Terrorism and Extortion Prohibited: Islamic Guidance for Building a Peaceful Society
Published : 23:19, 8 October 2026
Human security is not limited to the protection of life; it also includes the right to earn a livelihood, own property, preserve dignity and live a normal life. When an individual or group extorts money through intimidation, seizes property through threats, or creates fear through violence, it is not merely an injustice against an individual—it also directly undermines social peace, order, and stability. For this reason, Islam strongly prohibits terrorism, extortion, oppression and violations of people's rights.
Although terrorism and extortion may take different forms, both can involve creating fear, abusing power and depriving others of their rights. Terrorism threatens people's lives and security, while extortion attacks their property and economic freedom. Islam does not support a social order in which powerful or influential individuals can exercise unjust authority over weaker members of society.
Creating Disorder and Corruption on Earth Is Prohibited
Islam places great importance on the protection of human life and security. Activities that create fear, disrupt normal life or undermine peace and order are inconsistent with the principles of a just society.
The Quran prohibits creating disorder and corruption on earth. Allah says:
“Do not seek to cause corruption on the earth. Indeed, Allah does not love the corrupters.”
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77)
Therefore, activities that spread fear, disorder, and insecurity are contrary to the Islamic emphasis on peace and justice.
Wrongfully Taking People's Property Is Forbidden
Islam gives significant importance to people's property rights. Earning through lawful business, labour or mutually agreed transactions is permissible. However, taking someone's money or property through intimidation, threats, coercion, influence or abuse of power is unjust.
Allah says:
“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)
Extortion involves obtaining a person's property without genuine consent by using fear or pressure. It therefore represents a serious violation of the rights of others to their property.
The Sanctity of Life, Property and Dignity
Islam regards human life, property and dignity as matters of great sanctity. No person has the right to unjustly interfere with another person's life, property or honour.
In his Farewell Sermon, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared regarding the sanctity of people's lives and property:
“Indeed, your blood and your wealth are sacred to you, as sacred as this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours.”
(Muslim, Hadith 1218)
The teaching highlights the importance of protecting people's lives and property.
The Serious Consequences of Oppression
Terrorism and extortion are closely associated with oppression. Threatening people's safety, using fear to control them or taking money through threats and influence all involve wrongdoing against others.
Islam strongly warns against oppression. Jabir (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darknesses on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Muslim, Hadith 6741)
Islamic teachings therefore warn that although power, influence or intimidation may sometimes enable a person to gain an unfair advantage temporarily, oppression carries serious consequences in the hereafter.
Warning Against Unlawfully Taking Money
Islam treats the unlawful collection of money from people as a serious offence. In Islamic hadith literature, a person who unjustly collects money or levies from people is referred to as a “sahib al-maks.”
In connection with the repentance of a woman, Abdullah ibn Buraidah (RA), through his father, narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“She has repented with such repentance that if a collector of unlawful levies were to repent in such a manner, he would be forgiven.”
(Muslim, Hadith 4324)
The narration reflects the seriousness with which unjust financial burdens imposed on people are regarded in Islamic teachings.
Violating People's Rights Requires More Than Repentance
Extortion can involve not only a violation of one's duty toward Allah but also a violation of another person's rights. If someone wrongfully takes another person's money or property, simply expressing repentance does not end the responsibility. Where possible, the unlawfully taken money or property should be returned to its rightful owner, and the rights of the affected person should be restored.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever has wronged his brother with regard to his honour or anything else, let him seek his pardon today, before there will be no dinar or dirham.”
(Bukhari, Hadith 2449, 6534; Tirmidhi, Hadith 2419)
The teaching underscores the importance of protecting people's rights. Returning unlawfully acquired property and seeking forgiveness from those who have been harmed are therefore important aspects of repentance.
Preventing Terrorism and Extortion Is Essential for a Peaceful Society
Terrorism and extortion cannot be considered characteristics of a healthy society. Terrorism threatens human life and security, while extortion undermines people's property rights and economic freedom. Such practices can increase fear, mistrust, instability, and insecurity, eventually weakening the social and economic environment.
Islam places strong emphasis on protecting people's lives, property, and dignity. Therefore, preventing oppression, intimidation, terrorism, extortion and violations of people's rights is important for both individuals and society.
A peaceful and secure society can be strengthened through justice, honesty, mutual respect and protection of people's rights—principles that occupy an important place in Islamic teachings.
