Page 174 - Islam Denounces Terrorism

172 Islam Denounces Terrorism

Do not be like those who split up and differed after the
clear signs came to them. They will have a terrible punish-
ment. (Qur'an, 3:105)
Instead of contributing to the unity of Muslims, those
who make statements of separation and hatred or give fatwas
declaring others to be in a state of disbelief incite Muslims to
violence and bloodshed. Those who wage a so-called jihad
against their fellow Muslims based on the pronouncements of

their sect leaders are in grave error, which they will not be
able to account for in the hereafter. God commands making
peace between Muslims as follows:
The believers are brothers, so make peace between your
brothers and have fear of God so that hopefully you will
gain mercy. (Qur'an, 49:10)

Misinterpretation of Qisas
(retaliation in kind)

The commandments in the Qur'an are intended to elimi-
nate the arbitrary punishments resulting from personal
vengeance and grudges, a common occurrence in Arab soci-

ety of the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The prin-
ciple of deterrence prevalent throughout the Qur'an is also
visible in the commandment of "qisas" and protects life by
preventing and eliminating crime:
"You who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in the
case of people killed: free man for free man, slave for slave,
female for female. But if someone is absolved by his broth-
er, blood-money should be claimed with correctness and