ISIS: A Reflection on Salafism and Wahhabism through Sheikh Kalbani's Lens

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 8 October 2024 Drawing from Sheikh Aadel Al-Kalbani’s Insights in His Thought-Provoking Piece, "Is Terrorism A Salafi Product?" Published On New Age Islam, This Article Seeks to Explore the Complex Relationship Between ISIS and Salafism. Main Points: 1. Sheikh Aadel Al-Kalbani, former imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, asserts that ISIS is not just an extremist fringe but a reflection of certain Salafi principles. 2. He urges Muslims to engage in self-examination and reform within their faith. 3. He emphasizes the importance of a rational examination of Islamic history to resist the seductive pull of extremist narratives. 4. Sheikh Kalbani criticizes societal leaders for failing to engage meaningfully with youth, leading to a lack of constructive dialogues about faith and mentorship. 5. Kalbani calls for a robust educational framework that emphasizes the true teachings of Islam. 6. He emphasizes the importance of instilling values of compassion, justice, and respect for all in religious education. 7. Kalbani condemns the notion of Takfir, the practice of declaring fellow Muslims as apostates, which breeds an “us versus them” mentality. 8. He condemns self-proclaimed guardians of faith who issue Takfiri fatwas, labeling them as threats to societal cohesion. 9. He calls for a return to Islam’s foundational principles of peace, justice, and mutual respect. 10.He urges a collective effort to reclaim the narrative of Islam as a religion of peace. ------- Sheikh Aadel Al-Kalban ------ An Invitation to Reflect and Reform In the discourse surrounding the rise of ISIS, Sheikh Aadel Al-Kalbani, the former imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, challenges us to reconsider the roots of this phenomenon. He provocatively claims that ISIS is not merely an extremist fringe but a disturbing reflection of certain Salafi principles. This assertion beckons Muslims everywhere to engage in profound self-examination and meaningful reform within their faith. Grasping the Essence of Salafism At its core, Salafism represents a quest for purity in Islam, aspiring to replicate the practices of the early Muslim community—the Salaf. However, Sheikh Kalbani warns that some interpretations of this ideology have spiralled into extremism and violence. He contends that understanding Salafism requires nuance; it is vital to dissect these interpretations critically, especially in light of their impact on today’s youth, who are vulnerable to radicalization. The Importance of Historical Awareness In his explorations, Kalbani emphasizes the necessity of a rational examination of Islamic history, arguing that a rigid adherence to dogma obscures critical insights. Many young Muslims find themselves drawn to extremist ideologies due to misinterpretations of Islamic texts that lack historical grounding. By promoting a comprehensive study of Islamic principles and history, communities can empower their youth to resist the seductive pull of extremist narratives. Neglect: A Catalyst for Radicalization A pivotal point in Kalbani’s argument highlights the systemic neglect faced by young people. He critiques societal leaders—including parents, educators, and religious figures—for failing to engage meaningfully with youth. This neglect manifests in the absence of constructive dialogues about faith and a lack of mentorship, creating a void that extremist groups eagerly fill with their misguided messages. Kalbani observes that this disconnection not only alienates young Muslims from their faith but also fosters a sense of isolation, making them susceptible to the allure of groups that offer a false sense of belonging and purpose. The Critical Role of Education One of Sheikh Kalbani's urgent calls is for a robust educational framework that emphasizes the true teachings of Islam. He insists that religious education should transcend rote memorization, nurturing critical thinking and moral reasoning. Community leaders and educators must prioritize instilling values of compassion, justice, and respect for all, which lie at the heart of the faith. Kalbani stresses the importance of scholars and clergy actively engaging with young minds. By equipping them with the tools to explore their faith thoughtfully, these leaders can help prevent the insidious spread of extremist ideologies. Ignoring this responsibility, he warns, could lead to dire consequences for the community. Confronting Takfiri Ideology Central to Sheikh Kalbani’s critique is the notion of Takfir—the practice of declaring fellow Muslims as apostates. This ideology breeds an “us versus them” mentality, justifying violence against those deemed heretical. Kalbani firmly asserts that such thinking contradicts the true spirit of Islam, which is rooted in unity and compassion. He condemns the self-proclaimed guardians of faith who issue Takfiri fatwas, labeling them as threats to societal cohesion. These declarations create a toxic environment where Muslims are pitted against one another, undermining the communal bonds that should unite them. Advocating for Peace and Understanding In stark contrast to the exclusionary rhetoric of extremist groups, Sheikh Kalbani calls for a return to Islam’s foundational principles of peace, justice, and mutual respect. He envisions a community where love and understanding flourish, not one consumed by fanaticism and hostility. Sheikh Kalbani argues that extremist groups often manipulate Islamic teachings to serve their agendas, masquerading as defenders of monotheism while distorting essential tenets of the faith. He urges a collective effort to reclaim the narrative of Islam as a religion of peace, calling on scholars and community leaders to actively counter these distortions. Nurturing a Compassionate Community To illustrate his vision, Sheikh Kalbani uses the metaphor of nurturing a healthy plant, representing the Muslim community. He emphasizes the need to care for the roots—education, moral values, and community engagement—to ensure that the branches—young Muslims—grow strong and resilient. Just as a plant requires protection from harmful ideas, the community must safeguard its youth from extremist ideologies. By fostering a culture of open dialogue, understanding, and critical engagement, the Muslim community can cultivate an environment where compassion thrives. Kalbani believes this approach can effectively challenge the narratives of hatred and division propagated by extremists. Paving the Way for a Brighter Future In his concluding thoughts, Sheikh Kalbani reminds us that drawing on the past should not equate to clinging to outdated ideologies. Instead, he advocates for using historical wisdom as a foundation to build a more inclusive and understanding future. He envisions a community where young Muslims are equipped to navigate their faith thoughtfully, rejecting violence and embracing coexistence. Sheikh Kalbani’s insights serve as a clarion call for Muslims to reflect deeply on their beliefs, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take proactive steps to combat extremism. By prioritizing education, compassion, and understanding, the community can aspire to a future where peace prevails, and the true teachings of Islam shine brightly. ---- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/isis-salafism-wahhabism-sheikh-kalbani/d/133385 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism