Pahalgam is not just a headline. It is a scar — a reminder of what happens when ignorance and extremism take the wheel and it’s time for scholars, leaders and everyday Muslims to reclaim the narrative, to echo the true message of Islam: peace, compassion, justice
The bloodshed in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has once again left a dark stain not only on the serenity of the region but on the conscience of humanity. The air, once filled with the calm of natural beauty and the joy of wandering tourists, was shattered by bullets and blood. What started with a gunman demanding to know a man’s religion ended in a massacre. Shots rang out, bodies dropped — innocent lives, mostly tourists, were cut short in a frenzy of hatred masked as faith.
This was not an act of religion. This was not Islam.
The men who carried out this cowardly attack claim to defend their faith. In reality, they betrayed it. The Qur’an speaks of justice, of mercy, of the sacred value of life: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” These words, divine and clear, stand in stark contrast to the bloodlust of those who twist scripture for political vengeance and extremist fantasy.
Terrorism is not Jihad
Terrorism is not jihad. Let’s be unequivocal: Jihad, in its truest and deepest meaning, is a struggle for righteousness, for justice, for self-betterment — not the slaughter of unarmed civilians. These terrorists hijack Islam to justify their violence, but all they accomplish is the desecration of its image and the furthering of Islamophobia worldwide. They do not uplift Islam — they bury it under the bodies of the innocent.
Pahalgam is not just a headline. It is a scar — a reminder of what happens when ignorance and extremism take the wheel. It is a call to all people, especially within the Muslim community, to speak louder than ever against those who tarnish their faith. This is a time for scholars, leaders and everyday Muslims to reclaim the narrative, to echo the true message of Islam: peace, compassion, justice.
The Qur’an speaks of justice, of mercy, of the sacred value of life: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” These words, divine and clear, stand in stark contrast to the bloodlust of those who twist scripture for political vengeance and extremist fantasy
The world mourns with Kashmir. The families of the slain mourn with the world. And we must all demand more —not just security, but sanity. Not just justice, but truth. If we stay silent, the terrorists win — not only by taking lives but by distorting the truth. Let us not let that happen. Not in Pahalgam. Not anywhere.
Terrorism has no Religion
According to reports, the perpetrators singled out civilians, asked their names, and opened fire — an act that chillingly mirrors other hate-fueled killings under the false guise of religious piety. This tragedy not only tears apart the social fabric of a peaceful region but also stands in absolute contradiction to the core teachings of Islam.
Islam, far from being a religion of compulsion or coercion, is built upon the foundation of free will, mercy and justice. The Quranic message is clear: “There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256).
The idea that someone can kill in the name of Islam for not adhering to its tenets is both theologically incorrect and morally reprehensible.
An instructive incident from the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life addresses the sinfulness of judging another’s faith or using violence against someone on the assumption of disbelief.
During one of the battles, a Companion of the Prophet killed a man who, at the last moment, uttered the Shahada — the Islamic testimony of faith: La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah). The Companion believed the man only said it out of fear of death and not from genuine belief. When the Prophet (PBUH) heard this, he was visibly angered and asked:
“Did you tear open his heart to see whether he had faith or not?” (Sahih Muslim)
This powerful question was a rebuke. The Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly condemned the act and emphasised that no one has the right to judge the intentions behind a person’s faith, especially in moments of vulnerability. His words echo today as a direct condemnation of those who claim to judge others’ beliefs and take lives in the process.
Islam’s teachings are explicitly clear about the role of the Prophet and his followers when it comes to spreading the faith. The Qur’an says:
“The Messenger’s duty is only to convey [the message], and Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:99).
Another verse states: “So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.” (Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:21–22).
These verses establish a foundational principle: Islam is a religion of da’wah (invitation), not domination. The Prophet himself never forced belief upon anyone. He preached with wisdom, patience, and compassion. The Quran does not endorse violence as a method of propagation. The role of a Muslim is to invite with beautiful preaching — not to coerce or judge.
One of the most repeated values in the Qur’an is the sanctity of life: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land — it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32)
This verse equates the unjust killing of one person to killing all of humanity. The Quran does not differentiate between the life of a Muslim and a non-Muslim in its ethical view of justice. Every human soul is sacred.
Modern Terrorism
The terrorists who carried out the attack in Pahalgam and others like them claim to act in the name of Islam, but their actions are a betrayal of its very foundation. Their ideology is rooted not in the Quran or the Prophet’s Sunnah, but in political fanaticism and ignorance.
Their act of asking names and killing based on identity is reminiscent of the practices of extremist cults, not followers of the final Messenger of Allah, Rahmatan lil ’Aalameen (a mercy to all the worlds).
As fellow humans, Muslims stand in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and denounce this barbarism without qualification. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not command judgment or violence — he taught mercy, patience, and leaving judgment to God alone.
Those who misuse his name and the name of Islam have torn hearts, but have failed to understand his message. Let the world hear it loud and clear: Islam condemns all forms of terrorism, and faith cannot be spread with the barrel of a gun.
"This is a perfect example of what informative content should look like—well-researched and useful."
ReplyDeletevisiting card printing price in lahore