Exactly what motivates an individual to join the ranks of a terrorist organization like the self-ascribed Islamic State (IS)? It really is a mind-boggling question. The simplest answer to the question is: These individuals are brainwashed by certain elements and duped into believing that by joining the ranks of the IS and moving to the areas controlled by this terrorist organization, they would enter into a “real” Muslim state and carrying out violent actions or suicide missions is the only source of their salvation and guarantee entrance into the Paradise and the rank of a martyr.
These unassuming youth are led to believe that they are fighting infidels. Most of them are too young and so naïve that they are easily deceived by the propaganda unleashed on them by misquoting Hadiths and verses from the Holy Qur’an.
To better understand the naivety of these brainwashed youth, one needs to carefully study the statements they thoughtlessly read out before carrying out suicide attacks and get those recorded on a camera to be released to the media. In most of these statements, they vow to destroy America and the Zionists and later blew themselves up among Muslims. They vow to destroy the West and Israel and end up killing Muslims and destroying mosques. That does not mean that we support their hollow claims about destruction of the outside world. We have cited it as an example.
These people are even unable to understand the contradictions in their claims and actions. This clearly indicates their mental capabilities. But how could anyone be convinced that there is no harm in killing people — children, women, elderly or worshippers. Our religion clearly states that killing one person is like killing all humanity.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) has set clear guidelines for Muslims even during wartime. Even when at war, Muslims are not allowed to kill children, women, elderly or any non-combatant. A Muslim is prohibited from harming a tree or standing crops. Places of worship of other faiths and monks in monasteries enjoy special immunity in Islam. Such is the Islamic code of conduct during wartime.
Most of the so-called holy warriors or jihadists waging wars in the name of Islam are doing exactly the opposite. Still they shamelessly claim to be representing Muslims and promoting the cause of Islam. The recent suicide attack in Qatif is the result of the same mentality. Such a mindset is the product of the skewed interpretation of Islam. Fighting this mindset will surely take time. We should not close our eyes even for a minute. We have to remain on a high alert not only to foil any terrorist attack but also to check the spread of this ideology.
Our media is not doing enough to confront the extremist propaganda. The terrorist groups are spreading their ideas and posting their videos through social media and reaching all the corners of the world. We should come up with our own media campaign to respond to this deviant ideology of IS and its likes. Every lie they spread should be countered by the truth. We should not show any sympathy to these murderers. We should fight those who instigate and advocate these un-Islamic ideas. It is true that this is the role of governments, thinkers and above all our renowned Muslim scholars. Each one of us should play our due role in fighting this deviant ideology.
There is a Hadith, which says everyone is responsible for his family. We should educate our children and discuss with them such issues and even search for the right answers when we do not have them. It is our role to guide them and teach them how to counter and fight these evil ideas.
