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.