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Knowledge Central > Extremism > What is extremism?
The issue of ‘radicalisation’ and ‘extremism’ currently attracts much attention and concern. Universities are places that encourage diversity and openness to all shades of opinion; they can be places where extremists of any kind can target students.
In many cases the greatest risk of extremism on university campuses will come in the form of racism, intolerance or hate-crimes. There are people from many different groups that seek to use coercive or even violent means to impose their views. Despite the image often put out at the moment, extremism is not a ‘Muslim problem’; not only are most Muslims not ‘extreme’, but any belief system, religious or political, will have people at the extremes.
A very useful resource for addressing the broad range of issues is the updated guidance produced jointly by Universities UK, Equality Challenge Unit, and SCOP - Promoting good campus relations: dealing with hate crimes and intolerance. It 'provides an overview of the ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) can deal with hate crimes and intolerance through existing or future work on promoting good relations, and thus ensure that academic freedom cannot be exploited to damage the legitimate freedoms of others. The key principle for dealing with hate crimes and intolerance on campus is to understand that all staff and students have the right to work, study and live without fear of intimidation, harassment and threatening or violent behaviour. The key ingredient for the preservation of academic freedom is tolerance and respect for diversity.'
Undoubtedly the variety of extremism that attracts the most lurid media attention, however, is extremist views put forward as interpretations of Islam. This introduces some unique problems. There is no 'moderate mainstream racism' that has its extemist fringe, so there is no wider community being unfairly targeted for the hate speech or crimes of a few. Unfortunately, Muslims in general can face unwarranted suspicion or hostility, and at the same time become targeted themselves, because of the actions of a few. This also raises difficulties for others who are unable to distinguish accepted understandings of Islam from those that are rejected by the minority. The pages in this section are aimed at bringing clarity to this area more than others.
Much of the material here is of use for dealilng with any form of extremism. Some however is addressed at those situations where the 'extremists' are at the fringe of a broader community of beliefs and identity, posing uniquely painful problems -but offering as well a broad range of solutions.
The use of terms
Confusion can surround people are using words at the moment. The words ‘radical’ and ‘extremist’ are sometimes used interchangeably, and now particularly in Muslim contexts are often used as if they are points on a spectrum that ends in ‘terrorist’. If you ask people what they mean by these words, a number of different characteristics are often put forward commentators. These features can jumble together religious and political traits without distinction, and without discernment about their significance, which can lead to misreadings of people's political views based on their religious convictions.
Care is clearly needed in making judgments about people based on particular beliefs. It is often best to avoid the blanket term ‘radical’ or ‘extremist’. Instead, try wherever possible to refer specifically to the characteristic or trait intended: whether a political view, a stance on religious law, or literalism. Maybe by 'radical' you mean someone who is critical and vociferous on a the actinos of aprticular country. Or maybe you mean someone that interprets a particular aya or verse literally. These are very different!
Some have suggested the following distinctions between the terms 'radical', 'extremist' and 'violent extremist'. It is one particular take on the terminology:
A radical view is one that is not conventional, beyond or outside the majority view or norms. It may challenge some of the assumptions or principles of more ‘mainstream‘ views. It is not illegal to hold radical views and many political and religious groups contain their radicals. It is worth observing that people who can be labelled 'radicals' in some contexts are often powerfully positive individuals who can work to transform society in a pro-social direction!
An extreme view, politically, is one that supports more forceful overthrow of existing systems even if this goes against the will of the majority. Religiously, a view that is rejected by an overwhelming majority of believers, or those with religious or scholarly authority, may be said to be extreme. It is not illegal to hold or express extreme views, although it might be illegal to express 'violent extreme' views, given recent legislation on the 'glorification of terrorism'.
A violent extreme view advocates bring about political or religious change through the use of illegal force and violence. It is illegal to use violence in pursuit of extremist aims.
Non-Muslims without much familiarity with Islam can misinterpret some things, such as a desire to live according to Shari'a law, as 'extremist' when it might be held uncontroversially by most Muslims. It would be misleading to view such a person as politically 'radical'.
It's a little provocative - but here is a game to explore the contrasting way that people view different Muslim beliefs and traits - we expect no two people will answer these questions in the same way.
Test yourself - which of these views or traits do you consider ... mainstream? traditional? fundamentalist? radical? extreme? ....
