead to go headlong into battle with the people who had been attacking them without mercy for so long.” 9
• “Hold to forgiveness; enjoin the doing of what is right; and leave alone those who choose to be ignorant.”10
Anaylsis: Verses from the Qur’an are often quoted out of context and should not be used to vindicate violence
or the murder of unbelievers. The command to fight against the oppressors was given through the Prophets for a
specific time and place in history. It is not to be understood as a general Islamic ideology or as an excuse to kill
unbelievers.The Qur’an is not literature which is meant to promote violence and animosity between believers and
unbelievers, but a holy text which encourages peace and forgiveness.
Counter Argument #3: Many people believe that Islamic fundamentalists are an accurate portrayal of true
Islam.
Evidence:
• “There may be moderate Muslims, but Islam itself is not moderate. There is no difference between Islam and
Islamic fundamentalism: at most there is a difference of degree but not of kind. There is a well-known saying
which asks, ‘What is the difference between a moderate Islamist and a fundamentalist Islamist?’ The answer is:
the moderate is the one who has run out of ammunition.”11
Anaylsis: Some critics suggest that Muslims are united through common views towards war, violence, and
political ideologies. Especially after the attacks on the World Trade Center, many North Americans are
convinced that extremists of Islam are a reflection of all Muslims. However, extremists use religion as an excuse
to advance political means.
Supporting Argument #3: Islamic extremists do not accurately reflect all Muslims.
Evidence:
• “The mask of religion, which the extremists wear, must be torn from their face and they should be recognized
for what they stand for, greed and power. It is my opinion that the extremists among Muslims are not motivated
by religion but by their own political agenda.”12
Anaylsis: Extremists do not accurately reflect true Islam as they are not following the doctrine of the Qur’an.
What the terrorists stand for violates the basic teachings of the Qur’an. They are not standing for true Islam, but
for their own selfish desires. The religion is used as an excuse to persuade Muslims to cooperate with their plans
to acquire land and political power.
Conclusion: Common misconceptions of Islam include the belief that jihad demands a “holy war,” that Islam is
not a religion of peace, and that Islamic extremists accurately reflect the religion. However, true Islam does not
foster terrorism. It is essential for North Americans to conquer the lingering and familiar prejudice that the West
has become accustomed to in order for there to be a brighter future.
7
The Qur’an, trans. Abdullah Yusuf Ali. (Elmhurst: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, 2003) Surah 9:41.
8
The Qur’an, trans. Abdullah Yusuf Ali. (Elmhurst: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, 2003) Surah 6:151.
9
Yahiya Emerick, The Complete Idiots Guide to Understanding Islam, (Indianapolis: Pearson, 2002) 9-10.
10
The Qur’an, trans. Abdullah Yusuf Ali. (Elmhurst: Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, 2003) Surah 7:199.
11
Ibn Warraq, “Islam Encourages Terrorism.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, 2005 ed.
12
Seifeldin Ashmawy, “The Islamic Faith Does Not Condone Terrorism,” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, 2005 ed.