Muslims are NOT Terrorists

After the tragic events of 9/11, terrorism has become a very common word that we almost hear everyday on the news. This tragedy has put the Islam in the spotlight since the 19 hijackers were believed to be Muslims. One effect of 9/11 was that it highlighted how little most Americans knew about Islam. For some, this was just the opportunity to discover and learn about this fast growing religion.

For others, this catastrophe was a starting era of a deep hatred and resentment against all Muslims. The question now is should Islam be regarded as a violent faith? Are Muslims terrorists? What is the true meaning of Islam? In this essay, I will take a closer look on Islam and give answers to the above questions.

The incident of 9/11 made many people take the position that Islam is indeed a violent religion. The truth is that Islam is by no means the source of such violence, and that violence has no place in Islam. Even though the hijackers had Muslim identities, the terror they prepared should not be labeled 'Islamic terror' just as it would not be appropriate to call it 'Jewish terror' if they were Jews, or 'Christian terror' if they were Christians.

Muslims should not be judged by the acts of murderers. Bin Ladin and his team are murderers Not extremists. Islam has never called for the killing of people of all kinds. These people are killing innocent civilians in the name of our religion. Islam is ,in fact, a peace loving religion and it even means peace if translated literally.

The Qu'ran which is the sacred book of Islam commands man to adopt good morals. This morality should be based upon concepts such as love, compassion, tolerance and mercy. The Qur'an requires us to treat Muslims and non-Muslims alike with respect, love, and kindness. Unfortunately, the beauty of this great book is being misinterpreted and ,therefore, misused by those barbarians who are abusing our religion.

Islam denounces terrorism and the murdering of innocent people." God commands justice and doing good and giving to relatives. And He forbids indecency and doing wrong and tyranny. He warns you so that hopefully you will pay heed". (Qur'an, 16:90)

This verse and many others show us that Islam forbids cruelty and violence. Besides, God also informs us in the Qur'an how this cruel face of terrorism will be punished in the following verse: "There are only grounds against those who wrong people and act as tyrants in the earth without any right to do so. Such people will have a painful punishment." (Surat ash-Shura: 42)

The true Islam commands love, mercy, and peace. Terror, on the other hand, is just the opposite of this faith. Islam prohibits the killing of innocent men, women, children , and even cutting down the plants and trees, even during the war.

In brief, Islam is NOT a violent religion. It is true that it doesn't ask you to turn the other cheek when someone slaps you. It allows you to defend yourself form the enemy and recommend that you forgive.

As an American citizen of Somali orgin and muslim by faith, I was surprised to see some no-muslims label muslims as terrorists and killers. Every society, no matter their background, nationalities, and faith, have some kind of wicked people who kill innocent people with or with no purpose. We, therefore, need to be careful not to attack a whole religion when some of them commit crime.