Terrorism And Misconception Of Islam AUTHOR LtCol. Taiseer Rahahleh, Jordanian Army CSC 1989 SUBJECT AREA - General TERRORISM AND MISCONCEPTION OF ISLAM Outline Thesis statement: Most of the time people misunderstand and become confused between people holding an Islam's name and Islam. Whenever terrorists conduct one of their shameful actions, Islam is accused, is that true? The purpose of this paper is to clear the misconception for a better understanding 1. Terrorism a. Definition b. Organization and ideology 2. Islam a. Definition b. Islam and terrorism, past, present c. Moslem and Islamic teachings 3. Conclusion Terrorism and Misconception of Islam Often Islam is the target and the subject of accusation, especially when a terrorist incident happen, mainly if it has some terrorists from the middle east countries, who, they hold names like Ahman or Mohammad, etc. Then media for a reason or another rushes and start accusing Islam and Moslem whether it is due to the lack of knowledge, about what is Islam or who are the Moslem or on purposed, to distort the image of Islam to the world in general and the American people in particular. For example, the Washington Post wrote in its daily edition, Tuesday June 18, 1985 under the heading "Why No Outcry from Islam". The writer Vick Thimmesch, went as saying" another plane is hijacked, an innocent passenger murdered and meanwhile the slaughter continues in Lebanon, all in the name of Islam". So immediately Islam was attacked with no differentiation. He also continued to say "the great resurgence of Islam is usually attributed to Iran's" Ayatollah Khomeini" did the writer take the time to study Islam before it was accused. Did he study the ideologies of Khomeini? Apparently not because he keep on going accusing Islam and its ideologies when he wrote "Islam scholars often argue that their bible, the Koran expresses the spirit of compassion and tolerance". Had the writer stopped there and thought about what he wrote for awhile he would have realized that there is a difference between Islam's idealogy and between people using the Islam as cover or as a veil to hide the other face of theirs. Another writer went misunderstanding Islam as saying: "However , as we have seen, regicide was a familiar phenomenon from earliest Islam's political history."1 If people fight over different ideas to improve their lives is that called terrorism? What do we call the Civil War between the states just to unify them? What do we call the hundred year war between England and France? So for a better understanding of Islam and to clear the fog and the doubts that has been imposed on Islam I submit this paper in the Name of Allah, the most gracious, most merciful. Terrorism: 1. Definition A lot of people have struggled to come up with a definition. Walter Leguaure wrote in his book International Terrorism: The word "terror" has two meanings. The basic one is an induced state of fear or anxiety with an individual or group of individuals, it is sometimes called "subjective terror"..... For frequently "terrorism" and "terror" are used interchangeable to denote objective terror.2 He also wrote "a large part of the difficulties in discussing terrorism is due to it's familiarity"3 and about the aspects of terrorism in the use of extraordinary violence... have goals and objectives beyond the creation and destruction, injury and death... .the aim of terror is its psychological impact on individuals4; and went on arguing the definitions of terrorism and terrorists the ways people looked at them (both terror and terrorists) were different depending from which angle you are looking. In a certain time and different groups, organizations and persons and at their action, causes an circumstances, and what feelings and emotions people, writers, journalist had toward those people. "Emotion profoundly affect the response to terrorism, for a large portion of the audience such violent behavior is beyond their comprehension, beyond their experience and understanding. For those people terrorism is abhorrent, abnormal and psychotic.5 For others terrorists are heroes, liberators: Many of the liberation movements of the post World War I period have been romanticized in the years since their victories (or defeats). The success of the movements has overshadowed their violence....the once feared revolutionary terrorists have become in some cases "respectable" and in some instances, national heroes and international cult figures. Menachem Begin of Israel, Che Gueverra of Cuba, and Ho Chi Menh of Vietnam are cases in point.6 Some are called freedom fighters. The same type of organizations are called terrorists, depending who is having the biggest and the strongest lobby. But, they all have something in common, violence, terror, killing, blood spilling, wasting lives, and it might be for the sake of a small numbered group. Most of the time they are dictators, looking only for one's benefits, for idealogies they preach a bright titles that they never meant and never intend to practice anyway, or they are just puppets doing what their master wants them to do. Who are the terrorists and what are their ideologies? History: Terrorism is as old as mankind. It started when Adam's sons (peace at him) killed one another just because one wanted to take the others wife, that was the first