Fatwa Against Terrorism
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The
Fiqh Council of North America wishes to reaffirm Islam's
absolute condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism.
Islam
strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent
lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting
civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of
attack is haram – or forbidden - and those who commit
these barbaric acts are criminals, not “martyrs.”
The
Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: "Whoever
kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And
whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." (Qur’an, 5:32)
Prophet
Muhammad said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts: "Do not be
people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will
treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead,
accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and
not to do wrong (even) if they do evil." (Al-Tirmidhi)
God
mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects of life when He states in the Qur’an: “We made you to be a community of the middle way,
so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear
witness to the truth before all mankind.” (Qur’an,
2:143)
In
another verse, God explains our duties as human beings when he says: “Let there
arise from among you a band of people who invite to righteousness, and enjoin
good and forbid evil.” (Qur’an, 3:104)
Islam
teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God's creation. The Prophet
Muhammad, who is described in the Qur’an as “a mercy
to the worlds” said: “All creation is the family of God, and the person most
beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family."
In
the light of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:
1.
All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram
(forbidden) in Islam.
2.
It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual
or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
3.
It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement
authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.
We
issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur’an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in
just and peaceful manners.
We
pray for the defeat of extremism and terrorism. We pray for the safety and
security of our country, the United States, and its people. We pray
for the safety and security of all inhabitants of our planet. We pray that
interfaith harmony and cooperation prevail both in the United States and all around the
globe.
ISSUED BY FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA Endorsed by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
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