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Islam and the Fight Against Terrorism - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief Islam and the Fight Against Terrorism 2024-08-28 637 Views Islam vs Terrorism Terrorism has emerged as one of the most significant global challenges of the 21st century, affecting societies across the world. While terrorism as a concept is not new, its association with religious ideologies, particularly Islam, has drawn intense scrutiny and debate.

In recent decades, various terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram etc., have falsely claimed to represent Islamic principles, leading to widespread misconceptions and fears. The need to separate these extremist narratives from the true teachings of Islam is crucial for understanding the complex relationship between religion and terrorism.

Therefore, this study aims to examine the position of Islam on terrorism and to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the religion’s association with terrorist activities.

Contents Definition of Islam Terrorism and its Characteristics Types of Terrorism Islamic Perspectives on Violence and Terrorism References Definition of Islam The term “Islam” is derived from an Arabic root S-L-M; which according to Hans Wehr, literally means submission; resignation and reconciliation (to the will of God) [1] . However, the term “Islam” in a technical sense means a display of humbleness and obedience to the message of the Prophet [2] .

In other words, the term “Islam” is a religion of total and complete submission to the will and dictates of God; the Almighty and the directives of His Apostle; Hazrat Muhammad son of Abdullah. Thus, the adherents and followers of Islam are therefore referred to as Muslims (i.e., one who surrenders to the will of God). Terrorism and its Characteristics To effectively address the issue of terrorism, it is essential to first understand what it encompasses.

Etymologically, the term “terrorism” comes from French terrorisme, from Latin: terror, “great fear”, “dread”, related to the Latin verb terrere, “to frighten” [3] . In 1794, a leader in the French Revolution; Maximilien Robespierre proclaimed that “Terror is nothing other than justice, prompt, severe, inflexible.” The Committee of Public Safety agents that enforced the policies of “The Terror” were referred to as “Terrorists [4] “.

The word “terrorism” was first recorded in English-language dictionaries in 1798 as meaning “systematic use of terror as a policy [5] “.