Islam Rediscovered
12. Islamic Fundamentalism
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Conversely, however, we find a different picture in
the Quran: “When it is said to them: ‘Do not commit
evil in the land,’ they reply: ‘We do nothing but
good.’ But it is they who are the evil-doers, though
they may not perceive it.” (2:11).
They hold that the aim of Islam is to establish an
ideal society and an ideal state. But since, by their
lights, this task cannot be performed without
political strength, they feel justified in fighting
against those who have captured the seats of power.
Violent movements with this aim were launched on
a large scale during the second half of the twentieth
century. Their targets were either the non-Muslim
rulers or the secular Muslim rulers. But despite
great losses in terms of life, wealth and resources,
these movements failed to produce any positive
results. Their having become counter-productive is
in itself a proof that their activities were
disapproved of by Islam. This is quite expressly
stated in the Quran: “God does not love the
transgressors” (2:205).
The fact is that the terms ‘ideal state’ and ‘ideal
society’ have a wonderful resonance, but their use
