Muslim responses to terrorism

Overview

Surah 5:32, Tahir-ul-Qadri's fatwa of 2010, why terrorism cannot be lesser jihad, British Muslim responses to attacks, Islamophobia, justice against terrorism, and a utilitarian view of torture.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

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1. 1

   How do Muslims define terrorism?

   Model answer

   Muslims generally see terrorism as unlawful violence against civilians to spread fear for political or religious aims. Many scholars class terrorist attacks as hirabah, a grave crime against society.

2. 2

   What causes of terrorism do Muslims identify?

   Model answer

   Muslims point to political grievances, foreign wars, injustice and poverty, which extremists exploit. Online radicalisation also draws in isolated young people.

3. 3

   How is religion linked to terrorism in the 21st century?

   Model answer

   Groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State have misused Islamic language to justify attacks. Most victims of these groups have been Muslims.

4. 4

   How do Muslims use Surah 5:32 against terrorism?

   Model answer

   Surah 5:32 says killing one innocent soul is like killing all of humanity. Muslims use the verse to show that terrorism is a grave sin.

5. 5

   What did Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri's fatwa of 2010 declare?

   Model answer

   Tahir-ul-Qadri, a Pakistani scholar, issued a lengthy fatwa condemning terrorism and suicide bombing. The fatwa declared that terrorism has no Islamic justification at all.

6. 6

   Why do mainstream Muslims say terrorism cannot be lesser jihad?

   Model answer

   Terrorism targets civilians and is declared by no legitimate authority. Lesser jihad forbids harming non-combatants and requires proper leadership.

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