From the perception of a wayfarer ©
The aftermath of the brutal attack of Lee Rigby has led to many heated discussions and debates regarding the role that Islamic Institutes and Mosques have in tackling extremism.
Many leaders and scholars have condemned this horrific and appalling attack and as David Cameron, rightly said, whilst standing outside Downing Street: 'This was not just an attack on Britain - and on our British way of life. It was also a betrayal of Islam and the Muslim communities who give so much to our country. There is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act...'.
There are many questions that come to mind and a few of those that have sprung up are: Where are the roots of extremism coming from when it has no association with Islam? Who is behind these acts and who is fuelling such ideas? What can Muslims do to ensure that they teach the British youth that extremism is far from achieving positive outcomes?
Some have argued that mosques are not doing enough and that they need to try harder but first and foremost I think it is essential to acknowledge all those organisations that do tackle extremism in an outward manner. They do exist and they teach that there are other non-violent methods of allowing one’s voice to be heard through peace and understanding.
Merely saying that mosques are lacking in this aspect is one issue, but more importantly solutions need to be provided. What should Muslims do? What can they do? Through what ways can they achieve this?
In my humble opinion, it is the role of every mosque to represent the teachings of Islam and to educate the local community. It is also the responsibility of the followers of Islam to represent the teachings of Islam in their vicinity, amongst their friends, neighbours, business partners and colleagues.
Muslims should involve themselves more with the community, not just the Muslim community but the wider society. They should remove the assumptions and perceptions that non-Muslims have regarding the teachings of Islam. The misconceptions need to be challenged and Muslims should be at the forefront of this. Muslims should explain that extremism is not from amongst them.
When others outside of Islam become more aware of the teachings of Islam, they gain a better insight and the dislike and hatred that some have instilled in their hearts, is removed. In this way it is hoped that love, peace and the sharing of knowledge is accomplished.
Efforts to promote mutual understanding between faiths and to boost interfaith dialogue, needs to be stepped up and unity between those of faith and those without faith needs to be created.
Those that teach extremism should be confronted and prevented from sharing their views. They should be banned from inciting hatred and malice towards others. Those that teach justice, fairness, peace and harmony between all members of society need to travel up and down the country and spread the word that extremism is unacceptable.
I am almost certain that through these methods and actions, extremism can be faced head on and can be prevented from its earliest stages. It is the duty of each and every individual to be the change they want to see in the world and since the abolishment of extremism is one of them, it should definitely be addressed.
Finally, extremism is best tackled not by throwing money at the groups who society fears might otherwise produce extremists but by unapologetically challenging everything that they stand for.
