Daily Times

Terrorism is an enemy to all mankind. It attacks its targets without any discrimination of caste and creed. It is condemnable in all its forms. Anti humanity elements use it under the garb of religions or nationalities for their ulterior motives.

These days, terms like Islamist Terrorism and Muslim Terrorism often appear in the media or discussion sessions — particularly in non-Muslim circles. These terms have been coined to keep the Muslim countries under thumb and to suppress the real teachings of Islam, distracting the global population from the peaceful lifestyles of most Muslims. All followers of Islam are being painted as extremists and fundamentalists.

It has been seen many times that attacks take place on minorities and Muslims alike in Muslim majority states, and in fact in Pakistan the latter were targeted a lot more by terrorists than the former. In non-Muslim states however, Muslim places of worship have been a constant target of derision and violence by the majority, yet it is they themselves who are called extremists or fundamentalists. European countries seem more worried about the Hijab or Abaya than curbing instances of hate against Muslims.

The revealed books Torah, Zabur, Injeel and Holy Quran never propagated making society dangerous for human beings. Hazrat Isa (AS), Hazrat Musa (AS), Hazrat Dawood (AS) and other prophets of Islam propagated for peace for all mankind. The teachings of the prophets of Allah were completed in the holy Book of Quran. The 5:2 verse of the Holy Quran says, “And whoever saves one — it is as if he has saved mankind entirely.”

Pope Francis visited Albania in 2014 and according to one media report he said, “May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman, above all to the right to life and the right of everyone to religious freedom”

The Christian Catholic Pope Francis visited Albania in 2014. According to one media report he said, “May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman, above all to the right to life and the right of everyone to religious freedom,”.

He spoke of ensuring dignity and human rights for mankind and to allow everyone to live in accordance with their respective religions. Buddhism rejected hatred and greed and supported respect for mankind. Many other religious leaders and religions also talk about peace, tolerance and forgiveness, instead of undue strife and violence.

The brief overview given above clearly supports the fact that the revealed religions preaching for welfare of mankind do not advocate terrorism, extremism or fundamentalism. Those are their followers who either do not understand the real spirit of such religions or want to use them for advancing their own agenda.

Extremism in India is on the rise. The Muslims are being victimised and killed over the smallest infractions or false charges. This has obscured the face of the largest democracy in the world. The ruling party in India, Bhartia Janta Party is known as a party supported by extremists.

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979. The Muslims who fought against the invading country were called Mujahedeen. The US and other countries supported them, providing them with training and arms. The Soviet Union agreed to withdraw its forces in 1988. When the Mujahedeen installed their government in Afghanistan, they were called Taliban. Without discussing the factors and force behind 9/11 attacks, these Taliban were turned into terrorists and extremists when the September 2001 attacks took place in the US.

The legitimate struggle of the Kashmiris and the Palestinians is also being called terrorism. They have been denied from their right to self-determination. The Palestinians’ land was grabbed and an independent Jewish state came into existence. They have been deprived from their right of a separate and sovereign state and the US government keeps supporting Israel financially and militarily, at the cost of global public opinion.

Likewise, the Kashmiris have been denied their right of self determination despite the United Nations’ Resolutions. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to implement the UN resolution, but then backtracked on his promises, leaving the Kashmiris struggling for their legitimate rights. Now they are being painted as terrorists, just for their struggle for autonomy.

Unless the world does not differentiate between rightful struggle and acts of terror, all efforts for combating terrorism may go in vain. The world will have to unite in the greater interest of humanity, to create a peaceful global environment.

The writer is freelance columnist and has a doctorate in Political Science

Published in Daily Times, September 14^th 2018.