Whenever I hear 'Islamic extremist' or 'extremist Islam', I think when will everyone stop using this oxymoron of a phrase 'Islamic extremist'? From what I've read in the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book), there is a no more moderate and balanced religion than Islam.
Since the emergence of extremist militant groups such as 'Al Qaeda', the 'Taliban', 'Boko Haram' and 'ISIS', concerns (and understandably so) have been raised about why these militant groups commit atrocities and cruelties in the name of Islam. Does Islam permit such atrocities, does it even condone and encourage them? The answer is a resounding no! Rather, Islam is the antithesis of extremism. Islam's teachings are filled with so many commandments of moderate practice that anyone who reads the Holy Qur'an would not fail to see how strongly and beautifully Islam presents a moderate religion and lifestyle. For example it says addressing the Muslim nation, 'We have made you a moderate people' (2:143). Then again, all through the Qur'an we read teachings about moderation: 'And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly but moderate between the two' (25:68). 'Eat and drink but exceed not the bounds; surely, He does not love those who exceed the bounds.' (7:32) Islamic extremism is itself an oxymoron and the two cannot be further apart. All Muslims who are in their senses and have even a minute knowledge of their religion know that Islam means peace and submission which categorically means that a true Muslim cannot be an extremist. How can a person be an extremist yet be a peaceful, submissive person? Therefore the lack of sense and knowledge of the extremist elements who claim to represent Islam is clear for all to see. They have hijacked the name of Islam and have cherry-picked, misinterpreted and distorted certain verses and commandments to serve their own political and selfish biased interests. They have gone so far from Islam just as the word Islam itself is so far from extremism as is possibly conceivable. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) was the greatest and first ever Muslim. Yet he was also the most moderate and kind, loving and gentle hearted person. If there is any one person's view on this to listen to, it is his. His teaching was based upon moderation, even in matters of religion. He preached that no one should be put to hardship and one must only carry out those duties which one is capable of and is easily able to. So our message to these extremist terrorists claiming to be Muslims is this. Give up your evil, horrendous and wicked ways. If you truly believe in and follow Islam and claim to be Muslims then read the Qur'an and return to the peaceful, loving, charitable Islam of the Holy Prophet (on whom be peace). At the very least be open with everyone and declare that you have nothing to do with Islam and rather you are beset with evil and wicked ways and doing all this solely for your own wicked and base desires. Don't tarnish the name of the peaceful, moderate and beautiful Islam of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)! There's no doubt that ISIS and Boko Haram and any other extremist so called 'Muslim' elements have transgressed all conceivable bounds in wretchedness, cruelty and injustice. Let's see what the Qur'an has to say about transgressors and injustice: 'Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.' (2:191) 'Allah loves not the unjust' (3:141) 'Surely, the unjust shall not prosper.' (6:22) It's clear here that any group, individual or nation who transgresses all the bounds of decency, humanity and justice, goes against the teachings of Islam. Therefore, according to the Qur'an here, such extremist elements like 'ISIS' are clearly acting against the teachings of the very religion they falsely claim to represent. Moreover, there is a warning for such people - the unjust shall never prosper.
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AuthorAtif Rashid writes about faith, extremism & mental health. Categories
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August 2021
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