The International Community of Submitters (ICS) / Masjid Tucson offer our condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attacks in Sri Lanka.
Terrorists, apparently under the influence of an ISIL/ISIS affiliate, set off bombs in churches and hotels across Sri Lanka killing and injuring hundreds of people. The Quran prohibits all acts of aggression and proclaims absolute freedom of religion (2:256, 18:29). Targeting people because of their religion is a terrible act violating many Quranic principles (2:256; 4:90; 10:99; 18:29; 88:21-22). Those who kill in the name of God and Islam cannot be Muslims. If they were Muslims, they would be respectful and tolerant of everyone's spiritual pursuits.
No Compulsion in Religion
[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.
The Quran prohibits any form of aggression irrespective of the religion of the victims (5:32, 2:85, 5:87, 2:190, 2:217). God teaches us that life is sacred (6:151, 17:33, 25:68, etc.).
[5:87] O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by GOD, and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.
Grossness of Murder
[Quran 5:32] ... anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing.
Preaching hatred and terror targeted against innocent people is wicked. Anyone who acts in this manner cannot be following any religion devoted to God. God never advocates sin (Quran 7:28), and God's religion would never condone killing of innocents (Quran 6:151). By disobeying God and killing innocent people, the terrorists have distorted the religion of Islam into a Satanic cult (42:21). They have lost sight of God and His religion that teaches us to value life (6:151, 17:33), seek peace (Quran 2:126, 10:25, 4:114), justice (Quran 7:29, 16:90), and the freedom of religion (Quran 2:256).
[Quran 7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, "We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?"
[Quran 3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners.
Killing (except in the course of justice) is a gross offence. By killing, these extremists have upheld Satan’s wishes and violated God’s major commandments in the Quran. They have proven to Muslims and to the whole world that their religion has nothing to do with the Islam preached by Muhammad.
The Major Commandments
[Quran 6:151] Say, "Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty―we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. You shall not kill―GOD has made life sacred―except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand."
It is our hope that people become aware of the true peaceful teachings of God's religion. That they read the Quran for themselves and can knowledgeably counter the false teachings of so-called "imams" who preach hatred and violence. We pray that God guides the people to peace and mutual respect.
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