DOES ISLAM PERMIT VIOLENCE? No

real teachings of Islam were followed, no disagreement would escalate to the point of violence. There is a relevant saying of the Prophet— “God grants to non-violence what he does not grant to violence.” HADITH from SAHIH MUSLIM This saying of the Prophet is indicative of the true system of nature. In this world, the system of nature established by God is based on the principle that peaceful methods are far more useful and result-oriented in the achievement of any goal. Violent methods can only bring about destruction; and cannot produce any positive result. It is necessary here, to add that ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslims’ are not terms that are interchangeable. Islam is the name of an ideology, while Muslims are the group of people who profess to have adopted Islam as their religion. This being so, the actions of Muslims must be judged by the teachings of Islam, rather than assume that Islam is defined as the sum of all the activities of Muslims. If a Muslim, or a group of Muslims, indulge in violence, they must personally be held responsible. Their actions cannot be attributed to the influence of Islam. Of those who claim to be Muslims, the Quran observes— “You have not believed yet; but rather say, “we have accepted Islam”, for the true belief has not yet entered your hearts.” THE QURAN, 49: 14 Those who complain of unfavourable circumstances, and of not being recognised, whose eyes are set on problems rather than opportunities, can never attain their goals in life. Muslims must be judged in the light of Islam, not Islam in the light of Muslim actions.