In the aftermath of the devastating Mumbai attacks that shook India, the Muslim community of Mumbai took a historic and powerful stand. The Muslim Council Trust issued a letter declaring that the terrorists should not be buried in Muslim cemeteries, because Islam does not approve of wanton killings and targeting non-combatants.
Islam Rejects Terrorism Unequivocally
The letter from the Muslim Council Trust was clear and unambiguous in its reasoning: a person who believes in the principles of Islam cannot commit such atrocities. Therefore, these attackers cannot be called Muslims, and Muslim burial grounds should not accept them.
“Islam does not approve of wanton killings and targeting non-combatants. Such criminals cannot be Muslims. We request you to deny them burial in Muslim cemeteries.”
A United Community Speaks
The response from ordinary Muslims in Mumbai was unanimous in support of this decision:
- Local Muslims stated that no Mumbai Muslim would want the terrorists buried in their burial grounds
- Community members pointed out that the attackers showed no regard for children, elders, or women
- Religious leaders declared clearly: “These terrorists don’t have a religion, and they’re definitely not Muslim”
- Mumbai’s diverse population of Hindus, Christians, and Muslims continued living side by side in unity
“A person having faith in Islam is a Muslim. A person not believing in the principles of Islam cannot be a Muslim.”
This decisive stand by Mumbai’s Muslim community demonstrated to the world what Islam truly teaches. When terrorists claim to act in the name of Islam, the Muslim community itself is the first to reject them, condemn their actions, and refuse to associate them with the faith in any way.
