Terror Groups in Nigeria: Disrespect for Islam's Principles
By Kaniz Fatma, New
Age Islam
8 July 2024
Extremist Groups Are Betraying the Islamic Faith
and Causing Injustice to Innocent Victims Through Brutal Practices Like Suicide
Bombings. These Acts Distort the Genuine Essence of Islam, Misrepresenting
Principles of Mercy, Justice, And Respect for All. It Is Crucial for The
International Community, Muslim Clerics, And Scholars to Unite in Condemning
These Radical Beliefs and Actively Promoting Peace, Tolerance, And
Understanding That Aligns with Islam's Teachings.
Main Points:
1.
Nigeria claims to have successfully
degraded extremist elements within its borders, but recent suicide bombings
have raised doubts.
2.
The resurgence of violent incidents
serves as a grim reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over.
3.
The terrorist groups operating in
Nigeria have defied the fundamental tenets of Islam, displaying a disregard for
the principles of peace and compassion.
4.
Their actions result in gross
injustice and betrayal of the Islamic faith.
5.
International community and Muslim
clerics need to unite against these radical beliefs.
------
Some days
ago, Nigeria claimed to have successfully degraded extremist elements within
its borders through government efforts, but the latest suicide bombings have
raised doubts. These attacks, carried out by suspected militants, have resulted
in loss of lives and property destruction, underscoring the continued threat
posed by these extremist factions. The resurgence of violent incidents serves
as a grim reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over, and these
groups still have the ability to instill fear among the population.
In the
Nigerian border town of Gwoza, three female suicide bombers carried out
coordinated attacks, the first of its kind since 2020. The town, known for its
historical significance as the site of a previous Boko Haram caliphate
declaration, continues to face ongoing conflict against militancy, making it
the world's longest ongoing battle of this nature.
The
terrifying events transpired a few days subsequent to authorities commemorating
what they deemed to be noteworthy advancements in their endeavours to counter
extremism. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the military spokesperson for Nigeria,
declared with pride that the terrorists had been "greatly degraded."
But after the first attack targeted a packed wedding ceremony, then there was a
horrific explosion at the victims' funeral, and finally there was a tragic
blast at a hospital where the injured were receiving medical attention, the
true nature of the situation became painfully apparent.
At least 32
people lost their lives as a result of these horrific acts of terrorism, nine
of them were personal friends and family members of a local man by the name of
Mohammed Kehaya. With his sense of security destroyed, Kehaya now fears for his
life in Borno state, which is considered to be a major centre of Islamic
militancy and where extremists notoriously kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in
2014, igniting a global outcry.
Although no
specific group has claimed responsibility for these vicious bombings,
suspicions immediately turned to Boko Haram, an extremist organization that has
been waging a violent insurgency since 2009, seeking to impose its radical
interpretation of Sharia law in northeastern Nigeria. The group has split up over time into a number
of factions, each of which has contributed to the horrifying total of at least
35,000 deaths and over 2 million displaced people. This has resulted in a
serious humanitarian crisis that requires immediate international assistance
and intervention to lessen the suffering of those impacted by the ongoing
unrest.
The terror
groups operating in Nigeria have persistently defied the fundamental tenets of
Islam through their ongoing actions, displaying a blatant disregard for the
principles of peace and compassion that the religion espouses. These groups'
actions not only run counter to the peaceful teachings of Islam but also
showcase a complete disregard for the core values of mercy and kindness that
the faith champions. Their recourse to despicable tactics, including
indiscriminate violence and acts of terrorism, starkly contradicts the essence
of Islam and contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).
The tragic
consequence of their actions is a betrayal not only of the Islamic faith but
also a gross injustice perpetrated upon the innocent victims who suffer from
their brutal deeds. Through their engagement in abhorrent practices like
suicide bombings and other forms of violence, these groups perpetrate acts of
senseless cruelty that not only cause harm to individuals but also distort the
genuine essence of Islam. A religion grounded in principles of mercy, justice,
and respect for all is being misrepresented through these extremist ideologies.
It is critical for the international community, as well as for Muslim clerics
and scholars, to unite in condemnation of such radical beliefs and to actively
promote a message of peace, tolerance, and understanding that aligns with
Islam's true teachings. The concerted efforts of individuals across borders are
essential in combating these distortions and in fostering an environment where
the values of Islam can flourish and be celebrated as they were intended….
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Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a
regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/terror-nigeria-disrespect-principles/d/132654
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