Question:
Are you a moderate Muslim or an extremist Muslim?
2008-03-28 06:11:09 UTC
I have no idea what kind of Muslim I am.
33 answers:
2008-03-29 01:13:27 UTC
There is no such thing as a moderate Muslim.



Since the Koran forbids all other faiths, a practising Muslim is against the rest of us - hence all Muslims are extremists.
2008-03-28 09:08:22 UTC
A Muslim is Muslim. And to be Muslim means :

1- Believe only in one God and prophet (pbuh)

2-Pray 5 times a day at time

3-Zakat ( Finance the poor in Muslim society )

4-Hadj to Mekka

5- Ramadan



That is what Islam is built on and believing in this five important elements you will work according to Quran and Suna ...

You have to know that Islam works for any time and any place !



About Extremist and Moderate thing ! It is only political concept, nothing more
2016-05-28 09:22:38 UTC
If an "Extremist Muslim" were to attack another Muslim or even an innocent people (such in the case of sept 11th) then we MUST eliminate the problem. It would be our duty as practicing Muslims to defend. Unfortuantly though because my countries response to attacks by these people who claimed to be Muslim is misguided for the most part, as in the case of Iraq, an innocent country now torn to pieces, I have not acted. The reason I put "Extremist Muslim" in quotations is because a true follower of Islam is NOT to act in an extreme manner. Much like the issue in northern Ireland, those who have murdered in the name of God are not acting in a Christian manner, "Muslims" who are unjust and murdering people are not acting in an Islamic manner. Justice is supposed to be a key componant of Islam. Islam is supposed to be a religion of moderation, it is not supposed to be extreme. Here is a hadith about moderation: Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The deen (best translation of this word deen is religion) is easy. Anyone who makes the deen too hard on himself will find it becomes too much for him. So aim for what is right, follow a middle path, accept the good news of the reward for right action, and seek help [to reach your goal by being constant in worshipping] in the morning, evening and some of the night."[al-Bukhari] We are to fight injustice, so it isn't Islam we are fighting but those who are practicing hate, intolerence and oppression but calling it Islam.
JeeYa
2008-03-29 08:44:10 UTC
i am just a muslim girl who is trying to obey Allah in the simple manner of praying 5 times a day , i do not eat pork and do not drink alcohol.also i do not show my hairs to others and take hijaab.i do not try to hurt any non muslims feeling and also i do not force other people to offer prayers and other religious things. i also watch television and listen to good musik.

what do you think of me now ?
2008-03-30 16:48:20 UTC
The Prophet(saws) said that religion is made to be easy, so do not take it to the extreme. Therefore, I am not an extremist.



At the same time, I try and not take things too lightly. Because then, that could make me say things are halal when they are really not!



I am a moderate you could say, in the sense that I follow the middle way. I do not take things too lightly, nor do I take things to an extreme. I keep it simple, but not too simple.
UmmAbdelHamid
2008-03-28 11:44:21 UTC
Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim



Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah



Well, first you have to define terms. Islam by its very nature is a moderate religion. We are allowed to enjoy the good things in life in a halaal (permissible) fashion, and we avoid that which is harmful to us in one way or another. We do not live exclusively for this world, but neither do we deprive ourselves of enjoyment and concentrate every moment on the world to come. We are not hedonistic narcissists and we are not monks.



A moderate Muslim is one who follows the tenets of Islam, such as praying, fasting, giving zakah (the wealth tax), etc. A moderate Muslim is a man who grows a beard or a woman who covers. A moderate Muslim enjoys sports but doesn't bet on them. A moderate Muslim will be polite to members of the opposite sex but won't engage in long chatty conversations or shake hands with or hug a non-mahram. A moderate Muslim will spend time in the mosque and learning more about Islam but will also devote time to his or her family and not neglect them. A moderate Muslim will have a permissible business and not deal in usury. A moderate Muslim will tell a funny story but not use deceit to joke or say something hurtful. A moderate Muslim loves his children but will enforce discipline. In short, a moderate Muslim is any Muslim who strives to live according to the Qur'an and Sunnah.



An extremist is one who takes extra duties on himself and make his religion harsh in a manner that was not prescribed by Allah or His Messenger, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. An extremist Muslim will enforce complete segregation of men and women and impose hardship by forbidding women to work or receive education. An extremist will devote every waking moment to da'wah (outreach) in the community but leave his family forlorn at home. An extremist will forego the permissible things in this life to a large extent and will be harsh with his brothers and sisters instead of kind and understanding. (Please note I use "he" in a grammatical sense, not implying that on the men can be extremist; unfortunately I have come across many women who fall in this category as well). I don't know if I can define an extremist, but I know one when I see one, lol.



All of us should strive for moderation in all things. We should follow the example of Rasool Allah, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. He prayed and slept, ate and fasted, married women and did not commit fornication. He showed us how to live in this world but prepare for the next. He was the best example of moderation and if we follow his example then inshAllah we will stay on the Straight Path. And Allah knows best.



Fi Aman Allah,



Nancy Umm Abdel Hamid
.................
2008-03-28 06:38:18 UTC
Sahar- I agree with you, people seem to think a muslim who is trying to be a good muslim is an "extremist". Whatever that means. Why must we always seek to group ourselves off from each other in any way?!
enjoying my newborn
2008-03-28 06:22:06 UTC
I live my life according to the Quran and sunnah (disclaimer: to the best of my abilities) so I don't categorize myself as anything other than Muslim..



question: who came up with those titles? Muslims? or media?



I love how layla gave the textbook definition of what the news media is spewing about extremist muslim. Or better yet fundamentalist...call me stupid but if you follow the fundamentals of anything as strictly as you can doesn't that make you a fundamentalist? so why does it have a negative connotation <---think people...Its like the word feminist it used to mean anyone who believed women have rights now its a dirty word meaning an estrogen extremist...
msjanhay
2008-03-30 13:40:02 UTC
When did you EVER hear a muslim condemn the bombing outrages that they committ?



They are ALL tarred with same EXTREMIST brush.



A "moderate" muslim is a self-contradictory term
HMS
2008-03-28 06:55:23 UTC
Islam within it self is a Moderate Religion of Moderation as taught by Mohammed (SAW). (SAW) He instructs us to take the Middle road in most issues, except for whats clearly Harram (Forbidden) Extremism was never a Islamic value, Leniency is closer to Islam. Allah (SAW) Says to Mohammed (SAW) "if your heart was harsh people would have fled away from you"
2008-03-28 07:06:07 UTC
Im modern muslim who s educated and have wide knowledge.



Also im extremist in love, care, patience and tolerance.



Hope you got it.
Qarizma71
2008-03-28 15:32:36 UTC
I'm a super muslim!!
rochelle
2008-04-01 05:56:29 UTC
some people have no respect for other religions so they shouldn't comment about what they don't know. YOU know who you are thinking your so self righteous. 'Tarred' with the same brush.... who do you think you are?

Oh and the Qur'an does not condemn other faiths, have you ever read it or even spoken to somebody who has a clue? Evidently not.
?
2008-03-28 08:59:16 UTC
My husband and I are conservative Muslims who respect our God given roles in society. All the women in my husband's family minus the 2 year old niece wear the hijab, Abaya and Niqab Alhamdulillah. We've agreed that our daughters will be housewives and stay at home moms and that they will be married by 15 to one of their cousins. We follow the strong Hadiths and the Qur'an and don't believe in any of the sects. We're all just Muslims.
☮Luwayla☮
2008-03-28 06:20:46 UTC
I'm just Muslim. I don't need to be extreme and I don't need to be moderate. I'm just Muslim.
Faith
2008-03-28 09:12:32 UTC
I am a liberal, realist Muslim
Chocolate muncher
2008-03-28 06:19:29 UTC
Nope
♥Layla ♥
2008-03-28 06:19:50 UTC
salam sis



i take Islam very importantly

i try to devote my self 100% to islam

i pray 5 times a day at least

i fast

give zakat

and devote my self to islam completely



but thats not an extreemist

excess of anything is wrong though and we have to remember that in any case



modereate muslim~follows islam properly but lives life like a human being

~~~me



extreemist muslim~narrow minded and intereperates islam in a wrong way and believe everyone who doesnt follow islam the way they do then they are a kafir

~~~not me



peace outzz and much lovezz sis
Gimme ma ear muffs back, biatch
2008-03-28 06:40:53 UTC
I don't know what type of Muslim I am.
2008-03-28 06:18:35 UTC
i m a moderat muslim!! i offer prayers on time, fast during ramazan & in rajab shobaan, also pay zakat & stuff like that.. i did haj & umra & also try to do wajib things but this is not extremism..
Lamya
2008-03-28 06:22:16 UTC
neither am i..i don't think i'm extremistin any way, but not sure whether i fit in the definition of "moderate" either...dunno why people keep adding prefixes and suffixes to "muslim"..i'm just muslim, period.



wow, thumbs down!!you guys spoil me..can i have some more, pls, pls, pretty pls...*sarcasm kinda intended* =P)



lol, Nimmy, thnx ^ ^..one of 'em thumbs up is from me too, lol..i'm not bothered..but its quite annoying that people come here only to give thumbs down..
2008-03-28 06:24:40 UTC
im a normal or average muslim with all godness of heart,and so many little litlle faults at the same time...



hey Leah..the one thumbs up u have now is the one i gave:-)..



dn't worry abt stupid thumb downers..
2008-03-28 06:25:38 UTC
I'm having flying lessons at the moment, hoping to be an extremist.
?
2008-03-28 06:23:23 UTC
I'm not sure define Extremist? if Extremist means praying 5 times a day not listening to Music following what Allah tells me to then yeah I'm Extremist I would think i'm both :)



wow you guys are against a sister that prays 5 times a day and follows what Allah tells me wow thanks for the thumbs down!
2008-03-28 06:21:07 UTC
Just wanted to say to Layla - what good, sensible way to look at things.
BugYA
2008-03-28 06:26:41 UTC
I am a Christian. All muslims are extremely confused about what pleases God and on the wrong path.
justiceonthemove
2008-03-28 06:37:04 UTC
THESE ARE KUFAR (UNBELIEVER) NAMES LABED MUSLIMS.

I KNOW EXTREMISM ORIGINATED FROM THE JEWS WHO CONSIDERED THEMSELVES TO BE THE BETTER HUMAN BEINGS THAN THE REST AND SECOND FORM OF EXTREMISM COMES FROM CHRISTIANITY WHEN THEY LAID THEIR FOUNDATION TO THE EXTREME OF RAISING A MAN (PROPHET JESUS) TO THE LEVER OF GOD.
2008-03-28 06:17:07 UTC
im not extremist for sure
mk2008
2008-03-28 06:22:17 UTC
Which organisation are you doing this research for ? Scotland Yard ? CIA ?
Jacob
2008-03-28 16:48:23 UTC
I am Catholic
♥♥♥ hey how ur doin' =) ♥♥♥
2008-03-28 09:22:31 UTC
i am christian
brandyman_uk
2008-03-28 06:13:48 UTC
neither
Umm Bilqys
2008-03-28 09:41:20 UTC
People who want my approval (?? Like i am a saint, astigfurullah) of their wrong thoughts, actions and deeds, but i don't give it to them, call me a extremist.



Some others call me wahabi, *while" the sect wahabiyyah doesn't excist... People have made this name up, to say you have people who are strict with shariah. instead of saying i am a sinning muslim or a moenafieq....



I don't call myself moderate nor extremist.....



If i was, i did more than i was allowed to do by Mohammed sall Allahu alaihi wa sallam: like i fasted every day, i didn't got married for example....



please note the following:



Praise be to Allaah.



Whatever the case, this is a mistake that has come from the east and the west, from the Christians, communists and Jews, and others who try to put people off the call to Allaah and its supporters, and who want to be unfair to the da’wah by calling it extremism or fundamentalism or whatever other names they give it.



Undoubtedly calling people to Allaah is the religion of the Messengers, it is their path and their way. The people of knowledge are obliged to call others to Allaah and to be active in doing so. The youth are obliged to fear Allaah and to adhere to the truth, not to go to extremes or be harsh. It may so happen that some of the youth are ignorant, so they go to extremes in some matters, or they are lacking in knowledge, so they are negligent in some other matters. But all the youth and others, such as the scholars, must fear Allaah and seek the truth with evidence (daleel), i.e., what Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said; they must beware of bid’ah (reprehensible innovations) and exaggeration. They must also beware of ignorance and shortcomings. No one among them is infallible, and some of the people may err by doing too much or by falling short. But that does not mean that everyone is at fault; the fault rests with those who make the mistake.



But the enemies of Allaah among the Christians and others who are following in their wake have made this a means of attacking the da’wah and putting an end to it, by accusing its people of being extremists and fundamentalists.



What does “fundamentalism” mean?



