EXTREME ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM

By Mathza

(Final part of two parts)

Islamic extreme fundamentalism is based on strict but skewed literal interpretations of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed. The interpretations are manipulated to embolden Muslims to forcefully convert and/or commit jihad against non-Muslims. Despite the fact that the Qur’an (Surah 2:195) forbids suicide (And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction[by refraining]), Muslims are brainwashed to sacrifice themselves by carrying out suicide bombings. The Qur’an further dictates that “So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he assaulted you (Surah 2:194).” It is obvious that in both counts suicide bombings are contrary to Islamic teachings. And yet those who are brainwashed, encouraged and pressured to become ‘martyrs’ are told they will go to paradise by committing despicable acts of aggression and terrorism which kills and maims innocent human beings. It is clear that the evil leaders are abusing the Qur’an by misinterpreting it and by misguiding their followers.

In this day and age, the world continues to witness atrocities being committed in the name of religion, particularly by Muslim extreme fundamentalists. The individuals who participate in fighting jihad wars against the so called “infidels” are recruited and brainwashed to commit murders. Poor communities, particularly those under authoritarian societies—where, according to one source, 70% of terrorists come from—are the main source of supply of desperate youths for indoctrination. The youth in the Diaspora are alienated because of lack of opportunities, partly of their own making arising from their failure to integrate into the systems of their host countries. Muslims in both communities are easy preys to the manipulations of preachers and recruiters. In some cases basic indoctrination starts in Madrasahs, Qur’anic schools, such as those teaching Wahabbism in Ethiopia (financed by Islamic organizations and countries, particularly Saudi Arabia). The indoctrination consists of hard-line interpretation of Islam and demonizing and inculcating religious hatred toward non-Muslims, especially Christians. These are designed as a means to fulfill the aspirations of many Muslims, particularly the few religiously and/or politically motivated fanatics, both individuals and groups.

With the passage of time, man’s concept of the inherent right of man to practice the religion of his choice gradually developed. This ushered religious tolerance which, by the way, has been and is being practiced in Ethiopia since the inception of Islam itself during the seventh century.

In this 21^st century one could assume that educated Muslims in the world are enlightened and have broader viewpoints of what is right and wrong in regard to the second interpretation of jihad which, by the way, is permissible against religious persecution. They surely know the danger the jihadists are up to and the consequences of their actions. Why is it that they are not denouncing the abhorrent acts of these radicals and trying to do some thing to stop this madness? I am not aware of attempts at, for example, Muslims, in particular the educated and enlightened Muslim Diaspora as a group, organizing worldwide conferences to condemn and deal with such a dangerous situation. Why are some Muslim countries encouraging and financing jihad? Do they think that the outcome of jihad will be a zero-sum-game in their favor? Do they think that 1.3 billion Muslims are capable of converting the more than 6.5 billion non-Muslims at gun point and through mass murder of innocent people? Their silences, inactions and funds are emboldening and radicalizing increasing elements in the Muslim world.

Liberal and reform minded Muslims are intimidated, threatened and suffer mental and physical harms. Instability is becoming rampant globally. People in the world fear and feel insecure. They have to endure more and more inconveniences and restrictions in their lives and movements. Innocent Muslim individuals and groups suffer from Islamaphobia and profiling because of actions of a miniscule number of Muslims involved in terrorism. Witness the fast growing Islamaphobia, hate crimes and anti-Muslim racism in Europe and Russia detailed in “Family of seven still search for peace after five years of race hate” by Terri Judd (Dehai website, 03/15/07).

As we all know, with the exception of a few, including Somaliland which has achieved a degree of democracy, there is practically no democracy in the Muslim countries. Democracy is against the tenet of Islam. And yet, who would even dream the reverse of Sen. Barack Obama could happen, i.e. a Christian with a Christian Kenyan father and a Muslim mother in an Islamic country aspiring and competing for the top leadership of the country and getting substantial and enthusiastic support?

Unlike in non-Muslim countries, in some Islamic countries Christians are not allowed to practice their faith, have worshiping places or build churches. Worse still, Christian citizens are discriminated and persecuted (Egypt, Lebanon) in their own countries for practicing their faith. Conversion into Christianity is taboo, punishable by death in countries, such as, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. Christianity, or for that matter any non-Muslim religion, is a ‘zero-sum-game’ in Saudi Arabia. Note the contrast: in Ethiopia where Christians and Muslims intermarry and their children adopt the first names of the fathers as their second names as is customary in Ethiopia.

