THE catastrophic events of 9/11 marked a watershed moment in global history, not merely due to the scale of destruction and loss of life but also due to the profound geopolitical and cultural ripples that followed. The subsequent military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, intended to root out terrorism and promote democratic values, sparked contentious debates and complex repercussions that continue to shape global politics and perceptions.

Against this backdrop of conflict and turmoil, the image of Islam and its teachings has been deeply scrutinised. The acts of terrorism committed by a minority have led to widespread misconceptions about Islam, casting shadows of suspicion and fear over its followers.

The apparent disconnect between the actions of extremists and the peaceful teachings of Islam has fuelled misunderstandings, leaving many to question the essence of the faith. This dissonance has exacerbated tensions and contributed to a global narrative that wrongly associates Islam with violence and terrorism.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s “Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings” represents a groundbreaking and historic intervention in the fight against extremism. Unveiled in a prominent London ceremony on March 2, 2010, this comprehensive 600-page fatwa is meticulously grounded in Qur’anic verses, Prophetic hadiths, sayings of the Companions, and classical Islamic scholarship.

Muhammad’s unequivocal declaration condemns terrorism and suicide bombings as un-Islamic, challenging the misinterpretation of Islamic teachings that fuels such violence. His fatwa has been widely disseminated and translated into multiple languages, gaining international acclaim and verification from esteemed institutions like the Islamic Research Academy of Azhar University, Egypt.

As a crucial tool in combating violent extremism, Muhammad’s work has been launched in numerous countries, including recent ceremonies in Kuala Lumpur, further cementing its role in the global discourse on Islamic ethics and terrorism.

This fatwa gained worldwide media attention and acclaim as an indispensable tool in the intellectual and ideological struggle against violent extremism.

This historic work has been published in English, Arabic, Norwegian, French, Malay, Indonesian, Hindi, Sindhi, and Persian, with translations in Danish, Spanish, Malayalam, Bengali, Turkish, and other major languages also in progress. This fatwa addresses the troubling trend of extremists using religion as a guise for their malevolent actions, effectively countering their false narrative. Muhammad’s authoritative stance provides a much-needed corrective to the misguided interpretations that have sought to exploit religious doctrine for violent ends.

The book delves into the heart of Islamic teachings on peace, non-violence, and justice, emphasising that Islam fundamentally advocates for the protection and security of all humanity. It underscores that indiscriminate violence, terrorism, and rebellion against both Muslims and non-Muslims are strictly prohibited. This approach aligns with the Quranic mandate to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, emphasising the necessity of non-violent measures to address social and political issues.

Muhammad’s fatwa also addresses the historical context of extremism, drawing parallels between contemporary terrorism and early extremist groups like the Kharijites. By contextualising these issues within a historical framework, the fatwa offers valuable insights into the evolution of extremist ideologies and the persistent need for rigorous scholarly opposition to them.

Moreover, the fatwa is a testament to Muhammad’s commitment to promoting a vision of Islam that is grounded in peace, harmony, integration, respect, and tolerance. His work reflects the broader principles of Islamic justice, advocating for peaceful reform and constructive engagement rather than violence. This aligns with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the broader ethical framework of Islam, which emphasises justice, mercy, and the value of human dignity.

As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of terrorism and conflict, the book serves as a crucial resource for both Muslims and non-Muslims. It provides a clear and authoritative voice that challenges extremist interpretations and reaffirms the peaceful essence of Islam. By addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting a message of non-violence and justice, Muhammad’s book offers hope for bridging divides and fostering a more nuanced understanding of Islamic teachings.

In conclusion, “Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings” is an essential contribution to the discourse on Islam and violence. It stands as a powerful reminder that the teachings of Islam advocate for peace and justice, rejecting terrorism and the exploitation of religious doctrine for violent purposes without any ifs and buts. Muhammad’s work not only provides clarity and scholarly rigour but also offers a path forward for addressing the misconceptions and challenges that have arisen in the wake of global conflicts.

As we navigate the complexities of our world, this fatwa is a vital tool for fostering understanding and promoting the core values of peace and human dignity that lie at the heart of Islam. It is also worth mentioning that Muhammad has prepared an Islamic curriculum on peace and counter-terrorism that consists of more than 50 books in English, Urdu, and Arabic. – August 17, 2024.

* Kamarul Zaman Yusoff reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.