Family: Frontline Against Terrorism

A young man from a priveleged background finishes high school with honors, and goes off to college. Soon afterwards, he is a changed man... a radical who is intent on terrorism, violating the most fundamental tenets of the faith in which he was raised. What is it that changes these young men into dangerous criminals? This is something that families and Muslim communities struggle to understand and combat.

In recent weeks, we have seen at least two such stories emerge. Most recently, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from Nigeria was caught allegedly trying to blow up a Detroit-bound airplane. He had been studying mechanical engineering in the UK, and by all accounts was a good student from a priveleged background. Umar's father recognized the recent radicalization of his son, and contacted authorities to warn them. According to the BBC, he contacted both local and foreign officials to alert them that his son had gone missing.

Several Muslim families in Virginia recently faced the same difficult decision. When five young men disappeared, their parents were naturally worried and concerned for their safety. More importantly, they also feared for the safety of others, as the young men had also been giving signs of radicalization. So what did the relatives do? CNN reported that they immediately contacted the FBI and shared information which led to their arrest in Pakistan.

Young people who become entranced with radical preachings, and take that next mis-step towards performing acts of terrorism, often blend in with their surroundings. Mosques report that such men are not often known to the local, mainstream Muslim community. Most often, family members are the first people to become aware that something is wrong.

How difficult it must have been for these families to turn in their own beloved sons. However, the Qur'an reminds us that in order to do the right thing, we may have to sometimes stand up against those who are closest to us:  "'Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor..." (Qur'an 4:135).

These Muslim heroes choose to protect the greater good, rather than stand by their loved ones' misguided and dangerous actions.

Read More:

• What does the Qur'an say about terrorism?


• What exactly does jihad mean?


• Does Islam teach its followers to "kill the infidel?"

Family: Frontline Against Terrorism originally appeared on About.com Islam on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 06:51:00.

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Source: Islam About Dot Com