Islamic Fundamentalism: What It Is and What It Isn't

Since the September 11 bombing, the Islamic community has come under scathing attack on some of its stance on jihadist and suicide bombers. Over the years, jihad has been viewed as a strong stance by radical Muslims to convert non-Muslims to the Islamic faith. The majority of critics have considered the term as a struggle by Muslim adherents against non-believers. However, Professor Charles A. Kimball dispels these notions by restating that jihad is a struggle and strive in the way of God. According to Kimball, jihad is a fundamental ideology within Islamic faith that is aimed at defending the Islamic faith and the entire community if faced with an attack. Kimball also reinstates that jihad means wrestling with oneself to do what is good and right due to sinfulness, selfishness, and human pride. The professor dispels this notion by stating that jihad is a way of keeping within the teachings of Islamic faith, and not aggression is commonly withheld.

Over the last two decades, suicide bombers have been linked to radical Islamic faiths. After September 11, the majority of Americans believed that the perpetrators of the heinous bombing were radical Muslims faithful’s who believed in the “death of a martyr.” According to common beliefs, suicide bombers find justification in protecting Islamic teachings and spreading their faith by acts deemed as a jihadist. However, Kimball affirms that there is no part of the Quran that supports suicide bombing or suicide. According to the professor, Islamic teaching and faith prohibit killing and that it is only God who holds the ultimate authority over every person’s life. The professor dispels this notion by reinstating that the passage in the Quran (2: 154) is often misinterpreted, and even taking another’s life during a war is not permitted. Thus, suicide bombing is incompatible with Islamic faith and doctrines.

With increasing Islamic radicalism, terror attacks, and widespread of Islamic faith, these clarifications are essential towards reinforcing the right teaching to the world and especially those interested in converting to Islam. The explanations are also critical towards addressing the root cause of widespread suicide bombing, Islamic radicalism, and terror attacks perpetrated by extremist Islamic grouping such as ISIS.

Reference

Burek, J. (2001, October 4). Q&A: Islamic fundamentalism. Retrieved January 1, 2020, from https://www.csmonitor.com/2001/1004/p25s1-wosc.html.