Pulwama Attack: Committing Suicide and Killing Innocents is Forbidden in Islam

Killing Oneself and Innocents is Forbidden in Islam

On the fateful day of 14^th February, 2019, a convoy of around 2,500 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel were attacked in Pulwama by militant, Adil Ahmad Dar belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit, killing 44 CRPF jawans. He rammed his explosive-filled vehicle into one of the buses carrying soldiers; making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Suicide attacks (fidayeen) have become rampant in every corner of the world and threaten the everyday life of people. Suicide attacks or “martyrdom operations” are frightening as their perpetrators act as robots or zombies who seem to be devoid of any free will whatsoever and are thus not quite human. Suicide bombings are ordered because of political reasons shielding behind the façade of religion.

The Al-Qaeda’s catchphrase: “You love life; we love death,” has gone on to radicalize many naive youngsters. By misusing Islam as an ideological basis for fanaticism and distorting interpretations of Quranic verses; youth are radicalized to kill innocents in the name of religion.

The Aftermath of Pulwama Attack

Two weeks after the Pulwama attack on 26 February at 3:30 am; Indian Air Force fighter jets struck the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camps in Balakot across the Line of Control (LoC). The strikes were carried out by a dozen Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

Though war like actions and escalation are both unfortunate and terrible in their consequences, so, Pakistan which claims to fight its own war on terror must realize that NO philosophy can justify it terrorizing its neighbour.

Pulwama attack was an act of terror, and wanton attacks like these merit punitive reprisals in our faith. The verse (22:39) in the Holy Quran has given the authority to fight back in self-defence.

“To those against whom war is made, permission has been given [to fight], because they are wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.” ~ Surah Al-Haj 22:39

Holy Quran has given the authority to fight back in self-defence.

However, self-defense should not lead you to injustices against innocent people and should only be against the terrorists.

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” ~ Quran 2:190

Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance that has been hijacked by fanatics. Terrorists who kills innocents in the name of religion can never be called as true Muslims. Rather they are disbelievers. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated: “O Mankind! Beware of extremism in religion. It surely has destroyed those before you.” ~ Ibn Majah

Suicide is un-Islamic

What needs to be hammered into the brains of young minds is that suicide bombings are un-Islamic on two grounds. First, suicide is strictly forbidden in Islam and secondly, killing innocents is against the tenets of Islam.

There are sanctions against suicide in the Holy Quran. Sura 2, verse 195 reads: “And do not throw yourselves in destruction with your own hands.”

There are countless interpretations of Quranic verses, most often distorted, which defy the true spirit of the Allah's (SWT) words. In fact, Allah (SWT) reveals in the Holy Quran that whoever kill themselves will be punished in the same manner on the Day of Judgment.

Sura 4, verses 29 and 30 are even more explicit:

“And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” ~ Surah An-Nisa 4:29

“And whoever does that in aggression and injustice - then We will drive him into a Fire. And that, for Allah, is [always] easy.” ~ Surah An-Nisa 4:30

Suicide is un-Islamic!

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever kills himself with something in this world will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.” ~ Narrated by Sahih al-Bukhaari 5700, Sahih Muslim, 110.

Don’t Kill Life which Allah (SWT) has made Sacred

The Holy Quran makes it crystal clear that human life is sacred. Suicide with an intention to kill innocent people is strictly forbidden. The taking of life is allowed only by way of justice but even then forgiveness is better prescribed.

“Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause.” ~ Surah Al-Isra 17:33

Scholars and leaders everywhere, irrespective of religion should declare that the mighty Allah (SWT) did not create man, in his image, to sully that image through violence, mayhem and the sacrifice of innocents.

Let’s pray for peace and the end of violence in our broken world!