Terrorism and its Elimination an Islamic Perspective

Islām is a religion of peace and it gives great importance to peace. Islamic teachings and laws are meant to create and maintain peace in the human society. But, unfortunately, Islām has been targeted as a source of terrorism, today. In this article, the author tries to defend Islām and differentiate between Jihād and terrorism. The word terrorism needs to be seen in its historical perspective. Different definitions of terrorism have been presented, but still it is an ambiguous term. In this paper, the author tries to define terrorism in the Islamic perspective. This paper discusses the points given below: m The concept of terrorism, its manifestations and types. M Encountering and prevention of terrorism from Islamic perspective. M Islām and the global brotherhood. M The punishment of terrorism. M The religious viewpoint against a cruel government. M The peaceful struggle against cruelty and injustice. Also, the difference between terrorism and jihad has been clarified. The rules and regulations of Jihād make it clear that it has nothing to do with terrorism, which is an unruly activity. A Muslim is supposed to be a peaceful citizen, who can never indulge in any act of terrorism. The rebellion against the rulers has also been discussed to draw the conclusion that it is not allowed except against the blatant kufr. The objectives of the Islamic punishments indicate the Islamic approach to minimize terrorism in the human society.

How Can Action Research Help Teachers to Develop Students Creative Writing Skills

This study was conducted in a private school in Karachi. I introduced the action research approach to the teachers as a strategy to develop the teaching/learning process aiding in the development of creative writing skills. Two teachers, one primary and one secondary and eight students from class V and class VI participated in the study. I worked five days a week for six weeks lesson observed. I prepared activities and materials with the help of the teachers which emerged from the interest of the students. It was found out that the approach introduced in the study provided opportunities for the teachers to think and reflect upon their work. Through action research I built a close relationship with the teachers and the students. Action research helped the teachers to develop students' creative writing skills. The teachers identified problems and focused on how to resolve their problems. Through action research the teacher-students relationship assumed new dimensions. It was found that the new approaches which I introduced in my study provide opportunities for the teachers in developing and improving the learning teaching process. The dissertation has valuable methodological insights which will be useful for further research and my work with teachers.