Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism

By Muhammad Qadri

Western perceptions of Islam and global terrorism is an analysis of the pathology of extremist behavior that has taken the modern world awry. Although, the word "terrorism" dates back to a couple of centuries, its modern manifestations are most disturbing in that it is paradoxically associated with the pristine tradition of Islam whose etymology as well as goal is none other than the establishment of comprehensive peace - with oneself, with one's Creator, and with the rest of His creation. Islam, the book argues, is the solution to extremism, not the cause of it.

Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism is a clarion call to Muslims to take the high moral Islamic ground of bearing hardship with patience. It is also counsel to those of other faiths to not judge the tradition of Islam by the acts of a misguided few who commit heinous crimes under the banner of religion.

The book offers a solution to the modern-day crisis in the return to Tasawwuf-based Islam. Tasawwuf or Sufism is the spiritual and essential dimension of Islam that is rooted in the love of the Divine through the love of his Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and devotion to the Noble Saints (Awliya Kiram) and scholars of the Islamic tradition who in turn produced their labors of love, devoted entirely to the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). This unbroken chain in both the spiritual as well as intellectual dimensions, otherwise known as Tasawwuf, is the comprehensive approach that has maintained cohesion in the global Islamic community (Ummah) for the past 14 centuries. Its abandonment is a ludicrous proposition and one that has proven to be detrimental. Tasawwuf is the path that leads to both inner as well as world peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098325206

Book preview

Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism

© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording in language or otherwise, without the prior written permission of author.

First Published in 2004

Second Edition: July 2020

Published by: BookBaby

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ISBN: 978-1-09-832520-6

Western Perceptions

of Islam

and

Global Terrorism

Muhammad Ahmed Qadri

Ph. D.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface for Edition 1

Preface for Edition 2

Chapter 1: The Islamic Viewpoint

Chapter 2: Extremism

Chapter 3: 9/11, Terrorism and America’s War on Terror

Chapter 4: Separating Islam From Those Who Claim to Practice it

Chapter 5: Politics of Fear and the Rise of a New Global Civil Rights Movement

Chapter 6: The Antidote: Return to Traditional Tasawwuf-Based Islam

Chapter 7: Peace and Tolerance in Islam

Conclusion

Appendix One: Blameworthy and Praiseworthy Traits of the Self

Blameworthy Attributes

Praiseworthy Traits

About the Author

References

Dedicated to humanity,

where every soul matters

Foreword

It is a great pleasure for me to write a note of appreciation for the Post-Doctoral obligation of Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Qadri entitled Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism. I have no hesitation to observe the most welcome addition to contemporary Islamic Literature. Dr. Qadri’s latest academic endeavor is a continuation of his earlier work on The Role of Religio-Political Elite in Pakistan. In the present volume he has taken full advantage of spending several years in the USA and making his close observation of American culture and Western perceptions of Islam. We must study the phenomenal upsurge of anti Islamic perceptions in the Western World and particularly in the USA after 9/11. The great tragedy of 9/11 must be seen in the light of Western perceptions of Islam prevailing in the Western World. One may mention here that Samuel Huntington, a famous Social Scientist of Harvard, has developed his thesis that resurgence of Islamic fundamentalism and the resultant global terrorism is in fact symptomatic of a clash of civilizations.

Dr. Qadri has analyzed in detail the world-wide resurgence of Islamic fundamentalism and has sharply focused on currently prevalent extremism and intolerance which is the consequence of Neo-Colonial impact of Western powers generally and the USA particularly, in the Muslim world.

Dr. Qadri has also attempted in a simple but effective manner to remove misunderstandings and misgivings of the Western world. He has given a prescription for generating a sense of co-operation between the Islamic World and the West rather than stimulating Sam’s popular dictum clash of civilizations. It is my mature judgment that during the current 21st century, Islam would emerge as a bridge between the West and rest of the world. I fully endorse Dr. Qadri’s interpretation of Islam as presented by the great Sufis and Saints who have always preached against extremism, fundamentalism and terrorism as very anti-thesis of Islam. They have been harbingers of a new vision of Islam as a force of international peace and security.

Dr. Qadri’s is sufficiently competent and qualified who has chosen a theme of great importance for the contemporary world. I am confident his work will be examined and studied in the perspective of the resurgence of Islamic Mysticism and will be instrumental to cultivate a new culture of peace, tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

Prof. Dr. Manzooruddin Ahmed

Former Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Quaid-e-Azam Distinguished Professor,

Colombia University, New York

San Jose, California

July 08, 2004

Preface for Edition 1

At the very outset, it is my great privilege to acknowledge the generous offer of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship of the Research cell of the Islamic Cultural and Welfare Association of North America. Based on this offer I was granted leave by the University of Karachi, Pakistan for pursuing higher studies in the USA.

My interest in Islamic Studies goes back to my Dars-e-Nizami (A traditional Islamic course of 18 years), which enabled me to attain command in the Arabic Language (Classical and Modern) and I also obtained access to traditional Islamic literature. It was during these days I felt strongly that my education was incomplete without a formal modern education. This urge motivated me to pursue the same. I could complete my M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Karachi, Pakistan.

