Let me begin by stating unequivocally that terrorism is not the exclusive domain of any religion, least of all Islam. In Malaysia, we have our own history with terrorism. For 42 years, we confronted Communist insurgents who used terror as a tool to push their ideology. We prevailed—not solely through military might, but by winning the hearts and minds of the people, especially those who supported the insurgents.
These insurgents were predominantly ethnic Chinese. By addressing their grievances and integrating their communities, we shifted public sentiment and effectively ended terrorism within our borders. This experience is instructive: terrorism, regardless of who commits it, often stems from a sense of marginalization and injustice.
The same principles apply globally, including in the case of Muslim terrorists. Islam, at its core, is a religion of peace. It does not condone the killing of innocents. However, when Muslims believe they are being oppressed or denied justice, their reaction mirrors that of any other aggrieved group. This does not excuse acts of terror, but it compels us to examine and understand the root causes of their anger.
We must avoid simplistic narratives. Today’s terrorists are not all desperate, illiterate individuals. Many are educated, economically stable, and integrated into family life. Their radicalization is not always visible until after the damage is done. Even if we neutralize known leaders and networks, new ones may emerge unless the underlying grievances are addressed.
A troubling double standard also persists. When non-Muslims commit acts of terror—in Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Japan, or elsewhere—their religion is rarely mentioned. But Muslim perpetrators are almost always labeled as “Islamic terrorists,” reinforcing harmful stereotypes. During the Bosnian genocide, for instance, atrocities were committed by Christian Orthodox groups, yet no global outcry framed them as religious terrorists.
Why, then, are many acts of modern terror associated with Muslims? In part, because Muslim communities worldwide have borne the brunt of violence and injustice—in Palestine, Iraq, Bosnia, Chechnya, and beyond. Often, what is framed as “Muslim terrorism” is, in their view, a desperate reaction to sustained oppression.
To truly fight terrorism, we must go beyond condemning violent acts. We must commit to understanding their causes and addressing them. Islam does not teach hatred or violence. It forbids the killing of innocents. To resolve these conflicts, we must hold to truth, justice, and the consistent application of human rights—for all.
