Between Extremism and Fundamentalism

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 practice 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 practice it are blind to Islamic social justice because they go beyond the realms of Islam.  It is exaggeration that brought about groups like Al-Qaeda internationally, Maitatsine and Boko Haram in Nigeria.  There are so many groups like that existing presently in the world that exceed the boundaries set by 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.   My brothers and sisters to put it simply, there is an adage that says:"Too much of anything is bad".  Whatever you indulge in, do it in moderation and you will be better for it.  

Bissalam.

MALLAM KABEER M. ADAMU,
OFFICIAL REPORT DEPARTMENT,
CNA'S OFFICE,
NASS ABUJA.