Between Extremism and Fundamentalism in Islam

Extremism is the opposite of fundamentalism.  While extremism is two-fold covering both negligence of religion or its exaggeration, fundamentalism is moderation of religion in its fundamental form.  Islam is principally based on taking a middle course between negligence and exaggeration.  Those that neglect to practise what Allah asked them to do are extremists on the one hand while those that exaggerate and go beyond what Allah expects of them are extremists on the other hand.

Negligence is the secular extremism that has a destructive influence on the society.  It breeds lawlessness which differentiates between humans and animals.  Animals only eat, drink, sleep and have sex while humans are expected to worship in addition to these biological needs.  Therefore if a person neglects worship then he is akin to an animal. A negligent person indulges in fornication and drinking alcohol among other things and generally has no time to pray.

Exaggeration however, breeds a more dangerous destruction on the society in that it brings about terrorism.  Those that practise it are blind to Islamic social justice because they go beyond the realms of Islam.  It is exaggeration that brought about terrorists that wear the face of Islam to commit their abominable acts.  There are so many groups that exist presently in the world that exceed the boundaries set by Allah (SWT).  It is such groups that carry out indiscriminate suicide bombings in the name of jihad and they will not receive the Rahma (blessings) of Allah (SWT).

Islam is a simple way of life and exceeding the limits as it is well known is strictly forbidden.  The Prophet (PBUH) warned against it and he explained that it is an ailment which all communities suffer from.  In a Hadith he said:

“Beware of exceeding the limits in your religion.  For indeed what has destroyed the nations before you was exceeding the limit in religion.”

During the life time of the Prophet (PBUH), he forbade some of his companions that wanted to dedicate themselves fully to the worship of Allah.  Some wanted to observe fasting everyday without break, others wanted to spend their whole nights by offering prayers without sleep and some wanted to renounce marriage completely.  He explained to them that by doing so, they are going against his teachings and traditions.

In between negligence and exaggeration is therefore what is expected of a good Muslim.  He should be moderate and reasonable which is the middle course of the Islamic religion.  Allah (SWT) says in Qur’an Verse 2, Chapter 143:

“Thus We have made you an Ummah (true Muslims) justly balanced that you may witness over mankind and the Messenger (Prophet Muhammad, PBUH) a witness over you.”

Note the phrase “justly balanced”.  Allah (SWT) expects Muslims to be fundamental and moderate not to exaggerate or neglect.

Understanding Islam

Dialogue is the best form of communication between different civilisations and cultures.  Through dialogue, accurate information can be discerned and disseminated to penetrate hearts and minds to eradicate doubt and allow people see issues in light of plain facts, free from distortion, exaggeration or fabrication.

Ignorance and distortion have been woven against Islam by Western mass media and prejudiced individuals especially orientalists thereby creating a totally bad image about Islam’s history, civilisation and its community.  The purpose of my discourse is to enlighten Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam.

The events of September 11, 2001 are still fresh in the minds of the American people and the world at large. The damage caused to Islam by the people behind this terrorist act is irreparable.  Islam is a religion of peace as the word ‘Islam’ connotes ‘peace’ it does not approve of terrorism. The doctrines, laws and history of Islam do not condone hurting people for no just reason.  There is nowhere in the Qur’an where Muslims are instructed to wage acts of terrorism against anybody.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived peacefully with Jews and Christians during his lifetime in Madinah.  He never waged war on Jews or Christians.  The Jews that connived with the hypocrites in Madinah to undermine Islam and even kill Prophet Muhammad were expelled and exiled. He waged wars against non-believers principally idol-worshippers of that time that continuously attacked Islam and Muslims.

 ‘Islam’ is a word derived from the Arabic word for submission to Allah the Exalted.  Islam entails submission to the Oneness of Allah (in His Lordship, His most perfect names and attributes).  Islam also entails following Allah’s Messengers from Adam to Jesus.  In this respect, Islam is the same religion that was preached by all prophets before Muhammad (PBUH). All of them were sent by Allah to order their people to associate none in worship with Allah and to obey them in what they convey unto the people from Him.

Allah the Exalted says in the Qur’an in Surah Anbiya, Verse 21, Chapter 25:

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him saying: “La ilaha illallah” (none has the right to be worshipped but I, Allah, so worship Me Alone and none else).

According to the Qur’an, Surah Al-Imran, Verse 3, Chapter 64, Prophet Muhammad was sent not only to Muslims, but to Jews and Christians as well. The verse says:

Say (O Muhammad), “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords besides Allah”. Then if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims”.

A Christian friend of mine who had a negative view of Islam was amazed after I dialogued with him and explained to him Islam and what it teaches.  After suffering four religious crises that caused him to lose close relatives and properties, his view of Islam was totally negative but I cleared his mind after explaining to him the difference between extremism and fundamentalism.