This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. Infact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti- Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces. Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’:

Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’

A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.

Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same

One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief is a bad person since he causes harm to the society. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, is a good person as he benefits the society.

I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist

I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people have misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to misinformation and incorrect knowledge of Islam. Moreover, many observe the teachings of Islam only superficially or out of context. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an unbiased and open mind, one has to agree that Islam is the best way of life.

Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalism’

According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.

Definition of ‘fundamentalist’ according to Oxford Dictionary

When we read the Oxford dictionary, the Oxford dictionary says that, “‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient or fundamental doctrine of any religion.” But when we read the revised edition of the Oxford Dictionary, there’s a slight change, it says, “‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient scriptures or fundamentals of any religion, especially Islam” “Especially Islam” has been added in the revised edition of Oxford Dictionary. The moment you hear the word fundamentalist, immediately you start thinking of a Muslim.

Every Muslim should be an Extremist

Media says, “Muslims are Fundamentalists, Muslims are Extremists.” And we Muslims are becoming apologetic. No…no…no… I’m not a fundamentalist. No…no…no… I’m not an extremist. I say, I’m an extremist. I’m extremely honest, I’m extremely just, I’m extremely kind, I’m extremely merciful, I’m extremely loving. Can anyone tell me why being extremely just, extremely honest, extremely loving, extremely merciful, extremely kind is bad? What’s wrong in being an extremist?

The Qur’an says ‘Be an Extremist’

The Qur’an says you have to be extremely honest. You can’t be partly honest. When it benefits you, you’re honest, when it doesn’t benefit you, you’re dishonest. The Qur’an says you have to be extremely honest, extremely just. If you are a practicing Muslim you have to be extremely kind, extremely honest, extremely just. We have to be extremist in the correct direction. We should not be extremist in the wrong direction. But a Muslim should be extremist in following the Qur’an. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 208,

O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.

So why are the Muslims becoming apologetic? The Media is attacking Islam and unfortunately we Muslims are afraid. We have the best Deen, but why are we afraid? Why are we apologetic? It’s time that we turn the tables over.