UNITING
AGAINST THE THREAT OF RADICALISM Radical tendencies, irrespective of their origin, are one of the most dangerous threats to world peace and security. Radicalism means to advocate fundamental and sudden changes by means of uncompromising and hard-line policies. Radicals seek such changes by employing cunning and often aggressive policies. One of radicalism’s characteristic traits is the angry attitude visible in its adherents’ speeches, books, and demonstrations. Radical movements are dominated by blindly advocated taboos, instead of conscious behavior, and reflect amass psychology. This psychology, in turn, can get so out of control that people, who no longer know what they are doing or why, turn their aggression on others. In an environment where love, affection and understanding have ceased to exist, people begin to feel animosity toward different ideologies or races without knowing what the other party really represents or believes.
Ignorance enables radicalism to find new recruits, even though it is a harmful and destructive movement. Misinformed or one-sidedly informed people are vulnerable to extremist movements, whose philosophical programs they adopt without careful reflection. This is why education is an essential aspect of the ideological fight against radicalism. In our own time, radicalism has emerged among Muslims, Christians, and Jews. This situation is abused and taken advantage of by proponents of Samuel Huntington’s proposed clash of civilizations theory. The scale of radicalism’s threat to world peace has become apparent in the 9/11 attacks on the United States and its consequences. The fact that these attacks are widely believed to have been carried out in the name of Islam resulted in a great deal of prejudice against Muslims and misunderstanding of Islam. Given the fact that Islam prohibits all acts of violence and aggression, most of the Islamic world condemned these terrorist attacks. Muslims prayed alongside Christians for the innocent lives lost, and American Muslims rushed to the aid of the victims. Despite this, prejudice against Muslims in the United States and some European countries has vastly increased, and incidences of violence have been reported. The arguments of those radicals who seek to divide the world into two warring factions have created an atmosphere of anxiety.
In order to eradicate radicalism and its damaging consequences, cultural and educational campaigns designed to reach all sections of society must be organized. We can list the topics and the responsibilities of various sections of society to be covered by this program, as follows: - Being aware that radicalism, an extremist tendency, that is incompatible with true religious morality, must be defeated ideologically so that its claim to be acting in the name of religion can be exposed as false. People of all three divinely revealed religions must be told that they have a responsibility to be compassionate, patient, gentle, friendly, polite, and respectful. They have to be made aware that Allah forbids violence, aggression, and anything that harms innocent people. They must understand that it is wrong to go down that path. These efforts will ensure that people who emerge, supposedly in the name of religion, and who support harshness and violence will be recognized as misguided liars and thereby prevented from finding new recruits. - A program must be designed to give full and accurate
information about all parties involved in the conflict, so that
international cooperation becomes possible. An important step toward
mutually friendly relations is the creation of an environment in which
Jews, Christians, and Muslims can begin to know each other’s beliefs,
traditions, and rituals better. This can be done through cultural and
educational programs. As people come to know each other better, they
will realize that they have many things in common. This, in turn, will
make reconciliation possible. Muslims, Christians, and Jews should tell
one another about their respective worldviews in line with Allah’s
divine books of revelation, thereby preventing the mutual
misunderstanding and radicalism caused by a lack of accurate knowledge. These and similar joint efforts will eradicate the conditions conducive to radicalism. In addition, believers must begin to show sincere respect for others’ beliefs and values. Genuine believers must seek to draw closer to Allah instead of accusing one another. They should concentrate on enhancing their sincerity and work to earn Allah’s good pleasure and mercy. In the following verse Allah reveals that people who act otherwise are wrong: The Jews say: »The Christians have nothing to stand on,« and the Christians say: »The Jews have nothing to stand on,« yet they both recite the Book. Those who do not know say the same as they say. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding the things about which they differ. (Surat Al-Baqara: 113) Eradicating the harm caused by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim
radicals is possible only if all moderate, peace-loving, civilized, and
genuinely religious people cooperate and form an alliance. Such an
alliance will defeat those who present war and conflict as the only
option, and disprove the assertions of those who advocate a show of
force as the only way to achieve security and prevent further
bloodshed, tears, and material damage. Another important way to curb radicalism is to expose the movements and ideologies that promote extremism as false. In the coming pages, we will scrutinize the errors of various radical Jewish and Christian movements. But first, we need to remind people in the Islamic world to be alert against radicalism.
