Accept That There's An Elephant In The Room

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 13 August 2025 Accept That There's An Elephant In The Room ------ Apropos of the write up, "Understanding The Roots Of So-Called " Islamic Terrorism" Islam as a religion of peace is a dubious statement. In fact, it's an oxymoron. Islam is a political theory of conquest that seeks domination by any means it can. Sorry, it's not a religion of peace but rather a political theory of conquest driven by a quest for domination through any available means. This rather provocative view, depending upon how you perceive it and whose side are you on, challenges the commonly held belief that Islam is inherently peaceful and gentle. Islam encompasses a broader political agenda beneath its religious facade, emphasizing the pursuit of power and control. While this perception raises valid concerns regarding certain radical elements within Islam that have perpetrated acts of violence and aggression, it is important to remember that Islam, like any major religion, is diverse, encompassing a wide array of beliefs and interpretations. Such complexity necessitates a nuanced understanding when attempting to characterize it as a whole. A large number of Muslims believe that their ultimate sacrifice in the form of dying for the cause of Islam will guarantee them a place in paradise. This notion underscores the powerful influence of religious devotion and martyrdom within certain segments of the Muslim community. Simultaneously, it also highlights the fear instilled in the hearts of believers, as it suggests that failing to fulfil their obligation of jihad, or 'holy' struggle, would condemn them to eternal damnation. This warped perception invites us to reflect on the complex intertwining of faith, duty, and the afterlife within religious belief systems. Acknowledging the existence of a so-called moderate form of Islam actually strengthens extremist ideologies. By recognizing a distinction between moderate and extremist interpretations of Islam, we inadvertently grant legitimacy to the extremists. (From Files) ----- This categorization implies that there is an inherent purity or authenticity in the extremist ideology that the moderates lack. So, instead of compartmentalizing Islam, it is crucial to acknowledge the existence of different perspectives and interpretations within the religion, without granting undue legitimacy to extremist ideologies that perpetuate violence and intolerance. Remember, what Ayan Hirsi Ali stated so tellingly, "There is no moderate Islam. There is no extreme Islam. There is only one Islam." She challenges the notion that there are varying interpretations within Islam that can be classified as moderate or extreme. According to Ali, Islam cannot be compartmentalized or labelled based on the actions or interpretations of its followers. She argues that there is one true Islam, and it is crucial to understand its core principles and teachings. This quote sparks a broader discussion on the idea of Islamic unity and the need to recognize the diversity of perspectives within the religion while also acknowledging its fundamental values. Refusing to look at Islam critically is not a virtue, but a wilful delusion. Reluctance to engage in such an analysis is not a virtuous act, but rather a deliberate and self-imposed illusion. One cannot deny the importance of questioning and challenging the ideas and practices within any religion, including Islam, in order to foster intellectual growth, understanding, and progress. By calling out the tendency to avoid critical scrutiny, individuals must confront difficult and uncomfortable truths, thereby fostering a more nuanced and realistic understanding of Islam and its impact on societies around the world. Mind you, not all Muslims are terrorists, but most terrorists today are Muslims. It is an undeniable fact that the actions of a small fraction of Muslims have perpetuated the stereotype of Islam being associated with terrorism. Yet it is also crucial to recognize and appreciate the millions of peaceful Muslims who condemn and reject these acts of violence. By acknowledging the diversity within the religion and engaging in open dialogue, we can foster an environment of understanding, tolerance, and unity among people of different cultures and faiths. Instead of justifying or diluting Islamic Terrorism or simply sweeping it under the rug will not help Islam and its followers. Accept that there's an elephant in the room. Be honest and concede that Islam and terrorism are dovetailed. While terrorism could be a modern phenomenon, there's no denying the fact that it's one of the manifestations of violence and Islam has been inherently violent right from its advent in the desert of Arabia nearly 1450 years ago. Even Sufism showed a violent and discriminatory streak at times despite wearing a soi-disant all-encompassing and liberal mask. This is not a western or Islamophobic stereotype. This is an incontrovertible truth and truth is always disconcerting because, 'humankind cannot bear very much reality,' to quote T S Eliot from his poem 'Burnt Norton,' the first of his Four Quartets. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/accept-elephant-room/d/136485 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