We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.

And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors. Qur’an 5:32

No religion condones the act of killing, maiming and causing mischief on earth. The Quran teaches that whoever kills a soul has killed a nation and whoever saves a soul has saved a nation.

Again, the destruction of state property is antithetical to the teachings of Islam. The scripture aptly describes the punishment of those who cause mischief in the name of Allah as severe punishment.  

‘The punishment of those who run around and spread mischief about Allah and His Messenger is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.” Qur’an 5:33-34

The rejection of modern education is not a creed in Islam as the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered that seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

It is a contradiction of the verse: La ikraa-fi-deen; which means: No compulsion in religion; with other verses clearly stated.  The killing of people is a great sin before Allah (SWT).

Certainly, any harm or injustice done to anyone will not go unpunished. Those who kill in whatever pretense or caused untold hardship to fellow human beings will ultimately receive the punishment of their actions.

No matter how insignificant or how grievous the harm was, the perpetrators will account for their actions.

No matter to whom an injustice was done, and no matter how long that aggression was committed,  evryone of us will account to Allah. Remember, those who maimed,  killed  people and children or even bombed themselves will certainly face the wrath of Allah.

When the heavens are cleft open and every thing  is unveiled; when the blazing fire is kindled to fierce heat; and when the Paradise is brought near; each soul will receive what it has put forward. (Q81:8-14)

Under this carnage by Boko Haram, some leaders of thoughts have advised the government to reconsider the issue of dialogue with the terrorists.

Although other opposed it with a view that it  is sheer bukum to negotiate with down-to-earth terrorists who have shattered institutions and sucked blood of thousands of people.

But since Allah is the Most Forgiving and Merciful, dialogue could well be a better way to go; not because of any thing but to halt further destruction of lives and properties.

Over politicisation of the matter will not help the situation. There should be a sincere approach to end this carnage. Allah is the Most Forgiving.

Child Education

It has become necessary to give our children the right education. Violence as an emotional aspect, in childhood should be controlled. At primary school level and the basic Arabic lessons they pass through, parents owe their children a natural duty of imparting in them the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence if we truly cherish our society.

No religion preaches violence. If children are trained in the way of the Lord, they will grow to show mercy, compassion, tolerance  and flexibility. They will learn how to vent their internal combustion without constituting nuisance to the rest of the world.

They will also know that peace and tolerance are germane for a functional society, just as  violence damages everything.

Let them know that God tolerates, and likes tolerance, and whatever He bestows for tolerance, does not bestow for violence and harshness. In a nutshell, tolerance and peace are divine attributes.

We need to change our ways inorder to prevent further sectional insurgencies in order to preserve the so-called geographical expression.