The primary purpose of religious faith is to promote the welfare of humanity, morality, and peace. However, when this faith becomes entangled in hypocrisy and extremism, it is often misused to justify violence and terrorism. This concern was not only shared by philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Ibn Rushd, but it remains a burning issue today, one that has engulfed the entire world. Whether it’s the religious hypocrisy in Western nations or Islamic extremism, the negative impact of such ideologies is clearly visible everywhere.
The renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, in his book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”, harshly criticized religious institutions and their superstitions. His famous quote, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him,” points to the hypocrisy and superstition that had spread in the name of religion. Nietzsche believed that religious institutions had stifled human creativity and free thought, claiming that religion had bound people with fear and moral chains.
Similarly, the Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) also drew attention to this issue. His famous saying, “Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hatred, and hatred leads to violence,” illustrates how ignorance and superstition drive people toward extremism. Ibn Rushd emphasized the importance of logic and science within Islamic society, but unfortunately, his ideas did not receive widespread support.
The religious extremism and superstition we face today not only validate the predictions of Nietzsche and Ibn Rushd but also form the root of increasing conflicts and violence around the world. Islam, whose literal meaning is “peace and submission,” has always taught justice, brotherhood, and compassion. Yet extremist groups operating in the name of Islam have distorted its teachings. Organizations like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Taliban, and Boko Haram have resorted to terror and violence, killing innocent people.
Extremists have misinterpreted the Islamic concept of jihad. While jihad’s true meaning is self-improvement and the struggle for justice against oppression, some extremists use it to justify violence and terror. The Quran clearly states that killing an innocent person is the gravest of sins:
“Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if they have killed all of humanity.” (Quran 5:32)
Despite this, certain radical groups and leaders manipulate religious texts to justify their violent agendas. These extremist activities have tarnished the true image of Islam, increasing hatred and discrimination against Muslims in different parts of the world.
From West Asia to Africa, from South Asia to Europe, we are witnessing violence, war, and terrorism in the name of Islam. This only exacerbates the misconception that Islam is a violent religion, while in reality, its true message is one of peace, justice, and compassion. Extremist ideologies have also deepened divisions within the Muslim community, with some factions believing they are the true followers of Islam, while others are considered outside the faith.
The ongoing conflicts in West Asia, such as the civil wars in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, have not only devastated these nations but also negatively impacted Islam’s image on the global stage. Meanwhile, terrorist attacks in Europe have fueled Islamophobia, fostering negative stereotypes and discrimination against Muslims.
In India, a country known for its diversity and plurality, instances of Islamic extremism have also emerged. Issues like the triple talaq and hijab controversies demonstrate how certain conservative elements within Islam are promoting religious superstition and hypocrisy. While a large portion of Indian Muslims support progressive and modern ideas, some extremists are trying to drag society backward.
Additionally, the efforts of some Indian youths to join international terrorist organizations have also affected the image of Muslims in India. Groups like ISIS and other terrorist organizations have attempted to radicalize Indian Muslim youths, posing a significant threat to the nation’s internal security.
In various parts of the world, Islam is being used as a tool to limit women’s rights. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is the most prominent example, where women have been almost entirely deprived of education, employment, and participation in public life. This contradiction becomes even more glaring when we look at the fundamental teachings of Islam. Prophet Muhammad clearly stated, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female).” Yet, religious interpretations and the politics of power have distorted this core message.
Today, some religious scholars and extremist groups are using Islam to serve their political and personal interests. They misrepresent the teachings of Islam, spreading intolerance, hypocrisy, and extremism in society. Sadly, in many parts of the world, people hesitate to challenge these misleading interpretations.
One peculiar example is the claim that the Earth is flat and stationary, supposedly based on Islamic teachings. Certain religious scholars, commonly known as Maulanas, have propagated this notion by misinterpreting Quranic verses. For instance, Surah An-Nazi’at (79:30) and Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:20) mention the “spreading out of the Earth,” which some claim is proof of the Earth’s flatness. However, it is more likely that this language is a metaphor for making the Earth suitable and safe for human life.
Historically, Muslim scholars have made unparalleled contributions to science and astronomy. Scholars like Al-Farghani and Al-Biruni supported the idea of a spherical Earth and even measured its circumference. The Quran itself, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:5), states, “He wraps the night over the day and wraps the day over the night,” which clearly points to the Earth’s spherical shape. This example highlights how highly Islam values scientific knowledge and rationality.
