The following article was published by The Records on Jan 18, 2022
In the midst of terrorism, where is the rationality of our humanity? There is no justification for terrorism in Islam, let alone any divine faith. The actions of the British citizen Malik Faisal Akram of taking hostages at a synagogue, a place where the name of God is often commemorated, is reprehensible to say the least.
As an Ahmadi Muslim — Muslims who believe in the Messiah — I am taught and live by the principle that Islam teaches the protection of all places of worship. In the Holy Quran (chapter 22 verse 41) when Muslims were first permitted to raise arms in self-defence, it categorically states that it is for the protection of cloisters, churches, synagogues and mosques. Anyone acting contrary to this beautiful teaching is not only misguided but also does not achieve the claimed purpose of the evil act.
I pray for the innocent hostages for the trauma they have experienced. Such a terrorist attack serves no purpose but to destroy the peace of society and devastation in the wider community. The law enforcement also need to be congratulated for rescuing all the hostages. In the beautiful words of the Quran, it states that whoever saves one life, it shall be as if he had saved all of mankind.
Nomaan Mubashir, Cambridge
