Terror Groups in Nigeria: Disrespect for Islam's Principles

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 8 July 2024 Extremist Groups Are Betraying the Islamic Faith and Causing Injustice to Innocent Victims Through Brutal Practices Like Suicide Bombings. These Acts Distort the Genuine Essence of Islam, Misrepresenting Principles of Mercy, Justice, And Respect for All. It Is Crucial for The International Community, Muslim Clerics, And Scholars to Unite in Condemning These Radical Beliefs and Actively Promoting Peace, Tolerance, And Understanding That Aligns with Islam's Teachings. Main Points: 1. Nigeria claims to have successfully degraded extremist elements within its borders, but recent suicide bombings have raised doubts. 2. The resurgence of violent incidents serves as a grim reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over. 3. The terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have defied the fundamental tenets of Islam, displaying a disregard for the principles of peace and compassion. 4. Their actions result in gross injustice and betrayal of the Islamic faith. 5. International community and Muslim clerics need to unite against these radical beliefs. ------ Some days ago, Nigeria claimed to have successfully degraded extremist elements within its borders through government efforts, but the latest suicide bombings have raised doubts. These attacks, carried out by suspected militants, have resulted in loss of lives and property destruction, underscoring the continued threat posed by these extremist factions. The resurgence of violent incidents serves as a grim reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over, and these groups still have the ability to instill fear among the population. In the Nigerian border town of Gwoza, three female suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks, the first of its kind since 2020. The town, known for its historical significance as the site of a previous Boko Haram caliphate declaration, continues to face ongoing conflict against militancy, making it the world's longest ongoing battle of this nature. The terrifying events transpired a few days subsequent to authorities commemorating what they deemed to be noteworthy advancements in their endeavours to counter extremism. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the military spokesperson for Nigeria, declared with pride that the terrorists had been "greatly degraded." But after the first attack targeted a packed wedding ceremony, then there was a horrific explosion at the victims' funeral, and finally there was a tragic blast at a hospital where the injured were receiving medical attention, the true nature of the situation became painfully apparent. At least 32 people lost their lives as a result of these horrific acts of terrorism, nine of them were personal friends and family members of a local man by the name of Mohammed Kehaya. With his sense of security destroyed, Kehaya now fears for his life in Borno state, which is considered to be a major centre of Islamic militancy and where extremists notoriously kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in 2014, igniting a global outcry. Although no specific group has claimed responsibility for these vicious bombings, suspicions immediately turned to Boko Haram, an extremist organization that has been waging a violent insurgency since 2009, seeking to impose its radical interpretation of Sharia law in northeastern Nigeria. The group has split up over time into a number of factions, each of which has contributed to the horrifying total of at least 35,000 deaths and over 2 million displaced people. This has resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis that requires immediate international assistance and intervention to lessen the suffering of those impacted by the ongoing unrest. The terror groups operating in Nigeria have persistently defied the fundamental tenets of Islam through their ongoing actions, displaying a blatant disregard for the principles of peace and compassion that the religion espouses. These groups' actions not only run counter to the peaceful teachings of Islam but also showcase a complete disregard for the core values of mercy and kindness that the faith champions. Their recourse to despicable tactics, including indiscriminate violence and acts of terrorism, starkly contradicts the essence of Islam and contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The tragic consequence of their actions is a betrayal not only of the Islamic faith but also a gross injustice perpetrated upon the innocent victims who suffer from their brutal deeds. Through their engagement in abhorrent practices like suicide bombings and other forms of violence, these groups perpetrate acts of senseless cruelty that not only cause harm to individuals but also distort the genuine essence of Islam. A religion grounded in principles of mercy, justice, and respect for all is being misrepresented through these extremist ideologies. It is critical for the international community, as well as for Muslim clerics and scholars, to unite in condemnation of such radical beliefs and to actively promote a message of peace, tolerance, and understanding that aligns with Islam's true teachings. The concerted efforts of individuals across borders are essential in combating these distortions and in fostering an environment where the values of Islam can flourish and be celebrated as they were intended…. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/terror-nigeria-disrespect-principles/d/132654 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