Muslims Must Not Forget That the Moral Values of the Qur'an Forbid All Forms of Extremism As mentioned earlier, Islamic
societies have been centers of affection and goodwill toward
non-Muslims throughout history, particularly in our Prophet’s (may Allah
bless him and grant him peace) time. Islamic history is full of
examples of Christians and Jews seeking and finding refuge with
Muslims. Bearing this reality in mind at a time when the world so
desperately needs peace, Muslims must develop a model based on the
Qur’an’s morality and our Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him
peace) life that will set the standards for the rest of the world. It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. (Surah Al 'Imran: 159) Since Muslims are only responsible for announcing the Qur’an’s morality, and since they are prohibited from being bullies or enforcers and are required to be softly spoken to even the cruelest tyrant, they cannot be extremists or radicals, for such groups advocate that which violates the Qur’an’s morality.
Radicalism is an ideological movement and political approach that is incompatible with the moral values of Islam. When radical groups are examined, it gradually becomes clear that they are, in reality, using a compilation of slogans and methods used by Darwinists and materialists or that they have adopted the »fanatical rage of the time of ignorance« (Surat Al-Fath: 26). One of the common characteristics of such ideologies is their emotional force, an underlying cause of radicalism that is totally incompatible with Allah’s commands. The Qur’an describes Muslims as people who control their anger and who are reasonable, moderate, and tolerant. They always prefer reconciliation in order to reach solutions within the framework of mutual understanding and optimism. They show their calming and peaceful sides in all situations. One verse reveals these attributes: Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people – Allah loves the good-doers. (Surah Al ’Imran: 134) Muslims must be polite and respectful when interacting with people of different beliefs and ideologies. They never resort to force or threats, for their responsibility is limited to teaching others about the Qur’an’s morality. The rest is up to the conscience of those people. The following verse describes this approach: Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat An-Nahl: 125) Allah commanded Prophets Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them) to speak with Pharaoh, and to do so softly: »Go to Pharaoh; he has overstepped the bounds. But speak to him with gentle words so that, hopefully, he will pay heed or show some fear.« (Surah Ta Ha: 43-44) Pharaoh was the worst denier and tyrant of his time. He
rejected Allah, engaged in the perversion of making an idol out of
himself, and was a despot who killed and oppressed the believers
(Israelites). Yet, Allah commanded His Prophets to speak with gentle
words when they visited him. Notice that Allah’s ordained method is to
establish a friendly dialogue. Agitating words, expressions of anger and
heated protests are incompatible with His code of preaching and
morality. What Should Muslims‘ Perspective towards Terror Be? All forms of terrorist attack are roundly condemned in Islam. According to the Qur’an, it is a great sin to kill an innocent person, and anyone who does so will suffer great torment in the Hereafter: … If someone kills another person – unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth – it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs, but even after that, many of them committed outrages in the earth. (Surat Al-Ma’ida: 32) This verse equals the killing of one innocent to slaughtering all of humanity! Another verse expresses the importance that the faithful attach to life: Those who do not appeal to any other deity besides Allah [alone]; nor kill any soul whom Allah has forbidden [them to] except with the right to do so; nor fornicate. Anyone who does so will incur a penalty. (Surat Al-Furqan: 68) In yet another verse, Allah issues the following commandment: Say: »Come, and I will recite to you what your Lord has forbidden for you«: that you do not associate anything with Him; that you are good to your parents; that you do not kill your children because of poverty – We will provide for you and them; that you do not approach indecency – outward or inward; that you do not kill any person Allah has made inviolate – except with the right to do so. That is what He instructs you to do, so that hopefully, you will use your intellect. (Surat Al-An’am: 151) Any Muslim who believes in Allah with a sincere heart, who scrupulously abides by His verses and fears suffering in the Hereafter, will avoid harming even one other person. He knows that the Lord of Infinite Justice will suitably reward him for all his deeds. In one of the hadiths, our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) listed the kinds of people who are not pleasing to Allah: »Those who act cruelly and justly in the sacred lands, those who yearn for the ways of the ignorant, and those who wrongly shed human blood.