Faith, in its truest form, is a sanctuary—shelter for the soul, a source of peace and justice in a restless world. Islam, as taught through the Holy Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad^sa, is built upon these very foundations. It upholds the sanctity of life, enjoins compassion, and firmly rejects all forms of extremism and terrorism. Yet, amid all the chaos of our time, this true spirit is often clouded by misunderstandings and the actions of a misguided few.

Among these shadows of misunderstanding, perhaps none has cast a darker veil than the attempt to link Islam with terrorism. In truth, such claims could not be farther from the soul of a faith that breathes peace, commands justice, and honours the sacredness of each and every life. The actions of terrorists, suicide attackers and extremists stand not as a reflection of Islam, but as a rejection of its most core teachings. As the Holy Quran declares:

“Whosoever killed a person — unless it be for [killing] a person or for creating disorder in the land — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.”^[1]

The Prophet Muhammad^sa further reinforced this principle, teaching that “A Muslim is he from whose hand and tongue others are safe.”^[2]

With such clear guidance, it becomes evident that Islam does not merely discourage violence—it actively demands the protection of human dignity, the fostering of peace, and the nurturing of compassion among all factions of society.

The core teachings of every religion are grounded on peace, tolerance, mutual understanding and harmony. Every form of violence committed in the world today, in the name of religion, wherever that is and whichever cloak it wears is essentially political in nature. Religion is never the exploiter; it is itself exploited by internal or external political interests.

Unfortunately, the religion of Islam has also been corrupted by minority factions within the community. Instead of spreading peace, fanatics and extremists use religion as an excuse to spread violence for the sake of their vested political or personal interests.

The Holy Quran remains that beacon of light which drives all Muslims towards exhibiting love for all humanity instead of warfare and violence.

In fact, in the very first chapter of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states that He is the “Provider and Sustainer of all the worlds” and that He is the “Gracious, Ever-Merciful”.

Thus, when Allah the Almighty is the Provider and Sustainer of all people—which includes people of all faiths and even those who do not believe in Him—how could it be that He desires the believers to mercilessly murder or harm His Creation in any way? Of course, that is not possible. In fact, to believe in a Gracious and Merciful God and then to harm His innocent creation in the most brutal manner is absolutely an insane ideology.

Explaining the true spirit of Islam, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as states:

“According to the true spirit of Islamic teachings, there are only two parts of the religion of Islam. In other words, Islam’s teachings are based upon two paramount objectives. Firstly, to recognise the One God, Who is Omnipresent, and to love Him and out of sincere obedience to devote yourself to His Being, as per the demands of obedience and love. The second purpose is that for the sake of God’s people and out of compassion, all persons should engage their strengths and capabilities in the service and well-wishing of God’s people. And they must treat gratefully and beneficially all people—from kings and emperors down to the most ordinary person—who have done them any favour.”^[3]

At a time when fear of Islam is on the rise, returning to the true teachings of the Holy Quran can bring significant changes in the social scenario. The Holy Quran has repeatedly enjoined love, compassion and benevolence. In chapter 16, verse 91, of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:

“Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred.”

In this verse, Muslims are commanded to be just and fair towards everyone. And this kindness must never be limited to those who are kind towards us, but to all others who have not favoured us in any way or have never been sympathetic to us. Moreover, this verse requires Muslims to love the creation of God to the extent that they consider each person in the world as their own family member.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community states:

“Personally, I cannot comprehend how the extremists who have plagued Islam and violated its noble teachings can seek to justify their hateful acts in its name. Islam’s teachings of peace prohibit all forms of extremism, to the extent, that even in a state of legitimate war, Allah has commanded that any action or punishment should remain proportionate to the crimes committed and that it is better if patience and forgiveness are manifest. Thus, all those so-called Muslims who are engaged in violence, injustice and brutality are inviting God’s wrath and anger to their doorstep.”^[4]

Thus, terrorism and extremism have no place whatsoever in Islam, and the true teachings of Islam oppose all kinds of violent actions of terrorist groups. As such, the key to solving this is to go back to the Holy Quran and see for oneself the teachings grounded on love and peace.

Moreover, if the media takes a stand to promote the goodness happening in our world, we can undoubtedly defeat those who undermine our cherished values of peace, love and humanity. If the blaring echoes from the newsrooms prioritise peace over ratings, we will soon see how terrorists cannot cause division and hatred within society.

Instead, let the voices of those who are striving to spread the peaceful teachings of Islam be promoted widely, so that instead of fear, we may cultivate trust, love and brotherhood.