The Top Ten Myths about Islam

1. Islam Encourages Terrorism.

In the second decade of the 21st century this is probably the biggest myth about Islam. In a time when it seems that the world has gone mad with the killing of innocents it must be reiterated that the religion of Islam sets out very specific rules for war and places great value on the sanctity of life.

"...that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind..." (Quran 5:32)

The killing of innocents is completely forbidden. When Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, sent his companions into battle he said "Go out in the name of God and do not kill any old man, infant, child or woman. Spread goodness and do good, for God loves those who do good."[1] "Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship.[2] Once after a battle the Prophet saw the corpse of a woman on the ground and said, "She was not fighting. How then was she killed?"

These rules were further emphasised by the first Caliph of the Islamic Empire, Abu Bakr. He said, "I command you ten things. Do not kill women, children, or an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food. Do not burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be cowardly."[3] In addition to this Muslims are forbidden to carry out unjustifiable acts of aggression. It is never permissible to kill a person who is not hostile.

"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but don't transgress limits; for God loves not the transgressor..." (Quran 2:190)

Endnotes:

[1] Abu Dawood
[2] Imam Ahmad
[3] Tabari, Al (1993), The Conquest of Arabia, State University of New York Press, p. 16