« (Sahih Bukhari Hadith) Another element worthy of note on this subject is the way they treat places of worship. Churches, synagogues and mosques are houses for the worship of Allah. It is a terrible crime in the Sight of Allah to slaughter innocent people as they worship in their churches, synagogues or mosques. The people who go to those places are devout, prayerful people. All houses where the name of Allah is remembered are sacred in the eyes of Islam. Visitors to these houses may be Jews, Christians or Muslims. The important thing is that each one is a devout believer in Allah. A Muslim must respect and protect the holy places where the People of the Book worship Allah, and protect them. For Muslims, these places are precious because in these places, people, whether Jews or Christians remember Allah.
The Errors of Radical Christians The vast majority of Christians approach members of other religions with the love, and respect required by the Gospel. This is a very important – and very recent – development. During the second half of the twentieth century, the Christian world’s conviction that all other religions are completely wrong was largely abandoned, and the view that non-Christians should not be automatically condemned gained the upper hand. Christian writers, researchers, and officials expressed this view regularly. Organizations representing Christians decided to establish a dialogue and cooperate with other religions to find solutions to the world’s problems.
However, it is still possible – although not often – to encounter Christian harshness and even aggressions toward non-Christians. Some religious figures make unfounded allegations against other religions and claim that their followers are destined for Hell. Such allegations create discomfort in the Islamic world. Some Christian leaders continue to make aggressive comments about Muslims, misinterpret the Torah, and claim that in the near future a Muslim-Christian war will occur. Or, even worse, they claim that such a war is both necessary and unavoidable. The Torah relates stories from past nations, their wars, and the consequences thereof. Most of these are specific to those times and events. Therefore, such narratives must be considered in the context of those times, and one should refrain from reinterpreting those narratives to support war and conflict. One of the most fundamental errors of Christian radicals is their belief in Armageddon, which they think will take place before the Messiah’s (pbuh) arrival. This unfounded belief violates the morality that Jesus (pbuh) taught to his followers. Even a cursory reading of the Gospel shows that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) recommended love, peace, and friendship.
Christians should know that Muslims are also awaiting the
Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) second coming, for this miracle is foretold in
the Qur’an and in the Prophet Muhammad‘s (may Allah bless him and grant
him peace) hadiths. Therefore, Muslims and Christians should make
joint preparations for his arrival. The best preparation is to adopt
the morality that pleases Allah. For it is Allah's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men... Show the proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers, fear Allah... (1 Peter, 2: 15-17) All conscientious Christians must shoulder this responsibility, for the war and conflict demanded by radicals will bring great losses, tears, and suffering to both sides. It would be a grave mistake to refrain from taking the necessary steps, when an alliance of all believers could remove this probability. The tensions desired by radicals can be prevented by Muslims and Christians of common sense. Removing the prejudices and creating an alliance of believers will enable them to play a leading role in delivering world peace. In this way, Christians and Muslims will bring peace and happiness to the world, just as the morality ordained by Allah demands. The Errors of Radical Jews On 25 February 1994, Baruch Goldstein unleashed a vicious attack on the Abraham Mosque in al-Khalil (Hebron) in the West Bank. The Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein entered the mosque and, under the protection of Israeli soldiers, walked to its center and opened fire with his M-16 assault rifle on the 500 Muslims performing their morning prayers, repeatedly changing magazines. Sixty-seven Muslims died on the spot; a further 300 were wounded.