The impetus for this research is the climate of extremism that has brought Muslims and Islam negative publicity and is creating a rift between the West and the Muslim world. As mentioned above, the University of Karachi granted me study leave for post-doctoral research on this topic and I began this important work in 2002. I have reviewed the basic research material on the topic and have looked at the western and historical definitions of jihad. I have interviewed different scholars and several organizations have provided their support. Various universities in the US such as UC Berkeley have also helped me. California State University - Hayward’s Department of Communication has approved the work and has accepted this topic. I am grateful for the guidance of Dr. Beatrice Orr Pressley, Professor of Psychology, California State University - Hayward, Dr. Barbara F. Okun, Professor and Doctoral Program Director, Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and Dr. Lawrence Ziring, Professor of Political Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Last, but not least, I was in constant touch with Dr. Manzoor-ud-din Ahmed, Former Vice Chancellor of University of Karachi, Pakistan.

I am grateful to the Islamic Educational and Cultural Research Center of North America (IECRC) for sponsoring the publication of this research and especially to its Managing Director, Mr. Ayyaz Yousaf Qadri for his constant and ongoing support. Also, thanks to Mr. Sharaaz Khan Qadri of IECRC Sacramento for his valuable feedback, cover design and printing support, and to Ms. Shagufta Ahmad, Qadri of IECRC San Jose for assistance in the compilation of my research.

You are the ultimate judge of whether I have done justice to the grave topic at hand. Your comments are highly appreciated.

Muhammad Ahmed Qadri

Ph.D.

California, USA

July 2004

Preface for Edition 2

All praise to Almighty Allah, the Superior Power of the Universe. I am thankful to the respectable readers of this book who liked this piece of research that is based on academic facts. I am thankful to all our brothers and sisters, as well as scholars who helped me move towards this second edition of Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism. I cannot forget my mentor, the late Prof. Dr. Manzooruddin Ahmed, former Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi and distinguished Professor Columbia University, New York, USA, who always promoted me for academic contributions.

The second edition of this book reveals that there are many existing problems in the world as it starts to face the challenges of the 21st century, especially extremism and terrorism. In about 50 to 100 years, the world will transform into an international state and international political economy. COVID-19 has also changed the mindset of human beings. In this scenario I am presenting these words before you to demonstrate how nature works, and how the world is changing its pattern. Undoubtedly, the terms of extremism and terrorism are still vague and need more clarity and interpretation. Obviously, these terms create interest articulated groups to serve the larger interest of nations. As a social scientist, I prefer to point out the ground realities and facts to be analyzed without any prejudice and stereotype. The Islamic socio-political system is crystal clear, and guides humanity to serve society.

The contemporary world is changing its shape and working nature, and soon, will change its international boundaries as well. In the current scenario, Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism is the need of the time to understand who is responsible for unrest in the world? Who will promote peace and tolerance in the world? What would the upcoming generations expect from us? What good are we delivering to the upcoming generations? These are basic questions that must be addressed by the intellectuals of the world. Obviously, we will have to contribute without any political consideration, except for the restoration of peace and respect for all.

East and West are symbolic identifications, but do not mean that they have quarrels, clashes, or are in a cold war with each other. There must be differences in culture, politics, and international interests, but as human beings, we always commit sins and wrongdoings. Religion, spiritual culture, or spirituality is the best way to purify our hearts, respect every culture, and promote peace. This was my motto to remove the existing problems of extremism and terrorism of the world by allowing people to adjust themselves with their cultures. Islam is a complete code of life and it permits us to have a relationship with the non-Muslim world. It does not allow a war of aggression against any nation. This is a clear message of the Holy Quran, the sayings of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), and the practices of the pious friends of Almighty Allah (known as the Auliya Allah).

Pakistan is an output of the Two-Nation Theory based on Islam presented by Allama Iqbal. According to its Constitution, Pakistan declares itself the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and, thus, has devoted itself to battling extremism and terrorism. I highly appreciate the role of the Pakistan Army, especially in practically promoting the restoration of peace in the realist sense, and removing extremism not only from Pakistan, but also helping NATO forces across the boundaries, as a part of international peace keeping forces. I also salute those who lost their lives in this endeavor for their courageous actions.

My academic effort aims to build a bridge between East and West, and remove stereotypes for a peaceful settlement and respect for humanity through Sufism or Metaphysics (Tasawwuf). I am thankful to our brothers and sisters who have helped me bring the second edition of this book to you. Special thanks to Brother Sharaaz Khan, Brother Ayyaz Yousaf, Brother Naveed Agboatwala, Sister Fatima Sharaaz, Sister Shagufta Ahmed, Sr. Saera Rahima, Sahar S. Khan (copyediting), Burhan Amir, Dr. Sarah Akbani, and Mishkat Qadri. May Almighty Allah give special reward to them by the Waseelah (means) of the Noble Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), Aameen!

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Qadri

B-4 Karachi University Campus,

Karachi, Pakistan

July 2020

Chapter 1: The Islamic Viewpoint

Modern-day Muslims and, by extension, Islam has come under much scrutiny and criticism. Unfortunately to some, the terms Islam and Extremism have become synonymous. The truth, however, is that Islam was sent to eliminate extremism.1 Islam is the middle way as taught by its Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and its divine text, the Holy Quran, which was revealed to him (Allah bless him and grant him peace). The fact of the matter is that extremist tendency in the realm of action is considered an anomaly by Islam and one that is censured and severely warned against. The true devotees or servants of Allah spread goodness and prevent evil so that Allah’s earth is purified from turmoil.2 Allah Almighty exhorts against creating turmoil, dissension and mischief as revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the Holy Quran:

…Do not cause turmoil in the earth …3

Those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it - and sever what Allah has ordered to join, and who cause turmoil (evil / religious chaos) in the earth; it is they who are the losers.4

"And when he turns away, he creates turmoil in the earth and destroys crops and