How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?

<div class="nr1p"> <span style="font-size: medium;">In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.  In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves.  Mothers are particularly honored.  When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.</span></div> <div class="nr1p"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it.  It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">God has said:</span></div> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents.  If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them.  And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.” <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 17:23-24)</span>

How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?

In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their li...

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The Family in Islam

<b><span style="font-size: medium;">The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating.  Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium.  It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the framework of a well-organized family system.  The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members.  A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.</span></b>

The Family in Islam

The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating.  Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, c...

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What Is the Status of Women in Islam?

<div class="nr1p"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right,<img align="right" border="0" height="171" hspace="3" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-13-img1.jpg" vspace="3" width="229" /> with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her father, husband, or anyone else).  She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases.  A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband’s.</span></div> <div class="nr1p"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well, as the Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>The best among you are those who are best to their wives.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-13.htm#footnote1" name="bf1">1</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Mothers in Islam are highly honored.  Islam recommends treating them in the best way.  <b>A man came to the Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> and said, “O Messenger of God!  Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?”  The Prophet <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: </b> {<b>Your mother.</b>}<b>  The man said, “Then who?”  The Prophet <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: </b> {<b>Then your mother.</b>}<b>  The man further asked, “Then who?”  The Prophet <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: </b> {<b>Then your mother.</b>}<b>  The man asked again, “Then who?”  The Prophet <img border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: </b> {<b>Then your father.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-13.htm#footnote2" name="bf2">2</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="ftt"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Footnotes:</b></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote1">(1)</a> Narrated in <i>Ibn Majah</i>, #1978, and <i>Al-Tirmizi</i>, #3895. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-13.htm#bf1"><img alt="Back from footnote (1)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote2">(2)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #2548, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #5971. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-13.htm#bf2"><img alt="Back from footnote (2)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span>

What Is the Status of Women in Islam?

Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and ea...

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Human Rights and Justice in Islam

<div class="nr1p"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam provides many human rights for the individual.  The following are some of these human rights that Islam protects.</span></div> <div class="nr1p"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is Muslim or not.  Islam also protects honor.  So, in Islam, insulting others or making fun of them is not allowed.  The Prophet Muhammad <img border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote1" name="bf1">1</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the Quran speaks of human equality in the following terms:</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="qr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another.  Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious.</b>^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote2" name="bf2">2</a>}<b>  Truly, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 49:13)</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being favored because of their wealth, power, or race.  God created human beings as equals who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety.  The Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>O people!  Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one.  An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person,</b>^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote3" name="bf3">3</a>}<b> except in piety.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote4" name="bf4">4</a>} </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">One of the major problems facing mankind today is racism.<img align="right" border="0" height="254" hspace="3" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12-img1.jpg" vspace="3" width="255" />  The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from hating and fighting his fellow man.  Ever since the days of the Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" />, Islam has provided a vivid example of how racism can be ended.  The annual pilgrimage (<i>Hajj</i>) to Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage.</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam is a religion of justice.  God has said:</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="qr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> Truly God commands you to give back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice.... <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 4:58)</span></div> <div class="qr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">And He has said:</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="qr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> ...And act justly.  Truly, God loves those who are just. <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 49:9)</span></div> <div class="qr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">We should even be just with those who we hate, as God has said:</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="qr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> ...And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.  Be just: that is nearer to piety.... <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 5:8)</span></div> <div class="qr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">The Prophet Muhammad <img border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>People, beware of injustice,</b>^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote5" name="bf5">5</a>} <b> for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote6" name="bf6">6</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div> <span style="font-size: medium;">And those who have not gotten their rights (i.e. what they have a just claim to) in this life will receive them on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)...</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#footnote7" name="bf7">7</a>}</span><br /> <br /> <div class="ftt"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Footnotes:</b></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote1">(1)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #1739, and <i>Mosnad Ahmad</i>, #2037. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf1"><img alt="Back from footnote (1)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote2">(2)</a> A pious person is a believer who abstains from all kinds of sins, performs all good deeds that God commands us to do, and fears and loves God. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf2"><img alt="Back from footnote (2)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote3">(3)</a> The colors mentioned in this Prophetic saying are examples.  The meaning is that in Islam no one is better than another because of his color, whether it is white, black, red, or any other color. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf3"><img alt="Back from footnote (3)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote4">(4)</a> Narrated in <i>Mosnad Ahmad</i>, #22978. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf4"><img alt="Back from footnote (4)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote5">(5)</a> i.e. oppressing others, acting unjustly, or doing wrong to others. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf5"><img alt="Back from footnote (5)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote6">(6)</a> Narrated in <i>Mosnad Ahmad</i>, #5798, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #2447. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf6"><img alt="Back from footnote (6)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote7">(7)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #2582, and <i>Mosnad Ahmad</i>, #7163. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-12.htm#bf7"><img alt="Back from footnote (7)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>

