Today many people wittingly or unwittingly hold religions responsible for acts of extremism and terrorism. In this regard, many specifically blame Islamic extremism.
However, an analysis of Islamic jurisprudence reveals that Islam rejects extremism and instead promotes diversity, inclusiveness, and a middle path in different aspects of life.
Given below are some powerful and inspiring quotes from the Quran and Hadith condemning extremism and forced conversions.
Quran Quotes on Extremism
The Holy Quran in several of its verses warns against extremism in matters of religion and day-to-day life. It places great importance on innocent life and says that taking one innocent life is akin to killing the entire humanity.
Commit no Excesses in your Religion
Al-Quran 4:171 O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth.
Al-Quran 5:77 Say: “O people of the Book! exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by,- who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even way.
Killing one Innocent Person is akin to Killing entire Humanity
Al-Quran 5:32 On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone [of you] slew a person – unless it is for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if [you] slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
Al-Quran 6:151 Say: “Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath (really) prohibited you from”: Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want; We provide sustenance for you and for them;- come not nigh to shameful deeds whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He commands you, that ye may learn wisdom.
Appreciate the Diversity created by Allah
The Holy Quran also stands for plurality and diversity.
Al-Quran 30:26 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
Al-Quran 5:69-Those who believe (in the Qur’an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,-on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Al-Quran 2:62-Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Beware of Rumours
The Holy Quran warns us against rumor-mongering and fake news.
Al-Quran 49:6 O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterward become full of repentance for what ye have done.
Forgiveness is better than Revenge
Al-Quran 2:178 O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.
Al-Quran 2:179-In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) Life to you, o ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.
Al-Quran 42:38-43 Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance; And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.
Al-Quran 2:263 Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and forbearing.
Encourage Kindness and Reconciliation
There is no good in most of their secret talks—except those encouraging charity, kindness, or reconciliation between people. And whoever does this seeking Allah’s pleasure, We will grant them a great reward. 4:114
Hadiths on Extremism
Prophetic narrations and Hadiths also stand squarely against all sorts of extremism whether in matters of religion or elsewhere life.
Extremists are the Losers
Abd Allah b. Mas’ud reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: “Beware! The extremists perished,” saying it three times.
Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 473, Narrated Jarir bin `Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger (s) said, “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.“
Murder is one of the Major Sins
Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 48, Number 821- It was narrated by Anas (s)- The Prophet was asked about the great sins and he said, “They are: – To join others in worship with Allah; To be undutiful to one’s parents; To kill a person; And to give a false witness.”
Be Merciful if you expect Allah to be Merciful
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 42: Narrated Jarir bin ‘Abdullah: The Prophet said, “He who is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully.”
Preach but don’t Force
Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 3, Number 71, Narrated Muawiya (r): I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah…”
Tolerate Petty Differences
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 682: Narrated Ibn Mas’ud: I heard a person reciting a (Quranic) Verse in a certain way, and I had heard the Prophet reciting the same Verse in a different way. So I took him to the Prophet and informed him of that but I noticed the sign of disapproval on his face, and then he said, “Both of you are correct, so don’t differ, for the nations before you differed, so they were destroyed.”
Forgiveness is better than Revenge
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 683: Narrated ‘Abdullah: As if I saw the Prophet talking about one of the prophets whose nation had beaten him and caused him to bleed, while he was cleaning the blood off his face and saying, “O Allah! Forgive my nation, for they have no knowledge.”
Plundering is Forbidden
Sunan Ibn Majah 3935 It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever plunders openly is not one of us.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 3937 It was narrated from ‘Imran bin Husain that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever plunders is not one of us.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 3938 It was narrated that Tha’labah bin Hakam said: “We came across some of the enemy’s sheep and plundered them, and set up our cooking pots. The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by the pots and ordered that they be overturned, then he said: ‘Plunder is not permissible.’”
