Political Islam at a crossroads

Political Islam explained

Almost every modern religion has faced a clash of ideologies of some sort. However, none is so far-reaching and momentous than the challenges facing the Islamic religion today. Ever since 9/11, Islam has become the epitome of extremism and radicalism in the religious divergence.

The effects of Islamic extremism in the world have been substantial and influential. Muslim radicals have managed to hijacked airplanes and used them as weapons of mass destruction, rallied entire villages and factions against US and foreign troops, kidnapped, attacked and invaded sovereign nationals and territories, and managed to influence political and religious discourse in the Middle East, temporarily unifying at least, other Muslims to rally behind their cause.

However, we keep asking ourselves, where are the moderate Muslims? Why have not they come forward by publicly condemning this wing of Islamic radicalism. Moderate countries lost a very good opportunity to come forward during the 34-day war between Israel and Hizbollah. The situation is very complex. Muslims are a very traditionalist culture. Many nations are plagued with sectarianism even under the skirts of ‘democracy’ and the religion itself has many branches of ideology from very moderate to very orthodox. Nevertheless, the Islamic religion is in a historical crossroad; change won’t come easily, but it is worth the try, and many are already doing so.

The real thing Muslims have to acknowledge is which faction of Islam will get them to form better, peaceful societies with strong foundation of governance and democracy and which allows them to be full participants in world affairs. Unfortunately, the message being carried by the radicals is: “you will never accomplish anything without violence”. Communication between different Islamic factions is at a low and it is up to moderate Muslims in the region to commit themselves to bringing peaceful discourse and negotiation. The clergy can also provide a dash of wisdom as they still are a strong, staunch voice in Islamic politics.