blood shed on earth. "The (selfish) soul of the other lead him to murder his brother: He murdered him and became (himself) one of the lost ones" .7 Then people fought with each other ever since, killing or assassinating each other or even their prophet. "Of the account, we ordained for the children of Israel, that if anyone slew a person, unless for spreading mischief in the land it would be as if he slew the whole people" .8 It extends from prehistory onward, the more people the more the dispute. Walter Laguaure wrote "it can be traced down to Greek and Roman periods, and found to some degree in every man's history" .9 Man is the worst man's enemy. No other creation ever known in history to be the worst man foe except the man himself. Sometimes he could be his own enemy. Like our father Adam and we all know his story, man is greedy and aggressive in nature. Not everyone thought, terror expanded and took different forms. Walter Laguaurge wrote: "Terrorism from below has emerged in many different forms and out of such various motivation, as religious, protest movement, political, revolts and social uprising" .10 So we almost fight for anything; including ideology. Regarding the middle east one of the earliest terrorism organizations was the Sicarull (AD 66-73) Jewish anti-Roman movement.(11) In the modern history also we mentioned earlier that Manchem Begin with his "HAGANA" organization conducted terrorist action against the British and the Arabs. Since 1968 the PLO floated into the surface with supposing one idea is to liberate Palestine but later on that organization split in two different organizations which followed different powers and ideas and that is what we will take a look at next. Idealogies Since the struggle was between the Arabs and the Israelis, the United States backed Israel of course. The Moderate Arab countries were backing and still backing the PLO in support of their legitimate rights. The PLO and other organizations had to turn to the Soviet Union for support and nothing is given free in this life. They adopt their ideology and started employing them. Jordan was one of Moderate Arab countries to suffer. When Jordan discovered that these organizations wanted to take Jordan instead of Palestine. These organization who adopted Soviet Union's ideology never were interested in Palestine in any way and started developing terrorist action in the name of Stalin, Marx and as we know Marx, Lenin, and Stalin were communist. Is communism anywhere close to Islam? Aren't they the enemies of Islam and Christianity and any other faith? Walter Laguaure wrote: ".. the Soviet Union has provided arms, financial aid, military training, political support to various terrorist groups. .12 These organizations were sponsored by other radical countries..Syria and Libya whom I will give some of their ideology later on. They are backed both ideologically and politically by the Soviet Union as well.13 Though names would appear in the press, TV and books like Ahmad Jebreel. . .Mohamad etc. they are not whatsoever related to Islam and they do their deeds according to their beliefs. "When on May 15, 1974 three Arab guerrillas of Nayef Hawatmeh Organization centered in Beirut attacked the Maalot School in Israel. .they did it in the name of Marxism and and Leninism" .14 Not only did Nayef Hawatmeh do it for Marx and Lenin but other people did it for the same reasons. "....1972 Lydda airport..Olympic Games done by Black September Group for Lenin and Marx... 1970 hijacking of American airplane done for Marx and Lenin" .15 Their dedications to Marx and Lenin were not only against Israel and America but the fought Jordanian Army in 1970. For the sake of Marx and Lenin, they hijacked the Jordanian airplanes, assassinated his diplomats and citizen for Marx and Lenin. Saudis, everyone who didn't believe in Marx and Lenin, were their targets. Where does Islam fit here, even if I tell you the Nayef Hawatmeh and Ahmad Jebreel are Christians? Mr. Kadafi also has nothing to do with Islam. He wanted to change the Quran (the Holy Book) (God's words). To forget what the prophet has said (the Sunnah). He is teaching in his book (the Green Book) beside the Quran and people have to learn it by heart. How close that leader who hides behind Islam to Islam, the Syrian and their party (Baath) which doesn't recognize anybody if he is not Arab. Thousands of Moslems were killed in Syria by that part. Islam is to some extent confined to Mosques. If you are not a member of the party you are nothing. If you practice your Moslem faith you are dammed. How close are they to Islam, Mr. Khomeini, who wants to be another prophet, who massacred thousand and thousands of the Iranian people. What kind of Islam is that? How close to Islam is he, or they that does agree and comply with Islam and Islam ideology and teaching. Where does that put those people from what God said in Quran? "It is part of the mercy of God that thou doesn't deal gently with them, went thou severe or harsh-hearted they would have broken away from about thee, so pass over (their faults) and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of Moment) then, when thou hast taken decision, put they trust in God" .16 Islam Definition a) The root word in the Arabic language, "Silmon" or "slam" means peace. b) In religion it means, submission