In reality, this was only one of the many attacks carried out by certain radical Israeli Jewish groups. In 1980, the same groups tried to blow up Muslim places of worship in Jerusalem (e.g., al-Aqsa Mosque and the Qubbat as-Sakhrah). The radical Jewish settlers who walk around with their weapons and launch bloody attacks on Palestinians are members of these groups. There is a radical tendency in the Jewish world to promote hate and animosity toward non-Jews and advocate the harshest and most unforgiving treatment of Palestinians. This tendency has strong support within Israel and plays an important role in forming and continuing its aggressive, uncompromising, and occupying 50-year attitude against Palestinians and its Arab neighbors. No doubt, Jewish militants are a small minority within the Israeli Jewish community (also among all Jews around the world). However, there is a radical culture that provides ideological support and continues to threaten Middle Eastern and world peace. In order for this to be put right: 1- Jewish religious figures should abide by the Torah‘s moral approach of love, respect, justice, and compassion. Many Jewish religious figures are working toward this end. 2- Zionist must be made to be implemented in a manner compatible with religious moral values. Of course Israel has the right to exist and protect itself. Moreover, it is perfectly legitimate for Jews to live in Palestine, the lands of their forefathers, alongside Muslims and Jews and to want to exist in peace. But Israel has no right to force a whole nation to live under troubles and oppression for over 50 years. Palestine is large enough for all these peoples to live together in peace and harmony. For this reason, Israel must withdraw from all of the territories that it has occupied since 1967, recognize an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, and make peace with the Palestinians as well as the Arab world by entering a friendly and constructive dialogue with them. In addition, it is very important that religious Jews follow Allah’s advice and invite all Jews to abide by the moral conduct ordained by Him.
As with Christians and Jews, Allah has commanded the Jews to defend justice, honesty and the rights of the innocent, and to live by peace and love. Therefore, certain elements of radical Jewish fanaticism contradict other passages from the Torah, such as: Who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil (Isaiah, 33: 15). It must not be forgotten that no ideology that sanctions violence and aggression, and disrupts law and order, can succeed. Violence always brings only loss. Preventing such destructiveness necessitates the exposure of the fanatics’ deceptions and errors, which also will prevent their influence over any other people as well as help them to see reason.
Jews who genuinely believe in Allah must abide by the Torah‘s true principles and advocate for peace in order to prevent others from embracing radicalism. Some of the Torah passages that recommend peace, love, compassion, and virtue are as follows: Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life... Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself... (Leviticus, 19: 15-18) He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your Allah. (Micah, 6: 8) You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house... (Exodus, 20: 13-17) Peace-seeking citizens of Israel, as well as Jews living in other countries, oppose radicalism and this is a highly significant development. Jews of genuine faith must bear in mind that the Torah prohibits murder, committing injustice, taking revenge, and bloodshed, and should become leaders in the ideological and cultural struggle against fanaticism in solidarity with all conscientious Christians and Muslims. The ideological debate against Jewish radicalism is one of the most important means of finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue. Only then will Jews and Muslims – as well as Christians – be able to live with each other in peace. Tranquility, love, and warmth will only grace Palestine and Israel when true religious morality is practiced. It must be remembered that both Jews and Muslims have suffered the greatest damage in their history at the hands of irreligious ideologies. The Torah is full of accounts of the cruelty inflicted on Jews by idolaters. The genocide and tyranny against Jews by atheists is well documented (e.g., the Nazis and Stalin’s officially encouraged anti-Semitic racists and communists). These irreligious forces hated and terrorized Jews because of their faith in Allah. Muslims and Jews must join forces against these anti-religious entities and disregard the radical propaganda that could prevent such an alliance. |
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