Islam Rediscovered
12. Islamic Fundamentalism
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to make use of the media on all fronts in order to
make people aware of the fact that this political
interpretation of Islam is totally without basis either
in the Quran or in the examples set by the Prophet
in thought, word and deed. As opposed to this
erroneous interpretation, the true values of Islam,
based on peace, brotherhood and well-wishing
should be presented to the public. If this correct
interpretation of Islam could be brought to people’s
attention, I should have high hopes that the
majority of the people who have been misguided
would abandon the path of hatred and violence and
come back to Islam—“to the home of peace” to
which God calls us in the Quran.
It is true that in these violent activities only a small
group is involved. But this small group has the
indirect support of the majority, who are no less
swayed by the political interpretation of Islam.
According to Khalil Gibran, “not a single leaf falls
from the tree without the silent consent of the whole
tree.” If then the majority were to withdraw its
indirect support and condemn Islamic militancy,
these fringe groups would lose their moral courage.
That would be the first step. Then the time would
