Hyderabad, Nov. 27 -- There are many stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, One of the most persistent negative images of Muslims is that they do not value life. The terrorist attacks carried out by a minority of Muslims have led some people to perceive Islam as a violent religion that encourages death for the sake of God. As we have said before, however, this idea is not supported by the Qur'an. While death is a fact of life that is repeatedly addressed in the Qur'an, Muslims are taught that life is extremely valuable and that they should work to lead righteous lives.

In the Islamic worldview, death is part of the cycle of life and is a clear example of God's absolute power and human beings' dependency on the Divine. There are many verses...