The recent upsurge in the militancy and violence against oppression and foreign occupation in some Muslim lands has been incorrectly labeled as ‘Islamic Terrorism’. Terrorism is not restricted to any one religion. Such movements are, akin to any other armed movement like, in Spain (Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna), South Africa (armed struggle by ANC during apartheid regime), Sri Lanka (Tamil Tigers), Northern Ireland (IRA), Georgia (Abkhazia & South Ossetia), India (Nagaland, Mezoram), Hutu and Tutsi conflict in Rwanda and Burundi, Mexico (EZLN: Zapatista National Liberation Army), Kurdish separatists movement in Turkey and Iraq (among Muslims). ‘Ku Klux Klan’ the Whites racist terrorist organizations against blacks, operating in the U.S.A since 1865. The Baader-Meinhof gang of West Germany (1968-92), the Japanese Red Army, Italy’s Red Brigades, the Puerto Rican FALN, the Shining Path of Peru, France’s Direct Action., Zionist Irgun Zvai Leumi (National Military Organization), Stern Gang, (Lohame Herut Yisra`el, “Fighters for the Freedom of Israel”) and Haganah, were among the most prominent terrorist groups of the later 20th century. The Christian Templars (1119-1312) of Crusaders period had religious fervor.
The terrorist activities mostly target the innocent civilians: the suicide bombing by Tamil Tigers, poisonous gas attack by Japanese terrorists (Aum Shinrikyo – mixed Buddhist dominated movement) in the Tokyo subway in 1996 and deadly Oklahoma bombing in the United States in1995 by Americans ex servicemen, 9/11 attack against Twin Towers in N.Y and London subway bombing, are some examples. The out of proportion use of brute force and firepower by Israelis against unarmed Palestinians, US and allies against civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and killing of protesting Kashmiri civilians by Indian forces are forms of state terrorism.
Most of the religions generally emphasize the dogmas and rituals of worship, while advocating high morals; but Islam is unique, it is the complete way of life, (Din), encompassing spiritual, as well as social, political, economic and all other aspects of human life for peace and security. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not introduce any new faith, God chose him for reviving and culminating the original faith for all the humanity till eternity. It is based upon attainment of peace through total surrender to the ‘Will of God’ (Islam), preached by all the previous messengers, to their respective communities. Islam is, rooted in Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), the common ancestor of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Islam is misunderstood due to many fallacies, which exist among Christians, non Muslims and even amongst some Muslims about Islam. The main reasons contributing towards these delusions are; historic, geopolitical, social, cultural, economic, religious and lack of understanding of Islam, and its values due to restricted and subjective view. Attributing every wrong act performed by Muslims, to Islam is not fair. Islam is the religion of ‘Peace’ literally and from core, it does not preach violence or suicide, the killing of innocent people is considered as a crime against humanity.(Qur’an:4:29, 5:32, 17:33). The legitimate warfare by the state is to be conducted strictly within laid down limits.(Qur’an:2:216,190-193, 60:8-9). A self assigned research project was undertaken in 1999 by Abujak/AftabKhan. A modest endeavor has been made to present the broader perspective of Islam by synthesizing the works of great scholars, published in the form of articles, compiled in the form of series of books available at following web links/sites/blogs:
http://endeavour-peace.page.tl