I remember myself reading on my own about many religions. I have many islamic friends so I speak with them and with the help of internet too and i was surprised by its deep respect towards life. Because Quran says, "Whoever kills a person [unjustly]. it is as if he had killed all mankind. And who saves a life, it is as if he had saved all mankind. How powerful a reminder that human life is holy. How can someone possibly use these words to sanction killing innocent citizens? The Quran is clear, it does not authorize killing.
It bothered me so much when I witness people abusing verses of self-defense and war out of context. Yes, the Quran does mention war, but never aggressive, ever defensive, and to defend one's people. Not a question of fear or aggression. Allah reminds us: "Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors." The lesson could not be clearer, fight back if need be, but never cross the line. Never overstep.
But it pains me most to see how others manipulated these teachings to their selfish ends. They hijacked the Islamic message and remolded it so that it appears to legitimize their terrorism. They take advantage of people's ignorance and exploit their faith to pursue their political interests. These people forget the peaceful verses. In the Quran, reconciliation is invoked: "But if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing." Islam invokes peace, forgiveness, and peaceful living with all of mankind.
I consider the recent terror attacks that have been perpetrated, attacks that have caused so much suffering and misery, such as the Pulwama terror attack of 2019. I recall the shock, the outrage, and the sorrow that erupted when 40 CRPF troops were martyred in a car bomb blast. Lives had been lost, families had been broken, and the whole nation was in mourning. The attack was a senseless act of brutality carried out by men who profess to fight for a cause. For what cause is it worth the murder of innocent civilians? How did the lives of young soldiers who were fighting only for their country come to such a vicious end?
And now, only recently, the Pahalgam attack, in which innocent lives were lost once again, sends shivers down my spine. These are not only tragedies for the families who lose their loved ones but also an insult to the real message of Islam. What angers me even more is how these acts of violence seem to be characteristically linked to Islam itself. The reality is, Islam does not teach violence, but peace. These are acts of mangled ideologies, not Quranic teachings.
And when I reflect on this, I ask myself: how did we get here? How did the name of a religion of peace become synonymous with violence? Is it because of political instability and injustice in certain regions of the Muslim world, where there is poverty, no opportunity, and oppressive regimes that provide the environment in which youth can be manipulated. Extremism flourishes there. But these issues aren't due to religion they're due to oppression, inequality, and governance failure.
I always thought that actual religion, be it any tradition, needs peace, justice, and compassion. Sikhism educates us to serve humanity, to struggle for justice, and never hurt anybody. And the Quran, properly read to my knowledge, is also teaching the same. It shows us the value of justice and compassion and reminds us to act with compassion and integrity. "Indeed, Allah will teach you to deal with the trusts by judgment." How can any of these principles be distorted into support for terrorism?
I am upset when I hear the term "Islamic terrorism" used so carelessly. It simplifies a rich reality into a lethal stereotype. Terrorism is religion specific to no single religion. I have witnessed brutality in every form, performed by people from every religion, every culture. Yet we can't allow acts by the extreme minority to characterize a whole religion. We cannot allow extremists to steal a religion that, on its most simple form, speaks of peace, love, and harmony.
Islam is not the religion of bombs and bloodshed. Islam is the religion of peace, a religion that has faith in justice and reconciliation. The real Islam, the Islam that I have faith in,is not violent. It is a matter of respect for the dignity of every human being, safeguarding the weak, and promoting peace in the world.
I feel profound sadness upon hearing the term terrorism not only for its victims, but also for the misguided ones. It is sad to hear that so many were misled to think that violence resolves everything, that they are doing God's work by committing acts of terror. But I do know this: these actions are not in line with the real teachings of Islam, no more than acts of violence are in line with the religion.
So I remain convinced in my conviction that peace and understanding must prevail. I remain outspoken against terror, against terrorizing religion, and against abuse and injustice, which fuel the extremist. And I think that with education, discussion, and common commitment to truth and justice we can fight the darkness that has overwhelmed our attitudes towards each other. We are all God's children, and we must live like brothers and sisters, in harmony.
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