Chapter One

Peace and Islam regard, the destruction wrought on 11 September, 2001 in New York and Washington is clearly and unambiguously illegitimate according to Islam. In the same way, even in a war which according to Islam is legitimate Muslims are not permitted to engage in suicidebombing against their opponents. Islam does not allow for people to strap bombs to their bodies and force their way into their opponents’ military camps or enter civilian settlements and deliberately kill themselves in order to eliminate their opponents. This sort of action is definitely not martyrdom (shahaadat), and nor can it be justified by terming it a desire to attain martyrdom (istishhaad). The Difference between Enemy and Aggressor God has, in His wisdom and in order to test us, given human beings free will. With this God-given free will sometimes enmity develops between people. This, at times, escalates into war. However, in Islam there is a clear distinction between enmity, on the one hand, and war, on the other. Followers of Islam do not have the right to unleash war against whomsoever they consider to be their enemies. The only thing they can do is engage their enemies in peaceful dawah, that is, to invite them to God’s path, not wage war on them. In this regard, the Quran clearly states: Who speaks better than one who calls to God and does good works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit’ Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend. (41:33,34) This Quranic verse clearly tells us that we should engage in peaceful efforts and thereby make our opponent our friend,