Terrorism

Terrorism in Arabic is 'irhaab' a word that is not used in the Qur'an and the definition of the word has been defined differently by some who want to exclude themselves out the proper definition. Islam promotes justice in society even among Muslims and non Muslims, in the Sharia (Islamic law) no crime goes unchecked regardless of religion.

looking at three well known English dictionaries of the word:

"The calculated use of violence or threat of violence to inculcate fear. Terrorism is intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological." Oxford dictionary

"violent action or threats designed to cause fear among ordinary people, in order to achieve political aims" Cambridge dictionary

"the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion" Maryam Webster

Western law have defined terrorism in finer detail although generally will favour their view of what is acceptable. Ignoring that in other parts of the world Muslims are being persecuted & killed in masses. The Islamic view of terrorism in the general sense is in the negative as acting (terrorising) in such manner among civilians is not acceptable, and this is more so living under western law.

A few individuals may behave out of the ordinary and will have attributes that characterise themselves as followers of Islam however the Prophet said (ﷺ)s said,

"When a slave (of Allah) commits illegal sexual intercourse, he is not a believer at the time of committing it; and if he steals, he is not a believer at the time of stealing; and if he drinks an alcoholic drink, when he is not a believer at the time of drinking it; and he is not a believer when he commits a murder," 'Ikrima said: I asked Ibn Abbas, "How is faith taken away from him?" He said, Like this," by clasping his hands and then separating them, and added, "But if he repents, faith returns to him like this", by clasping his hands again. - Sahih al-Bukhari 6809

It is not possible for a follower of Islam or a Muslim to be a Muslim at the time he is committing the terrorist act, in fact the early Muslims of Abyssinia lived under Christian rule , lived at peace with the people and it was never reported that they terrorised the people then.

The most misquoted verse from the Qur'an regarding killing is :

"Kill them wherever you come upon them and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out. For persecution is far worse than killing. And do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there. If they do so, then fight them—that is the reward of the disbelievers." 2:191

This verse was relating to the Muslims during the time of the Prophet ﷺ and were being persecuted, and they were prevented from doing their religious obligaton to perform the Umrah. They had a peace with the Quraysh, the peace Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, this was broken by the Quraysh and this verse was eventually revealed in relating to the state of Muslims.

Back to the main topic, terrorism is abhorant at all levels, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever killed a Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)." Bukhari hadith 6914

Settlers in occupied Palestine terrorising innocent civilians is a daily occurance in the West Bank, they are evicted from their homes and it is well known this form of terrorism not only breaks international laws but also doesn't get recognised in Western media.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (a peaceful aid to Gaza) was attacked in international waters by the Israeli Defence Forces, this is a clear practice of terrorism again most Western media & government do not openly condemn their actions.

Allah knows best and he is He is the Best Disposer of affairs.