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NEWS > EVERYONE ELSE > ISLAMISTS DECRY “MUSLIMIFICATION” OF ISLAM
ISLAMISTS DECRY “MUSLIMIFICATION” OF ISLAM
March 1 2008
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Islam has long been a religion in turmoil. In its earliest days, it suffered persecution and war. It survived the Crusades and the subjugation of foreign powers. Today, it’s burdened with the threats of terrorism and isolationism.
Islam, much like its sibling religion Christianity, has thrived whether in spite of or because of this turmoil. With approximately 1.4 billion people, it ranks as the second most populous religion in the world stretching from Asia to Africa to Europe and into the America’s and continues to grow daily.
In all its battles though, the faith is now facing what may be its greatest challenge. The rise of radicalism, has pitted the religion against perhaps its greatest enemy.
Not the West Not Christianity. Not Judaism. Not modernism.
The great enemy Islam is facing today is itself.
Small in number to Christianity’s multitude of denominations, there are three major branches of Islam; Sunni, Shi’a, and Sufism. While conflict quite often does arise between these groups, there is a new split that has formed which threatens the very heart of the religion.
Islamism is a term that has come into play quite often of late. Essentially, the term refers to a form of politicized Islam that adheres to very strict interpretation of Islamic law and doctrine. It also, of course, references the current rise in terrorism.
Islamism is a relatively small segment of the overall population, but it’s very vocal nature, and the tendency of western politicians and media to paint the entire religion with that brush, have given it a prominence that its number of followers really shouldn’t garner. For practical purposes, most people regard the entirety of the faith under that definition; a radical religion determined to cause chaos wherever it exists.
For the bulk of Muslims this interpretation is shameful and potentially dangerous. Besotted by the mark of radicalism and murder, entire generations of Muslim children are growing up believing they are naturally at odds with the groups targeted by these radicals, essentially being indoctrinated by proxy. Frustrated by this colouring, many Muslims are beginning to fight against this interpretation of their beliefs. It is this rise in anti radicalism that is driving this latest conflict. (continues...)
Emil Uliya, International Correspondent
NEWS > EVERYONE ELSE > ISLAMISTS DECRY “MUSLIMIFICATION” OF ISLAM
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