The Cost of Extremism

THE COST OF EXTREMISM basis of secondary jurisprudential differences and taking this division to the level of disunity within the community. Practical extremism means treating concessions as inferior and turning every matter into a question of strict obligation. An extremist lives only within himself. He recognizes only his own impulses. As a result, his condition becomes like that of a person who assumes the road is empty and drives his vehicle recklessly. Such a person can never reach the destination. In this world, the secret of success lies in moderation, not extremism. Extremism is, in reality, an attempt to live against God’s creative plan, while moderation is to build one’s life in harmony with God’s creative plan. Extremism, in relation to oneself, is contrary to humility, as it makes a person intentionally arrogant; and in relation to others, it is contrary to kindness and respect for human dignity. Both of these are undoubtedly not desired in Islam. Extremism is not favoured by God. Those who adopt an extremist approach eventually turn that rigid method into part of their tradition and make it a component of their religion. As a result, later generations feel compelled to follow it because abandoning it makes them feel they are practicing a lower standard of religiosity. This extremism is not limited to monasticism; rather, it applies to every religious sphere. For example, there