Fanaticism behind terrorism

COUNCILLOR Yagyah Adams rushes to indemnify Islam from the terrorist attack in London (London attacks not in the name of Islam, Cape Argus, March 28).

Since 9/11 Western politicians have refused to acknowledge that the jihadi terrorism being conducted in the name of Islam is actually inspired by Islam.

Islamic jihadi terror has instead been called “un-Islamic” or even “anti-Islamic” or termed “a perversion of Islam” or “a warped ideology”.

Everything but what it actually is: terrorism inspired by a fanatical interpretation of Islam.

There is some sympathy for Adams, a councillor in service to his city, who differentiates political or jihadi Islam and thus separates it from the un-extreme, pacific interpretation of the religion to which millions of Muslims subscribe.

But to assert – as Mr Adams does – that Islamism is therefore not Islamic is demonstrably ridiculous.

Does he think the concept of jihad is not Islamic?

For sure, jihadi Islam is an interpretation of the religion to which many Muslims do not subscribe.

But it is as absurd to say it has nothing to do with Islam as it would be to say the Inquisition had nothing to do with Christianity or ultra-orthodox Haredi Jews have nothing to do with Judaism.

It’s true many Muslims are not extreme.

Although single-handed perpetrators may, as Adams points out, not be born to the faith and may well be mad, it is equally true these individuals are responding to Islamic State instructions to hit Western civilians everywhere.

Such propaganda doesn’t work in a vacuum.