Killing Is Not the Way of Islam

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/19/your-letter-killing-not-way-any-religion.html

Killing is not the Way of Islam

As the masked terrorists sauntered towards the already wounded police officer at the sidewalk, I stopped breathing. In cold-blood, the gunmen executed him at point blank range. The graphic images were extremely shocking. I had to stop my dinner as my stomach churned. The disturbing nature of the video was sickening. So was the act of killing in the episode. Those criminals cannot be true believers of any faith.

The deadly attack on the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has left 12 people dead, and five more in critical condition. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of Charlie Hebdo’s content, much of which I personally found grossly offensive, it is not right to justify the killing spree. It’s a bloody cowardly act to shoot unarmed defenseless innocents. It’s a barbaric crime and its perpetrators should be held accountable for it.

What I find it grossly nauseating is upon the bloody carnage, these gunmen shouted “God is Great”, saying that they have avenged the Prophet. What an idiotic and deranged idea! It is not the Prophet who was avenged. On the contrary, it is Islam with all its values and principles that have been hijacked and defiled. I found myself boiling with absolute rage to see them kill in the name of the Prophet. Such crimes against humanity are never justified by either Islam or any other religions. Under no circumstances does Islam allow vigilante justice to open door leading to chaos, confusion and bloodshed.

It is true that Muslims all around the world are deeply offended and hurt by the published anti-Prophet cartoons under disguise of freedom of expression. We are saddened by the growing of Islamophobia and anti Islam in the West which plunge the society at large into opposite polarization. But it is not a valid excuse to go on a killing rampage. We are already aware that insults and defamation have been directed to the Prophet during his life and likely to continue after his death. They will never stop.

In this regards, The Prophet has set up noble example in dealing with such crisis. He was constantly verbally abused and physically harassed during his stay in Makkah. Yet, never ONCE did the Prophet raise his hands or throw words of hatred to his tormentors. He was the first to stop any of his companions who want to avenge such deeds. Instead, he repaid the wrongdoings with compassion, mercy and forgiveness. Hatred begets hatred and violence likewise.

So, it is exceedingly appalling to learn that these culprits kill others in the name of the Prophet or Islam. What a total madness to believe that they love The Prophet more than his companions and defend Islam more than the Prophet and his companions. Such despicable acts were not parts of Islam whatsoever.

In fact, their terrible crimes have encouraged the new racism in Europe, namely Islamophobia as its quick response. With alarming results, we have seen the rise of anti-Islam across Europe. Muslims are singled out for the assault. The defamation of The Prophet reprinted in millions copies and spread worldwide through social media. And the vicious circle repeated.

Therefore, it is tremendously stupid to ever think that murder and terror can stop people from offending our faith. It only aggravates the assault and put the livelihood of all Muslims around the world on the brink of chaos.

Instead of spreading horror and terror, the appropriate response to any provocation is through thought, art, opinion and deeds that reflect true believers. It is more productive to work towards common goals to promote peace, greater tolerance and love among men regardless of creed or color.

Again, on the bloody attack of the Charlie Hebdo, Muslim communities all over the world share the pains and sadness with the victims’ families and friends. Our hearts bleed for their loss and pains.

And we hope that politicians and media will not use this incident to make wrong generalizations against Muslims.