to God, to live in peace with the Creator, with other people, with the environment and with one's self, and one of the Gods beautiful names is (the peace). c) A Moslem, the one who submits to his God, the one who lives in peace and harmony with all the segments of society. A Moslem greets other Moslems and other people by saying (Alsalam' Alayicom). Meaning peace up on you, if he is joining a gathering or leaving it, entering houses. "Don't fear, all what we mean and our intent is peace. d) Moslems and Arabs: Moslem, is a believe, the one who believes in one God, and Islam (the religion) could be from any nationality or race, any color or place, Islam is not confined to time place and people. In the other hand an Arab is a race, language, an Arab can be Moslem, Christian, Jew or atheist. Looking at the definition of Islam, it is all peace and peaceful. Islam and terrorism: Ever since prophet Mohammad (peace on him) was chosen by God to deliver his message of peace namely Islam and the prophet started to preach his message he was the target of the nonbelievers terrorism. He and his followers were tortured. "Bilal", who was a servant then, and converted to Islam was severely tortured by his master to bring him back to Polythiasime. Bilal's master use to put him all day in the intolerable sun heat of Makkah with a big rock on his chest. The prophet (Mohammad) (peace on him) was hit by rocks, harassed, thorns spread on his way, and dirty water spread on him. "Alyasir" were severely tortured, their eyes were popped out, stabbed, burned and then were murdered in front of each other and their sons. Moslems were living in fear; hiding their faith and themselves. They were surrounded, denied food, trade, water and isolated. They were deprived from their property and at times of their freedom. They left Makkah into Ethiopia just running away with their beliefs but were followed by the nonbelievers over there, to persuade the Ethiopian king not to accept Moslems in his country, and hand the Moslems back to nonbelievers. The prophet was the target of assassination himself a lot of times. The night before he left Makkah an assassination team was formed to go and murder the prophet. He left secretly without being noticed and was followed by that team but they missed him and his companion. Many more incidents happened. Terrorism actions were taken against Moslems. When the prophet conquered Makkah the nonbelievers came to him and asked him what was it he wanted them to do. The prophet said, "God forgives you, go you are free" and before entering Makkah the prophet ordered his armies not to shed a drop of blood. Islam is a peaceful religion and forgiving. Before starting anything the Moslems say (with the name of God the merciful the gracious). Therefore, mercy is the Islam's sign. The prophet said, "The Moslem is the one whom people are safe from his hand and tongue" even-though people are protected from bad words in the Islamic society. In other words, you live in peace in that society. Also the prophet said, "Greet people and feed the hungry and spread peace..". Peace is the Islam's way. God all mighty, the merciful who's mercy enshrines all beings and since he has given each man human dignity and honor; and breathed into him of his own spirit men are substantially the same, and no tangible an actual distinction can be made among them. On account of their accidental differences such as nationality, color or race. Islam mercies and treat non-Moslem equally in the Islamic state. It even treats it's enemies with mercy during peace and war. Human rights are sacred in Islamic teaching. God said in Quran, "Clearly a believer, be you, securer of justice, witness of God. Let not detestation for people move you not to be equitable; be equitable that is nearest God fearing" .17 Human blood is sacred, in any case, and cannot be spilled without justification. Human life is very valuable it was created and not be killed. If anyone violates this sanctity of human life by killing a soul, without justification, the Quran equals it to the killing of the entire mankind. "Who slays a soul not to retaliate for a soul slain nor for corruption" done in land should be as if he had slain mankind altogether.18 Before sending out an army prophet Mohammad (peace on him) used to give them this order or a part of his commanders guidance were as follows: "Oppress no women, children, old people, the sick or the wounded, cut no trees." Women's honor and chastity are to be respected under all circumstances. As mentioned before the hungry people are to be fed, the naked clothed and the wounded or diseased treated medically irrespective of whether they belong to Islamic community or are from among it's enemies. When we speak of human right in Islam we are not talking about human rights that were legislated, by the human rights bureau, that could be amended as they wish, nor by dictators or terrorists. They have been granted to the mankind by the all mighty God. Which are meant to keep mankind dignity all over the world. All the time they are not for show and exhibition. They are not philosophical terms and concepts which have not sanction behind them. Islam laid down the human rights foundation well before the United Nations resolution or Geneva Convention's. They are a part and a parcel of the Islamic faith. Every