The
recent wave of bombings in key parts of the world
is once again attracting attention to Islam and
the world of Muslims. Accusations and
condemnations abound in the media and they are not
actually leading to any genuine form of mutual
understanding among Muslims or between Muslims and
others. They simply do not suffice.
The
origin of today’s terror acts is twofold. There
is a serious lack of adequate knowledge on the
part of Muslims concerning the detailed teachings
of Islam in dealing with non-Muslims and the
rulings that govern the use of force; this is
combined with a socio-political and cultural
reality that subjects the individual Muslim in
many parts of the world to multiple layers of
injustice and oppression.
Faced
with terrorism and counter-terrorism, we are
living a moral crisis; apathy is a crime, but
denial is worse.
To
find solutions, we must go beyond superficial
condemnation and part from a confrontational
accusation-vs.-defense approach. This page
provides a genuine platform for a pious and
problem-solving spirit of self-criticism to grow.
Readers
are invited to find out more about the roots of
violence and its contemporary association with
Islam. Through our Why section, we set out to
uncover the origins of terrorism, be it Muslim or
non-Muslim. Concepts
Explained, aims at
disengaging and clarifying the gray areas and
legal context of the problem. Readers will find
definitions of the basic concepts and terms that
are often associated with the issue. Alternatives,
offers suggestions for interactive, sincere, and
positive ways to deal with the problem. You can
also browse our Live Sessions
and can find a space to post Your
Say.
Our
aim is to inform and empower people, to allow a
genuine platform for qualified and courageous
scholars, experts, thinkers, activists, and imams
whose cooperation and efforts are needed now more
than ever before. We hope to create and strengthen
alternative ideas, tools, and visions that will
enable Muslims to change realities on the ground.