Islam is a religion that teaches peace, hope, kindness, brotherhood, and respect for human life. Sadly, in recent years, violent acts carried out by certain groups have caused Islam to be wrongly associated with terrorism and cruelty. These actions have damaged the image of Islam, even though they go completely against its true teachings.
The purpose of understanding Islamic teachings is to clearly show that terrorism, hostage-taking, and violence against innocent people have no place in Islam. When we look at the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it becomes clear that Islam strongly rejects such acts.
Human Dignity and Freedom in Islam
Islam teaches that Allah has honoured every human being, regardless of race, colour, or nationality. Freedom is one of the greatest gifts from God, and taking away someone’s freedom without a just reason is a serious wrongdoing.
Islam only allows prisoners to be taken during a declared and lawful war, not during peacetime or through kidnapping. The Holy Qur’an clearly states:
“It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land. If you take captives, except in regular fighting, you will be regarded as desiring the goods of this world, while ALLAH desires for you the Hereafter. And ALLAH is Mighty, Wise.” (8:68)
This verse completely rejects slavery, kidnapping, hijacking, and hostage-taking. It proves that capturing innocent people has nothing to do with Islam.
How Islam Treats Prisoners of War
Even in times of war, Islam commands Muslims to act with mercy and kindness. In his Farewell Address, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave clear instructions about prisoners of war. He said:
“O men, you still have in your possession some prisoners of war. I advise you, therefore, to feed them and to clothe them in the same way and style as you feed and clothe yourselves ….. To give them pain or trouble can never be tolerated.”
This shows that prisoners must be treated humanely. Islam does not allow torture, cruelty, or humiliation of captives.
The Qur’an also teaches that once war ends, prisoners should be released—either freely, through ransom, or by mutual agreement. In early Islamic history, some prisoners were even released in exchange for teaching reading and writing. This highlights Islam’s focus on education, forgiveness, and reform rather than revenge.
Rules of War in Islam
Islam does not encourage war. Fighting is only allowed to protect freedom of belief and restore peace. War must stop once peace is achieved. Free people cannot be imprisoned without a valid reason, and violence must never cross moral limits.
These teachings clearly oppose modern terrorism, which involves harming innocent people and spreading fear.
Protection of Diplomats and Envoys
Islam gives special protection to envoys, messengers, and diplomats. They are granted full safety and must not be harmed, kidnapped, or used as bargaining tools—no matter the situation.
The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides many examples where envoys were treated with respect, even if they came from enemy groups. This shows Islam’s strong support for dialogue and peaceful solutions.
Islam Clearly Rejects Terrorism
When all these teachings are considered together, the message is very clear: terrorism is completely against Islam. Kidnapping, harming civilians, attacking diplomats, and spreading fear are actions that Islam strongly condemns.
Islam promotes justice, mercy, respect for human life, and peaceful coexistence. Any group that uses violence in the name of Islam is acting against the Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
