What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Muslim intellectuals tend to avoid discussing the historical trend of labelling those who challenge the dominant narrative as apostates or blasphemers
During his recent visit to Iran, Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser of India, emphasised the need to put an end to Takfiri terrorism, which has become an increasing concern in the region. This visit could potentially serve as a means of strengthening India’s ties with Iran, while also countering Pakistan, which has been accused of supporting Takfiri terrorism in the area.
Takfiri terrorism is a growing concern in the region, affecting several countries, including India and Iran. It will require collaboration and coordination between countries to put an end to it, and Ajit Doval’s visit to Iran could be a step towards achieving this goal. Additionally, it is worth noting that Iran has been actively combating Takfiri terrorism and has successfully eliminated several terrorist groups in the region.
It is difficult to justify or excuse the deeply ingrained beliefs within the Muslim community worldwide by placing the blame solely on a Shiite-dominated terrorist regime or the early years of an expanding Islamic Empire.
India has a long history of enduring the devastating effects of repeated Islamic conquests and invasions, including the partitioning of its territories and the near extinction of its Hindu population in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This struggle continues to this day, with ongoing internal conflicts such as the Kashmir Proxy War, the Indian Mujahideen, SIMI, and the recently banned PFI. Therefore, any attempt to overlook or justify the violence inflicted upon India’s civilization throughout history is not a viable solution.
The State must exercise caution regarding the language used by Muslim intellectuals, who may frequently resort to obscurantism. They are now being confronted by an enlightened Hindu population that is aware of attempts to gaslight and whitewash their civilizational history. The violent sects and terrorist groups that draw inspiration from radical and patriarchal interpretations of Quranic verses and accompanying Hadiths can no longer be justified through more obfuscation.
The widespread prevalence of Islamism, not just in over 50 Muslim-majority countries but also in Europe, Central Asia, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Indian subcontinent, suggests that so many terrorist groups, radical organisations, extremist preachers, and secessionist community leaders cannot be uniformly misinterpreting these texts across such diverse linguistic and ethnic identities.
Muslim intellectuals are addressing the history, origins and trajectory of takfiri terrorism, which is becoming an increasingly pressing concern in various regions, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. The term “takfiri” now widely recognised, refers to an extremist ideology that considers anyone who does not strictly adhere to their interpretation of Islam as an apostate, thereby deserving of death. This ideology is often used as a justification for violent acts of terrorism against innocent Muslims who may simply question the legends, belief systems, interpretations, rituals, prevalent myths, and superstitions in Islam and Muslim culture, and engage in critical thinking.
Takfiri terrorism finds its roots in the extremist ideology of Salafism, a Sunni Islamic movement that seeks to revert to the practices and beliefs of the early Muslim community. The Salafi movement emerged in the 19th century in response to the decline of the Muslim world and the perceived corruption of traditional Islamic practices.
Salafism stresses the literal interpretation of Islamic scripture and rejects any departure or innovation from this interpretation. The Salafi movement led to the emergence of the more radical takfiri ideology in the 20th century, which originated from the writings of Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian scholar who was executed by the Egyptian government in 1966.
Qutb’s writings propagated the notion that Muslims who do not strictly adhere to Islam’s interpretation are not genuine Muslims and should be considered apostates. This ideology has been employed to justify violence against both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Muslim intellectuals tend to avoid discussing the historical trend of labelling those who challenge the dominant narrative as apostates or blasphemers. This trend can be traced back to Al-Ghazali, who declared the ‘falasuf’ or philosophers, as such. The distinction between those who question their religion critically and those who engage in philosophical musings about the nature of things, including God and His creations, is often blurred.
In the past, there were Mutazili philosophers who prioritised reason over literal interpretations of Islamic texts such as the Quran, Hadiths, and biographies of the early Caliphs and the Prophet (Sira). However, the Muslim world committed intellectual suicide in the 12th century when al-Ghazali’s Asharite leanings replaced Ibn Rushd’s Mutazilism. This trend continued with Ibn Taymmiyah, Syed Qutb, Abdul Wahab, and the subcontinent’s communal ideologue Maududi, ultimately leading to the Partition through the Muslim League. This is often overlooked by Muslim intellectuals, including those at Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia.
Extremist groups use the tactic of takfir as a political tool to justify violence against those who disagree with them, including secular Muslim leaders and their supporters. Takfir is the process of labelling a Muslim as a kafir or apostate, which can result in a death sentence according to certain interpretations of Islamic law. Unfortunately, extremist groups have misused this concept by declaring various categories of Muslims as kafir, such as those who commit sins or rulers who do not follow the Shariah and their followers.
Takfir played a role in the violent Algerian Civil War between the government and insurgent Islamist groups from 1991-2002, as noted by Middle East expert Robert Baer.
Takfiri terrorism is a violent and intolerant ideology that is characterised by its extreme intolerance towards other religions, sects, and even other Muslims who do not share their beliefs. Takfiri terrorists consider themselves to be the only true followers of Islam, and they feel obligated to eliminate anyone who opposes their ideology. They justify their actions by selectively interpreting Islamic scripture and using violence to achieve their goals.
Takfiri attacks frequently involve suicide bombings, targeted assassinations, and other violent acts against innocent civilians. These attacks are intended to create fear and chaos, and their goal is to destabilise governments and societies. Takfiri terrorists often target crowded public areas, such as markets, mosques, and schools, where they can cause maximum damage and loss of life.
The impact of takfiri terrorism has been catastrophic in the regions where it has taken root. Countries like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan have been ravaged by violence and instability, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks. Furthermore, takfiri terrorism has heightened sectarian tensions, creating violent conflict among various Muslim groups. Its impact is not confined to its birthplace; it has global consequences.
Takfiri terrorists have carried out high-profile attacks in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. These attacks have led to stricter security measures and greater mistrust and fear among different communities.
Various strategies have been employed to combat the scourge of takfiri terrorism, with varying degrees of efficacy. Among the most successful of these strategies is the use of military force to target the leaders and operatives of Takfiri terrorist groups, as demonstrated by successful operations in countries like Iraq and Syria.
However, another strategy involves addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to the rise of takfiri terrorism. This entails investing in education, healthcare, and other fundamental services to create societies that are stable and prosperous. By targeting the root causes of poverty and inequality, it is believed that the allure of takfiri ideology can be diminished, and individuals will be less likely to resort to extremism to voice their grievances.
International collaboration and coordination have also played a significant role in countering takfiri terrorism. Countries have joined forces to share information and resources, as well as devise cohesive strategies to combat terrorism. These efforts have included disrupting terrorist financing channels, limiting the movement of arms and explosives, and preventing the travel of foreign fighters.
The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS is a prime example of international cooperation. Established in 2014, the coalition has over 80 participating countries and has effectively pushed the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) out of most of the areas it once dominated.
Takfirism has seeped into everyday life, where individuals who cross the critical thinking boundaries set by Muslim academics are subjected to character attacks, doxing, employment discrimination, threats of violence, and other forms of online and offline harassment. These attacks are often coordinated by Muslim intellectuals who claim to be protecting the community from extremism.
Therefore, while Ajit Doval’s efforts to combat takfiri terrorism are commendable, there is still a need to protect the human rights of individuals within the Muslim community who are unable to report the takfiri terrorism they face from these “intellectuals” who support Doval’s anti-terrorism stance.
Arshia Malik is a Delhi-based writer, blogger and social commentator.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own