Moslem or administrators who claim themselves to be Moslem will have to accept, recognize and enforce them. Quran says: "Those who do not judge by what God has sent down are the disbelievers. "19 As stated before the human rights apply for Moslem and non-Moslems. Prophet Mohammad said, "One who kills a man under covenant will not even smell the fragrance of paradise". Not only that Islam grant everyone a total freedom as long as it doesn't deny others their freedom. Freedom of religion, the right to be what you want to be Quran says: "Let their be no compulsion in religion, truth stands out clear from error, whoever rejects evil and believes in God has the strongest bond that never breaks and God knows and hears all things. "20 Quran also says: "The truth from your Lord, let him who will believe and let him who will disbelieve. "21 But, God didn't stop there he also punishes those who commit crimes harshly, the Rules of God, to enforce peace, law and order on earth. Islam left no margin for the "law of the jungle" to take place. To put human kind in the right prospective and to be up to the level and standard of humanity Islam prohibits and forbids Moslems to insult other human beings. Quran commands, "O'believers, let not any people scoff another people who may be better than they, neither let women scoff at women who may be better than themselves" .22 Then one can imagine what would be the penalty for murder of innocent people, hijacking and abduction. Prophet Mohammad said, the life of Moslem may be taken in three cases. One of them is killing another human being. The Quran says, "A life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound".23 It is also stated the same way in the Old Testament. So, that what you would get in the case of a murder is to be killed. Then those who attack innocent people Quran says, "and who attack you attack him in the same manner he attacked"24 and said, "The recompensation for an evil deed is a similar evil".25 Islam never put up with crime and criminal and always punishes them; so, a very healthy society will exist. When real Islamic law was enforced everyone used to be safe and secure, even Khalifa's never had guards. A Parisian came to see the Khalifa "Omar" as a messenger from his king. After asking about him he was led to him. The Khalifa, Omar, was sleeping under a tree by the street side with his shoes under his head. The Parisian asked where are the guards? and then said, "fairly you ruled safely you slept". That is Islam, not everybody or one who hides behind the veil of Islam is Moslem. Islam is clear straight forward not Kadafi nor Khomeini or the other organizations represent Islam and Moslem. They represent their masters ideas and they are far apart as heaven and earth. But, Moslems are misjudged even in their history. One should be subjective in his writing. In Terrorist Ideology and Democracy, Noel O'Sullivan wrote: "However as we have seen, regicide was familiar phenomenon from earliest Islamic political history. .. "26 Often brothers fight over an idea. What do we call the Civil War between the states? "Which in one battle the total lives lost was three times the lives 16st in the entire war between Ali and Moawya" .27 That battle was Gettysburg. A lot of civil wars and wars between nations took place what do we call that? Conclusion As we have seen that there is a basic and a major difference between Islam, real Moslems, and between those who claimed to be Moslems. All that they are after is to destroy the beautiful image of Islam and due to the lack of knowledge "maybe" most of the time people misunderstand Islam, real Moslems condemn all evil deeds. Islam is brave and fights it's enemies face to face, not kids, women and unarmed people. King Hussien, in his letter to President Reagan dated June 1985 expressed his deep outrage over the TWA hijacking. In those words, "We are living the ordeal of the passengers and crews of Flight 847 of TWA, including the cowardly murder of American citizen, who flew it....These crimes are crimes against civilization and humanity....They are crimes perpetrated by those who have become the scum of the earth.... Is that enough condemnation, by a Moslem leader, I hope that I made clear some of the misconception of Islam and remember that Islam the religion of peace even in war time. Islam seeks peace, but if the enemy incline toward peace do thou also incline toward peace and trust in God. For he is the one that hearth and knoweth call things. "28 I finish with this, ".. .and soon will the unjust assailants know vicissitudes their affairs will take" .29 FOOTNOTES 1 Noel O'Sullivan, Terrorism Ideology and Democracy,p.123 2 Walter Laquaure, International Terrorism,p.26 3 Laquaure,p.27. 4 Laquaure,p.27. 5 Laquaure,p.23. 6 Laquaure,p.22. 7 Quran,5:30. 8 Quran,5:33. 9 Walter Laquaure, Autonomy of Terrorism and Terrorist,p. 10 Jennifer Shaw, Collective Views,p.8. 11 Shaw,p.12. 12 Shaw,p.12. 13 Shaw,p.270. 14 Albert Parry, Terrorism from Robes to Arafat,p.67. 15 Parry,p.67. 16 Quran,3:159. 17 Quran,5:8. 18 Quran,5:32. 19 Quran,5:44. 20 Quran,2:256. 21 Quran,18:29 22 Quran,XLIX:11. 23 Quran,V:45. 24 Quran,II:194 25 Quran,XL:11-40. 26 Noel O'Sullivan,Terrorism Ideology and Democracy,p.123. 27 O'Sullivan, Terrorism Ideology and Democracy,p.123. 28 Quran,VIII:61. 29 Quran, XXVI:227
