The worldwide spread of terrorism has impacted almost every corner of the globe, with Muslims often unfairly bearing the blame. Since the events of September 11, a persistent trend has emerged where acts of terrorism are frequently associated with Muslims, leading to widespread misunderstanding and prejudice. Despite consistent condemnation of such violence by the global Muslim community, an image has been promoted—particularly by international media—that links Muslims with extremism. This narrative fails to acknowledge that terrorism is rooted not in religion but in complex social, psychological, and political factors.

An objective look reveals that terrorism has no exclusive link to any one religion or group. Instead, it arises from individuals or factions with extremist beliefs or psychological issues, driving them to carry out horrific acts that devastate lives and communities alike. Today, terrorism often stems from inter-community animosity, sectarianism, nationalism, and geopolitical conflicts over resources, rather than any specific religious beliefs. Many perpetrators harbor intense hatred toward others based on religion, nationalism, or ethnicity, and this can lead them to commit acts of violence. Such deep-seated animosity often reflects personal or psychological trauma, pushing individuals to feel justified in their actions, regardless of the harm they cause.

So why are Muslims frequently held responsible for terrorist attacks? Pervasive anti-Islamic bigotry is the primary cause. Every major religion’s followers have at some point used violence, according to any........

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