The recent declaration by Darul Uloom, Deoband, one of the most influential Islamic theological schools in South Asia, is most welcome and timely. Deoband has defined terrorism as any action that hurts innocent individuals. Its rector Maulana Marghoobur Rahman has said, “killing of innocents is not compatible with Islam. It is anti-Islamic”.

The Deoband declaration is an implicit recognition of the principle that the supposed laudability of the end cannot justify recourse to terrorist acts. The bottom line is that the end cannot justify the means. This is in keeping with UN resolutions that terrorist acts “are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious, or other nature, that may be invoked to justify them”.

The Deoband declaration will effectively counter the defamation of Islam and its portrayal as a religion that endorses violence against non-believers. The Sub-Commission on Human Rights, which I had the privilege of chairing in August 2004, unanimously passed a resolution condemning defamation of Islam and other religions.

It is reported that certain Muslim clerics have recommended that the ‘root cause’ of terrorism be explored. Fine. But that should not be a pretext for indulgence in terrorist acts. The Deoband declaration is a milestone and will be very conducive in bringing about harmonious relations between different religions and sects. Its spirit should also motivate other religious bodies and organisations to eschew campaigns of hatred and persecution of other communities. We have a golden opportunity and it is imperative that all of us make the most of it.

... contd.