However, such misconceptions have been so deeply embedded in the subconscious of Muslim society that they have become hard to dispel. These claims stem from a lack of scientific perspective in Quranic interpretation and a disregard for historical context. Such misinterpretations dull scientific thinking in the Muslim world, promote ignorance, and threaten social harmony in modern society. Ultra-conservative scholars, by distorting these verses, have asserted that they indicate the flatness of the Earth. Yet, this argument not only contradicts scientific evidence but has also been refuted by contemporary Islamic scholars and scientists who clarify that the Quran’s language is symbolic and metaphorical, not to be taken literally in a scientific sense.
Despite this, some continue to religiously justify such claims within Islam, stunting the development of scientific thought in the Muslim community. The spread of these ideas fosters indifference toward scientific inquiry and rationality. While Islam’s early history is known for its contributions to science and education—through figures like astronomer Al-Biruni and medical expert Ibn Sina—today, extremist ideologies have weakened that legacy.
The claim that the Earth is flat is not just a mere assertion; it has become a widely held belief that contradicts all scientific facts supporting the Earth’s spherical nature. It reflects how this community is falling behind in understanding and adopting modern science and technology. This fosters an environment of hostility and suspicion toward science, distancing the younger generation from studying and comprehending modern scientific concepts. When unscientific beliefs are justified based on misinterpretations of religious texts, ignorance (jahiliyyah) flourishes. Education’s purpose is to make humans logical and discerning, but when education is replaced by religious extremism and superstition, intellectual stagnation takes root in society. Such ideas not only hinder scientific thinking but also push people toward stagnation and superstition.
When young Muslims are taught that the Earth is flat and that modern science is wrong, their future contributions to scientific fields are significantly diminished. This leads to a decline in the level of education within Islamic societies, causing them to fall behind in the global race for knowledge. Such unscientific claims not only create divisions within the Muslim community but also damage the dialogue and social harmony between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
When a society refuses to accept modern scientific facts and clings to misinterpretations of religion, it hinders intercultural dialogue. Non-Muslim societies begin to view Islam as a rigid and unscientific ideology, deepening social divides. Within the Muslim community, this dynamic results in internal strife, where progressive Muslim scholars and scientists advocate for reform and modernity, while conservative religious leaders insist on maintaining outdated and unscientific beliefs. This internal division weakens the unity and stability of the Muslim world.
There is now an urgent need to understand and follow the true teachings of Islam. It is the responsibility of the Muslim community to raise their voices against extremism, hypocrisy, and superstition. Islamic scholars must provide scientific and rational interpretations of the Quran and Hadith to dispel the misunderstandings that have spread throughout society.
Islam, as preached by Prophet Muhammad, is a religion that values equality, tolerance, and knowledge. If the Muslim world embraces these core messages, not only will the rights of women be safeguarded, but the true purpose of Islam-love, peace, and compassion- will also be realized. Unfortunately, the ultra-conservative ideologies propagated by some clerics and extremist religious leaders have tarnished the image of Muslims worldwide. This trend distorts the true essence of Islam and portrays Muslims as a dangerous community on the global stage.
One of the most glaring examples of this ultra-conservative ideology is the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban imposed their harsh and radical interpretation of Sharia law, suppressing women’s rights, banning education, and restricting social freedoms. This brutal regime not only brought suffering to the women and children of Afghanistan but also reinforced negative stereotypes about Muslims worldwide. Globally, Muslims came to be seen as a threat to peace, further weakening their social and political standing.
This scenario reveals how radical ideologies are creating serious challenges both within and outside the Muslim community. When such ideas are not resisted from within, extremism thrives, becoming not just a threat to Muslims, but to humanity as a whole.
The most devastating outcome of ultra-conservative ideologies is manifested in terrorism and violent extremism. Groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, and other extremist organizations have spread terror in the name of Islam. These groups distort the teachings of the Quran and Islamic principles to misinterpret the concept of jihad, using it to justify the killing of innocent people. Such acts have posed a serious threat to global peace and security, increasing suspicion and hatred towards Muslims in Western countries.
