The Islam of Peace, Love and Brotherhood

By: Saadia Malik

First Paris, then Brussels and now Pakistan; it seems that the ceaseless threat of terrorism no longer has any borders. This is a fear that resonates with everybody, all at once; nobody is safe anymore. The latest attack in Lahore shows us just that; innocent women, children and men, who were celebrating Easter at a theme park in Pakistan, were within seconds subject to one of the most horrific terror attacks the world has ever seen.  Our hearts grieve for the loss of these innocent souls. Sadly, for many people, this grief turns into anger, which is directed towards Muslims; towards Islam. This anger is soon after followed fear, which is evident in the growing trend of Islamophobia. We may not be able to do as much as we would like in the face of such attacks, but what we can do; we should. We must not give these terrorists the satisfaction of representing Islam; they represent only hate, intolerance and violence. Bernie Sanders, Democratic presidential candidate of the United States has said it best,  “It’s important we not succumb to bigotry. We are fighting a terrorist organization killing innocent people. We are not fighting a religion.” So let us do just that, as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have been victims of such terrorism, let us unite against the evil and not let it divide us. Let us attribute these atrocities to the evil people who orchestrated them, and not to the millions of innocent Muslims who are repulsed by Daesh and their relentless efforts to represent Islam; a religion which embodies only peace, love and brotherhood.

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My Religion is Islam; Their's is Mockery

By: Maria Ahmed

Have you heard of a religion that promotes violence, death, and bloodshed? ...Unfortunately, I have. The name of this so-called "religion" is mockery and it thrives on defaming Islam by using it as a tool to promote ruthless acts that any true Muslim would condemn. These impostors are better known as ISIS.

Islam means peace, yet the impostors continue to kill.

Islam promotes selflessness for humanity, yet they continue to torture.

Islam stands for harmony, yet they continue to discriminate.

Islam leaves death to the will of God, yet they continue to commit suicide bombings.

Islam is not synonymous with terrorism, yet the terrorists continue to call themselves Muslims.

These impostors have been attempting to forge Islam as a religion of mass violence for far too long. And in light of the recent terror attacks in Paris, let it be clear that this was not an 'Islamic attack'. 

The statements released by ISIS claiming responsibility for the Paris attacks are not only sickening; however, they boast a so-called “Islamic” ideology. Interestingly enough, the word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace’; thus, contradicting the actions of ISIS and the movement itself. The ideology they so proudly flaunt is purely radical; far from Islam or any other religion. It is the ill fortune of these armed men to have painted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (saw) with their own false perceptions. The God they claim to follow is not our beloved Allah. Our Lord has provided us with the following teaching in the Quran: "...And kill not the life which Allah has made sacred. (Chapter 6: Verse 152)." Furthermore, the Prophet they claim to follow is not the Prophet of Islam. Our Prophet was a man who never raised his voice, prayed for all of humankind, forgave even his worst enemies, and treated each and every human being with utmost love and respect. How can he be the same man to promote violence and bloodshed, let alone support it in any way? 

Quite unfairly, ISIS is described as a “terrorist group led by Muslims". Based on the details of Islam discussed above, it is obvious that a movement of this sort is strictly forbidden in Islam. Therefore, the impostors who took the lives of an astounding number of individuals in Paris are not Muslims. This attack was not religious, nor was it ‘Islamic’. It never is. Sadly, these attacks are committed by the impostors against humanity, peace, and harmony - characteristics that are not only rooted in Islam, but are common on a global scale. Their ruthless attacks continue to cost the lives of hundreds of innocent individuals. And now, we mourn their loss. 

My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones, have been injured, and have had the misfortune of witnessing this grotesque attack. I pray for those who must bear the burden of laying their child's grave, have become physically disabled, and are now mentally unstable. As a human being, a sister, a daughter, and a friend, I, too, grieve your loss. As a Muslim, I, too, stand with you against these impostors. 

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Terrorism has No Religion

By: Saadia Malik

Letter written in response to:  National Post - ‘It is our responsibility to be open to the world’: Ontario Premier stands by refugee commitment 

"The world has once again been shaken to its core as we witness the calculated and frightening terrorist attacks in many areas of Paris and Beirut.  ISIL wants to strike fear in our hearts, to render us hopeless and to create disorder and disunion among us. People all over the world are calling on politicians and leaders to reconsider allowing refugees to come overseas. If screening refugees will lessen our fear and will indeed ensure our safety, then screening should ensue, but why only for the Muslim Refugees? Why not the Christian Refugees or Refugees of other faiths? Syrian Muslims are no more responsible for ISIL than are Syrian Christians or any religious group. Let's be fair and ensure that our desire for safety and protection is not driven by intolerance and hate, but instead by informed decisions and the unprejudiced treatment of all refugees who quite frankly are trying to escape their daily version of the Paris attacks. Terrorism has no religion."

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