If they are fundamentalists in the sense that they adhere to the fundamentals or basic principles (usool), to what Allaah and His Messenger said, then this is praise, not condemnation. Adhering to the fundamentals, the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), is commendable and cannot be condemned. What is to be condemned is when people overdo things or fall short, when they go to extremes or are harsh or do not do what they have to do – this is what is to be condemned. But the person who adheres to the right principles, derived from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), is not at fault; this is perfect and is to be praised. This is what is obligatory upon seekers of knowledge and those who call others to Allaah: they should adhere to the fundamentals from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and whatever they know of the basic principles of fiqh, ‘aqeedah and hadeeth, whatever can be used as evidence (daleel). They have to have basic principles which they follow. Describing the daayi’ahs as fundamentalists is a general word which does not mean anything apart from condemning them and putting people off. Fundamentalism is not a bad thing, in fact it is something good.



If the seeker of knowledge adheres to the fundamentals, paying attention to them and staying up at night to study them from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and what the scholars have stated, there is nothing wrong with that. But going to extremes in following bid’ah is what is wrong, and going to extremes of ignorance and falling short is also wrong.



The daa’iyahs are obliged to adhere to the fundamentals of sharee’ah and adhere to the middle course to which Allaah has guided them, for Allaah has made them an ummah justly balanced (cf. Al-Baqarah 2:143). So the daa’iyahs have to be justly balanced, treading a middle course between exaggeration and negligence. They have to be steadfast in adhering to the truth, and to adhere to it on the basis of shar’i evidence (daleel). There should be neither exaggeration nor negligence, but the moderation that Allaah has enjoined.



Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh al-‘Allaamah ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), p. 233



and this one for sure also to read, than you may fine out how to call yourself...... Praise be to Allaah.



Moderation in religion means that one does not exaggerate and go beyond the limit set by Allaah, and that one does not neglect it and fall short of the limit set by Allaah.



Moderation in religion means following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Exaggeration means trying to do more than he did, and negligence means not reaching that level.



For example, a man says, “I want to spend all night in prayer (qiyaam al-layl), and never sleep all my life, because prayer is one of the best acts of worship, so I want to spend the entire night in prayer.” We say, this is going to extremes in the religion of Allaah, and this is not right. Something like this happened at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when a group of men got together and one of them said, “I will pray at night and never sleep.” Another said, “I will fast and never break my fast.” The third one said, “I will never marry women.” News of that reached the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he said, “What is wrong with people who say such and such? I fast and I break my fast. I sleep, and I marry women. Whoever overlooks my Sunnah does not belong to me.” These people had gone to extremes in religion, and so the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) disowned them, because they overlooked his Sunnah which includes fasting and not fasting, praying at night and sleeping, and marrying women.



The one who is falling short is one who says, “I do not need to do voluntary (naafil) actions, so I will not do them. I will only do the fard actions. He may even be falling short in the fard actions, so this person is lacking.



The moderate person is one who follows the path of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his rightly-guided successors (al-Khulafaa’ al-Raashidoon).



Another example: three men are faced with an immoral man. One of them says, “I will not greet this immoral man and I will boycott him, keep away from him and not speak to him.”



The second one says, “I will go with this immoral man, greet him and smile at him. I will invite him to my place and accept his invitation. He is just like any righteous man to me.”



The third one says, “I hate this immoral man for his immoral actions, but I love him for his faith. I will not boycott him unless doing so is in his best interests. If there is nothing to be gained by boycotting him, and if that will only increase him in his immorality, then I will not boycott him.”



We say that the first man is going to extremes, the second is negligent and the third is moderate.



The same applies to all other acts of worship and dealings with others. People vary between extremism, negligence and moderation.



A third example: A man is a prisoner of his wife, who directs him as she wishes and he does not stop her from committing sin, or urge her to do good. She has taken over his reason and has become the one who is in charge of him.



Another man treats his wife in a harsh, arrogant and high-handed manner. He does not care about her and regards her as less than a servant.



A third man is moderate in his dealings with his wife, as Allaah and His Messenger commanded.



“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable”[al-Baqarah 2:228 – interpretation of the meaning]



[The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:] “Let no believing man hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another.”This last man is the one who is moderate. The second one is extreme in his dealings with his wife, and the first is falling short.The same applies to all other deeds and acts of worship.

Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il li Fadeelat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, vol. 1, p. 42


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...