Seifeldin Ashmawy

In the following viewpoint, Seifeldin Ashmawy contends that Islam does not condone or justify acts of terrorism. He asserts that Islamic extremists such as Hamas and American Muslim organizations that support Hamas do not represent the authentic Muslim view. These extremists pose a threat to the Middle East peace process and to the United States and should be prevented from carrying out attacks, Ashmawy claims. Ashmawy was the president of the Peace Press Association, a moderate Muslim organization. He died in a car accident in January 1998.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Ashmawy, what does “jihad” mean?
2. In the view of the author, how did Hamas rise to power in Palestine?

Definitions

Terrorism. Although the United Nations Charter grants people the right to carry arms to defend themselves and their land...