Curbing Extremism in the Muslim Community: A Call for Unity and Reform

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 31 January 2025 Addressing The Root Causes Of Extremism Through Religious Education, Unity, And Adherence To The Rule Of Law ---- The article discusses the rising issue of religious extremism within Muslim communities, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, proper religious education, and unity to combat these ideologies. It highlights the dangers of misinterpretation, the unchecked issuance of fatwas, and the glorification of violent figures. Additionally, it addresses the negative impact of political and sectarian divides, urging Muslim leaders to foster unity and respect among different sects. The article calls for the rejection of vigilante justice and stresses the importance of adhering to the rule of law, aligning with Islam's core values of peace and compassion. Introduction Religious extremism has become a significant issue affecting Muslim communities worldwide. Extremism not only distorts the true teachings of Islam but also undermines the fundamental values of peace, compassion, and human dignity. To curb extremism, it is essential to understand its root causes and adopt comprehensive strategies that align with the core values of Islam. Lack of Awareness and Misguided Information One of the main causes of extremism is the lack of awareness and understanding of religious teachings. Many individuals, particularly those with limited religious education, rely on distorted or incomplete information. This can lead to the misinterpretation of religious texts and the spread of extremist ideologies. To address this, it is essential to promote religious literacy. Islamic scholars and educators must prioritize the dissemination of authentic knowledge based on the Qur'an and Hadith. Muslims should be encouraged to seek knowledge from qualified scholars and credible sources to avoid being misled by extremists or harmful ideologies. Unchecked Authority in Issuing Fatwas Another major issue contributing to extremism is the growing trend of individuals—often with limited religious education—issuing fatwas (religious rulings) without proper knowledge or understanding of the context. This unregulated practice can lead to misguided judgments, often inciting hatred and violence. To combat this, religious institutions and scholars must take a stronger stance in regulating the issuance of fatwas. Only qualified scholars should be entrusted with such responsibilities, and fatwas must be based on thorough research and a deep understanding of Islamic principles, including compassion, justice, and respect for human life. Elevating Criminals to Hero Status A disturbing trend in some communities is the glorification of individuals who engage in acts of violence or murder in the name of Islam. Figures like Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated a political leader, are hailed as heroes, despite their actions being in direct contradiction to Islamic teachings on the sanctity of life. The Muslim community must reject the glorification of such individuals and emphasize the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the sanctity of human life. Scholars must openly condemn these acts and remind the community that Islam forbids vigilante justice and taking the law into one's own hands. Political and Sectarian Divides Extremism often thrives in politically and sectarian-divided environments. The exploitation of religious differences for political gain has exacerbated tensions within the Muslim community. The sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims, for example, is often manipulated by external and internal political actors, leading to violence and division. To address this, Muslim leaders and scholars must promote unity and mutual respect between different sects. The focus should be on the common principles of Islam, such as belief in one God, the Prophethood, and the Day of Judgment. Political agendas should not be allowed to overshadow religious teachings that promote peace and coexistence. Lawlessness and Vigilantism In some instances, individuals take the law into their own hands, believing they are enforcing Islamic law. This practice is not supported by the Qur'an or Hadith and is a distortion of Islam. The notion that Muslims have the right to enforce punishments, such as those for blasphemy, outside the legal system is a dangerous and misguided belief. Religious scholars must openly educate the community that Islam does not permit vigilante justice and that legal matters must be handled by the appropriate authorities. In non-Islamic states, Muslims must adhere to the laws of the land and respect the legal processes in place. Conclusion Curbing extremism in the Muslim community requires a collective effort from scholars, educators, leaders, and ordinary Muslims. By promoting religious literacy, regulating the issuance of fatwas, rejecting the glorification of criminals, fostering harmony among sects despite theological differences, and emphasizing adherence to the rule of law, we can begin to address the root causes of extremism. Islam, at its core, is a religion of peace, compassion, and justice. It is time to return to these fundamental values and work together to build a more harmonious and just society. --- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/extremism-muslim-community-unity-reform/d/134485 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