The world in the last two decades has witnessed a rapid rise in the spate of terrorism and violent attacks. These attacks which most times, occur unannounced condemn a lot of lives and properties. From the devastating 9/11 attack at the World Trade Centre to the more recent Paris massacre, the spread and intensity of these terrorist attacks are continuously on the rise.
Intriguing however is the fact that over seventy percent of these attacks can be traced to a particular religion. In the last decade, Al-Qaeda an Islamic sect, became the most popular and dangerous terrorist group in the world. Similarly, the turn of this decade saw the birth and rise of ISIS and Boko Haram as global terrorists groups; both of which are acclaimed Islamic sects.
Overtime, many people have been drawn into different levels of arguments as to whether or not Islam supports violence (directly or indirectly). But with a closer look at the activities that go on in populations dominated by Muslims (Islamic faithfuls), you may be forced to agree with those that think Islam perhaps is synonymous with violence. Although Muslims often argue differently, reality is always there for all to see.
How can you convince a little boy that his neighbour is peaceful when virtually all the fights that happen in his neighbourhood are caused by that same neighbour? As a matter of fact, over seventy percent of the communal, national and international clashes recorded globally are centred around Muslim dominated areas yet our Muslims friends to want us to believe their religion preaches peace? Not so easy buddies. Action speaks louder than words they say. If individuals can cite verses in the Qur'an to justify their violent and inhumane conducts, then I really think something is wrong somewhere.
The Qur'an which is the Holy book of Islam has some doctrines that could be interpreted as violence-instigators. A glaring example is the Holy war (also referred to as Jihad): a doctrine that allows Muslims to fight and get rid of unbelievers in her cities. The Qur'an also comes out hard on people who do not share the Islamic faith; referring to such ones as infidels (kafir). What this ordinarily implies is that anyone who doesn't believe the Islamic doctrines is a misfit in the society and thus, should be gotten rid of. Islam seems to be a domineering religion; her members feel they know the right and do not mind imposing it on others. These tacit traits may have set the tone for what many now refer to as the black religion of the world.
In as much as I do not think Islam is a black religion as some others would think, I'm just being curious here. The world today is being heavily plagued with terrorist attacks whose origin have been traced to Islamic sects.....and if you tell me Islam is peaceful, why then should people want to kill in her name? Never a time has any group arisen, fighting in the name of Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism or the likes. It is not mere coincidence that people continually come out to commit atrocities under the cover of Islam.
Islamic scholars and clerics must begin to seek ways to put an end to this ugly trend. If you say Islam isn't violent, Why not prove it? It's about time these clerics call her violent members to order and if possible, re-align those violent-like doctrines in the Qur'an. Religion ought to be a vehicle for moral restructuring and not a crime-manufacturing factory. Islamic leaders around the globe must rise up to this all-important responsibility or risk compelling the world into treating Islam and Muslims as potential threats to human life.
©2015 CHIDUBEM N.J
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