A sampling of fatwas and other statements by Muslim
individuals and groups condemning terrorist attacks:

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Why are there no condemnations from Muslim sources against terrorists?

A common complaint among non-Muslims is that Muslim religious authorities do not condemn terrorist attacks. The complaints often surface in letters to the editors of newspapers, on phone-in radio shows, in Internet mailing lists, forums, etc.

Actually, there are lots of fatwas and other statements issued which condemn attacks on innocent civilians. Unfortunately, they are largely ignored by newspapers, television news, radio news and other media outlets.

Overview:

The problem is not that condemnations do not exist; it is that they are not well publicized in the media. Allie Shah wrote in the Star Tribune in Minnneapolis, MN:

"The fact is that many prominent American Muslim groups have clearly and publicly denounced acts of terror in the name of Islam as barbaric, heinous and just plain wrong. Though they religiously send out press releases and e-mail statements after every attack, somehow their message doesn't seem to penetrate." ₁

Two of the largest Muslim groups in the U.S. -- the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) regularly issue statements. However, they rarely appear in local newspapers, on TV or radio.

Allie Shaw continues:

"Last fall, CAIR launched a national petition drive as part of a campaign by Muslims called 'Not in the Name of Islam.' To date, nearly 700,000 Muslims have signed the petition condemning terrorism committed in the name of Islam, and many newspapers have covered the petition drive. As part of the same campaign, CAIR also created and paid for public service announcements set to air on television stations nationwide....."

"If all that wasn't enough, last Thursday the Fiqh Council of North America issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism. Endorsed by more than 100 U.S. Muslim authorities, the fatwa boldly and unequivocally forbids terrorism and admonishes those who commit terrorist attacks....."

"The lengthy fatwa continues with references to the Qur'an that support the ruling. It may not be enough to dissuade a minority of extremists hellbent on destruction, but it is the right thing to do."

"In the meantime, we will continue to react with the same shock and dismay and, yes, anger, at the misguided people who continue to show no regard for human life. And we'll continue to speak out against terrorism in the hopes that someone is listening." ₁

Beliefs about terrorism in Islam:

Opinion is divided among Muslim commentators and theologians concerning "tattarrus" -- the principle that deals with the killing of non-combatants. This doctrine had been generally repudiated within Islam. The term is experiencing a new prominence as a result of terrorist attacks in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. ₂ More info.

In response to major loss of life in terrorist attacks in Iraq; London, England; and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt during 2005-JUL, Muslim leaders in the U.S., England and the rest of the world have issued fatwas and numerous other statements condemning random acts of terrorism. A sampling is shown below.

Applicable texts from the Qur'an and Sunnah:

Perhaps the most commonly cited passage from the Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, in opposition to killing states: "Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." (Qur’an, 5:32)

Other applicable passages of the Qur'an and Sunnah were cited by the Fiqh Council of North America in their fatwa against terrorism issued on 2005-JUL-28:

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) on 2005-MAY-22:

The Society issued the following statement condemning terrorism:

Not In the Name of Islam

"We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

"As it states in the Quran: 'Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do'." (Quran 4:135) ₃

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) on 2005-JUL-14:

Sayyid M. Syeed, Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) issued the following statement:

ISNA joins American Muslims around the country in expressing their shock, sadness, and outrage in response to recent findings that British nationals were responsible for the horrific terror attacks in London last week. These attacks not only violated Islamic principles that forbid the taking of any innocent life, but betrayed Islamic teachings that members of a community have a duty and obligation to protect, safeguard and uphold the laws of that community.

ISNA condemns this breach of trust and senseless act of violence, and stands with its fellow American citizens united against any such tendencies in the Muslim community in this country and in the world, and committed to the protection, security, and well being of the citizens of this nation that is our home. To those who seek to divide us through fear or hatred, we will not allow the voices of hate to defeat the voices of unity and goodwill. We send our continued prayers and condolences for the family members and all those affected by these deplorable acts. ₄

Muslim Students Association-National on 2005-JUL-23:

Muslim Students Association-National issued a statement on 2005-JUL-23, on behalf of young Muslim leaders across the U.S. It said:

"This afternoon, the world witnessed a second terrorist attack on London. In light of these hostile events, we Muslim American students and youth stand united in condemning all acts of terror and the burgeoning war on ideas. We refuse to remain silent while others claiming to represent Islam preach an ideology of hatred. Islam does not tolerate the use of terrorism for any purpose, regardless of who the aggressors are and what their justifications might be. This sensitive time calls for solidarity not only for the people of London but for the international community, regardless of race or faith, to oppose the evil of terrorism.

