Sunday, June 20, 2010

Terrorism has no place in Islamic life

By Dr. Zakir Naik
My work over the past 18 years,using the Glorious Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has focused mainly on the clarification of important issues, including such topics as; Women’s status and rights, terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians, the profound message of and the route to Peace in Islam, the universal brotherhood based on the oneness of God, among several other topics.
As a student of comparative religion my work has involved engaging in constructive discussion with people of other major faiths, promoting similarities and converging values for a common platform of peace using the commonalities that bind us all together based on the various religious scriptures including the Bible, Vedas, Torah and Glorious Qur’an. These discussions and debates have been hugely successful and have resulted in much progress towards a better understanding of Islam as well as enhanced harmony between people of different beliefs, dispelling fears, suspicions and misunderstandings.
I have spoken out on numerous occasions against all and any acts of terrorism and I have unequivocally condemned such acts of violence; acts including 9/11, 7/7 and 7/11 (serial Train bombing in Mumbai) which are completely and absolutely unjustifiable on any basis.
I believe recent press reports in UK media have given a warped and wholly unjustified impression of my work by portraying me as a “Preacher of Hate’ and “Terror Backer”. I categorically reject as falsehoods any such allegations. These are totally untrue and a misrepresentation of the truth. It appears these sensational headlines have been based on some of my quotes that have been given either without the relevant context or are completely wrong. It is clear from many of my talks, that in Islam, terrorism; the killing of innocent civilians is completely forbidden and as such I have unequivocally stated that no Muslim should be a terrorist.
It appears that some of the quotes have been taken from edited and manipulated excerpts uploaded onto the you-tube website including a talk that I delivered in 1996 in Singapore which was prior to the 9/11 atrocity. I am currently seeking advice from lawyers in the UK on the legal remedy and actions in the light of these reports.
My tour to the UK will be focused on delivering a message of Peace based on Islamic values and bridging the gap of understanding between the major faiths. My visit will include engaging in constructive and positive dialogue between members of different communities and to dispel the misconceptions of Islam. I will be delivering a message of Peace, unity, respect and tolerance for any differences that may prevail. I also understand the sensitivities and current difficult climate prevailing within the West and therefore my tour will also include a clear and concise message to young British Muslims that terrorism and violent extremism, including suicide bombings killing innocent civilians, is totally unacceptable and has no place in Islamic life, based on the Glorious Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
In the Glorious Qur’an it says;
In chapter 5, Verse 32; “That if any one killed a person (whether Muslim or no-Muslim), unless it be for murder or for spreading corruption in the land it would be as if he has killed the whole of humanity”
In chapter 3, verse 64; say: “O people of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you”
I hope to reach out to all youngsters and persons generally who promote confrontation and violence in the name of Islam; to engage in peaceful and constructive discussion with other communities, authorities and government to deal with any issues or grievances they may be fostering. I also hope to reassure the wider British People that my message to British Muslims is one of my integration and service to their country and fellow citizens, based on beautiful faith of Islam which was revealed as a guide to living in this world, for the whole of mankind.
As many of you will know I am due to come to the UK between the 18th to 28th June 2010 with my family and staff to conduct a Peace Conference Tour.
I pray to Allah (swt) that He guides us all to eternal and everlasting Peace and harmony on this earth. Aameen.
--
This is the statement issued by Dr. Zakir Naik after he was banned from UK.

[Photo by youtube.com]
Source : http://twocircles.net/2010jun20/terrorism_has_no_place_islamic_life.html

No comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails