Author: Abdul Hamid Gurgij
The Afflictions of the Vanguard Generation (Part 7)
5. Extremism and Excessiveness
Extremism and excessiveness are among the most destructive afflictions of the vanguard generation. The root cause of this ailment is nothing but ignorance of the essence and nature of religion, the nature of human beings, and the conduct of the Prophets and those who call to Allah. This phenomenon can be described in a simple phrase or popular proverb: “Hotter than the soup!” or “More Catholic than the Pope,” and “A nurse kinder than the mother!” Despite the mercy and compassion of the Almighty and His explicit prohibition against harshness and excess, such individuals are extremely strict with themselves and others. They resemble those early Muslims who resolved to fast during the day, remain awake at night, and abstain from their spouses, hoping to attain greater reward—unaware that they had deviated from the straight path and were lost in confusion.
When news of their decision reached the noble Prophet (PBUH), he summoned them and advised them not to act in such a manner, instructing them to follow his example: he fasts but also breaks his fast, he spends part of the night in prayer but does not neglect the blessings of his Lord. He reminded them: (يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ) Translation: “Allah intends ease for you, and He does not intend hardship for you.” [1]
And He warned them: (لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ) Translation: “Do not proceed ahead of Allah and His Messenger.” [2]
One of the earliest and most basic forms of extremism is excessive strictness in performing religious rites and acts of worship. Even though such practices may not directly harm others, they were still rebuked by the true leader of Muslims, Muhammad the Trustworthy (PBUH) He explicitly said: «إياكُمْ وَ الْغُلُو فِى الدِّينِ، فَإنّما أَهْلَكَ مَنْ كانَ قَبْلَكُمُ الْغُلُو فِى الدِّينِ» Translation: “Beware of exaggeration in religion, for those before you were destroyed by exaggeration in religion.” [3]
The first and most immediate consequence of extremism is personal collapse, for such individuals expect more from themselves than is required, burdening themselves beyond their capacity. However, Allah in His infinite mercy has declared: (لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا) Translation: “Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.” [4]
That is why Islamic law offers concessions you will not find in other faiths—concessions that ensure its vitality and continuity. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: «إنّ الله يحبُّ أن تُقْبَلَ رُخَصُه كما يحبُّ العبد مغفرة ربه» Translation: “Indeed, Allah loves that His concessions be accepted just as He loves that His servant seeks His forgiveness.” [5] And again: «إن الله تعالى يحبُّ أن تُؤْتَى رُخَصُه كما يحبُّ أن تُؤْتَى عَزَائِمُه» Translation: “Indeed, Allah loves that His concessions be acted upon just as He loves that His strict commands be carried out.” [6]
The second consequence of extremism is social isolation. The extremist begins to feel estranged and lonely. People view them differently and distance themselves, as such individuals constantly rebuke and belittle others, thinking they are enjoining good and forbidding evil. They begin to see others as negligent or even reckless, believing that associating with them leads to wasting time, falling into Satan’s trap, and incurring the wrath of God.
If such individuals do not fall completely and abandon acts of worship or renounce their faith, they inevitably extend their rigidity toward others. This leads them to an even more dangerous trap: the phenomenon of excessive takfīr (excommunication).
This phenomenon destroys personal sincerity, shatters religious and national unity, and nullifies collective efforts. Eventually, the hands of such Muslims become stained not only with the blood of the innocent and those in need of guidance and prayer but even with the blood of fellow believers. In fact, the damage such individuals have inflicted on Islam is greater than the harm caused by the godless.
This was precisely the fate of the Khawarij. Their extremism led them to believe they were more righteous than ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with him) and ultimately conspired to assassinate him—which they did. The Khawarij had no flaw in their rituals—they fasted by day, prayed by night, and frequently recited the Qur’an. As narrated by Imam Ahmad and recorded in authentic sources: «يَحْقِرُ أَحَدُكُمْ صَلَاتَهُ إِلَى صَلَاتِهِمْ وَقِيَامَهُ إِلَى قِيَامِهِ وَقِرَاءَتَهُ إِلَى قِرَاءَتِهِم» Translation: “One of you may belittle his own prayer, night vigil, and Qur’an recitation when compared to theirs.” Yet, they were described as: «يَمْرُقُونَ مِنَ الدِّينِ كَمَا يَمْرُقُ السَّهْمُ مِنَ الرَّمِيَّةِ» Translation: “They will exit the religion just as an arrow passes through its target.” [7]
Muslims have neither the right nor the ability to be more knowledgeable about religion or more compassionate toward humanity than Allah and His Messenger. Therefore, no one should, under the pretext of defending the faith—which is meant to save and uplift humanity—push others away or incite hatred and murder.
Sincere and knowledgeable preachers are distressed by people not praying or fasting, but they do not reject or condemn them. Their concern is for the suffering of a human being in Hell and their deprivation from divine mercy and the everlasting bliss of Paradise. Yet, they never force anyone into Paradise.
Such preachers understand that human nature is too complex to be changed by a few words or harsh reprimands, even if well-intentioned. They also know that the essence of this religion inevitably penetrates hearts—provided it is conveyed properly and with righteous conduct. They are also aware that some will reject the message, preferring the whispers of Satan over the melody of the Qur’an, trading honor and nobility for trivial, fleeting worldly gains.
The mission of a sincere preacher is to reconcile people with God—not to sow enmity, hatred, and repulsion. As Rumi said in the story of Moses and the shepherd: We have come to bring union, not separation.
If someone close to us does not pray or fast and is on the verge of ruin, our only duty is to invite them with the kindest of words, a cheerful face, and sincere compassion. If they accept, we thank God. If they do not, we pray for their guidance and do not despise or shun them. Who knows? They may return to faith at a time and in a way we never expected. We do not know the hardships they have endured, the betrayals they have suffered at the hands of so-called religious people, or the emotional and psychological burdens they currently bear.
A conscious, sincere Muslim responds to the hostility and insults of the ignorant with only peace. They find seventy excuses for the missteps of fellow believers and seek forgiveness on their behalf. Their advice is always sincere, wise, and like a mirror. For those who have passed, they pray for divine mercy and forgiveness.
Are the people around us worse than Pharaoh, that we cannot speak to them with soft words and a gentle tone? Are we more knowledgeable and compassionate than Moses and Aaron, who were commanded to speak to Pharaoh kindly? (فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا) Translation: “Then speak to him gently.” [8]
O vanguard brother and sister! Pause and reflect upon this eternal image from the life of Muhammad al-Mustafa (PBUH), the model for the righteous and the exemplar of the truthful. Where are we, and where is he? As the poet said:
Between my moon and the sky’s moon—
The difference is from earth to sky!
At the Battle of Uhud, when the Prophet (PBUH) himself was wounded, his uncle mutilated, and his companions (Sahaba) slain or injured, he was asked to curse his enemies. But his boundless mercy led him instead to pray: «اللّهُمَّ اهْدِ قَوْمِي، فَإِنَّهُم قَوْمٌ لَا يَعْلَمُون» Translation: “O Allah, guide my people, for they do not know.” [9]
As we mentioned, the most dangerous form of extremism is takfīr—declaring others as unbelievers—which may lead a Muslim to shed the blood of another Muslim. Neither the Prophet (PBUH) nor any of the rightly guided caliphs or great jurists ever supported such actions. In fact, it is narrated that anyone who declares a fellow Muslim a disbeliever without just cause has himself fallen into disbelief.
Even ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with him), when the Khawarij drew their swords against him and deemed other Muslims as lawful to kill, did not label them as disbelievers. When asked, he said: “Beware of declaring others as disbelievers.”
So, dear brother and sister! Extremism leads to personal ruin, the excommunication of others, and eventually, the shedding of innocent blood—until, as the Prophet (PBUH) said: «هَلَكَ الْمُتَنَطِّعُونَ» (repeated three times) Translation: “The extremists are doomed!” [Sahih Muslim]
Religious extremists are those who go beyond the bounds in worship, transgress the limits of the Shari‘ah, and fall prey to Satan’s whisperings. Undoubtedly, excessive obligation and extremism in religion drive a person toward harshness in trivial matters and violence toward others…
Continues…
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[1] – Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185.
[2] – Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 1.
[3] – Narrated by Ahmad, p. 55, and Al-Nasa’i, p. 98.
[4] – Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 1.
[5] – Narrated by Al-Tabarani.
[6] – Narrated by Ahmad.
[7] – The Phenomenon of Extremism in Takfir, pp. 14–15.
[8] – Surah Ta-Ha, verse 44.
[9] – The Champion of Champions, p. 112.
