NO EXTREMISM

PEACE IN ISLAM ~ 132 ~ NO CORRUPTION ON THIS EARTH In the following verse, the Quran alludes to a particular kind of character, the self-styled reformer: When they are told, ‘Do not create disorder on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things right.’ (2:11) This refers to those who claim to be engaged in reform work, but whose method is of the wrong kind, for their actions result in corruption and perversion. Here ‘disorder’ (fasad) means that their activities result in clash and confrontation with others, so that mutual hatred is generated. In the process morality is undermined and a negative mindset prevails. All these factors are referred to as spreading corruption on the earth, for they all destroy social peace, and ultimately, members of society are eternally at loggerheads with each other. This teaching of the Quran shows that it is not enough for an action to have a good goal to be right. The kind of side effects produced by activities launched in the name of reform must also be