Extraction of Jaziya from Farmers
Sahih Muslim 2613b Hisham reported on the authority of his father that Hisham b. Hakim b. Hizam happened to pass by people, the farmers of Syria, who had been made to stand in the sun. He said: What is the matter with them? They said: They have been detained for Jizya. Thereupon Hisham said: I bear testimony to the fact that I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Allah would torment those who torment people in the world.
Sahih Muslim 2613d ‘Urwa b. Zubair reported that Hisham b. Hakim found a person (the ruler of Hims) who had been detaining some Nabateans in connection with the dues of Jizya. He said: What is this? I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Allah would torment those persons who torment people in the world. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of transmitters and he made this addition of Jarir that (Hisham b. Hakim) went to Umair b. Sa’d who was then ruler in Palestine and he narrated to him this hadith and he (submitting before the words of the Prophet) commanded that they should be let off and so they were let off. (Sahih Muslim 2613c)
Quran prohibits Forced Conversions
Some people blame Muslims for carrying out forced conversions in the past. Even today they hold Muslim extremists responsible for excesses against non-muslim minorities in Muslim majority societies.
However, Islam categorically forbids forced conversion of non-Muslims to Islam. Not only this, the Holy Quran even obliges Muslims to not revile non-Muslims.
Readers may appreciate the following few verses of the Holy Quran to get a gist of Islamic mandate and rulings on this aspect.
No Compulsion in Religion
Al-Quran 2:256 Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from falsehood: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
Al-Quran 42:8 And if Allah willed, He could have made them [of] one religion, but He admits whom He wills into His mercy. And the wrongdoers have not any protector or helper.
Al-Quran 42:7 And those who take as protectors others besides Him, Allah doth watch over them, and thou art not the disposer of their affairs.
Al-Quran 2:139 Say, [O Muhammad], “Do you argue with us about Allah while He is our Lord and your Lord? For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. And we are sincere [in deed and intention] to Him.”
Wisdom and Beautiful Preaching
Al-Quran 42:15 So to that [religion of Allah ] invite, [O Muhammad], and remain on a right course as you are commanded and do not follow their inclinations but say, “I have believed in what Allah has revealed of the Qur’an, and I have been commanded to do justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no [need for] argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the [final] destination.
Al-Quran 16:125 Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.
You cannot Guide Everyone
Al-Quran 28:56 It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one whom thou lovest, but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance.
Guide those who Fear Allah
Often people get distressed when they fail to convince others about their viewpoint they are very passionate about and hold dear to their heart. The same can be said about religious preachings and proselytizations. However, Quran warns people not to take much distress and pain in convincing those who are extremely headstrong and stubborn. Ideally, one should attempt and prefer to guide only those who fear God.
Al-Quran 20:2-3 We have not sent down to you the Quran that you be distressed. But only as a reminder for those who fear [Allah].
Al-Quran 50:45 We know best what they say; and thou art not one to overawe them by force. But remind by the Qur’ān whoever fears My warning.
Don’t Hate Others
Al-Quran 6:108 Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end, will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.
Al-Quran 4:170-O Mankind! The Messenger hath come to you in truth from Allah: so believe in him: It is best for you. But if ye reject Faith, to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.