- Believing that the Qur'an is literally the Word of God
- Believing that the Qur'an should be understood literally
- Literal or rigorous application of the Qur'an and Sunnah to one's own practice and behaviour
- Desire to implement Shari'a in one's own life regardless of the legal system where one lives
- A belief that Shari'a should be the legal system in Britain
- A belief that Islam is incompatible with democracy or voting
- Rejection of aspects Western 'values' or lifestyle
- Morally conservative views of sexuality
- Justification of violence as a means to political or religious ends
- The desire to bring about a form of government perceived as Islamic, such as a Caliphate
- Support for groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir or al-Muhajaroun
- Dramatic return to the perceived original, authentic Islam and eradication of anything 'bida', an illicit innovation
We think people will give different answers to this game! What's yours?
Comments
18:06, 08 May 2008
- Believing that the Qur'an is literally the Word of God (M)
- Believing that the Qur'an should be understood literally (T)
- Literal or rigorous application of the Qur'an and Sunnah to one's own practice and behaviour (M)
- Desire to implement Shari'a in one's own life regardless of the legal system where one lives (M)
- A belief that Shari'a should be the legal system in Britain (M)
- A belief that Islam is incompatible with democracy or voting (R)
- Rejection of aspects Western 'values' or lifestyle (T)
- Morally conservative views of sexuality (M)
- Justification of violence as a means to political or religious ends (R)
- The desire to bring about a form of government perceived as Islamic, such as a Caliphate (M)
- Support for groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir or al-Muhajaroun (R)
- Dramatic return to the perceived original, authentic Islam and eradication of anything 'bida', an illicit innovation (R)
Akbar
17:16, 08 February 2008
T,F,F,F,R,R,E,T,E,F,R,T. This was a lot more difficult than I expected! The lines seems very blurred between these terms.
Sikander, Surrey
17:15, 08 February 2008
Okay, here's my thoughts:
Mainstream:
the Qur'an is literally the Word of God
desire to implement Shari'a in our lives
conservative on sex outside marriage etc.
Traditional:
the above plus add
literal application of Qur'an and Sunnah to their lives
rejection of aspects of Western lifestyles
I don't like the word fundamentalist but I guess it means thinking every word in the Qur'an has to be literal
Going back to 'authentic Islam' and avoiding things that are bida is either Salafi or mainstream depending what things you're talking about!!!
It's radical to challenge Western politics but I think that's healthy
It's extreme to go for violence
Supporting groups - depends on which group.
A
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12:20, 18 May 2008
Assalaamu alaikum,
Bismillahir rahmanir raheem.
Seems like a survey for the British Government. However...
Muslims are Muslims because they believe that the Quran is literally the word of God. There are no two differing views on this amongst anybody who really cares to be called a ‘Muslim’, especially a ‘Sunni Muslim’ for that matter. if there was they would immediately be classed as heretics by the Muslim masses and the concept would die out very quickly.
The Quran as explained by Allah himself, Muhammad (saws), the companions and also the scholars who followed this methodology; this really is the only acceptable interpretation. If one cannot understand well after exhausting through these methods then he would have to conclude that Islam is a false religion which doesn’t make things clear.
The more Quran and Sunnah the better a person will be in my opinion. I don't think that is to extreme for any Muslim to say.
Mercy and Justice are two main principles in the Islamic sharia. Islam's vision for those outside the fold of the religion is clear - live with us in peace you will recieve justice, fight with us you will also recieve justice. The amount of mercy recieved in this life will depend upon the amount deserved, and also that which is granted by God, the All-Merciful, himself - of which humans have no control of.
Justice for all sections of society is an important concept in Islam and the world over.
Islam is compatible with voting, but no system is compatible with voting to destroy it's main principles.
What are western values? i don't think even those who claim to be westerners can come to an agreement!
We are for justice, morality (including sexual morality) and social order.
Our motto has and will always be the same as the ‘western’ countries - diplomacy first.
If the majority, or the intelligent and those with power to implement that intelligence want, then why not? Isn't that how it works in every state the world over?
Muslims have no need for Hizb-ut-tahrir or Al-muhajiroun. WE as an Ummah need to believe in ourselves and the correct ideas, rather than rely upon these names.
Very dramatic indeed! Im being Sarcastic.
Kevin