Justification for terrorism

Justification for terrorism refers to the act of defining motive or justification for instances of terrorism.
Definition of terrorism
One of the key factors in studying terrorism is the lack of a universally accepted definition. The "terrorist" from one side is usually another side's "freedom fighter". This makes any agreement on ethical norms that can be applied to armed conflicts between any government and its opponents very difficult. There are instances in history when violence against established governments was (and still is) not condemned, such as the American Revolutionary War and the struggle in South Africa against apartheid. In contrast, it cannot simply be said that violence is justified only when it succeeds.
The word "terrorism" was first used in reference to the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. A 1988 study by the United States Army found that more than one hundred definitions of the word exist and have been used. Among these definitions there are several that do not recognize the possibility of legitimate use of violence by civilians against an invader in an occupied country and these definitions would thus label all resistance movements as terrorist groups. Others make a distinction between lawful and unlawful use of violence. Ultimately, the distinction is a political judgment.
Definition of terrorist groups
The difference between armed struggle and terrorism can in some cases be difficult to determine. There is also a large consensus, mainly on utilitarian grounds, about the right of racial and ethnic groups to resort to armed struggle if they are denied equal participation in political and social life.
Numerous governments and non-governmental organizations, specifically the media, have different standards which define what groups or organizations are considered terrorist groups. For example, the US air force has one with discrepancies from the US state department , and the Israeli ICT maintains a separate . There is no uniform consensus on how to label an individual group, or whether or not the actions of a state qualify the state as a "terrorist state".
Motives and Ethics of terrorism
History of terrorism
Justification of Islamic terrorism
Using interpretations of the Quran
Islamic Terrorist justify their acts using a number of reasons:
*Osama bin Laden, best known for the September 11 attacks, used quotes from the Qur'an to justify Terrorism , such as:
<BLOCKQUOTE> O prophet! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them. Their abode is hell, and an evil destination it is. </BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE> O you who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guides not a people unjust. </BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE> And fight them until there’s no fitnah (polytheism) and religion is wholly for Allah. </BLOCKQUOTE>
*Certain Scholars such as Zakir Naik have said all Muslims should be terrorist in the context of war and fighting evils of society only, but rejected terrorism which attacks and kills innocent civillians. When he was asked about the verse .
<BLOCKQUOTE> "Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies". </BLOCKQUOTE>
He replied.
<BLOCKQUOTE> "Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber . A Muslim should be a terrorist for the Robber and all other anti-social elements." </BLOCKQUOTE>
Using interpretations of the Hadith
*When the prophet made a peace deal with Banu Nadir and Banu Qurayza and other jewish tribes, the 3 leaders of the Jewish tribes broke the peace treaty. Although only 3 leaders broke the peace treaty, the prophet killed most of the Jewish civillians for this (sparing the children) even though they did not do anything.This incident took place in the Battle of the Trench. Terrorist use this as justification to attack American civillians.. Omar Bakri used this hadith as a justification as to why terrorism is allowed and why killing of civillians is allowed.
*Hamas, an Islamic Resistance movement is Palestine, has justified the killing of Jewish Civillians using the hadith below, which they have also included in their Charter, Many other clerics and scholars have also refered to this verse to justify the killing of Jews :
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Justification of Eco/Animal rights terrorism
Justification of Red (Communist) terrorism
History of terrorism

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