No. Islam does not allow terrorism under any circumstance, and it does not authorize harming innocent people.
This is consistent across the Qur’an, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the entire classical Islamic legal tradition.
Look at the following points:
1. The Qur’an clearly forbids harming innocent people
Islam considers the unjust killing of any innocent person—Muslim or non-Muslim—as one of the gravest sins.
“Whoever kills a soul … it is as if he has killed all of humanity.” (Qur’an 5:32)
This verse was revealed to stop violence, not to justify it.
2. “Terrorizing civilians” is categorically forbidden
Prophet Muhammad repeatedly prohibited:
- attacking non-combatants
- harming women, children, elders
- destroying crops, homes, or places of worship
- mutilation, cruelty, or treachery
These are all considered major sins in Islamic law.
3. The term “terrorism” contradicts Islamic principles
Classical Islamic ethics of war have strict rules:
- No targeting civilians.
- No harming people who are not fighting.
- No collective punishment.
- No torture, cruelty, or intimidation of the public.
Modern terrorism explicitly violates all of these.
4. Islam recognizes only legitimate self-defense
Muslims may defend themselves only if attacked and only within strict limits. Anything beyond that is haram (forbidden).
Self-defense ≠ terrorism.
5. Muslims around the world overwhelmingly reject terrorism
Global surveys from independent bodies consistently show that:
- Majorities in Muslim-majority countries oppose terrorist acts.
- Most terrorist victims worldwide are actually Muslims, not Westerners.
- Extremist groups represent political agendas, not Islam.
6. Extremism is a political problem, not a religious teaching
Groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, etc.:
- cherry-pick verses,
- ignore the Prophet’s teachings, and
- violate centuries of Islamic scholarship.
Their actions are condemned by the world’s leading Muslim scholars and institutions, including Al-Azhar, Nahdlatul Ulama, Islamic Fiqh Academy, OIC, and countless fatwa councils.
Islam does not authorize terrorism. Islam forbids the harming of innocents, prohibits cruelty, and teaches justice and mercy.
Any person or group committing terrorism is violating Islam, not following it.
