What Does Islam Say About Killing Innocent People?

Marko sent this question: “Since 9/11, I’ve been reading as much as I can about Islam to understand why a group of people who claim that they represent Muslims and Islam would by any means plan to kill innocent people. I’ve reached many conclusions but I would like to know the Muslims’ point of view with regard to the following questions: Doesn’t Islam and Quran turn Muslims into terrorists by encouraging them to kill non-Muslims? Why does Islam call upon Muslims to engage in `holy wars’ (jihad)? “

ANSWER

Hello Marko,

Thank you for getting to us.

Before delving into the answer, I would like to know your sources of knowledge about Islam. Do you read the news? Do you read books? Do you watch the TV? Do you use the Internet to know about Islam? If yes, which sites do you frequently visit?

I am sure there are many stereotypes presented in various forms about Islam and Muslims. The stereotypes increased in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks and this led to the dread and hatred of Islam and therefore to the fear and dislike of Muslims as the British Runnymede Trust defined Islamophobia. The Latter is caused by a group of people who claim to be Muslim (but they are not), so-called Salafism or Wahhabis.

Let us have a look at what Islam says about the questions you raised.

Islam and the Quran Do not Teach Terrorism

Before reaching a conclusion on this issue, let us understand the context of the verses which are frequently cited in this connection. Verses that refer to fighting non-Muslims were talking about a state of war between Muslims and the pagans of Makkah.

This state of war is not the norm and therefore the order to kill the pagans can not be generalized and applied to non-Muslims in every time and place and under all circumstances. This is what happened. These verses were taken out of the historical context and claimed to have encouraged Muslims to kill innocent people.

Throughout the Quran we find many passages calling for coming into good terms with people of other faith communities and arguing with them in the best manner.

Those who carry out terrorist attacks in the name of Islam have nothing to do with Islam. They are not Muslims, they are “wahhabis”. Islam is about peace, tolerance, love and cooperation.

How Did Islam Spread?

Those who do not relent in their efforts to distort the image of Islam claim that Islam was spread by the sword. Which sword are they talking about? If history is read well, we can conclude that Islam did not spread by the sword. If there is a sword by which Islam spread, it is the sword of the word.

In Muslim Spain, Muslims didn’t kill the people who practiced their religion when they were ruling that area. In Southeast Asia, Islam spread by the manner of Muslim traders who settled there. When Muslims came to Egypt, they didn’t kill the Christians not destroyed their houses of worship.

The Quran made it clear, whoever wants to accept Islam, let him do it. Belief in Islam is based on conviction. In general, if you force someone to believe in something, he might accept it for a day or two. Once he feels free from pressure, he will quit what he believed in by force.

Islamic Judicial System

The Islamic Law (Shari`ah) is meant to regulate the life of people. Muslims are urged to abide by such laws so that they can lead a happy life.

To protect the society, Islam has prescribed certain punishments for wrong doers. The philosophy behind the punishments is to deter them and make them think twice before committing any crime against the individuals’ interests, in general, and the interest of the society, in particular.

The word hadd in Arabic means the limit. Therefore, hudud (prescribed punishments) are the maximum limit which is resorted to when other means of punishments fail to deter the wrong doer.

The Shari`ah put very strict conditions for applying hudud. If we think of such conditions, we will know that hudud are not prescribed just to torture people, but they are a means to have a society free of crimes.

And Allah knows best.

I hope this helps. Please keep in touch.