Selective Morality and the Politics of Terrorism Labeling - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

- Terrorism applies to both state and non-state entities, including governments and occupying powers, which can engage in terrorism.
- Occupation is considered the worst form of terrorism in global circles.
- In 2006, Edward Peck, a former U.S. diplomat, explained that while working on a definition of terrorism in 1985, the U.S. rejected several definitions because they implicated the U.S. itself, in such acts.
- U.S. Code Title 18, Section 2331 defines "international terrorism" as actions aimed at influencing government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.
- Peck highlighted that countries like the U.S. and Israel have engaged in activities that could fit the definition of terrorism, emphasizing the subjective nature of the label "terrorist."
- Western governments often label groups or governments as "terrorist" based on "selective morality," which is not universally accepted.
- Highlighting the lack of Western attention to civilian victims in Gaza and Lebanon, questioning why they are not recognized as human beings.
- True honor and dignity come from God, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, and not from mankind.
- When God grants honor, even enemies are forced to acknowledge it, as seen in the respect shown to Grand Ayatullah Sistani, a pious religious leader.
- The Pope visited Ayatullah Sistani to express gratitude for his compassion towards minorities in Iraq.
- Israeli Channel 14 displayed Ayatullah Sistani as a potential assassination target, which was condemned by the Shi‘a community and the Iraqi government.
- The story of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (a) is shared, highlighting that true honor is granted by God, not by worldly recognition.

Friday Juma Khutba
October 11th 2024

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