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)