A top Muslim scholar and cleric, Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, issued a 600 page fatwa yesterday against Muslim terrorist – calling them “Unbelievers.” This label is significant because in The Holy Quran only those who do not believe in God are deemed Unbelievers. In other words, Dr. Qadri is calling members of Al Qaeda and other terrorists Muslim groups non-Muslim.

The Quran defines “Believers” as Jews, Christians, Muslims, and all people who believe in one God – the Source of all life. Moreover, the Quranexplicitly forbids the killing of another Believer. In fact, the Quran even sets forth penalties if a Believer is killed accidentally. Specifically, Muhammad recited that it is wrong to kill a Believer who belongs to another sect with whom the Muslims may be at war. And the ultimate sin, according the Quran, is if a Muslim intentionally kills another Believer.

Never should a Believer kill a Believer: but if it happens by mistake, compensation is due … compensation should be paid to his family. …If a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever: and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.

The Holy Quran, Sura IV, Verses 92-93

Many of us understand the frustration and anger Muslim people feel, particularly at the hands of unjust neighbors, such as the Israelis, and arrogant interlopers, such as the United States. However, two wrongs do not beget a right, and Muslim men need to come to this obvious conclusion before it is too late. As more fully detailed in the first book of the Oracle trilogy – The Truth: About the Five Primary Religions – oppression by others does not give Muslim extremists permission to declare war on the world. By doing so, they harm their women and children and they jeopardize what they claim to love the most – their relationship with God.

Say: We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in the Books given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets from the Lord. We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to God do we bow our will in Islam.

The Holy Quran, Sura III, Verse 84

 The Arab people were sent a glorious Prophet who preached compassion and unity and who showed them how to handle complex moral dilemmas. They also were blessed with an astounding holy book that prescribes tolerance first and war last, especially during dark times. Indeed, Muslim men should know better. And may we all know better in the New Millennium and begin to practice the Religion of Love.

 News coverage on Dr. Qadri’s fatwa:

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2634649

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/top-muslim-cleric-to-issue-antiterrorism-fatwa/110955-2.html