Religious Extremism

Extremism is an ideology to hold extreme opinions or to take extreme actions. Sometimes referred as fanaticism, this ideology originated in the twentieth century, the extremist belief had little or nothing to do with religion. Although with Jewish Zionism and more recently the struggle in the name of Islam, extremism took a whole new turn. Religious extremism can be defined as, excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on religion; religious frenzy. It can be on individual level and on a much larger organizational level. Religious extremism finds its roots in the suppression of minorities, resulting in the uprising and instigating revolt in them. It can also be because of some theological viewpoints of a group. Views that compel them to fight those who they consider as infidels or the enemies of God and finally to receive everlasting rewards in the afterlife. Examples of these can be the most wanted terrorist organization in the world, Al-Qaeda, the suicide bombers in Pakistan, and on a much organized and secure level, the Zionist and Christian extremist groups. 

Al-Qaeda (which has been the focus of the world since 9/11 and the sole reason for the initiation of War on Terror) is an international group of extremist militants. According to the United Nations, it is a terrorist organization. Headed by Osama-Bin-Laden, Al-Qaeda‘s origin is more or less ambiguous. According to the writer and journalist, Adam Curtis, Al-Qaeda is an American invention. It was created to be used as a trigger to start the War on Terror, or the crusade against Muslims, as it was once referred to after 9/11 by George W. Bush. Whether it is an American invention or not, is a debatable issue. What we do know of the organization is the fact that it has been involved in matters of religious extremism. Incidents like the World Trade Center bombing, to taking innocent lives in countries it consider as “Enemies of Islam” cannot be justified under Jihad. Al-Qaeda usually resorts to suicide attacks or systematic simultaneous bombings in areas it consider as targets. Although not every attack is triggered by Al-Qaeda, but usually the blame is put on it. The question is what promotes Al-Qaeda to act in such a manner? What is the force compelling them to take innocent lives? Is it the fundamentalist Islamic approach? To be simple and precise, no, it isn’t. Then what exactly is the reason? The reason is the closed militant mindset. Certain power groups brainwash young minds and justify these heinous acts as Jihad. On another note, media also has a major role to play in it. When Irgun explodes the King David hotel resulting in massive innocent lives, it is not commended on a global level, it is not referred to as “Jewish Extremism” not only that, it’s year anniversary “celebrated” by Israel does not make news. And then we witness a suicide attacker, who due to many a reasons of illiteracy and hunger, manages to act is the way he is brainwashed to, the Media refers to it as “Islamic Extremism”. Is this a prime example of double standard on the part of media and the world against Islam? Yes. 

We witness, Menachem Begin, the supreme commander of the world renowned Zionist Terrorist Organization, Irgun, receiving the Noble Peace Prize. Irgun along with Hagganah are the leading Jewish Terrorist organizations, which not only refer to Non-Jews as “gentiles” but have carried operations of terrorism and extremism on a global level for years. What drives these organizations to take these extreme actions? The Zionist movement focuses on military might and suppression of Non-Jews in the land given to them by their religion, the land of Israel. On a democratic level, these extreme actions of terrorism can never be justified. Though religious frenzy and fanaticism has always proved the golden words, that, “end justifies means”.

 

Extremism is a label put on a group of people for political or religious benefits by a stronger nation or a group. Whether is it Judaism, Christianity or Islam, extreme actions result in extreme reactions. Suppression results in frustration and fanaticism. Some views lie in the North and some in the South, some to the extreme right and some to the extreme left, a conflict of views is eminent. Neither one might be wrong, because usually, the truth lies in the center. Finally as Micheels-Cyrus indicated; “Nonviolence doesn't always work - but violence never does.”