Combating Terrorism

By:

Dr. Ali S. Awadh Asseri

(Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon)

ISLAM FORBIDS TERRORISM

     Islam, like all world religions, neither supports nor requires the illegitimate use of violence or acts of terrorism, Islam does permit, and at times requires, Muslims to defend themselves, their families, their religion and their community from aggression. The earliest Qur’anic verses dealing with the right to engage in a defensive jihad, or struggle, were revealed shortly after the emigration of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers to Madinah in consequence of their persecution in Makkah. At a time when they were forced to fight for their lives, the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is told: ‘Leave is given to those who fight because they were wronged – surely God is able to help them – who were expelled from their homes wrongfully for saying, “Our Lord is God”.’[1] The defensive nature of jihad is clearly emphasized in the holy Qur’an: ‘And fight in the way of God with those who fight you, but aggress not: God loves not the aggressors’.[2]

[1] Ibid., Surah 22, Verse 39.

[2] Ibid., Surah 2, Verse 190.