A peaceful and welfare-oriented society depends largely on ensuring the safety of people’s lives, property and dignity. Islam therefore treats terrorism, extortion, intimidation, oppression and unlawful seizure of property as serious offences that undermine social peace and security.

Terrorism involves acts that disrupt the safety and normal lives of individuals or communities through fear, violence, weapons, killing, attacks or threats. Extortion, meanwhile, involves forcibly obtaining money or property through intimidation, threats, influence, coercion or abuse of power.

Both involve depriving people of their rights by creating fear—terrorism primarily threatens life and security, while extortion undermines property and economic security.

Creating disorder is prohibited

Islam places great importance on the sanctity of human life and security. Terrorism and extortion create fear, instability and injustice and are therefore closely linked to the Quranic concept of fasad fil-ard—causing corruption or disorder on earth.

Allah the Almighty says: “Do not seek to cause corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like the corrupters.” (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77)

Unlawfully taking people’s property is forbidden

Islam prohibits taking another person’s property through fear, threats, coercion or pressure rather than through lawful trade, labour or mutual consent.

Allah says: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)

Life, property and dignity are sacred

A Muslim is prohibited from unjustly violating another Muslim’s life, property or dignity. Extortion directly attacks people’s property and can also threaten their honour and security.

In his Farewell Sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Indeed, your blood and your property are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1218)

Oppression has grave consequences

Terrorism and extortion are rooted in zulm, or oppression. Terrorising people, threatening their lives or undermining their security constitutes oppression, as does taking money from them through intimidation.

Jabir (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darknesses on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6741)