Islam, World Peace, and the Discourse of Revenge

Abstract

Every time anger and frustration take over the human spirit, reason and rational thinking fade into the background. High emotions cloud minds, subvert justice, and undermine peace. In the absence of reason, new terminology takes hold. The discourse on terrorism that rages today in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist strikes on New York and Washington is ripe with emotions triggered by sinister and apocalyptic attacks on unarmed and non-combatant civilians. On television and radio talk shows across the United States, countless self-acclaimed experts on terrorism counsel that we strike back against a host of countries suspected of supporting terrorism. Statements from the White House have been more balanced and measured, but the theme is the same: an all-out war on terrorism. Terrorism we must fight, and we must fight with determination and vigor. But for the fight to be effective, it must be carried on according to fair rules, and must aim at the real target. An effective war on terrorism requires two elements. First, we must have a clear understanding of the sources of the anger and frustration that lies at the root of global terrorism and a clear definition of what constitutes a terrorist act. Second, we must have a clear vision of a global society based on the universal principles of equal freedom and mutual respect. A war on terrorism that employs moral themes but advances the narrow interests of a privileged few can bring more evil than good, as it is likely to result in harming innocent bystanders. Judging by the discourse of revenge and war, we have a long way to go before true understanding and clear vision come to bear on the strategic thinking of political leaders. This puts an extra burden on intellectuals and scholars. Scholars of all regions, religions, and persuasions are called upon more than ever before to bring reason and enlightenment to a world filled with emotion and ignorance ...