In 2014, ISIS declared a “caliphate” and seized control of large parts of Syria and Iraq. Under the guise of Islam, this organization unleashed horrifying violence, massacres, and acts of barbarism. They targeted not only non-Muslims but also Shia Muslims, Yazidis, and other religious minorities. ISIS was particularly successful in radicalizing young Muslims online, recruiting them for terrorist activities. The brutal actions of ISIS tarnished the image of Islam worldwide, leading to the perception of Muslims as a dangerous group.
The terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels in 2015 and 2016 further damaged the image of Muslims in Europe. These attacks, carried out by ISIS supporters, not only instilled fear and hatred within European societies but also reinforced the association of Islam with violence and terrorism. As a result of these attacks, there was a significant rise in hate crimes against Muslims in Europe and America, further cementing negative stereotypes.
The ultra-conservative ideologies promoted by some clerics attempt to restrict women’s rights, which directly contradicts the values and rights upheld in modern society. By imposing bans on women’s education, employment, and social participation, these extremists have portrayed Islam as a religion that violates women’s rights. While Islam inherently supports education, respect, and freedom for women, these radical ideologies have had the opposite effect.
Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the ban on girls’ education sparked outrage not only within Muslim communities but also drew harsh criticism internationally. The suppression of women’s rights led to a negative global perception of Islam, painting it as a religion that oppresses women’s freedom.
These ultra-conservative ideologies have significantly contributed to the rapid global rise of Islamophobia (fear and hatred of Islam). Whenever news of violent attacks or radical activities linked to Muslims surfaces in different parts of the world, negative perceptions of Muslims grow stronger in non-Muslim communities. This results in increased discrimination, social exclusion, and incidents of violence against Muslims in many countries. This trend is not limited to Western countries but is also evident in places like India, where communal politics and divisions target Muslims.
Since the 9/11 attacks, there has been a surge of Islamophobia in the United States and Europe. Muslims are increasingly viewed through the lens of terrorism, leading to a rise in discrimination and hate crimes against them. Strict policies have been enforced against Muslim immigrants, and several countries have witnessed attacks on mosques. These events have marginalized Muslim communities, eroding social harmony and goodwill towards them.
In many Muslim-majority countries, ultra-conservative ideologies have blurred the lines between religion and politics, leading to violent power struggles and political instability. Some radical groups exploit Islam for political gain, deepening social and cultural divisions. This perpetuates ongoing conflict and instability in these nations, which in turn reinforces negative perceptions of Muslims in other parts of the world.
In countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, religion exerts a profound influence on politics. The strict adherence to Sharia law and the overwhelming authority of religious leadership in these nations has contributed to a global perception of Islam as a conservative and rigid religion. The lack of religious freedom and harsh suppression of dissent have further reinforced this image.
In the context of India, the influence of Islamic conservatism and radical ideologies has given rise to several social, cultural, and political issues. However, it is essential to acknowledge that India is a pluralistic and diverse society, where Muslims constitute a significant portion of the population. Indian Muslims have made important contributions to the country’s progress and culture, yet the impact of radical ideologies has affected the image of Muslims in India as well. This situation is not unique to India but is linked to the broader global narrative of negative perceptions towards the Muslim community.
In India, some clerics and radical religious leaders propagate rigid and conservative Islamic ideologies, which shape the public’s perception of Indian Muslims. These ideologies often discourage women’s education, modernity, and the integration of the Muslim community into mainstream society. For example, the opposition of Islamic fundamentalists to issues like triple talaq reflects their negative outlook toward modern reforms. This has fostered a belief in Indian society that the Muslim community is resistant to modernization, which is seen as a major reason for their alienation from the mainstream.
In 2019, the Indian government passed a law to end the practice of triple talaq, a move that was opposed by many conservative Muslim organizations and leaders. They argued that it violated Islamic traditions, even though the law was necessary to protect women’s rights. Similarly, in the ongoing debate over the Uniform Civil Code, radical Islamic leaders resist any form of reform, which raises questions about the progressive nature of Indian Muslims and harms their image.
The issue of terrorism and the radicalization of Muslim youth in India has also damaged the community’s image. Some Islamic extremist groups have attempted to spread jihadist ideology among Indian Muslims, posing a threat to the country’s internal security and fostering a negative portrayal of Muslims. International terrorist organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda have also made efforts to radicalize young Indian Muslims.
