Boreal

Innovations in Terror

Haram or Halal?

Narrated Aisha:

Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."

Bukhari 49.861

The above hadith begs the question: "Why has Islam not rejected guns and bombs in advancing Allah's Cause as not being in harmony with the principles of the religion?"

Allah in His Koran recommends that the horse, the Dark Ages' equivalent of a tank, and armed men be used to terrify His enemies.

8:59 Let not the unbelievers think that they can escape [Us]. They will never be able to escape.

8:60 And make ready for them whatever you can of fighting men and horses, to terrify thereby the enemies of Allah and your enemy, as well as others besides them whom you do not know, but Allah knows well. Everything you spend in the Path of Allah will be repaid in full, and you will never be wronged.

The wisdom of Allah's revelations pertaining to the use of terror was not lost on the Prophet who acknowledged that it had made him victorious.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand."

Bukhari 52.220

Guns and bombs could be considered an evolution in the means of sowing terror, not an innovation, therefore in harmony with the tenants of a religion that sees terror as a means to an end.

Bernard Payeur