Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
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Terrorist blasts and operations are increasing day after day affecting different places and threatening lives of individuals and societies. Unfortunately, they are being committed by individuals and groups calling themselves Islamic groups whereas Islam preaches peace. The prevalence of this phenomenon is linked to political developments and deterioration of conditions in affected areas.
Two days ago, Indonesian capital Jakarta witnessed blasts which claimed the lives of a number of innocent people and there were blasts in Istanbul, which resulted in deaths and injuries to many people and Da’esh claimed responsibility. Motives, justifications and reasons leading to the growth of this phenomenon will vary as long as there is no common definition of terrorism in the world.
Some believe that it is the result of competitions and conflicts between states, helping these factions grow and spread, while others think it is a natural phenomenon in societies where people face political, economic, social, religious and ideological challenges.
If we look at the environment and places where these terrorist factions are operating, we can find societies suffering due to poverty and ignorance and people lacking the basic necessities of life.
To fight this epidemic, there is a need for an-depth study on the reasons leading to the appearance of these groups, especially among the youth, to find sustainable solutions.
Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Allah bless him, raised this issue and the evil designs of terrorists earlier.
In his speech at the UN General Assembly meeting in 2014, His Highness made a call not to push people to choose between terrorism and authoritarian regimes.
He urged the UN Security Council to avoid double standards and selectivity in its policies.
Terrorists are insulting Islam by giving extremist interpretations.
The Emir emphasised that Arab societies are the most affected by terrorism and, to make people stand up against terrorism, there must not be any discrimination and practices of deprivation.
It is clear that terrorism is not a coincidence but the outcome of daily lives of individuals and groups growing up under influences of thoughts contradicting Islamic teachings and living under unfair economic and social conditions.
The Peninsula
