Let it be known to you that the best of all speech is that of the Book of Allah. It is the guidance and the leading light: [...Indeed, there has come to you from Allâh a light (Prophet Muhammad SAW) and a plain Book (Qur'ân). Wherewith Allâh guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way.  [Al-Ma’idah: 15-16]

The knowledge which has received so much intellectual scrutiny and captured the interest of inquisitive minds revolves around discovering the truth of divine revelation, delving into the depths of exegesis, and exploring the mysteries of Qur’an. In it are fixed the guide landmarks and the unshakable pillars of faith. It is the protective shelter (from all perils), the ever-lasting divine blessing, the irrefutable proof, and the cogent argument. It is the healer of hearts and the impartial arbitrator in equivocal cases as Sheikh Abdurrahman Abdulaziz says.         

 In this era teeming with material and social conflicts, moral and behavioural phenomena, and twisted concepts about divine revelation (Sharia), it is a must to return to the Qur’anic morals and rules of conduct. It contains the rules of outstanding education and the foundations of a glorious civilisation. For this very reason, the tradition of the Messenger of Allah is the intensive use of Qur’anic verses in admonishing people; in fact, in his khutbahs (Friday sermons) he would always quote it.

The firmly established Islamic civilisation which was once consolidated by our noble Sharia and which has brought happiness to mankind throughout history is but a brilliant landmark reflecting the precept of obedience to the commands of Allah and to the guidance of His Prophet.

With numerous afflictions now befalling the Ummah from all directions and in different locations –both near and remote– holding on to true faith and real objectives underlying our Sharia, besides adhering to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad seem to be the safest and most efficient way. Both are catalyst for glory and victory and the most plausible logic of contemporary life. Thus, they can lead to the prosperity and empowerment of the Ummah, who could regain its former power and time-honoured glory.

Among the greatest rules of conduct, which is contained in the Surah of Al-Hujurat and which really represents a code of good conduct for both individuals and societies, is the need to cross-check news and to trust Muslims. This is clear in the words of the Truth ‒Glory be to Him: [O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.][Al-Hujurat: 6]. In this respect, our Prophet said: “Beware of negative suppositions, for negative suppositions are the most deceiving forms of speech.”

Other lessons could be deducted from the following quotes:

[O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (SAW), nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.][Al-Hujurat: 2]

[The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers… .][Al-Hujurat: 10]

[O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another.][Al-Hujurat: 12]

[Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).][Al-Hujurat: 12]

[O you who believe! Let not a group scoffs at another group; it may be that the latter are better than the former.][Al-Hujurat: 11]

[O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another.] [Al-Hujurat: 13]

In other words, Allah Almighty wants His servants to get to know each other rather than quarrel, kill, and hate one another. His truthful words come to confirm that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism whatever its shape and form today. Terrorism has no religion, country, or nationality, whereas Islam is the religion of clemency, mercy, ease, dialogue, coexistence, tolerance and peace.

 No religion, common sense or rational mind sanctions those acts of bombing and aggression, those bloody terrorist attacks. Such actions contradict all canons, customs and conventions. Islam is clear from such disgraceful actions that do not comply with its equitable precepts, and its noble humanitarian values that came down as mercy on the World.

 We call upon all to join efforts in the fight against terrorism with all its forms and shapes. We must combat it with firmness, determination and might at the level of ideology, funding, and implementation. We must seek to cut off its revenue streams and eradicate it from the face of the earth in order to establish world security and peace.

Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif,www.thekhalids.org