Every day, the international media present us with news about political groups bearing Islamic names and claiming they represent the Islamic faith and Muslims.
This phenomenon is not a product of some newly-born circumstances. It has been bred for many years. And today its background is being highlighted, and everybody will discover that the real objective behind this is to defame Islam and Muslims.
We have seen different types of shady groups around the world, from Spain to Germany and from the UK to the US. The Islamic X group announces its responsibility for an explosion here and Y Islam group claims an act of terror there, discrediting Islam and Muslims.
Under the banner of Islam, some suspicious fringe groups deliberately act to destabilise the security and peace in some Western countries, in which they have found shelter. It was there that they found their means to a livelihood, democracy, protection, freedom, social security, a stable life, equality with the native people, freedom of travel and work and even citizenship.
However, some bite the hand that pulled them out of the abyss to the oasis of humanity. Not only this, sometimes they disguise themselves under the cloak of Islam to run criminal gangs that relish killing, bombing and destabilising the countries in which they have found rights that they didn't have in their home countries.
Kicked out by despots
Moreover - and again under the banner of Islam - some of those who were deprived of freedom of speech in their native countries do not think twice before savaging constitutional systems of governance in western countries they have adopted as home.
They forget how they were kicked out of their home countries by despots, and abuse the atmosphere of liberty in the west. They try to destroy the same principles that have given them the freedom of expression, and respect for their civil rights.
All this is always done in the name of Islam, but the faith has nothing to do with the suicidal criminals and enemies of life. These enemies of humanity claim that the carnage and the murders in different places around the world are acts of "martyrdom". How can anyone believe taking human life, which is sanctified by Islam and all other faiths, is an act of martyrdom?
Based on what right, law or principle do these criminals justify their crimes in the name of Islam? For whose benefit do they commit these crimes? Whom do they serve by discrediting Islam? Who is the mastermind behind this orchestrated, grand conspiracy against Islam and Muslims?
We only know the names of these groups when they take responsibility for their crimes. But who is moving the strings from behind the curtains, from the ugly dim rooms?
All of us have an interest in finding the answer. We, Muslims, will not accept this abuse of our great faith. We have nothing to do with these groups.
Islam is a religion of openness, tolerance and compassion. Islam strictly outlaws any aggression against life and property. Terror and vandalism are deeply abhorred by Islam. There is no compulsion in Islam, which protects the rights, lives, values and security of all people.
Rhetoric
These are the principles of Islam. They are clear in every Islamic text and in every Muslim's soul. They are the basis for every ideological education. And the Islamic rhetoric of extremist groups is no more than lies - the lies of hypocrites full of hatred and against the very essence of our faith. We don't know where these people come from or how they are spreading their activities. But we are fully aware that their objective is to defame Islamic culture. The faith promoted by these mercenaries has nothing to do with the Islamic faith.
The phenomenon of abusing the name of Islam must be vigorously dealt with. It is a matter of primary concern. Governments must take action, even if this means preventing the use of Islamic names for any political or even business activities. Things must be rectified. Islam's name must not be unconsciously used, even by banks and other businesses.
How can companies and businesses work under Islamic names while nobody knows for sure how they are run? I don't want to discredit anyone, but Islam must be above this politicisation and commercialisation. This is the responsibility of Arabs and Muslims and nobody else. We must take up the responsibility of preventing this daily abuse of our faith.
Khalaf Al Habtoor is a businessman and chairman of Al Habtoor Group.
