Terrorism Is Prohobited In Islam

The attack near the famous tourist spot in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed twenty-six sightseers, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and extremism. Beyond this profound loss of life, it ignited panic among residents and deterred potential visitors. No motive - real or imagined - can ever justify targeting innocent civilians.


The terrorist attack is not just a crime - it is a moral catastrophe that mocks the very essence of humanity. Twenty-six innocent lives, unarmed and unsuspecting, were extinguished in an act so barbaric that it is difficult to find words to articulate the horror.


To invoke religion as a justification for such violence is to desecrate the sanctity of faith itself. This was not an expression of belief - it was a betrayal of it. Perpetrators, cloaked in cowardice, have wounded the conscience of an entire nation.


Terrorism is the taking up of arms by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It is, without doubt, a forbidden act. Whichever way you look at it, it is undoubtedly prohibited in Islam and deemed a crime from any humane perspective. To try and justify this form of terrorism is only to compound rebellion upon the original offence. It is a crime that simultaneously encompasses multiple grave violations - loss of precious lives, economic destruction, social upheaval, heightened societal tension, trampling of human rights, and so on.


According to Islam, the ideal state is one of security and stability, even if provided by a non-Muslim ruler. As the Prophet told his companions while they were having a hard time in Mecca: "You can emigrate to the land of Abyssinia, there is a king there under whose rule people are safe," (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah, vol 1, p 321).


This demonstrates that Islam rejects anything that destroys social peace, terrorises populace, or takes innocent lives - regardless of whether the perpetrator is a Muslim - and holds that establishing a peaceful society is praiseworthy, even if its guardian is a non-Muslim sovereign.


Terrorism is unequivocally condemned in Islam. We must promote peace, understanding, tolerance, and solidarity as effective ways to counter extremism and violence. Education, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement play a crucial role in dismantling terrorist ideologies and building resilient societies. Pahalgam attack is a tragic reminder of why we must reject every form of terrorism and work together toward a future in which violence is eradicated. The principles of peace and security in Islamic teachings provide a strong foundation for achieving this goal.


Terrorism breaches Huquq al-'Ibad, rights of human beings. In such a case, terrorists are obliged to surrender; otherwise, no matter how devoutly they may observe prayers and fasting, they will be considered unforgivable criminals in the sight of God.


Terrorism brings nothing but loss, not only in this world, but also in the hereafter. The victims were innocent civilians. They are gone now, and there's no way to make amends. If we fail to draw a clear line today, we risk becoming complicit in our downfall. Justice must be done without a moment's delay, no excuse, no postponement, and our message must be louder than their bullets: Never again.


Authored by: Farida Khanam
The writer is chairperson, Centre for Peace and Spirituality International