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)
Additionally, the 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.
Contact Information:
Dr. Khurshid Khan
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
(718) 658-1199
U.S. Muslim Religious Council Issues Fatwa Against Terrorism
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Where is the word for the Muslims of Burma the Rohingas? Where is the condemnation of the acts done to them by the Monks?
I am a Buddhist Priest in the United States. I would like to say that most of the worlds Buddhist communities do condemn the acts taken against Muslims in Myanmar. I was horrified when I first heard these stories. I abhor unjust acts taken in the name of any religion including my own. However, one should not condemn other faiths for a minority extremism that can be found within it. Every religion has radical extremists groups that can be found. The actions of these people are often politically, not religiously, motivated, although they may defend their actions with Religion. As a Buddhist, my practice is different from yours, but my goal is to reach a higher reality and connect with the ultimate unknown force in the universe. I try not to define the creator of the universe in a set way, I view the Buddha as a wise teacher in the same way that I view Mohammad and have equal respect for both, in what they did, given each of their circumstances. We are all just trying to find Allah in the end. My best friend in recent years, moved to the United States as an adult from Baghdad. We often discuss our religious belief and have come to the conclusion together that though we practice differently and have different names for our beliefs, we essentially believe in much the same thing. He has become my best friend and biggest support. He is even going to start tutoring me in Arabic soon. May we go forward into the future in peace. Know that extreme actions don’t represent the beliefs of a religion. I have read the Quran cover to cover, and while I don’t consider myself a Quran expert, I know that terrorism is not supported by the Quran, in the same way that the actions of Buddhists in Myanmar are not supported by the Pali Cannon or any of the Sutras.
Salaam,
Rev. Do-Sho
Shingyo Pre-Sectarian Buddhist Temple of Michigan
Where is the word for the Muslims of Burma the Rohingas? Where is the condemnation of the acts done to them by the Monks?
I am a Buddhist Priest in the United States. I would like to say that most of the worlds Buddhist communities do condemn the acts taken against Muslims in Myanmar. I was horrified when I first heard these stories. I abhor unjust acts taken in the name of any religion including my own. However, one should not condemn other faiths for a minority extremism that can be found within it. Every religion has radical extremists groups that can be found. The actions of these people are often politically, not religiously, motivated, although they may defend their actions with Religion. As a Buddhist, my practice is different from yours, but my goal is to reach a higher reality and connect with the ultimate unknown force in the universe. I try not to define the creator of the universe in a set way, I view the Buddha as a wise teacher in the same way that I view Mohammad and have equal respect for both, in what they did, given each of their circumstances. We are all just trying to find Allah in the end. My best friend in recent years, moved to the United States as an adult from Baghdad. We often discuss our religious belief and have come to the conclusion together that though we practice differently and have different names for our beliefs, we essentially believe in much the same thing. He has become my best friend and biggest support. He is even going to start tutoring me in Arabic soon. May we go forward into the future in peace. Know that extreme actions don’t represent the beliefs of a religion. I have read the Quran cover to cover, and while I don’t consider myself a Quran expert, I know that terrorism is not supported by the Quran, in the same way that the actions of Buddhists in Myanmar are not supported by the Pali Cannon or any of the Sutras.
Salaam,
Rev. Do-Sho
Shingyo Pre-Sectarian Buddhist Temple of Michigan