Does Islam Promote Violence?

Does Islam Promote Violence?

For most Americans, Islam was a religion that lived on the periphery of their lives, a culture they caught glimpses of in movies and television shows. Then came the tragic events of 9/11, and suddenly the Western world was desperately grasping to understand a religion they knew precious little about. With all the questions swirling around the true nature of Islam, none has been asked more than this: Does Islam promote violence?

Next question in Islam

  • “No”
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MPAC

Jihad Means Striving, Not Holy War

Muslim Public Affairs Council

Often times, Western media validate much of the extremist rhetoric from the Middle East with Islamic terminology.  Holy war actually originated with European crusaders in the 11th century, while jihad was explained in the Quran in 7th Century Arabia as meaning striving or struggling.  Do Muslim extremists invoke Islam in their violent outbursts?  Absolutely.  We should not honor this dishonorable demand.  Then we can effectively speak directly to the mainstream Muslims who hold moderate views and speak out against terrorism as a vehicle for change.

Evidence

IcotextText
Jihad vs. Terrorism
By Maher Hathout and Samer Hathout. Dawn Books, 2002.
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