1. DEAR ABE:  I understand the fact that Islam is a religion of peace; but why are some radicals who commit terrorist acts using Islam to justify their actions?  –STEVEN, TENNESSEE

DEAR STEVEN: The answer is because they are either hypocrites, or they do not know the religion of Islam they claim to represent. Those radicals who claim to worship God, and say they are Muslims or are using Islam when committing terrorist acts, have fallen into idolatry.  They have taken their ego’s or their religious leader’s instructions above God’s instructions [1].  In the Quran, God clearly instructs us to not kill ourselves, that life is sacred, and that we shall not aggress [2].  A Muslim can strike in self-defense, but if an enemy refrains, then the Muslim has no excuse to fight them [3].  There is no allowance for terrorism in God’s instructions in the Quran. [4]

Relevant Quran Verses:  [1] 2:21, 25:30, 2:8-20; [2] 2:195, 4:29-30, 6:151, 17:33, 7:33;  [3] 4:90, 4:92-94;  [4] Top Ten, Q&A#5 .

2. DEAR ABE: Do you have to join an Al-Qaeda organization to be considered a faithful Muslim? –PARSON, TEXAS

DEAR PARSON: Al-Qaeda has utilized suicide attacks, and simultaneous bombings of different targets.  Some members say the killing of civilians is religiously sanctioned; and, members have been responsible for instigating sectarian violence among Muslims, as well as denouncing and declaring “heretics” out of any others who do not agree with them.  Now does that seem like a good way to impress on your community or family that you are faithful and obedient to God?  The answer is a resounding No… because Al-Qaeda has nothing to do with the Quran or Islam [1].  All of those traits mentioned above are non-Quranic and go against God’s teachings in the Quran.  Al-Qaeda is politically motivated, and does not promise to take one down a righteous path; the path that a faithful person wishes for. [2]

Relevant Quran Verses:  [1] 2:256, 5:32, 4:29; [2] Islam Unraveled.org; Terrorism articles.

3. DEAR ABE: I am a student staying in a hostel.  I had written “allahu” on a wall.  Now I have to vacate and I fear the next person coming to this room is non-Muslim and may not respect the writing.  Moreover, I am afraid to erase the writing because it may be a sin.  What should I do? – SHARIF, PAKISTAN

DEAR SHARIF: There is nothing wrong with erasing the written “allahu” from the wall, or erasing any other form of the word God or Allah for that matter.  The more important issue is to read and follow God’s words in the Quran in a language that you understand [1]. [2]

Relevant Quran Verse: [1] 6:115, 73:4, 41:44, 18:27;  [2] January 2012, Q&A#2 .

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