Terror Has No Faith: The Tragedy in Pahalgam and the Heroism of a True Muslim
By New Age Islam Staff Writer
24 April 2025
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has left the nation in deep shock and mourning. Amidst the tragedy, the brave act of Syed Adil Hussain Shah stands out—a local pony operator who lost his life trying to protect tourists. This article reflects on his heroism and reaffirms a clear Islamic stance: that terrorism has no place in religion, and the killing of innocents is a grave sin in the eyes of God.
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A relative of Syed Adil Hussain, at his funeral who died trying to save tourists during the attack in Pahalgam (AP Phot/Dar Yasin)
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Presently, the people of India are united in grief and outrage over the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. This brutal and inhumane act has caused immense pain and sorrow across the nation. From an Islamic perspective, such an attack is not only morally reprehensible but also a grave sin in the eyes of Allah. The deliberate killing of innocent civilians constitutes a direct violation of divine commandments, as Islam strictly forbids the unjust shedding of human blood.
Islamic teachings uphold the sanctity of life in the strongest possible terms. The Qur’an declares:
"Whoever kills a person—unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land—it is as if he had slain all of humanity" (Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:32).
This powerful verse leaves no room for ambiguity. No sincere Muslim, no God-fearing believer, can overlook or ignore such a clear and foundational command. Only those who are themselves oppressors—blinded by hatred or deluded by false ideologies—can distort these teachings.
It must be reiterated, with clarity and conviction, that terrorism and the killing of innocents have no place in Islam. True Islam stands for justice, compassion, and peace. These heinous acts are a betrayal of Islamic values and must be condemned by all who claim to follow the path of God.
Terrorists and oppressors do not represent any divinely revealed religion—be it Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or others. Rather, they follow a corrupt ideology, using the name of religion as a cover to advance hidden agendas. Their sole objective is to spread chaos, fear, and destruction—an objective completely rejected by Islam. The Qur’an denounces Fasad (corruption and mischief) in the harshest terms, especially when it leads to the unjust killing of innocents.
Since yesterday, I have been deeply disturbed by the Pahalgam tragedy, in which innocent civilians—mostly tourists—were deliberately targeted and murdered. One account from this heart-breaking event stands out: the story of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a young pony operator known for ferrying tourists on horseback in the scenic valleys of Pahalgam.
As gunfire erupted, Shah courageously attempted to snatch a rifle from one of the attackers, risking his life to protect the tourists in his care. In this heroic effort, he was tragically shot and killed. His bravery stands in sharp contrast to the cowardice and cruelty of the attackers—individuals who, despite bearing Muslim names, acted in complete defiance of Islamic law and ethics.
Reports from NDTV and other major outlets reveal that the terrorists, before executing their victims, asked them to identify their religion and even recite Islamic verses. Such barbaric behaviour represents the very height of hypocrisy and delusion. It also highlights their ignorance of the basic tenets of Islam, which strictly prohibit the killing of non-combatants and the misuse of sacred words for violence.
Shah was the only local resident among the dead. More than just a victim, he was a symbol of real courage and righteousness—the kind of character Islam truly honours. He was the sole breadwinner for his elderly parents, wife, and children. His mother, inconsolable in her grief, now also carries the burden of an uncertain future. His father, Syed Haider Shah, shared his anguish in a statement to the media:
“My son went to Pahalgam yesterday to work. Around 3 PM, we heard of the attack. We tried to call him, but his phone was off. Later at 4:40 PM, the phone rang but no one answered. We rushed to the police station, and that’s when we learned he had been shot. Whoever is responsible must face the consequences.”
Syed Adil Hussain Shah
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Syed Adil Hussain Shah's heroic resistance is a powerful reminder that true Muslims stand firmly against injustice, terror, and all forms of violence. His life, and his final act of selfless bravery, deserve to be remembered—not only as an inspiring story of courage but also as a living refutation of those who falsely claim to act in the name of Islam.
May Allah grant Shah the highest station in Jannah (Paradise), and may He provide strength, patience, and support to his grieving family.
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