Introduction
Yes, Muslims strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms. The overwhelming consensus among mainstream Islamic scholars, organizations, and everyday Muslims worldwide is that terrorism and killing of innocent people is strictly prohibited by Islam.
This article examines the latest statements and fatwas, explores religious and theological arguments, and explains why Islam condemns killing of innocents.
Fatwas & Official Condemnations
5.5 lakh mosques across India condemn the Pahalgam attack
Following a terrorist strike in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), over 5.5 lakh mosques throughout India transmitted anti‑terror messages at Friday prayers, urging national unity and denouncing violence. Religious leaders emphasized that Islam teaches compassion and prohibits harming innocents, including non‑Muslims.
Prominent Islamic organizations in India condemn the Pahalgam attack
The most prominent Islamic organizations in India, namely the Jamiat Ulema‑e‑Hind, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and Jamaat‑e‑Islami Hind issued strong public statements calling terrorism a “cancer” against Islam’s policy of peace, declaring that killing innocent people is fundamentally un‑Islamic and inhuman.
There is no room for terrorism in Islam. Terrorism is a cancer that contradicts Islam’s policy of promoting peace. It is essential for every believer to raise their voice against it.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani
We strongly condemn the deadly terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The loss of innocent lives, including foreign tourists, is deeply saddening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their grieving families. There can be no justification for such a barbaric act.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) president Syed Sadatullah Husaini
Prominent Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband condemns the Pahalgam attack
Prominent Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband on Friday condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, calling it an ‘act against humanity.’ Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the ‘mohtamim’ (Manager) of the seminary, urged authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the violence.
This attack posed a grave threat to the unity and integrity of the country. Our condolences are with the families of the deceased, and we pray that those who were injured recover soon. Darul Uloom shares the grief of the bereaved families.
Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the ‘mohtamim’ (manager) of Darul Uloom Deoband
Even in the past, Islamic organizations have strongly condemned terrorism.
It is important to recall that over 1,050 Islamic scholars in India issued a fatwa against ISIS, declaring its terrorist acts as un-Islamic and contrary to the tenets of Shariah. This fatwa is considered one of the biggest religious edicts (Fatwa) against terrorism.
The fatwa was so powerful and influential that even the United States government welcomed it.
Islamic organizations around the world condemn terrorism
Over over 130 U.S. Muslim organizations condemn terrorism
Muslim scholars in the United States have issued a Fatwa, or judicial ruling, against terrorism. More than 100 Muslim organizations across the country quickly endorsed the ruling.
Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are ‘haram’ – forbidden – in Islam. It is ‘haram’ for a Muslim to cooperate or associate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.
Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of Fiqh Council
Professor John Voll, a professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University, welcomed the fatwa and noted that American Muslim organizations are taking a firm stand in the global fight against terrorism.
I think it does have an important impact of reminding people around the world, Muslims and non-Muslims, that the mainstream Muslims, the real Muslims, if you will, reject terrorism.
Professor Voll, Georgetown University
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) signs Fatwa against Terrorism
Apart from signing the Fatwa against terrorism, CAIR also produced radio and TV public service announcements in English, Arabic and Urdu, to explain the ruling. Their goal was to make it clear that the condemnation of terrorism should reach both non-Muslims, who may mistakenly believe Islam endorses violence, and Muslims, both in the United States and globally.
We’re calling on Imams, or Islamic religious leaders, around North America to read the ‘Fatwa’ during Friday prayers, Friday is the day of congregational prayer in Islam.
Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR spokesman
International Islamic Fiqh Academy condemns terrorism
The International Islamic Fiqh Academy, a body under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is an influential institution within the global Muslim community. It includes religious scholars from across the world, including Saudi Arabia. The Academy has issued multiple resolutions and declarations affirming moderation, rejecting violence, and condemning all forms of terrorism.
Prohibition of all acts, forms and practices of terrorism, and considering them as criminal acts that Shariah denotes as the crime of Hiraba (violent crimes that threaten public safety), regard- less of where such acts are perpetrated or the party who does He is considered a terrorist, any individual, group, or state that commits any of such acts directly or by causing, financing, or supporting.
Resolution No. 154 (3/17), International Islamic Fiqh Academy
Why Islam Condemns Terrorism?
The Sanctity of Human Life in the Quran
God places immense value on every human life. God declares in the Quran:
…Whoever kills a person—unless in retaliation for murder or spreading corruption in the land—it is as if they have killed all of humanity.
Quran Chapter 5 : Verse 32
This verse follows the account of the first murder in human history, when the son of Adam killed his brother out of jealousy. (See verse 30 of Chapter 5).
The Quran contains several other verses that strictly prohibit the killing of innocent people, emphasizing that life is sacred and must be protected.
Do not take a human life, which God has made sacred, except (with) legal right (what is allowed by law).
Quran Chapter 17 : Verse 33
..Do not kill a person, whom God has given sanctity except with (legal) right.
Quran Chapter 25 : Verse 68
The Final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him), said:
Surely, the first cases to be judged between people (on Judgement Day) will be those of murder.
Thirmidhi # 1396
This Prophetic saying highlights that killing an innocent person is among the gravest of sins. Taking a human life unjustly deeply impacts society and disrupts communal harmony. Therefore, they are punished severely by God on the Day of Judgment.
Summary
- Muslim scholars and organizations across the world consistently issue fatwas rejecting terrorism outright.
- Mainstream Islamic teachings, based on Quran and Hadith (teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), forbid killing innocents, terrorism, and extremist ideologies.
- High‑profile incidents such as the Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) prompted widespread condemnation by Muslim leaders and organizations in India.
Final Thoughts
Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace and justice. It holds the sanctity of human life in the highest regard. Crores of Muslims around the world firmly condemn and reject terrorism. It has absolutely no place in Islam. Muslim scholars and organizations globally continue to counter extremist narratives through education, dialogue, and community outreach.