Human Rights and Justice in Islam

Islam provides many human rights for the individual.  The following are some of these human rights that Islam protects. The life and pr...

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What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

<div class="nr1p"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.  In the Quran, God has said:</span></div> <div class="nr1p"> <br /></div> <div class="qr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ys.jpg" width="12" /> God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes.  God loves just dealers. <img align="texttop" border="0" height="22" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/aqwas-ym.jpg" width="12" /></b> (Quran, 60:8)</span></div> <div class="qr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">The Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote1" name="bf1">1</a>} and he would advise them: {<b>...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote2" name="bf2">2</a>}  </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">And he also said: {<b>Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote3" name="bf3">3</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Also, the Prophet Muhammad <img border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> has forbidden punishment with fire.^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote4" name="bf4">4</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">He once listed murder as the second of the major sins,^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote5" name="bf5">5</a>} and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {<b>The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.</b>^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote6" name="bf6">6</a>}}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote7" name="bf7">7</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them.  Once the Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died.  On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote8" name="bf8">8</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action.  The Prophet <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?”  He said: {<b>There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote9" name="bf9">9</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible.  The Prophet Muhammad <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> said: {<b>When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way.  One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.</b>}^{<a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#footnote10" name="bf10">10</a>}</span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <span style="font-size: medium;">In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims.  Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam. </span></div> <div class="nr1"> <br /></div> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>_____________________________</b></span><br /> <div class="ftt"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Footnotes:</b></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote1">(1)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #1744, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #3015. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf1"><img alt="Back from footnote (1)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote2">(2)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #1731, and <i>Al-Tirmizi</i>, #1408. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf2"><img alt="Back from footnote (2)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote3">(3)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #3166, and <i>Ibn Majah</i>, #2686. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf3"><img alt="Back from footnote (3)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote4">(4)</a> Narrated in <i>Abu-Dawood</i>, #2675. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf4"><img alt="Back from footnote (4)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote5">(5)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #6871, and <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #88. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf5"><img alt="Back from footnote (5)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote6">(6)</a> This means killing and injuring. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf6"><img alt="Back from footnote (6)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote7">(7)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #1678, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #6533. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf7"><img alt="Back from footnote (7)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote8">(8)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #2422, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #2365. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf8"><img alt="Back from footnote (8)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <div class="ft1" style="margin-right: 4 px;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote9">(9)</a> This saying of Muhammad</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <img align="texttop" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/salla.jpg" width="21" /> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> has been mentioned in more detail on <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-4.htm#kindness">this page</a>.  Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #2244, and <i>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</i>, #2466. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf9"><img alt="Back from footnote (9)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnote10">(10)</a> Narrated in <i>Saheeh Muslim</i>, #1955, and <i>Al-Tirmizi</i>, #1409. <a href="https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm#bf10"><img alt="Back from footnote (10)" border="0" height="17" src="https://www.islam-guide.com/back.jpg" width="13" /></a></span><div class="nr1"> <br /></div>

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.  In the Quran, God has said:  God does not forbid you from showing kindness and ...

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