What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.

In the Quran, God has said:

"God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes.God loves just dealers."  (Quran, 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad(saw) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015. 

And Muhammad(saw) would advise them: ...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408

And Muhammad(saw) also said: Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.

- Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686

Also, the Prophet Muhammad(saw) has forbidden punishment with fire.

- Narrated in Abu-Dawood, #2675.
Muhammad(saw) once listed murder as the second of the major sins,

- Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88. 

And Muhammad(saw) even warned that on the Day of Judgment, The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.(This means killing and injuring)

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533.

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them.  Once the Prophet Muhammad(saw) said: A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died.  On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365.
Muhammad(saw) also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action.  The Prophet  was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2466}

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible.  

The Prophet Muhammad  said: When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way.  One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.

- Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409.

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims.  Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.