Responsibilities of the Reformist Role: Scholars, Movements, Leadership, and Practical Paths to Establish Moderation in Society – Part-3

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 26 August 2025 The Call for Moderation: A Journey from Extremism to Balance in the Light of Islam's Golden Principles ---- Islam is a religion that matches human nature. That is why its teachings focus on balance, moderation, and following the middle way. In the first part, we discussed the foundations of moderation in the light of the Quran and Sunnah. In the second part, we highlighted the theoretical and practical deviations that damaged this balance. Now, in this third and final part, we will reflect on an important question. How can this broken balance be restored? And who can play a key role in this path of reform? 1. Responsibilities of Religious Scholars Scholars have always been the intellectual and spiritual guides of the Muslim community. Throughout Islamic history, whenever a crisis arose, it was the scholars who led the Ummah through their words, writings, and actions. A) Promoting Knowledge And Explaining Intellectual Moderation Scholars should highlight the concept of moderation in their talks, lessons, and writings. Their speech, tone, and style should be gentle, reasoned, and wise. Knowledge that only stirs emotions, spreads extremism, or labels others as disbelievers takes people away from the path of moderation. B) Stopping The Spread Of Takfirist Thinking Declaring others disbelievers has never been a small issue. Calling a true believer a disbeliever has divided the Muslim community into many parts. Scholars should follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and try their best to keep people within the fold of Islam. C) Respectful Conduct In Scholarly Differences Differences of opinion in legal or interpretative matters are a mercy. But turning these differences into personal enmity leads to division. Scholars should remain loyal to their schools of thought while showing respect and courtesy toward others. 2. The Role of Religious Movements and Institutions The various religious, social, and reform movements within the Muslim community should include the idea of moderation in their agendas. A) Emphasis On Self-Reform Movements should focus more on personal reform than just state-level or political changes. Real change begins from within the individual. B) Training The Youth Many young people, driven by emotion, fall into the trap of extremist groups. Institutions and movements should train students in religious schools and universities to think with balance, develop critical awareness, and adopt moderation. C) Avoiding Sectarianism The real goal of any movement should be to serve religion, not to promote a specific sect or group. Their gatherings and messages should focus on the unity of the Muslim community. 3. The Role of Leadership and Government Institutions In the Islamic world, leadership holds great power. If guided in the right direction, it can open the doors to progress. A) Religious Freedom With Supervision States should not only provide religious freedom but also monitor those institutions that promote hate, sectarianism, or extremism. B) Reform In Education And Media The state should bring reforms in the education curriculum and media system. Schools, colleges, and universities should promote a culture of moderation, tolerance, and dialogue. C) Effective Legislation Against Extremism Government institutions should create laws to prevent hate speech, takfir, and sectarianism done in the name of religion. 4. Responsibilities of Society and Ordinary Individuals Sometimes we think that reform is only the job of scholars or leaders. But ordinary people can also play an effective role in improving society. A) Politeness In Speech When speaking to others, it is important to use gentle and respectful language. Sarcasm, insults, and mocking words create division and tension. B) Caution On Social Media Today, social media has become a powerful force. We should avoid spreading hateful content. Instead, we should share messages that bring hearts together, not tear them apart. C) Promoting A Culture Of Dialogue We need to encourage meaningful conversation in our mosques, schools, universities, and homes. These spaces should teach people how to listen, understand, and disagree with respect. In summary, the Muslim community today faces deep intellectual, spiritual, and social crises. Many of these problems are rooted in extremism, takfiri thinking, and harsh attitudes. These issues cannot be solved through fatwas or emotional reactions. The solution lies in a serious, thoughtful, and united reform effort. Scholars, movements, state institutions, and ordinary Muslims must all do their part. Only then can we return to the noble path shown by the Quran and Sunnah—a path of balance, wisdom, mercy, and justice. “Indeed, Allah commands justice and kindness.” (The Quran, Surah An-Nahl, Verse 90) If the Ummah returns to its original spirit of moderation, it can once again rise to lead the world. Moderation is the light that removes the darkness of hate. It is the strength that protects us from falling apart. ----- Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic scholar, and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. Urdu Article: Responsibilities of the Reformist Role: Scholars, Movements, Leadership, and Practical Paths to Establish Moderation in Society – Part-3 اصلاحی کردار کی ذمہ داریاں: علماء، تحریکات، قیادت اور معاشرہ کی اعتدال کے قیام میں عملی راہیں، قسط سوم Other Parts of the Article: A Critical Analysis of Extremism and Ideological Deviations: Part Two The Call for Moderation: A Journey from Extremism to Balance in the Light of Islam’s Timeless Principles - Part-1 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/reformist-scholars-movements-moderation-part-3/d/136607 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