THE SEMANTICS OF RADICAL ISLAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i1.980Keywords:
radical Islam, Islam, radicalism, Salafi Jihadi, Salafi TakfiriAbstract
This paper critically examines the use of the terms 'Radical Islam' or 'Islamic Radicalism' and presents several arguments on the subject. The appropriateness of using these terms varies depending on an individual's perspective, but the central issue lies in the inconclusive and often misunderstood meaning and description of the concept. The focus here is on the problematic aspects associated with 'Radical Islam'. Incorrect usage leads to a significant misinterpretation of Islam, unjustly tarnishing the reputation of this sacred religion by wrongly suggesting that Islam is inherently radical. It must be emphasised that Islam is not a radical religion and promotes principles of peace, harmony, and non-violence, teaching its followers kindness, love, tolerance, and virtuous values. Furthermore, Islam should not be held accountable for the irresponsible actions of individuals engaging in radicalism, extremism, and terrorism. The paper investigates several reasons to question this terminology, including the motivations behind radical groups, the effects of embracing the ambiguous notion on Muslim communities, and the political implications tied to its use. It is vital to exercise prudence and caution when employing this term to prevent misconceptions and misrepresentations, and to identify credible alternatives to the concept of 'radical Islam'.
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