Islam against Extremism

One of the most important challenges facing Islam at the present time is the phenomenon of ‘terrorism’. It is a word used by non Islamic forces to propaganda against Islam as a religion of extremism, non ethical and social moral values. The concept of jihad is central to many Islamic extremist ideologies and justifications for violence. Muslims practicing Islam are called as terrorist or extremist and are being oppressed all over the world. The non state terrorism is being muddled with the Islamic teachings and the non-Muslim forces are using it for their own benefits. Apart from the non-Muslim forces, there are some Muslim resistive forces too in existence who have labeled themselves as the propagators of Islam but in fact they too don’t have the accurate knowledge about the true teachings of Islam. Further, the minds of Muslim youth are being polluted with forums and extremist ideas and are being driven away from Quran and Sunnah.

 Being rational here, the concept of terrorism or Jihad has not been wholly generated by the non- Muslims themselves but modern Islamic extremist have played a huge part in it too. According to them jihad is a principle that comes second to faith and after a firm belief in ALLAH, one should practice jihad against the unbelievers. It is important to note here that this principle (i.e., that there is a duty mandated by God to kill or destroy all “unbelievers”), which is the centerpiece of Islamic extremist doctrine, is a relatively new development in Islamic history. While the faith of Islam has existed for more than 14 centuries, this violent strain of Islamist ideology has only held a sizable audience for less than a century. Jihadism is a modern phenomenon. Hence the people practicing these principles have a narrow, rigid view of Islam and lack any tolerance from those who do not agree with them and pose a greatest threat to the world.

Islam is a religion of peace, moderation and tolerance. It rejects killings, causing harm to innocent people and forbids any form of extremism. Any person or a group who resorts to terrorism and violence in the name of Islam is a criminal and an outlaw. The most serious problem the Muslim community is facing lately is due to abandoning the right principles of Islam, ignorance and adopting the wrong creed. Therefore adhering to the right creed is one of the most important duties of a Muslim. In Islam there is no justification or acceptance of extremism or terrorism nor there any belief or concept promoting it. No form of injustice and sinful acts are accepted by Islam that is being committed under the veil of jihad and faith. Finally for the proper growth and development of faiths in Muslims it is the duty of Imams and sermon preachers to shield them from deviant extremist ideologies and propagate the true teachings of Quran and Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).   

The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. (33:21)

The Concept of Leadership in Islam

The concept of leadership in Islam is based on legitimacy, authority, power and compassion. The concept can be best understood by encompassing a thorough knowledge of Holy Quran and Seerah. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the best ever example of accurate leadership. A deep insight in his life in Medina is all that is needed to get accustomed with the qualities needed to become a good leader. In today’s critical time of Muslim suppression and oppression by the non believers, it’s only a clear perceptiveness of Muslim leadership that can help them to overcome the darkness that surrounds them.   

There are certain qualities and requirements that are imposed by Islam for becoming the rightful leader of an Islamic state. The foremost requirement is that no oppressor can become a leader. It can be understood from the following dialogue between Allah SWT and Hazrat Ibrahim: "What about my progeny?" asked Ibrahim. "My covenant does not include the dhalimeen (oppressors)", came the divine reply (Al-Qur'an 2:124). The other two points interpreted from the dialogue are that Islam rejects the concept of hereditary leadership; a person must qualify for this post and must possess divine legitimacy. An Islamic leader should implement Allah’s law on earth- he should not comply with the wishes or commands of any group; whether it may be a majority of highly influential people or a minority of his favorites. The qualities possessed by a leadership are further illustrated in this ayah. "It was by the mercy of Allah that you (O Prophet) were lenient with them, for if you had been stern and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So forgive them and seek mercy for them and consult with them in the conduct of affairs. And when you have resolved [on an issue], then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put their trust in Him" (Al-Qur'an 3:159). The numbers of points highlighted in the ayah are: a leader should be kind, sympathetic, compassionate, forgiving, seeking their conformity in a certain matter which have been finalized in agreements of Allah SWT.

A leader should have proper vision about the goals he wants to achieve for a particular society. He should have clear idea about what he is going to do and how to do. He should motivate and lead the people towards the realization of the goal. The leader must work for maintaining the culture and norms of the society. A leader is considered as a servant of the nation therefore he should do everything to bring about uplift both morally and socially in an Islamic society. No hypocrisy and negative approach should be implied to achieve any sort of objective because a leader would not only be responsible to his people but also to Allah Almighty. Lastly, Leadership in Islam is a trust and a moral obligation which requires a leader to guide, protect and treat the followers fairly with justice. 

The Basic Beliefs of a Muslim

A Muslim is subjected to believe in and live by six articles of faith (Imaan) before considering himself to be in the circle of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and one can only acquire this by total submission to ALLAH’s will and commands with no doubts. The six articles of faith that a Muslim should believe in are:

Belief in One God

"(There is) none worthy of worship except Allah. Muhammad (sal-allahu-alayhi-waallyhi-wsalum) is Messenger of ALLAH."

The first and foremost belief that a Muslim should have is there is only one God and that is ALLAH. He neither has a spouse nor any children and He has to be worshipped alone. He is the true god and all other gods are false.

Belief in Angels

“Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels, messengers with wings,- two, or three, or four (pairs)”

(Quran, 35:1)

The second belief that a Muslim has is in the angels of ALLAH. Angels are the creation of ALLAH just like humans and they are created to worship Him alone. They are deprived of any free will and follow the commands of ALLAH. Among the many angels Gabriel is the one who brought Quranic revelations to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Belief in Gods revealed Books

Muslims believe that ALLAH has revealed His teachings and messages to the prophets and saved them in the form of books. There are four books that are known to the Mulims: Injil Taurat Zabur n Quran. Quran is the last revealed book and ALLAH has taken upon Himself for its protection unlike the other three that were changed with sands of times by people.

Belief in the Prophets

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet of ALLAH. After him no prophet would ever come to this world. He’s the seal to the line of prophets. Hazrat Adam is the first prophet and some other prophets that the Muslims believe in are Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of God.

Belief in the Day of Judgment

“And be conscious of the day on which you shall be brought back unto God, whereupon every human being shall be repaid in full for what he has earned. And none shall be wronged” (Quran, 2:281)

After death Day of Judgment would be held. Every person, whether he is a believer or a non believer, would be asked about his actions and deeds that he has committed in this world. Good deeds would end up a person in heaven whereas bad deeds would end up in hell for eternity. ALLAH is forgiving and merciful everyone should pray for their forgiveness by Him. He would forgive all sins except shirk.

Belief in Destiny

The last belief a Muslim should have is that everything happening to him in his world to is predestined and is according to the will and plan of ALLAH. Hence he should thank Him in whatever situation he is in and should have strong believe that bad times would pass and he would be granted with reward and better times.