Does Islam Stand for Terrorism ?

Abstract

AFTER 9/11, Islam has been consciously, or unconsciously, equated and amalgamated with terrorism, war and violence. A vicious campaign against the Muslims has been let loose in western media and other means of publicity. Ever since, my mind has been haunted by some fundamental, nonetheless intriguing questions such as: Does Islam really stand for terrorism, war and violence? Or Does it have an essential respect for democracy and democratic institutions? If Islam does accommodate democratic dispensation of the state and its institutions how come we do not have a single Islamic state that might be referred to as model? Is this the fault of Islam or of the Muslims? What measures can be recommended for the establishment of an operational (if not an ideal) democratic state in the Muslim world? These and other questions have been nagging my mind and nerves for quite some years. This short paper, therefore, is devoted to a critical appraisal of these and similar other questions.