International Institute of Islamic Thought - Publications

Publications

The Institute publishes works produced by its own research programs, as well as contributions from around the world, in Arabic, English, and other major languages. IIIT publications include over 400 titles, distributed in various series and topics, in addition to quarterly journals in English and Arabic.

IIIT published Maqasid Al-Shariah: A Beginners Guide by Jasser Auda in 2008. This book has two sections that promote violence against non-Muslims. On page 28, the book states it is examining bias when it discusses Sura 9:5, 'The Verse of the Sword' (ayah al-sayf). In doing so the subject of abrogation is brought up and explained. Abrogation is the Islamic method of interpreting the Quran in which what was said later in Mohammad's life takes precedence over things he stated earlier in his life. Auda states this verse was stated during the period of war between the Muslims and the pagans of Makkah. He also states, "the verse was taken out of its historical and thematic context and claimed to have the defined ruling between Muslims and non-Muslims." However, Auda continues and provides several sources that are in agreement that 9:5 abrogates approximately 200 other verses that could be seen as in conflict. In doing so, he lists both "Classic and neo-traditional commentators" as in agreement with this concept but lists no one in opposition to this belief.

On Page 52: Jasser Auda writes: : How can Islam be an ethical way of life if it encourages terrorism?

The question is answered on the following page (p. 53) by the following statement: The maqasid-based definition of terrorism is the following: An act of terrorism is an act in which innocent people (civilians or non-civilians) are harmed in any any way that goes against the principles of justice and human dignity.

What is not defined here is who are the innocent?. But those of the Islamic faith know the answer.

According to British Mullah Anjem Chaudri, “As far as Muslims are concerned your innocent if you…if you are a Muslim, then you are innocent in the eyes of God. If you are non-muslim then you are guilty of not-believing in God."

In a sense this book redefines terrorism to only exist if it is committed against those of the Islamic faith. Turning Jasser's definition into a justification for committing violence against non-Muslims.