Several terrorist attacks in India, such as the 2008 Mumbai attack, were carried out by radical Islamic groups, including Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. These attacks have fueled negative perceptions of Muslims in India. Moreover, instances of some Indian Muslim youths attempting to join ISIS and other terrorist organizations have strengthened the view that violence and terrorism in the name of Islam are on the rise.
The rise of religious extremism in the name of Islam has also weakened social harmony in India. Radical ideologies promote communal tensions within Indian society. Provocative statements made by religious organizations and opposition to measures like the banning of hijabs in schools amplify Islamic conservatism. This, in turn, increases suspicion and discrimination against Muslims, furthering their social isolation.
In 2022, the controversy over the hijab in Karnataka sparked a nationwide debate when Muslim girls were banned from wearing hijabs in schools and colleges. This issue ignited a major conflict across India. Radical clerics and organizations claimed it was an attack on religious freedom, while opponents linked it to modernity and education. This controversy fueled negative sentiments towards Muslims in Indian society, where conservatism became associated with their identity.
The influence of Islamophobia, which has been rising on a global scale, is also visible in India. The actions of extremist Islamic organizations and terrorist attacks have intensified negative perceptions toward Muslims in the country. Discrimination, social ostracization, and violent incidents against the Muslim community have further fueled Islamophobia. As a result, Muslims often find themselves isolated, marginalized socially, economically, and politically.
In recent years, there has been a surge in mob lynchings in India, where members of the Muslim community have been targeted under the guise of cow protection or religious reasons. Additionally, during the protests against the CAA-NRC, Muslims were labeled as “anti-national” and “terrorists,” further exacerbating their plight. These events have deepened discrimination and hatred against Muslims in India.
The effects of global conflicts in Muslim-majority countries and the spread of radical ideologies can also be felt in India. For example, the policies of countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan have encouraged the rise of Islamic fundamentalism among Indian Muslims. Some Indian Muslims, influenced by global Islamic movements, attempt to join radical organizations, further tarnishing their image.
In 2021, when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, certain Indian Muslim groups celebrated it as a victory for Islamic rule. However, the Taliban’s atrocities, particularly the violation of women’s rights, were widely condemned across Indian society. This event sparked a debate within the Indian Muslim community itself—questioning whether such radical ideologies truly represent the essence of Islam.
Islamic conservatism and extremist ideologies in India have not only affected the image of Indian Muslims but have also posed challenges to social harmony and national unity. The ultra-conservative ideologies propagated by certain religious leaders have encouraged tendencies that distance Muslims from modernity, science, and participation in the mainstream. For instance, the opposition by Islamic hardliners to reforms like the abolition of triple talaq highlights their resistance to progress. This has raised questions about the progressive nature of Indian Muslims and further damaged their image.
Moreover, terrorism and the radicalization of Muslim youth have added to this negative perception. Certain radical organizations have tried to spread jihadist ideologies among Indian Muslims, which not only threatens India’s internal security but also reinforces a negative image of Indian Muslims. International terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda have attempted to radicalize Indian Muslim youth, thereby contributing to this narrative that Islam is associated with violence and extremism.
In India, the hardline stance on religious issues has weakened social harmony as well. Provocative statements by extremist religious organizations and their opposition to reforms, such as the controversy over Muslim girls wearing hijabs in schools, have further fueled Islamic conservatism. This has led to increased suspicion and discrimination against Muslims, contributing to their social isolation.
The 2022 hijab controversy in Karnataka, where Muslim girls were barred from wearing hijabs in schools and colleges, became a national issue. Radical religious leaders and organizations termed this as an attack on religious freedom, while opponents linked it to modernity and education. This controversy reinforced a negative perception in Indian society that associates conservatism with Muslim identity.
Globally, the rise of Islamophobia and the impact of extremist ideologies and terrorist organizations have complicated the situation for Muslims in India as well. However, it is crucial to recognize that a significant portion of the Indian Muslim community is progressive and embraces modernity. The fight against religious hypocrisy and superstition is not limited to Islamic society alone—it is a global challenge that must be addressed collectively by all communities.
Muslims must return to the true teachings of their religion and reject radical ideologies. The call for change must come from within the Muslim community itself, advocating for a society built on logic, science, and knowledge. The role of educated religious leaders and scholars will be vital in offering the correct interpretation of Islamic teachings and promoting peace and progress. For global peace and to restore a positive image of the Muslim community, it is imperative that Muslims emphasize internal reforms and actively fight against superstition and fanaticism.