Kindness & Mercy for all Creatures
Abdullah bin ‘Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The merciful are shown mercy by Ar-Rahman. Be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens. The womb is named after Ar-Rahman, so whoever connects it, Allah connects him, and whoever severs it, Allah severs him.” Jami`at-Tirmidhi 1924
Narrated Jarir bin `Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.” Sahih al-Bukhari 7376
Abu Sa’id said that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: Someone who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’ Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 95
Abu Hurairah said; Al-Aqra’ b. Habib saw that the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) was kissing Husain. He said: I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them. The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: He who does not show tenderness will not be shown tenderness. Sunan Abi Dawud 5218
Narrated `Aisha: A bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “You (people) kiss the boys! We don’t kiss them.” The Prophet said, “I cannot put mercy in your heart after Allah has taken it away from it.” Sahih al-Bukhari 5998
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “He is not one of us who does not have mercy upon our young, respect our elders, and command good and forbid evil.” Jami`at-Tirmidhi 1921, Grade: Daif
Anas bin Malik narrated that: “An older man came to talk to the Prophet, and the people were hesitant to make room for him. The Prophet said: He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young and does not respect our elders.” Jami`at-Tirmidhi 1919, Grade: Hasan
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Those who do not show mercy to our young ones and do not realise the right of our elders are not from us. Sunan Abi Dawud 4943, Grade: Sahih
Mu’awiya ibn Qurra reported that his father said, “A man said, ‘Messenger of Allah, I was going to slaughter a sheep and then I felt sorry for it (or ‘sorry for the sheep I was going to slaughter’).’ He said twice, ‘Since you showed mercy to the sheep, Allah will show mercy to you.'” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 373 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
‘Ali reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “One sheep in a house is a blessing, two sheep are two blessings and more sheep are all blessings. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 573
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (RA): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A woman was punished on account of a cat which she held captive till it died. Hence, she entered the Hell-Fire due to (her mistreatment of) the cat. She did not feed it or give it water while she held it captive, nor did she let it out so that it may eat the things that creep on the earth.” [Agreed upon]. Bulugh al-Maram Book 8, Hadith 222
Narrated Asma’ bint Abi Bakr: The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed the eclipse prayer, and then said, “Hell was displayed so close that I said, ‘O my Lord ! Am I going to be one of its inhabitants?”‘ Suddenly he saw a woman. I think he said, who was being scratched by a cat. He said, “What is wrong with her?” He was told, “She had imprisoned it (i.e. the cat) till it died of hunger.” Sahih al-Bukhari 2364
It was narrated from Kabshah bint Ka’b, who was married to one of the sons of Ab Qatadah, that: She poured water for Abu Qatadah to perform ablution. A cat came and drank the water, and he tilted the vessel for it. She started looking at it (in surprise) and he said: “O daughter of my brother, do you find it strange? The Messenger of Allah said: ‘They (cats) are not impure, they are of those who go around among you.‘” Sunan Ibn Majah 367, Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: There was a dog moving around a well whom thirst would have killed. Suddenly a prostitute from the prostitutes of Bani Isra’il happened to see it and she drew water in her shoe and made it drink, and she was pardoned because of this. Sahih Muslim 2245b
Abd al-Rahman b. ‘Abd Allah quoted his father as saying: When we were on a journey with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he had gone to releive himself, we saw a Hummarah with two young ones. We took the young ones. The Hummarah came and began to spread out its wings. Then the prophet (May peace be upon him) came and said : who has pained this young by the loss of her young? Give her young ones back to her. We also saw an ant-hill which we had burned. He asked? Who has burned this? We replied : we have. He said: it is not fitting that anyone but the lord of the fire should punish with fire. Sunan Abi Dawud 5268
Narrated AbdurRahman ibn Uthman: When a physician consulted the Prophet (ﷺ) about putting frogs in medicine, he forbade him to kill them. Sunan Abi Dawud 5269
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited to kill four creatures: ants, bees, hoopoes, and sparrow-hawks. Sunan Abi Dawud 5267
Narrated AbuDharr: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: In the morning alms are due from every bone in man’s fingers and toes. Salutation to everyone he meets is alms; enjoining good is alms; forbidding what is disreputable is alms; removing what is harmful from the road is alms; having sexual intercourse with his wife is alms. The people asked: He fulfils his desire, Messenger of Allah; is it alms? He replied: Tell me if he fulfilled his desire where he had no right, would he commit a sin ? He then said: Two rak’ahs which one prays in the forenoon serve instead of all that. Abu Dawud said: Hammad did not mention enjoining good and forbidding what is disreputable. Sunan Abi Dawud 5243