Understanding Extremism and Its Roots: Part 1
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
Main Points:
1. What Is Extremism?
2. Common Features of Extremism
3. Takfir – Declaring Others as Non-Muslims
4. What Causes Extremism?
5. A Harsh Truth: Extremism Harms Islam More Than It Helps
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In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, one of the most dangerous threats to peace, stability, and human dignity is extremism. Extremism may appear in several forms; radical ideologies, violent actions, or harsh judgments toward others, damaging societies from within and misrepresenting the true essence of religions, especially Islam.
This article, the first in a three-part series, explores the features and forms of extremism, the underlying causes behind it, and lays the groundwork for understanding how to address it meaningfully. It is based on insights from Islamic scholarship, prophetic teachings, and modern analyses, all aimed at fostering a deeper, more compassionate understanding.
What Is Extremism?
At its core, extremism is a mind-set that rejects balance. It is an attitude of going beyond the limits, ignoring the middle ground that Islam so strongly emphasizes. Extremism can creep into beliefs, practices, speech, and even thoughts, often disguising itself as zeal or purity of faith.
But here is the reality: Extremism is not a sign of strength or deep faith. It is usually the result of misunderstanding, isolation, or frustration. True faith, as shown by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is rooted in mercy, wisdom, and compassion, even in the face of conflict or disagreement.
Common Features of Extremism
Let us break down some of the features of extremism that scholars and thinkers have highlighted:
Rigid Thinking: Extremists often believe their understanding is the only valid one. They do not tolerate differences of opinion, especially in matters where multiple interpretations exist. This goes against the rich tradition of debate and diversity in Islamic scholarship.
Making the Easy Difficult: One major problem is turning religion into a burden. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized:
“Ease and do not make things difficult; invite and do not repel.” (Sahih Bukhari/Sahih Muslim)
Yet extremists often make things unnecessarily hard, especially on new Muslims or those struggling in faith.
Confusing Priorities: Some people treat minor issues as if they are major sins. They confuse “disliked” actions with forbidden ones, and end up focusing on the wrong things while ignoring true injustice and oppression.
Harshness with New Muslims: Imagine talking to someone who just embraced Islam and criticizing them for not dressing "properly" yet. That is what often happens. Instead of welcoming newcomers with patience and love, extremists expect instant perfection.
Judgmental Attitudes: The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against hard-heartedness and being quick to accuse. Islam teaches that people are innocent until proven guilty. Extremism, however, thrives on suspicion.
Idealistic and Unrealistic Expectations of Society: Some extremists imagine a perfect Islamic society where no one ever makes mistakes. When they see the real world does not match that fantasy, they label it ignorant or un-Islamic.
Takfir – Declaring Others as Non-Muslims
The most dangerous form of extremism is declaring others as unbelievers (Takfir), especially without strong evidence. Once someone is labelled a non-Muslim unjustly, their life and property become “halal” in the eyes of extremists. This is completely forbidden in Islam and has led to tragedies in many parts of the world.
What Causes Extremism?
To truly understand extremism, we need to look deeper. What drives someone to adopt such harmful and rigid beliefs?
1. Lack of Proper Religious Understanding
Many people who fall into extremist thinking often lack a deep, accurate understanding of Islam, even if they claim otherwise. This is especially true when it comes to sensitive topics like warfare or jihad. Some Islamic teachings, particularly those related to conflict, were revealed in specific historical and political contexts. They were never meant to be applied universally or without the presence of a legitimate Islamic state supported by the broader Muslim community.
Unfortunately, some individuals overlook this crucial context. They cherry-pick verses or hadiths, memorizing them without grasping their intended meaning, purpose, or the time and place in which they were revealed. In doing so, they misrepresent Islam and risk causing harm to others in the name of religion.
It is true that some famous Islamic scholars, like Imam Ghazali, said that Muslims should go for Jihad once a year. This has been quoted and refuted by Mr. Sultan Shahin, the founder of NewAgeIslam.com in several of his articles. But we must remember: the world Imam Ghazali lived in was vastly different. In those times, there were no international laws or globally recognized governments. Today, we live in nation-states governed by constitutions, where peaceful coexistence is both a legal and moral duty for all citizens, including Muslims.
Trying to apply medieval rulings without understanding their context can lead to dangerous misinterpretations. When someone insists on using outdated religious views in a modern, lawful society, it often leads to extremism, an attitude that goes against the very values of peace and justice that Islam stands for.
2. Superficial Interpretation of Texts
Without understanding the reasons behind Islamic rulings or the overall objectives of the Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia), extremists grab onto isolated texts and misapply them.
3. Focus on Minor Issues
Instead of concentrating on justice, mercy, and the rights of others, some individuals obsess over small details—what some call "majoring in the minors."
4. Lack of Scholarly Guidance
Many extremists reject modern mainstream scholars and isolate themselves in echo chambers. They neither study with qualified teachers nor engage with knowledgeable voices that could correct their views.
5. Ignorance of the Modern World
Without a grasp of current social, political, and economic realities, some youths develop warped ideas about the world, interpreting everything through outdated or simplistic lenses.
6. Emotional and Psychological Vulnerabilities
Frustration with global injustices, wars, poverty, and humiliation can also push young people toward extreme ideologies. They are often told that violence is the only way to bring back dignity, when in truth, it causes further destruction.
7. Societal Breakdown
When communities are plagued by poverty, unemployment, corruption, and political oppression, extremist ideas can thrive. People begin to believe that violence is the only solution, even though Islam strictly forbids harming the innocent.
A Harsh Truth: Extremism Harms Islam More Than It Helps
Young people drawn to extremism often believe they are helping Islam. They speak of “jihad” and “justice” but engage in acts that harm innocent people, destroy communities, and misrepresent our faith. Their good intentions cannot justify evil actions.
Instead of bringing victory to Islam, they push people away from it. Instead of uniting the Ummah, they divide it. And instead of protecting Muslims, they make us more vulnerable, both in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.
So, what is Next?
In the next part of this series, we will explore how the Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to the “Middle Path”, the balanced, humane, and wise way of living that Islam truly promotes. We will see how moderation is not weakness but strength, and how following the Prophet’s example brings light, not fire, into our lives and communities.
Let us remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came as a mercy to the worlds, not as a source of fear or division. The path he taught is one of balance, gentleness, and profound wisdom.
“And thus We have made you a just and balanced nation…” (Qur’an 2:143)
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Kaniz Fatima is an Islamic scholar and a regular columnist to New Age Islam.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/understanding-extremism-roots-part-1/d/135907
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