FIRASHA SHAIKH condemns the Paris attacks and invites Muslims to do so in the strongest terms, raises some pertinent questions and urges Muslims to spearhead the international struggle for restoration of peace, security and justice.
On Friday, November 13, 2015 a wave of deadly terror attacks swept through one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris, leaving 129 people killed and 352 injured, for which the “Islamic” State claimed responsibility. Even more horrifying, these so-called “jihadists” have promised that this is only the beginning of a full-blown war against the western world. The attacks have naturally sparked worldwide condemnation and outrage as well as amplified media attention.
In the wake of this tragedy it is of extreme and absolute importance for Muslims everywhere to have our stand, regarding this unfortunate incident, crystal clear.
First, we as Muslims should condemn the actions of the “Islamic” State in the strongest of terms. There is absolutely no justification whatsoever in Islam for gunning down of innocent people and causing largescale death of humans and damage to public properties. Allah Subhana wa ta’ala says, “Whoever kills an innocent life, it is as if he has killed all of humanity….” (Holy Quran 5:32) Moreover, in Islam, according to Shari’ah (Islamic Law) war on the enemy has to be declared beforehand, random shooting, killing civilians, and suicide-bombing is completely prohibited. Therefore, the ISIS’s actions are anything but in accordance with Sunnah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and the Shari’ah and they cannot claim to be fighting for the sake of Allah Subhana wa ta’ala.
Secondly, the media is insulting the name of Islam and all Muslims in general by using the terms “jihadist” and “Islamic” for these terrorists. It has forgotten that these “jihadists” have nothing to do with Islam, for terrorism has no religion.
Thirdly, the investigation into the incident has revealed some major loopholes. For instance, how could an attack of such sophistication and lethality escaped the notice of intelligence services of both France and abroad? How did such high-profile weapons, assault rifles and ammunition find their way inside France, whose security systems have already been upped in view of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference? Interestingly, the passport of one of the assailants who blew himself up was found near his body. How could a paper passport survive the fiery inferno that follows after a suicide bombing? And the list goes on…. We as conscious world citizens have every right to demand some answers to these questions.
Fourthly, and this is the most saddening of all, is the fact that since the attack took place in a western capital city, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of sympathy and gestures of solidarity the world over; be it the heartfelt statements issued by world leaders or the global lighting up of monuments in the colours of the French flag or the tremendous support on social media.
One cannot help but question, what was the world doing during the Summer of 2014 in Gaza Strip where such attacks had become the order of the day? Where was this sympathy and solidarity when Iraq was being bombed back to the Stone Age? Why did we not witness similar solidarity when 700,000 Syrian refugees risked their lives to travel to Europe? Why do we not see the same solidarity when hundreds of innocent people and children are killed every single day in Syria and Yemen? Why did the world remain silent when, on October 10 this year, 107 people were killed in Ankara in a peace rally? What was the world doing during the bloodbath on the streets of Cairo in 2011? Indeed France’s 13/11 is their 24/7……
What sort of double standard is this? Does this mean western imperialism is still alive? Or God forbid, the lives of Europeans are more sacred than those of other human beings? As Muslims it is our duty to spearhead the international struggle for restoration of peace, security and justice.
The Holy Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said:
“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then (let him change it) with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Muslim)
Can we allow our future generations to be controlled by and ultimately become barbarians living in dystopia? Do we want to go down in history as a passive people who watched heartlessly as perpetrators wreaked havoc OR as brave and noble heroes doing their duty of restoring peace, security and justice, trying their best? What answer will we give to our Creator on the Day of Judgment? It is time to sort out our priorities and the time is now!