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Extremism???
nehar
11/18/01 at 01:02:25
[slm] This is just a question, plz dont ask y i asked. How would u describe extremism??  And if a friend calls u an extremist how would u react?? [wlm] Nehar

Re: Extremism???
Bintul-Khattab
11/18/01 at 04:53:02
Assalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaauthu Here's a definition of Extremism provided by AL-Qaradwi: [i]"Literally, extremism means being situated at the farthest possible point from the centre.  Figuratively, it indicates a similar remoteness in religion and thought, as well as behaviour.  One of the main consequences of extremism is exposure to danger and insecurity.  Islam therefore recommends moderation and balance in everything: in beleif, ibaadah, conduct and legislation.  This is the straightforward path that Allah (SWT) calls [u]al-siraat al-mustaqeem[/u]; one distinct from all others which are followed by those who earn Allaah's anger and those who go astray.  Moderation, or balance, is not only a general characteristic of Islam, it is a fundamental landmark.  THe Qur'an says: [u]"Thus have we made you an Ummah justly behaved."[/u] (2:143)".[/i] There's different ways that extremism can commonly manifest itself, like bigotry, excessiveness, undue sternness, ill-manners, suspicion etc.  Common causes of it can be a lack of knowledge, a lack of insight into reality and history, laxity, and political oppression. There's a book called Laxity, Moderation and Extremism in Islam by Aisha B. Lemu, published by the International Institue of Islamic Thought which goes into this topic really well.  If anyone wants the address of the publishers i can provide it inshaa'Allaah. Wassalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu
NS

Re: Extremism???
Mahmoodah
11/18/01 at 06:36:17
[quote]   Someone told me I was becoming an extremist and I realized it was because I simply was trying to practice Islam... tells you a lot huh.[/quote] salam, i think alot off ppl sat that! wen i quit listenin to music... alotta ppl told me that me n ma sistas were becumin xtreme! ppl in college also think i'm an extremist coz i wear a hijab! i think its coz they got nothing better to do, n that they dnt hav the courage to do wat they want! wa-salam

Re: Extremism???
NewJehad
11/28/01 at 01:54:40
slm i like using words in ways that people know what you mean when you use them. when the word extremism is used in the context of Islam, people take it to mean some one who is not a moderate. a moderate is a kaffar wannabe. its another word for house [edit], or uncle tom or the ordu word chumcher. So i would take it as a complement [edited by admin]

Re: Extremism???
kareema
11/20/01 at 02:32:42
As well as extremes to the conservative side, there are also extremes to the liberal side. I would say that there are a bunch of liberal extremist going far beyond what historically or Islamically is accepted as right.

Re: Extremism???
Mystic
11/27/01 at 10:05:11
[slm] I am totally down with liberal Extremism...that's a good way to go forward:):):) :-) Facilitate the Re-Evolution of Islam:):):):) May Allah grant us Prosperity Inshaallah :-) Maliha [wlm]

Re: Extremism???
se7en
11/28/01 at 02:38:07
as salaamu alaykum, You know, only when the sun is in the center of the sky can it shine with full brightness, and cast no shadow.  Interesting eh? :) As for being an "uncle tom Muslim" or being a "fundamentalist".. if it wasn't Ramadan, I'd tell you what I think of such opinions :)   You just do what *you* need to do, and don't worry about what other people are going to call you.  There will always be someone who finds something to criticize you about.   My advice: Understand that what people think about you is not worth *jack*.  You'll find people who think you are awesome.. righteous, knowledgeable, good - and you'll realize that they don't really know you.  And you'll find people that think you are misguided, sinful, deluded - and you'll realize that they don't know you either!  Because the truth is that there is only One who really knows you, and *His* is the only opinion you should worry about. In all honesty you'll find maybe ten people, out of *everyone* you know, whose advice and criticism are worth taking into consideration, reflecting on, and applying.  Everyone else's opinions of you - to be blunt - are trash.  And you should treat them as such. Also, just some more advice: try to do things gradually, one step at a time.  Start first with just staying away from haram, and doing what you are required to do.  Then, try to stay away from what is makruh and try to perform actions that are recommended.  Then, move away from shubuhaat and do things that are good, but not recommended.  Then, move away from excess halal that brings you no spiritual benefit.  Then, after all that, you reach mujahidul istiqaama.. a whole other level that I don't think any of us are even close to achieving. Anyway, what am I saying here?  I'm saying.. don't try to stay up all night in qiyaam if you have a hard time with fajr :)  Gradual activism is the key. Aiite? :) wAllahu a'lam. take care :) wasalaamu alaykum wa rahmatAllah.

Re: Extremism???
Mystic
11/28/01 at 18:11:26
[slm] It makes sense...Its hard though, especially when you stumble upon The Truth...yet again...and are afraid of the dire reperrcussions of slipping and falling...and sliding...again. It's a really, really, scary feeling. I do agree about opinions though:) Cuz to me they never really mattered anyway...Who cares :-) As long as Allah knows the intention in your heart is *NOT* to abandon Him but seek him out and rediscover His beauty all over again :-)...We have to get past the poetry of it all though..and more into the activisim portion of it. That is where the real work needs to be done. Se7en you are right about gradual activisim, and not being carried away by the steam...but that will come with time too Inshaallah...History is Dictated by the same Unseen Hand...Subhanallah. Alhamdullillah...May He keep leading us on the straight path. Amin. [wlm]
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