Contrary to the above, Muslims are, nevertheless, having their cakes and eating them. Islam is expanding in all continents. Muslims have taken and continue to take advantage of democracy, particularly in developed countries, in building and operating mosques, madrasahs, Islamic Centers and other institutions as well as freely expanding their faith in non-Muslim countries. In the absence of reciprocity they are taking advantage and exploiting democracy outside their countries. What is bizarre and tragic is that some of those in the Diaspora most of whom immigrated as refugees—who should have been thankful to their host countries for welcoming and spending tax payers’ money to accommodate them—carry out heinous activities against the innocent tax payers. The crimes they commit are punishable by death if done in their respective countries of origin with no or very little recourse to legal proceedings. Their terrorist acts against innocent people in Kenya, Yemen, USA, UK, etc. are glaring examples of heinous crimes they commit.

Many mosques, surprisingly including those in the West, have contributed and are contributing to indoctrinating, promoting and organizing terrorism. In this connection, it should be noted that, generally, mosque preachers have limited educational background. In Jordan, for instance, it was found out that individuals who did the worst in university entrance examinations become preachers. In other words, many such and others preachers elsewhere are likely to be narrow minded and prejudiced and to hold grudge against society and non-Muslims. This is, apparently, the reason why the Jordanian government has taken action forbidding individuals without university degrees to preach.

Jihad should have been a thing of the past in this 21^st century. According to one source, “There is great debate within Islam about whether anyone is qualified to invoke this kind of “jihad” today.” This is precisely the question that begs answer by the Islamic world. Raising such a question should be the beginning not the end. The Islamic world should be angry and take appropriate measures to stop the madness of the culprits who are spoiling the name of Islam. The Diaspora Muslims should be at the fore front in coordinating, leading and taking actions to control those who are misrepresenting Islam. Does silence on the part of the World Islamic Council, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Arab League and the many Islamic Centers all over the world mean condoning the atrocities of the Islamic extremists? It is gratifying to learn that something has, recently, been initiated in London and that the Secular Islam Summit was organized in the USA in March, 2007. These and other attempts, if any, should form the core for widening the scope and bringing their efforts to global level. Governments and institutions, both Muslims and non-Muslims, should encourage and support the implementation of the St. Petersburg Declaration of the Secular Islam Summit. This is a declaration by a group of concerned Muslims who advocate secularism.

The Ethiopian Muslims whose Sharia law, in as far as family and related affairs are concerned, is practiced through Sharia courts vehemently opposed the Union of Islamic Courts’ (UIC) declaration of jihad on their country. This is the kind of stance that the world Muslims should adopt and implement if our world is to be saved from the mayhem, death and devastation which the extreme fundamentalists are bent to continue to unleash. In addition to undemocratic corrupt repressive regimes and dire economic situation manifested by increasing poverty and frustration in many Islamic countries, the establishment of the state of Israel and what followed had, no doubt, contributed to the radicalization of the Muslim world. Western increasing domination (world resources and economy increasingly controlled by relatively few corporations, globalization favoring developed economies, etc.) and the invasion of Iraq have their shares. A case in point in regard to corporations is the opposition of Starbucks Coffee Co. on trade marking Ethiopian coffee which aims at improving the price of coffee granted to poor Ethiopian farmers most of whom are Muslims.

It is time that both Muslims and non-Muslims in the world come to their senses and take sustained, uninterrupted concerted efforts to rid the world from escalating destruction and suffering. The spirit, understanding, concern and consensus observed recently at the discussion between Ethiopian Christians and Muslims on VOA is exemplar which should be elevated to the global level. To this end, required actions may include:

1. global conference of Muslims to formulate a plan of action aimed at mitigating and finally routing out Islamic extremism, and

2. supplementing the above by building and conducting global (Muslims and non-Muslims) decisive coordinated fight against Islamic and other religious extremisms.

The following could be among the means of achieving the above actions:

1. monitoring brainwashing during the process of religious education and services followed by decisive measures,

2. finding an urgent win-win solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem (dismantling West Bank settlements, etc.),

3. improving the standard of living of the poor (implementing Marshall Plans in poor countries), and

4. encouraging and facilitating the development of democracy in a palatable way, taking account of prevailing local conditions.

The first of the means could be controversial but, given the nature and urgency of the crisis, what other options are there to stop indoctrinating and misguiding the people, especially the young, to commit crime against humanity? Tough problems require timely tough measures and solutions. Time is a crucial factor in this alarmingly dangerous situation. It would be better to err on the side of limiting the so-called freedom of expression.