NO EXTREMISM

PEACE IN ISLAM ~ 146 ~ certainly desirable that if a loyal subject sees his ruler taking the wrong path, he should bring this to his attention by means of sincere advice and with an attitude of well-wishing. But as far as taking practical steps is concerned, he must totally refrain from doing so. He must differentiate between sincere advice and the politics of confrontation. He should make use of his lawful right to utter wellmeaning words of advice, while totally refraining from political confrontation. This underlying principle is extremely important. An atmosphere of violence is produced in society when its members launch confrontational movements directed against their rulers, with the aim of overthrowing them in the name of political reform. If, on the other hand, they confined themselves to verbal advice and refrained from controversial politics, society would always remain peaceful. It would never become a jungle of violence. THE VIRTUE OF FLEXIBILITY According to a tradition, the Prophet of Islam observed: “The believer is like a gentle plant.