Islam, World Peace, and the Discourse of Revenge

Abstract

Every time anger and frustration take over the human spirit, reason and
rational thinking fade into the background. High emotions cloud minds,
subvert justice, and undermine peace. In the absence of reason, new
terminology takes hold. The discourse on terrorism that rages today in the
aftermath of the horrific terrorist strikes on New York and Washington is
ripe with emotions triggered by sinister and apocalyptic attacks on unarmed
and non-combatant civilians. On television and radio talk shows across the
United States, countless self-acclaimed experts on terrorism counsel that we
strike back against a host of countries suspected of supporting terrorism.
Statements from the White House have been more balanced and measured,
but the theme is the same: an all-out war on terrorism.
Terrorism we must fight, and we must fight with determination and vigor.
But for the fight to be effective, it must be carried on according to fair rules,
and must aim at the real target. An effective war on terrorism requires
two elements. First, we must have a clear understanding of the sources of
the anger and frustration that lies at the root of global terrorism and a clear
definition of what constitutes a terrorist act. Second, we must have a clear
vision of a global society based on the universal principles of equal freedom
and mutual respect. A war on terrorism that employs moral themes but
advances the narrow interests of a privileged few can bring more evil than
good, as it is likely to result in harming innocent bystanders.
Judging by the discourse of revenge and war, we have a long way to go
before true understanding and clear vision come to bear on the strategic
thinking of political leaders. This puts an extra burden on intellectuals and
scholars. Scholars of all regions, religions, and persuasions are called upon
more than ever before to bring reason and enlightenment to a world filled
with emotion and ignorance ...