When you hear the word “extremist,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you imagine someone rigid, aggressive, or fanatical—someone who takes things too far. But what if extremism isn’t just about excess? What if it also includes those who neglect their responsibilities, who abandon their religious duties, and who turn a blind eye to guidance?
Islam defines extremism in a way that many don’t realize. It is not just doing too much—it is also doing too little. Both exaggeration (الإفراط) and negligence (التفريط) are considered extremes, and both are condemned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
This discussion will explore how Islam defines extremism, why it is dangerous, and how one can ensure they remain on the balanced, middle path—the path that Allah ﷻ has praised and commanded His servants to follow.
The Three Essential Qualities for Guidance
Before addressing extremism, one must recognize the qualities needed to guide oneself and others correctly. If someone wants to solve the problems of the Ummah, if they wish to help Muslims escape confusion and misguidance, they must possess three qualities:
- Knowledge (العلم): A deep, firm grasp of Islamic teachings based on authentic sources.
- Justice (العدل): The ability to judge fairly without personal bias.
- Fairness (الإنصاف): The capacity to remain objective, even when dealing with adversaries.
Without these qualities, any effort to "reform" or "correct" others can lead to further misguidance.
The Human Struggle Against Ignorance and Oppression
Allah ﷻ has informed us that mankind was created with two inherent flaws:
إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا ٱلْأَمَانَةَ عَلَى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلْجِبَالِ فَأَبَيْنَ أَن يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأَشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ ظَلُومًا جَهُولًا
"Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant." (Al-Ahzab 33:72)
These two qualities—injustice (ظلم) and ignorance (جهل)—exist within every human being. Every day, a believer must work to remove oppression and ignorance from themselves by seeking knowledge and practising justice.
How to Attain True Leadership in Islam
Allah ﷻ elevates those who succeed in removing these two flaws:
وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ
"And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs." (As-Sajdah 32:24)
This verse highlights that true leadership in Islam is reserved for those who:
- Replace ignorance with certainty in faith.
- Replace oppression with patience and justice.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah’s Insight on Human Nature
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah beautifully explains the default state of humans:
وَالْإِنْسَانُ خُلِقَ ظَلُومًا جَهُولًا
"Humans are created in a state of ignorance and injustice." (Majmoo' al-Fatawa:14/37)
He further explains:
- The default state of a human being is a lack of knowledge.
- A person naturally inclines toward their desires and evil unless they correct themselves.
- To be truly guided, a person requires:
- Detailed knowledge that removes ignorance.
- Justice that prevents oppression.
Without these, a person will act unjustly in their emotions, whether in love, hate, anger, or contentment. A believer needs knowledge and justice in every aspect of life—from worship to interactions, from eating to speaking, from judging others to personal conduct.
Understanding Extremism in Islam
Extremism Is Not Just Overdoing Religion
Many think extremism only means doing “too much” in Islam—praying excessively, fasting continuously, or going beyond what is required. But Islam defines extremism in two ways:
- Exaggeration (الإفراط): Going beyond what is prescribed in religion.
- Negligence (التفريط): Failing to fulfill religious obligations.
- The Prophet ﷺ warned:
إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْغُلُوُ فِي الدِّينِ، فَإِنَّمَا أَهْلَكَ مَنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ الْغُلُوُ فِي الدِّينِ
"Beware of extremism in religion, for those before you were destroyed by extremism in religion." (Sunan Ibn Majah: 3029)
The Qur’anic Warning to the People of the Book
- Allah ﷻ warns the Jews and Christians:
يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقِّ
"O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth." (An-Nisa 4:171)
This verse highlights two extremes:
- The Jews: They had knowledge but did not act upon it, leading to negligence.
- The Christians: They acted without proper knowledge, leading to exaggeration.
Islam teaches balance—one must combine knowledge with action, avoiding both extremes.
The Middle Path: Islam’s Balanced Approach
- Allah ﷻ describes the Muslim Ummah as:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا
"And thus We have made you a just nation." (Al-Baqarah 2:143)
The straight path in Islam is not based on personal opinions or cultural preferences—it is clearly defined by the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Shaytan’s Two Paths to Misguidance
- ʿAbdullāh al-ʿAīshī explained:
مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى بِأَمْرٍ إِلَّا وَلِلْشَّيْطَانِ فِيهِ نَزَغَتَانِ
"There is no commandment of Allah except that Shaytan creates two misguiding paths from it." (Al-'Uzla: 97)
Shaytan doesn’t care whether a person:
- Becomes too extreme in following a command.
- Becomes too lenient and ignores it completely.
As long as a person deviates from the middle path, Shaytan has succeeded.
The Position of Ahl as-Sunnah
Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah are distinguished by their balance. They:
- Reject extremism in all its forms.
- Follow the Qur’an and Sunnah precisely.
- Avoid adding to or subtracting from the religion.
As Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه said:
خَيْرُ النَّاسِ هَذَا النَّمَطُ الْأَوْسَطُ، يَلْحَقُوا بِهِمُ التَّالِي وَيَرْجِعُوا إِلَيْهِمُ الْغَالِي
"The best people are those who are moderate. The negligent catch up to them, and the extreme return to them." (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaibah: 8/156)
Conclusion: Stay Firm on the Middle Path
- Islam’s guidance is clear:
فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ
"Be steadfast as you have been commanded." (Hud 11:112)
The challenge is not letting society define extremism for you. The middle path is determined by Allah and His Messenger, not public opinion. May Allah ﷻ keep us firm upon it.
The only way to remain steadfast on Allah’s straight path is through authentic Islamic knowledge—knowledge that removes ignorance, prevents extremism, and nurtures a balanced approach to faith. Without it, one may unknowingly fall into excess or negligence.
Make the pursuit of true understanding a priority. Whether you have time for full-time study or just a few hours a week, structured learning from qualified scholars can help you practice Islam with clarity and confidence.
Take the next step in your journey—start learning about your religion and stay on the path of moderation.
