Mr. M.S. Qais has, in his article “Demolition of Mosques” (Radiance 13-19 August) expressed his revulsion over the demolition of historic Jama Masjid al-Noori and slaying of innocent lives in Mosul of Iraq by the terrorists affiliated to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL). In fact, the demolition of Masjids and slaying of innocent lives are considered major sins in Islam.
Islam stands for peace and justice and opposes terrorism tooth and nail. Terrorism gives rise to mischief (fitna) resulting in the bloodshed and misery in society. But some organisations like ISIL and Boko Haram, created and financed by the enemies of Islam giving Islamic name to them, are now conducting subversive activities in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and other parts of the world barring Israel so as to harm and besmirch Islam and Muslims.
Such organisations can no longer be called Islamic organisations. By demolition of the Masjid in Mosul, ISIL has prevented Muslims from establishing prayer (salat and du’a) in that Masjid. The Qur’ān warns the activity of such persons: “And who is more unjust than he who forbids the approach to Masjids for prayer and strives for their ruin? For them there is nothing but disgrace and torment in both worlds.” (2:114) Moreover, the organisations have also persecuted and slain many innocent people belonging to other faiths. It is in opposition to the tenets of Islam.
Islam teaches co-existence with other people and esteems their faiths as stated in the Qur’an: “Revile not those unto whom they worship other than Allah lest they wrongly revile Allah out of ignorance.” (6:108). Even in the battlefield, a Muslim army is not permitted to harm non-Muslims who are not fighting against Muslims. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, advised his armies on the occasion of expedition to Syria: “Remember! You are always in the presence of Allah… You will find some monks, weak and disabled persons and children. Do not kill them nor destroy their monasteries.” Thus Islam has humanised war and battlefield.
MUHAMMAD ABDUS SAMAD
Gauripur, Assam