A Critical Analysis of Extremism and Ideological Deviations: Part Two

By Kaniz Fatima, New Age Islam 20 August 2025 A Call for Moderation: Journeying from Extremism to Balance Through Islam’s Timeless Principles ------ In the first instalment of this series, we explored the idea of moderation from various angles; intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and civilizational. We reflected on how the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah consistently guide believers toward a life of balance, forbearance, fairness, and restraint. These values are not abstract ideals; they are beautifully embodied in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), whose every action serves as a living example of what true moderation looks like in practice. As we move into this second part, the focus shifts toward the forces that pull us away from that balanced path. Here, we take a critical look at the ideological and social trends that have contributed to the rise of extremism, sectarianism, takfirism (declaring others unbelievers), and rigid, absolutist thinking. These currents don’t just affect theological discourse—they have deep, real-world consequences, often distorting the core, peaceful message of Islam and pushing communities toward division and conflict. This journey, from imbalance back toward moderation, is not only a spiritual necessity but also a social and moral imperative in our time. 1. Religious Extremism: The First Sign of Departing from Moderation Extremism, at its core, means going beyond limits, whether in belief or action, and viewing others as either misguided or as enemies. Tragically, in many parts of the world today, some radical groups have distorted the true teachings of Islam, presenting the religion as a violent ideology, far removed from its essence of peace and balance. The Qur’an warns against this mindset in clear terms: "O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes in your religion." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:171) Though this verse addresses the People of the Book, the message is just as relevant for Muslims: avoid excess and imbalance in matters of faith. The consequences of religious extremism are far-reaching and devastating. It leads to violence and bloodshed in society, intellectual stagnation, a preaching style devoid of wisdom, and the spread of hateful ideologies, especially among the youth. These outcomes are not just symptoms of extremism; they are the very warning signs that a community has strayed from the path of moderation and mercy that Islam calls us to follow. 2. The Takfiri Mindset: Weaponising Religion To declare another Muslim a disbeliever without legitimate Islamic evidence is known as Takfir. This approach is considered extremely dangerous and reprehensible in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned: “If a man says to his brother, ‘You disbeliever,’ then one of them has indeed drawn that label upon himself.” (Sahih Bukhari) Despite this grave warning, some groups today are quick to excommunicate others over even minor theological differences. This attitude narrows the scope of religion, fragments the Muslim community into hostile factions, fosters intellectual and spiritual rigidity, and sows the seeds of social chaos. These individuals turn religion into a weapon, when in truth, faith is meant to be a light, a lamp that illuminates hearts, not a sword that cuts them down. 3. Sectarianism: Striking at the Root of Muslim Unity Islam commands the unity of the Ummah, describing it as a single body where the pain of one is felt by all. Yet, the fire of sectarianism has torn apart this fabric of compassion and brotherhood. Today, each sect tends to regard itself as the only saved group, while viewing others as misled, or even, in some cases, as disbelievers. In even the smallest Muslim-majority neighbourhoods, it is not uncommon to find multiple mosques for different sects, multiple Eid celebrations in one city, and countless fatwas on a single issue. These are not signs of healthy diversity, but rather symptoms of imbalance and a departure from Islam’s collective spirit. 4. Social Media and Intellectual Extremism In our digital age, social media has become a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers vast access to knowledge; on the other, it has become a breeding ground for hatred, accusations, and reckless fatwas. Some individuals turn theological disagreement into vulgarity, substituting insults for reason, and replacing constructive correction with public shaming. These trends undermine not only religious tolerance but also the intellectual dignity and ethical values of Islamic civilization. 5. Between Religious Extremism and Blind Westernization: Where is the Middle Path? Today, the Muslim world finds itself pulled between two extremes: on one side, the violence of religious extremism, and on the other, the mindless imitation of Western secularism and the rise of atheistic ideologies. Islam’s position is firmly in the middle. It rejects both the blood-stained path of religious excess and the morally hollow freedom of godless modernity. Instead, Islam calls to a way of life built on knowledge, God-consciousness (Taqwa), compassion, wisdom, and righteous action. This is the true path of moderation; a path that uplifts, unites, and enlightens. 6. The Need for Balance Within Religious Movements and Groups Some movements today equate politics alone with religion, others consider Sufi rituals and spiritual chants as the only path to salvation, while yet others reduce Islam to a mere display of external religious symbols. But an Islamic movement must be comprehensive and balanced in its vision and practice. It must integrate worship and character, preaching and knowledge, moral integrity and service to humanity. This is what true moderation looks like. And undoubtedly this is the spirit of the Prophetic tradition (Sunnah). 7. The Way Forward: Reform and Intellectual Nurturing If we genuinely wish to guide the Ummah back to the path of moderation, we must begin with practical reform at every level: Religious scholars must issue rulings (fatwas) with wisdom and breadth of vision. Educational institutions must teach the etiquette of respectful disagreement. Mosques should become centres for both inward and outward transformation. Media must serve as a channel for knowledge, dignity, and the message of faith. Young people must be nurtured with a balanced, thoughtful understanding of religion. And at the heart of it all, we must re-centre our connection with the lives of the spiritual sages and, most importantly, the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 8. Conclusion: Moderation Is the Beauty of Islam The true beauty of Islam unfolds in its spirit of moderation—a harmony that flows through every aspect of the faith like a gentle stream. It is a religion that avoids the extremes of belief, steering clear of exaggeration and rigidity. In acts of worship, Islam calls not for hardship, but for sincerity and ease, cultivating a rhythm of devotion that nourishes the soul rather than burdens it. In worldly dealings, Islam insists on justice that is firm yet compassionate, ensuring fairness without oppression. In social interactions, it teaches grace, humility, and kindness, urging believers to treat others with dignity regardless of status or background. And in calling others to faith, it commands not coercion, but gentleness and wisdom, reminding us that hearts are won not by force, but through mercy and understanding. This balanced approach is not merely a principle; it is the essence of Islam’s beauty, a guiding light for individuals and societies alike. The Qur’an describes this balance beautifully: "And thus We made you a justly balanced nation." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:143) This "justly balanced Ummah" is not an ideal from the past; it is a living model we are called to revive. Summary and Call to Reflection In a world overwhelmed by intellectual confusion, religious extremism, and cultural invasions, moderation is the only real solution. What we need today is not just theoretical reform, but practical transformation. This second instalment serves as a mirror, urging us to examine where we as individuals and as a collective may have gone astray. In the third and final part, God willing, we will explore how scholars, movements, society, and leadership can work together to restore this balance and bring the Ummah back to the middle path. ---- Kaniz Fatima is an Islamic scholar and a regular columnist to New Age Islam. ---- The Call for Moderation: A Journey from Extremism to Balance in the Light of Islam’s Timeless Principles - Part-1 Also Read: A Moment of Reflection: Have We Followed the Teachings of Islam? Challenging Extremist Interpretations: The Islamic Principle of Sanctity of Life as a Counter-Narrative to Violence and Conflict Combating Extremism through Literature, Writers, and the Arts Respect for Opposing Ideologies in India: A Religious Perspective Curbing Extremism in the Muslim Community: A Call for Unity and Reform Patience in Islam: The Strength to Overcome Life's Challenges and Stay Connected to Faith Killing Based on Religion, Ethnicity, or Race: An Islamic, Social, and Ethical Analysis ----- URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/extremism-ideological-deviations-part-two/d/136545 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism