Selective Morality and the Politics of Terrorism Labeling - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

- Terrorism applies to both state and non-state entities, including governments and occupying powers, which can engage in terrorism. - Occupation is considered the worst form of terrorism in global circles. - In 2006, Edward Peck, a former U.S. diplomat, explained that while working on a definition of terrorism in 1985, the U.S. rejected several definitions because they implicated the U.S. itself, in such acts. - U.S. Code Title 18, Section 2331 defines "international terrorism" as actions aimed at influencing government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. - Peck highlighted that countries like the U.S. and Israel have engaged in activities that could fit the definition of terrorism, emphasizing the subjective nature of the label "terrorist." - Western governments often label groups or governments as "terrorist" based on "selective morality," which is not universally accepted. - Highlighting the lack of Western attention to civilian victims in Gaza and Lebanon, questioning why they are not recognized as human beings. - True honor and dignity come from God, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, and not from mankind. - When God grants honor, even enemies are forced to acknowledge it, as seen in the respect shown to Grand Ayatullah Sistani, a pious religious leader. - The Pope visited Ayatullah Sistani to express gratitude for his compassion towards minorities in Iraq. - Israeli Channel 14 displayed Ayatullah Sistani as a potential assassination target, which was condemned by the Shi‘a community and the Iraqi government. - The story of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (a) is shared, highlighting that true honor is granted by God, not by worldly recognition. Friday Juma Khutba October 11th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)