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Extremist ideologies have been among the gravest threats to the peace, unity, and even the spirit of faith in the world. Thousands of youths have been deceived, manipulated and forcibly involved into violent wars across the continents in the perverted understanding of religion. Such misplaced opinions eradicate lives not just in a vain manner but also bring down the name of Islam as well as disintegrating communities. The real issue to confront now, as Yemeni journalist Abdulrazzaq Hashem Al-Azizi, who reveals in his experiences the birth of an ideological conflict between moderation and extremism, is regaining the moral integrity of faith in the hands of its exploiters.
The Misuse of Religion and the Exploitation of Youth
Historically, religion has been used abusively by extremist groups to attain their political and individual goals and this has been done by misunderstanding the teachings of God in which He preaches mercy, justice and compassion. Such movements usually disguise themselves as religious reformers yet they are essentially a political organization. They use religious books to rationalize their violence and domination and make religion an instrument of power.
An example of the continuation of such ideological manipulation is revealed by the analysis made by Al-Azazi in Diva International of how the networks such as the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be moderate but actually maintain exclusivist and anti-pluralistic ideologies privately. According to him, the dual strategy of the Brotherhood is such that appears to the eyes of the West as an expression of peaceful activism, but in terms of its internal affairs, is furthering the hard-line interpretations that do not support coexistence.
It is this exploitation that has been experienced especially among the young people. Unsatisfied with social inequality or individual misery, a large group of youth are easy targets of the recruiters who present a sense of identity, a sense of belonging and a sense of divine purpose. Upon captivity, they are brainwashed in battles that go against the ideals of their religion. The social and psychological price is enormous broken families, generations that are disenchanted, and communities that are ripped apart due to mistrust.
The remedy of such manipulation is education and critical awareness. Societies need to educate youths to be spiritual, morally straight and think on their own. Educators, religious leaders, and parents should collaborate to develop compassion and tolerance as well as make religion a barrier to extremism instead of a weapon against them.
Restoring Islam’s True Message and the Global Call for Peace
Islam is essentially a religion of peace, coexistence and human dignity. It demands the elements of justice, compassion and equality of all people regardless of beliefs and backgrounds. The violent activities conducted by extremist groups are in complete opposition to the values. Mercy, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life were the teachings of Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him), which are the foundations of the Islam message of unity.
But as Al-Azazi, in his interview with International Diplomat sees, even tolerance and dialogue appeals may be denounced by those who consider openness to be a challenge to their power. His own case (of being the target due to the promotion of interfaith understanding) is the mirror of the ideological confrontation that is taking place in the whole of Europe and the Middle East, where the extreme ideologies are still clashing with pluralism and democracy.
Muslims and non-Muslims are today united against extremism. The governments and civil societies are putting in place more stringent measures to control hate speech, foreign financial aid and extremist propaganda. Academic dialogue, interfaith efforts, and social awareness campaigns are aiding to overcome the differences and break down the stereotypes. The rise in knowledge of the need to fight those who are trying to take away freedom is highlighted by efforts, such as the #ClassifyMBNow campaign which calls on the European Union to acknowledge that the Muslim Brotherhood is an ideological threat and should be fought.
It is also important to help the victims of extremism. Their endurance and recuperation is the best message humankind can send: that hatred is not the common denominator in our future, but compassion is. Societies can regain trust as well as unity by reviving the moral purpose of religion – peace, justice, and respect of all life.
Faith, Courage, and Coexistence
Fighting extremism is not simply a matter of the struggle against hate; it means restoring the moral content of faith. The real nature of Islam is that of peace, co-existence and mutual respect. By keeping these values, a way to reconciliation and common development is lightened.
Europe and the world at large have to deal with ideological extremism, not with fear, but with clarity, courage and fairness as strongly articulated by Abdulrazzaq Hashem Al-Azazi. When protecting pluralism, it is important to note that faith, in its freedom of politics, is a power of unity, not disunity. The world needs to unite to defend that fact, and the voice of peace should be on the louder end than the cry of extremism.
