Another mosque attacked, another community torn apart, another generation lost to the poison of extremism. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us about this fitna centuries ago, yet here we are, witnessing his prophecies unfold before our eyes. The Khawarij—a group that would misuse religion to justify violence—were described in vivid detail by the Prophet. Today, their modern counterparts continue to exploit Islam, sowing discord and destruction in the name of faith. But silence and inaction are no longer options. It’s time to heed the Prophet’s warnings and unite against this growing threat.
The Prophetic Warnings: A Mirror to Modern Extremism
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) foretold the rise of the Khawarij, a group that would recite the Qur’an but fail to understand its essence. In Sahih al-Bukhari, he described them as those who would “pass through the religion as an arrow passes through the game,” exploiting Islam to justify violence and rebellion. These words, spoken over 1,400 years ago, resonate with chilling accuracy today. From the recruitment of disillusioned youth to the distortion of jihad into a call for senseless violence, modern extremist groups embody the very traits the Prophet warned against.
The Khawarij were characterized by their superficial understanding of Islam, their zealotry, and their willingness to kill fellow Muslims. The Prophet’s warning was clear: these groups would emerge as a trial (fitna) for the Muslim ummah, testing its unity and faith. Today, this fitna manifests in the form of extremist ideologies that divide communities, fuel violence, and tarnish the image of Islam.
Also See: Let’s Not Be Divided by the Kharijites
A Scholarly Consensus: Uniting Against Extremism
Islamic scholars across the spectrum of thought have unanimously condemned extremism as a grave threat to the Muslim world. Figures like Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, and Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi have spoken out against the distortion of Islamic teachings by extremist groups. Mufti Usmani has emphasized that armed rebellion against legitimate authority has no place in Islam, while Dr. Ayaz has highlighted the moral and spiritual dangers posed by extremism.
This scholarly consensus is rooted in the Prophet’s teachings. The Khawarij, as described in Sahih Muslim, were marked by their youthful zeal and misguided ideologies—traits alarmingly prevalent in today’s extremist groups. They, without any hesitation, do takfeer against these leading ulama.
The Ulama of Pakistan and India have been key figures in preserving and promoting Islamic knowledge, serving as guardians of Islamic tradition. They have played a crucial role in guiding the Muslim community through education, spirituality, and the rejection of extremism. Institutions like Darul Uloom Deoband and Jamia Ashrafia Lahore have produced generations of scholars who emphasize moderation, tolerance, and unity, with prominent figures such as Mufti Taqi Usmani and Maulana Tariq Jameel being respected leaders.
In recent years, these scholars have faced attacks from extremist groups, particularly the modern-day Khawarij, who declare takfeer against them. This divisive and harmful practice seeks to delegitimize the authority of these Ulama, creating division within the Muslim community. The Khawarij are known for their rigid, intolerant interpretations of Islam and their tendency to label other Muslims as apostates.
In response, the Ulama have remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity, and the true teachings of Islam. They warn against extremism and continue to educate the masses, reaffirming the importance of following the Quran and Sunnah. The legacy of these scholars is carried forward by their students, who continue to promote moderation and counter extremist ideologies.
The fight against the takfeeri ideology is not just about protecting individuals; it is about safeguarding the foundations of Islam. Muslims are urged to support these scholars, reject extremism, and ensure that the true spirit of Islam—peace, unity, and moderation—prevails.
The scholars’ unified stance underscores the urgency of addressing this fitna, not just as a political or social issue, but as a spiritual crisis that threatens the very core of Islam.
The Path Forward: Unity, Education, and Compassion
The rise of extremism is not just a challenge; it is a call to action. To combat this fitna, we must return to the true teachings of Islam—teachings of peace, justice, and unity. This requires a multi-faceted approach. Education is key: we must equip our youth with a deep understanding of Islam’s true message, one that emphasizes compassion, tolerance, and the sanctity of life. Communities must come together to counter the narratives of hate and division, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect.
The Prophet’s warnings about the Khawarij are not just a historical footnote; they are a living reality. The question is not whether we will face this fitna, but how we will respond to it. Will we allow extremism to divide us, or will we rise above it, united in our commitment to peace and justice?
A Beacon of Hope
The Prophet’s warnings are not just a reminder of the challenges we face but a beacon of hope. They remind us that, even in the darkest of times, the path of unity, tolerance, and understanding remains open to those who choose to walk it. The choice is ours.
Let’s break the silence and take action. Let’s unite against extremism, reclaim the true teachings of Islam, and build a future where peace and justice prevail. The Prophet’s warnings are clear—now it’s up to us to heed them.