Violence and Muslims

Abstract

Under what circumstances does Islam tolerate violence or armed struggle? What are the Islamic ethics of war? When Does Islam allow what the western media calls “terrorism,” especially when Muslims are the target of violence and terrorism? Can Muslims use violence to counter violence? Given existing realities, we need to answer such questions. American and British aggression in various countries, the Hindutva aggression in India, and the general global anti-Muslim environment have disturbed Muslims everywhere. What steps should be taken to counter such negative trends? Ethics and Violence In essence, violence is an unethical act. In a civilized world that values ethical principles, violence is used only to deter and punish criminals and to defend oneself. One may use dialogue, persuasion, communication, and information to achieve an objective, but not violence. Violence cannot be used to achieve religious objectives, because it is an instrument of coercion. Islam, which is based on compassion, love, tolerance, gentleness, and forgiveness, prohibits coercion (2:256). Violence, destruction, and cruelty violate Islam’s very nature (7:199). Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, commanded gentleness and forbade harshness and violence. Sahih Muslim records that Ayesha narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “God is kind, and likes kindness. For kindness, God rewards what He never gives due to violence or through any other means” and that he said to Ayesha: “Be kind and avoid violence and indecency. Kindness makes a situation best and unkindness makes it worst. This is why the Qur’an prohibits offensive violence and discourages violence even as a defensive means” (41:34-35) ...