ANALYZING PRESENT-DAY MUSLIM MILITANCY — An Un-Islamic Political Ideology

ANALYZING PRESENT-DAY MUSLIM MILITANCY An Un-Islamic Political Ideology O N November 2, 2014, a deadly suicide bomb blast took place at the Wagah border in Pakistan. The attack left more than 60 dead and about 200 injured. Why should there be news of this kind from Muslim countries? Obviously, the purpose of this violence is to achieve some goal. But, whatever may be the goal, the violent method has become quite irrelevant in present times. The violent method was relevant in previous centuries when people lived in a tribal culture. But now we are living in the age of freedom and science. Now, the peaceful approach is far more effective than violence. But, it seems that Muslims are still beset by outdated tribal obsessions and are totally unaware of the fact that times have changed and that peaceful methods have replaced violent methods. The peaceful approach is far more effective than violence. It is a fact that no religion, including Islam, advocates terrorism or militancy. Islam is a religion of peace. All the teachings of the Quran are based on peace, either directly or indirectly. For example, there is a very relevant verse in the Quran that tells us that the peaceful way is the best one (THE QURAN 4: 128). Moreover, Islamic teachings are very clear with regard to the sanctity of life. Another Quranic verse says: Whoever killed a human being—except as a punishment for murder or for spreading fasad (disorder) in the land shall be regarded as having killed all mankind. THE QURAN 5: 32 According to this verse, life is the greatest right of every human being. No one is allowed to take away a life, except by way of a judicial verdict that is issued after passing through the due processes of law. There is the widespread notion that Islam promotes violence. However, this is the result of sheer misunderstanding. The reason is that people fail to differentiate between Muslims and Islam. All these violent activities we hear of today are launched by Muslims. It is a fact that