No need to fear Islam

While some people claim Islam is a religion of extremists and promotes suicidal attacks or terrorism, nothing could be further from the truth.

Islam has prohibited all forms of suicide and there is no justification for suicide and terrorism attacks.

Such heinous acts lead to murder and barbaric slaughter of innocent women, children and members of the public.

Such acts are contrary to Islamic teachings. Islam permits warfare as a defence where war is forced on Muslims (Q 22:40).

There is no need to fear Islam. It is not a religion of extremism. There is no need for Islamophobia because Islam teaches peace, mutual respect and tolerance.

Islam upholds human values and protects the honour, dignity and freedom of all.

There are some extremists and socalled Islamic groups that perpetrate the worst forms of brutality in the name of Islam. The Qur’an makes it clear that such acts are not permitted or justified (Q 22:40).

Faith is a matter of the heart and there should never be any form of compulsion in religion. Allah says that if anyone wants to leave Islam let him go (Q 5:55). Islam says that justice is the foundation on which peace is built.

Publicity is the oxygen sustaining terrorist and extremist groups. The media influence public opinion and should use their power as a force of good and peace.

Terrorism was never justified by Allah and Prophet Muhammad nor Jesus. Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation, especially for political purposes, which Islam has forbidden.

AHAMAD KHAYYAM Curepe