Terrorism and extremism are alien to Islam. We do agree with you that these phenomena are un-Islamic, and all religions and systems suffer from them. Muslims precede others in calling for tolerance, dialogue, peace, justice, and moderation. The Qur’an calls Muslims “moderate people,” so moderation is the right course that mainstream Muslims follow.

Elaborating on Islam’s stance of terrorism and extremism, the Fiqh Council of North America issued the following fatwa:

The Fiqh Council of North America wishes to reaffirm Islam’s absolute condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism.

Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is haram (forbidden) and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not “martyrs.”

The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: (Whoever kills a person [unjustly] … it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind) (Al-Ma’idah 5:32).

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts: “Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil”  (At-Tirmidhi).

God mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects of life when He states in the Qur’an: (We made you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind ) (Al-Baqarah 2:143).

In another verse, God explains our duties as human beings when He Almighty says: (Let there arise from among you a band of people who invite to righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil ) (Aal `Imran 3:104).

Islam teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God’s creation. Prophet Muhammad, who is described in the Qur’an as “a mercy to the worlds” said, “All creation is the family of God, and the person most beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family.”

In the light of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:

1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are haram (forbidden) in Islam.

2. It is haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.

3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Qur’an, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in just and peaceful manners.