A Brand of Islam with a Difference

however dangerous that may prove. This is why, in spite of the violence of the reaction to their activities on the part of certain governments, their fanatical obsession shows no signs of abating. The truth is that it is not a gun versus gun problem, but rather a gun versus ideology problem. There is only one solution, and that is to counter them with another ideology in order to effect a thorough transformation in their thinking. Fortunately, the opportunity to do so fully exists here. The political interpretation of Islam, which has influenced them to become violent activists, is totally without foundation so far as the Scriptures are concerned. There are no real and valid arguments in its favour in either of the two basic sources of Islam. Although these extremists have fallen a prey to an erroneous interpretation of Islam, they do believe the Quran to be the supreme authority. Therefore, if it is proved by arguments from the Quran that what they have come to regard as Islam is not Islam at all, but a mere fallacy arising from a misunderstanding of their own religion, they would definitely abandon their aggressive stance, rethink their goals and resort to peaceful means to achieve their ends. This is no mere guesswork or conjecture. It falls within my personal experience. For over forty years I have been making sustained efforts, through my writings and public addresses, to transform people’s thinking, and bring to them the realization that Islam is a religion of peace and humanitarian ideals, and not one which inspires war and bloodshed. Today, by the grace of God, there are thousands of people who, under the positive influence of Islam, have abandoned the path of violence and extremism, and have now engaged themselves in the cause of religion and humanity in a peaceful sphere. My efforts to this end have borne fruit to the extent of communal violence having almost ceased between Hindus and Muslims in India.