Islam Rediscovered
12. Islamic Fundamentalism
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Let us first of all find out what is commonly meant
by fundamentalism. I would personally prefer to
call this phenomenon ‘Islamic extremism,’ rather
than ‘Islamic fundamentalism,’ although those
engaged in extremist activities would, like the
fundamentalists, prefer not to be called extremists.
However, what is important in this connection is
that the phenomenon of Islamic extremism can be
explained from a Quranic verse. It says: “Do not
transgress the bounds of your religion (4:17).” One
modern form of transgression, as forbidden in the
Quran, is what is now called Islamic
fundamentalism.
There are certain Muslims who say: “Yes, we are
fundamentalists. And what is wrong with being
fundamentalists?”
They
take
the
word
“fundamentalist” in its literal sense of laying
emphasis on the basic teachings of Islam. Thus,
attaching importance to the basic teachings of Islam
is to fulfill the very demand of Islam. So why
should anyone have any objection on this score?
But herein lies a fallacy. That is, if one takes
fundamentalism in its literal sense, then it should be
