SHARED WISDOM

TERRORISM IS FORBIDDEN direction of peace, then they are ‘Islamic’; otherwise, they are un-Islamic. TERRORISM IS FORBIDDEN Terrorism can be defined as using arms by actors other than the s tate. Terrorism assumes, broadly, two forms: proxy war and guerrilla war. Both of these forms of terrorism are haraam or forbidden in Islam. If properly understood, Islam is the opposite of terrorism and has nothing to do with it. The word ‘Islam’ is derived from the root silm, which means ‘peace.’ Hence, Islam, correctly interpreted, is a religion of peace. Naturally, a religion that describes itself as a religion of peace can have no relation with terrorism if that religion is interpreted in the right manner. In the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad is referred to as rahmat al-’aalamin or ‘a mercy to the world.’ (21:107) He is said to be a mercy for all humankind, not just Muslims. Naturally, then, his teachings, properly understood, can have no room for terrorism at all. According to a Hadith report, the Prophet Muhammad is said to have declared, “All creatures are part of God’s family.” (Musnad al-Bazzar, Hadith No. 6947) This is a wonderful expression of true universalism. It indicates that all of humankind, irrespective of religion or community, belongs to the same family of God. This Hadith report resonates with the slogan about the world being a global village with which we are familiar today.