Following the 2016 Brussels bombings and the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Qureshi wrote an op-ed in "USA Today" stating that, from his perspective, Islamic terrorism stemmed from a literal interpretation of the Quran, specifically Surah 9. He further wrote that he believed this to be the most accurate understanding of the Quran but noted that most Muslims do not subscribe to this interpretation. When Muslim writers responded critically to this assessment, Qureshi wrote another op-ed for the "Huffington Post" stating that he appreciated the response to his initial article and welcomed dialogue, adding, "Such public dialogue and discussion is the key to moving forward and addressing the roots of jihad." He developed this position further in his second book, "Answering Jihad", and discussed his views during an interview with "Fox News".