The literal translation of Allahu akbar is ‘God is greater’. It is a common Islamic Arabic expression, used in various contexts by Muslims; in formal prayer, in the call for prayer, as an informal expression of faith, in times of distress, to express celebration or victory, or to express resolute determination or defiance. Saying Allahu akbar is not necessarily a statement of faith. It is normally used in the same way as Western countries use the phrase ‘thank God’.

In 2009 Sonny Bill Williams made a spiritual conversion to Islam. ‘I’ve become a true Muslim’ says Williams in a recent interview. ‘It’s giving me happiness. It’s made me become content as a man, and helped me to grow. I’ve just got faith in it and it has definitely helped me become the man I am today’. Despite media portrayal, becoming a Muslim isn’t like joining a cult or a club. You don’t join and suddenly aspire to terrorise people.

The U.S FBI database indicates only 6% of all terrorist attacks since 1980 have been committed by Muslim terrorists. Whenever a Muslim is involved in an act of violence the media labels it as terrorism. Whenever anyone else commits the same act it’s called a hate crime.

Muslims use the word Jihad to describe a believer’s internal struggle to live out the Muslim faith. One of the five pillars of Islam clearly states Muslims should, through jihad, overcome things such as anger, greed, hatred, pride, or malice. 

Some verses include ‘fight in the way of Allah those that fight you but do not trangress limits for God does not love transgressors.’ which basically means do not fight except for in self defence,and even then do not go beyond defence.

The Qur’an is the Islamic sacred book, believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic. It is a common misconception that the Qur’an preaches violent action towards non-muslims. As with any text, the book must be read in full and understood as a whole, not fragmented out with the meaning distorted.