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Islamic Law has consistently condemned terrorism.
In
the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Fiqh
Council of
North America
(FCNA) July 25, 2005
The Fiqh, Jurisprudence, Council of North America (FCNA) wishes
to address the issue of terrorism and how it is viewed in the
Islamic legal and ethical system:
Islamic law has consistently condemned terrorism and
extremism in all forms and under all circumstances, and we
reiterate this unequivocal position. Islam strictly condemns
religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent
lives.
There is no justification in Islamic Law and ethics for
extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians’ lives and
property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack
is haram - prohibited in Islam - and those who commit these acts
are violators of the teachings of Islam and Shari’ah
law, and therefore, are not seen as “martyrs”.
The
Qur’an, Islam’s Holy Scripture, 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) Recent killings are not
justified and not condoned either by FCNA or Islam. Attacks on
civilians are not condoned by Islamic law and are seen as Haram.
Prophet
Muhammad said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts: "Do
not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others
treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do
wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to
doing good when people do good and neither to wrong others nor
to do wrong to those who do you evil." (Hadith Al-Tirmidhi).
According
to Islamic ethics, God mandates moderation in matters of faith,
practice and ethics. The Qur’an states: “We
made you to be a community of moderation, so that (with the
example of your lives) you might bear witness to the truth
before all mankind.” (Qur’an, 2:143). The Prophet
Muhammad said: “Always
follow a middle (or moderate, regular) course, whereby you will
reach your goal." (Hadith Sahih Al-Bukhari).
The
Qur’an invites its readers to come to a mutual understanding
of dialogue to end conflicts (Qur’an 3:64). It also instructs
its followers that peace is the best course of action in
conflicts (Qur’an 8:61-62).
In
another Qur’anic verse, the Almighty God directs Muslims to
stand out firmly against evil: “Let
there arise from among you a band of people who invite to
righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil.” (Qur’an,
3:104).
Islam
teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God's creation.
The Prophet Muhammad, who is described in the Qur’an as “a
mercy to the worlds” said: “All
creation is the family of God, and the person most beloved by
God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family."
The Islamic legal
teachings do not allow Muslims, even in self defense, to terrify
seniors, children, women or 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.
We
urge all people including Muslims to resolve all conflicts in a
just and peaceful manner. We pray for the defeat of Hirabah,
the Islamic legal term for terrorism. We pray for the safety and
security of our country, the
United States of America
, and its people. We pray for the safety and security of all
inhabitants of this globe. We pray that inter-religious harmony
and cooperation prevail both in the United States and everywhere
in the world. We also pray that all nations work together to
bring about justice to all nations and individuals around the
world.
The
Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) reaffirms Islam's
condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism by issuing
this fatwa, or formal religious ruling.
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Dear sisters and brothers of the Muslim community,
'As-Salamu 'Aalaikum.
According to the moon sighting process for North America, the first day of Muharram was January 10th. This means that the 10th day of Muharram, or the day of 'Aashoura, is January 19th, 2008.
Let me just ask The Almighty God to bless all of us during those days of 'Aashoura.
It would be recommended to fast Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday, if you are able to. Please see the detailed description of what this occasion is about:
What is 'Aashoura?
'Aashoura was preserved through time by the Arabian Jews as Yom Kippur (10 Tishrei) as a day of expiation from sin. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Jews still observed a modified lunar calendar consisting of 10 months with leap months every few years. The 10th of Muharram and the 10th of Tishrei overlapped, and Muslims were enjoined to continue the practice.
Ibn Abbas reported: "The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of 'Aashoura. He asked them: "Why are you fasting this day?" They said: "This is a great day. God saved Musa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Musa fasted on it. "The Prophet said: "We have as much of a right to Moses as you do. So, it is our duty to also celebrate him" In other words, we Muslims have to celebrate the freedom of Moses and the Israelites. So Muhammad, Upon him be peace, fasted on that day also and ordered the Muslims to fast on that day." [al-Bukhari].
Why fast 'Aashoura +1 day?
Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas said: "When the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, fasted on 'Aashoura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of God, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' So, Prophet Muhammad out of happiness said, 'If I live to see the next year, with God's will, we will fast on the ninth day too.' But it so happened that the prophet passed away before the next year came." (Reported by Imam Muslim).
Imam Al-Shafi and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: "It is preferred to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth."
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, said: "For fasting the day of 'Aashoura', I hope that the Almighty will accept our repentance and will forgive us for the sins of the most recent year." (Reported by Imam Muslim, 1976).
Imagine how much love prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace had and imagine how much inclusive he was. He was indeed a mercy unto mankind. Our Muslim love of our Jewish sisters and brothers stems from the actions and the words of our prophet Muhammad. Hence we the Muslim ummah must use this opportunity to reach out to our Jewish neighbors to join hands with them in the pursuit of justice, freedom and peace for all God's people.
I hope that the Almighty one delivers the Israelis and the Palestinians from the slavery of the 60 years conflict and to liberate us all from hate and wars.
May God guide us with His light and Hikmah, wisdom.
Imam Yahya Hendi
January 17, 2008
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