This misconception is one of the most widely held misconceptions about Islaam today. And yet in the Qur'an, the Creator unambiguously states (translation), (17:33) Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life, for he is helped (by the Law)
Based on this verse, it is Islamically unlawful to murder anyone who is innocent of certain crimes. It is well to remember at this point the distinction made above between Qur'an and Sunnah, and the Muslims: only the Qur'an and Sunnah are guaranteed to be in accordance with what the Creator desires, whereas the Muslims may possibly deviate. Hence, if any Muslim kills an innocent person, that Muslim has committed a grave sin, and certainly the action cannot be claimed to have been done "in the name of Islaam."
It should be clear, then, that "Muslim terrorist" is almost an oxymoron: by killing innocent people, a Muslim is committing an awesome sin, and Allaah is Justice personified. This phrase is offensive and demeaning of Islaam, and it should be avoided. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islaam increases, people will keep "terrorism" and "Islaam" separate from each other, not to be used in the same phrase.
