Abstract
Many writers have associated contemporary manifestations of extremism with early Islamic sects, which is argued against in this article. The study employs critical analysis of available sources and argues for additional scrutiny. Our position is supported by detailed scrutiny of early sectarian contributions to the development of Islamic thought. We discovered remarkable limitations in the tracing of the roots to the early firaq (sects) due to a strong reliance on secondary sources muddled in the complexities of dogmatic polemics. Nonetheless, relevant historiography improved our view of what actually happened when nascent Muslims confronted humorless political and social problems. Rather than producing extremist deviants, early Islamic thought was exceedingly dynamic and governed by a pressing need to defend sound Islamic principles. Early Muslims sought answers to perennial issues and did much to stimulate subsequent Muslim philosophy and thought. Indeed, any negative understanding of this early legacy undermines the dignity of that era and people.
Highlights
Since 9/11 Islam has been associated with radicals and terrorism
Modern Islamic extremism has been traced to the early Muslim firaq4 that directly or indirectly contributed to radical perspectives
This paper explores three areas: i) the intricate historiography of these early groups; ii) elucidating early Islamic thought as intellectual development; iii) identifying how these early groups might have impacted modern extremism
Summary
Since 9/11 Islam has been associated with radicals and terrorism. This represents a new era of the Atlantic crusade and is marked by the spread of Islamophobia. Modern Islamic extremism has been traced to the early Muslim firaq that directly or indirectly contributed to radical perspectives. Yusuf al-Qaradawi says that a general lack of understanding of Islam’s prescribed middle path, that is, the path of moderation is due to unbalanced Islamic instruction He further argues that extremism is complex and exists in all belief systems, forms of worship, and human transactions. Extremism, in their sense, has been associated with either too much political interest or the adherence to fundamentalism and rigidity which does not accurately represent Muslims. The Qur’ān encourages Muslims to travel throughout the earth and study all traces of those who came before so they can better understand the present and prepare for the future. 32 This spirit should be incorporated in the study of early firaq
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