"As part of this campaign, the Muslim Students Association-National, a coalition of Muslim student organizations in universities across America and Canada and a constituent of the ISNA, has pledged to be steadfast in combating this ideology of hatred. MSA-National President Mohamed Sheibani said, 'Muslim students across the country condemn today's attacks in London and all terrorism irrespective of its motivation or perpetrator. We believe that these attacks are cowardly and barbaric and we call upon all people of conscience to stand with us in speaking out against these crimes against humanity.'

"The voice of American Muslim youth is essential at this tenuous time, and we will rise to the occasion of making our values heard. It is our duty to work for the cause of our future, and we will do so with a noble vision. We seek to cultivate a culture of pluralism, tolerance and coexistence for the advancement of all people.

"This ongoing campaign is currently endorsed by Muslim student organizations and communities in over 30 individual universities across the nation...." ₅

Figh Council of North America on 2005-JUL-28:

The Fiqh Council of North America issued a fatwa on 2005-JUL-28. It states, in part:

 "Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.

Targeting civilians' life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram – or forbidden - and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not 'martyrs'. In the light of the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:

1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam.
2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur'an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him."

This fatwa was sponsored by Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the Islamic Society of North America. It was endorsed by 145 U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institution as of 2005-JUL-28. _6,7

CAIR initiates PSAs:

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) released TV public service announcements (PSAs) for TV titled "Not in the Name of Islam."  Like the online petition drive with the same name, the PSAs attempt to dissociate the faith of Islam from the violent acts of a few radical, extremist Muslim terrorists. The PSAs are available online in four languages:

Florida's Muslim community on 2005-JUL-29:

Almost a dozen Muslim leaders from South Florida joined Altaf Ali, Florida's executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), at a news conference to declare that there is no justification for violence and that their religion promotes peace.

The group plans to release a public service announcement titled "Not in the Name of Islam." It is designed to "disassociate the faith of Islam from the violent acts of a few Muslims." CAIR plans to put up billboards that read: "Islam Condemns Terrorism." ₈

References used:

1. Allie Shah, "Those who accuse Muslims of silence aren't listening very well,"
   Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN, 2005-JUL-31, at: http://www.startribune.com/
2. Amr Taheri, "To kill or not to kill," New York Post, 2005-JUN-10. Online at: http://www.benadorassociates.com/
3. "ISNA denounces terrorism in the name of Islam," Islamic Society of North America, 2005-MAY-22, at: http://www.isna.net/
4. "ISNA Condemns Role of Nationals in Terrorist Bombings in London," Islamic Society of North America, 2005-JUL-14, at: http://www.isna.net/
5. "Muslim Youth Across America Unite Against Ideology of Hatred," Islamic Society of North America, 2005-JUL-23, at: http://www.isna.net/
6. "U.S. Muslim religious council issues fatwa against terrorism," Islamic Society of North America, 2005-JUL, at: http://www.isna.net/
7. "Fiqh Council of North America Issues a FATWA AGAINST TERROR," Islamic Society of North America, 2005-JUL-28, at: http://www.isna.net/
8. Susan R. Miller, "Muslim PR campaign rejects terror, extremism," Palm Beach Post, 2005-JUL-30, at: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
9. "U.S. Muslims and Terrorism," Religion & Ethics Newsletter, 2005-JUL-29, at: http://www.pbs.org/
10. Charles Kurzman, "Islamic Statements Against Terrorism," University of North Carolina, at: http://www.unc.edu/

Copyright © 2005 & 2006 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally posted: 2005-JUL-30
Latest update: 2006-FEB-04
Author: B.A. Robinson