In an age dominated by headlines and politics, few topics have been more misrepresented than Islam’s relationship to violence. It is essential—academically, ethically, and spiritually—to assert with clarity that Islam must never be equated with terrorism. Islam, linguistically rooted in salam (peace) and silm (submission), is a comprehensive way of life centred upon devotion to the One true God—Allah, the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all existence. His divine names include Ar-Rahmān and Ar-Rahīm—the Most Loving, the Most Merciful—attributes that shape the moral and spiritual ethos of the Islamic worldview. A religion grounded in mercy, justice, and sanctity of life cannot be reconciled with the brutality of terrorism.
Terrorism is not a product of religion; it is a product of human transgression, political instability, ideological extremism, and geopolitical conflict. It has no faith, no creed, and no scripture. The overwhelming majority of Muslims worldwide—1.9 billion people—condemn such acts unequivocally. In fact, historical and contemporary data reveal that Muslims have often been the primary victims of terrorism, suffering immeasurable loss in regions afflicted by war, instability, and violent groups that distort sacred teachings for political gain. To conflate a global faith with the crimes of fringe individuals is intellectually dishonest and morally irresponsible.
The tragic events of 9/11 remain deeply etched in global memory, and every innocent life lost that day is a painful reminder of the human cost of violence. Yet intellectual integrity requires recognition that every day a life is unjustly taken at the hands of murderers or extremists—whether in New York, Baghdad, Kabul, Palestine, or Nigeria—is equally a tragedy. Human life, in the Islamic worldview, is sacred: “Whoever kills a soul…it is as though he has killed the whole of humanity.” (Qur’an 5:32). This universal principle is at the heart of Islamic ethics and stands in stark contrast to the actions of those who falsely claim to act in the name of religion.
My own experience in 2016 during the blessed month of Ramadan stands as a painful testament to this truth. While praying and awaiting Iftar at Masjid an-Nabawi—the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the second holiest site in Islam—a sudden and violent explosion shattered the serenity of worship. Panic spread throughout the courtyard as the reality of a suicide attack near one of Islam’s most sacred spaces became known. Several worshippers were killed—Muslims who were fasting, praying, and engaged in devotion to Allah. If terrorism truly represented Islam, such places would be sanctified—not targeted. Yet this attack, like many others across the Muslim world, demonstrated with brutal clarity that terrorists hold no reverence for Islam, Muslims, or human life.
The path forward requires an informed global conversation—one grounded in scholarship, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility. Islam as a civilisation has contributed to philosophy, law, science, morality, justice, and spiritual refinement for over 1,400 years. Its teachings, when properly understood, cultivate compassion, community, and intellectual depth. The task of our time is to reclaim this narrative from misrepresentation, ignorance, and prejudice. Every Muslim and every seeker of truth has a role in amplifying a correct understanding of Islam: a religion of mercy, guidance, and peace.
May Allah protect humanity from those who spread corruption, grant justice to the oppressed, and preserve our hearts from hatred and ignorance, Ameen.